Binter takes delivery of its first ATR 72-600

September 18, 2015

The Canary Islands airline will progressively upgrade its ATR fleet with the arrival of 12 new ATR 72-600s

Toulouse, September 16, 2015 – The Spanish carrier Binter, based in the Canary Islands, took delivery today in Toulouse of the very first of its 12 ATR 72-600s ordered through two different contracts signed in 2014 and earlier this year. With the introduction of these new ATR ‘-600s series’ aircraft the airline will progressively upgrade its current fleet, consisting of 16 ATR 72-500s. Binter, which is a long-standing ATR operator, has progressively developed its regional network over the Canary Islands with ATR aircraft since 1989.

The new ATR 72-600s, configured with 70 seats and equipped with the latest technologies in the fields of navigation aid tools and the highest standards of comfort for passengers, will enable Binter to upgrade its fleet to continue providing an optimal service in the inter-islands connections in the Canary Islands and in its international routes operated with this aircraft model (Madeira, Marrakech, Casablanaca, Agadir and El Aaioun).

“We have needed an important investing effort to achieve this operation”, declared “Pedro Agustin del Castillo, President of Binter. “Our aim is to keep and even further enhance the standards of quality in the inter-islands operations, thus responding to our commitment with the Canary Islands”. He also underlined, among the developments of the new ATR, “the lower fuel burnt, the thinner, roomier and ergonomical seats, the larger overhead bins capacity, the larger flight autonomy and the state-of-the-art cockpit technology, close to the one of the Airbus A380”.

Pedro Agustin del Castillo, President of Binter, stated: “We have been successfully operating ATRs for more than 25 years, and bringing the latest ATR -600s is a natural step forward in our long-standing partnership. We will be pleased to offer to our passengers the latest standards of comfort available in the ATR -600 series aircraft, and we are convinced that these aircraft are the right tool to expand our services to countries around the Canary Islands archipelago.”

Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “The ATR aircraft feature outstanding operational results on short routes and on small and short runways, thus being the perfect tool to ensure air connectivity in archipelagos. For many years, ATR aircraft have built up a strong reputation for inter-island operations, and we are honored that such a long-standing partner as Binter is now introducing the many advantages of the ATR -600s into its fleet”.

ATR-72-600-Binter

Boeing Sees Demand in China for 6,330 Airplanes Valued at Nearly $1 Trillion

August 25, 2015

– Chinese fleet will almost triple by 2034, with need for 4,630 single-aisle airplanes

– Low-cost carriers, international expansion are key drivers of soaring airplane demand

BEIJING, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), China’s leading provider of commercial airplanes, today projected a demand in the country for 6,330 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing released its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) today in Beijing, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $950 billion.

“Despite the current volatility in China’s financial market, we see strong growth in the country’s aviation sector over the long term,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Over the next 20 years, China’s commercial airplane fleet will nearly triple: from 2,570 airplanes in 2014 to 7,210 airplanes in 2034, with more than 70 percent of these deliveries accommodating growth.”

“China’s aviation market is incredibly dynamic, from its leading airlines to its startups and low-cost carriers,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing is committed to serve customers in the world’s largest airplane market by providing the most fuel-efficient airplanes and services to support their growth and profitability.”

As China becomes the world’s largest domestic air travel market, Boeing is forecasting demand for 4,630 single-aisle airplanes through 2034. This sector is driven by growth in new carriers and low-cost airlines in developing and emerging markets, as well as continuous expansion in established airlines. In fact, the efficiency and flexibility of single-aisle aircraft like the 737 helps Chinese carriers connect and stimulate growth along the Economic Belt as part of the One Belt, One Road Strategy.  Tinseth said the Next-Generation 737-800 and new 737 MAX 8 – Boeing products at the heart of the single-aisle market – offer airlines the best fuel efficiency, reliability and capability.

China’s low-cost carriers are currently responsible for about 8 percent of single-aisle market demand, rising to 25-30 percent of demand by 2034, Tinseth noted. “The 737 MAX 200 will have the lowest fuel costs – 20 percent per seat – versus today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes,” Tinseth said. “737 MAX fuel efficiency and the 737’s position as the industry’s most reliable airplane offer Chinese low-cost carriers competitive advantages as they grow new business.”

Boeing forecasts that the widebody segment will require 1,510 new airplanes, led by small and medium widebody airplanes such as the 777-300ER (Extended Range), 777X and the 787 Dreamliner. Tinseth stressed that Chinese airlines have more than doubled their long-haul international capacity over the past three years, in large part following the delivery of 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes to Air China and 777-300ERs and 787s to several leading Chinese carriers.

“Enabled by China’s growing middle-class population, new visa policies and the underlying strength of its economic growth, this expansion is expected to continue, and in fact accelerate,” Tinseth said. “The 777, 787 and 747-8 are perfectly positioned to support Chinese airlines’ continued globalization.”

Worldwide, Boeing projects investments of $5.6 trillion for 38,050 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. The complete global forecast is available at www.boeing.com/cmo.

Today, Boeing jets are the mainstay of China’s air travel and cargo system. More than 50 percent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing airplanes. Over 8,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies. China has a component role on every current Boeing commercial airplane model – the Next-Generation 737, 747, 767, 777, as well as the world’s newest and most innovative airplane, the 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing Board Elects Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good as New Director

August 20, 2015

Good, 56, is president and CEO of Duke Energy, the largest U.S. electric power company, serving approximately 23 million people in the Carolinas, Florida and the Midwest. She also serves as vice chair of Duke Energy’s board of directors.

Prior to assuming her current role in 2013, Good served as Duke Energy CFO and led the company’s commercial energy businesses during their initial development of renewable energy projects. She has also been a partner at Deloitte & Touche and Arthur Andersen.

“Lynn is one of the energy sector’s most forward-looking leaders, focused on customers and environmental responsibility, and she will be an excellent addition to our board,” said McNerney. “She is a strategic thinker who is leading a large, complex company through a period of great change.”

Good will serve on the Boeing board’s Audit and Finance committees.

Good also serves on the boards of directors of the Edison Electric Institute and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and is also a member of the executive committee of the Nuclear Energy Institute. She is a member of the Business Council and the Business Roundtable.https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150813/258244

Boeing to Support British Airways 787 Dreamliners with Component Services

August 11, 2015

Component Services, part of Boeing GoldCare, reduces cost, increases efficiency

SEATTLE, Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that it has signed a contract with British Airways to provide Component Services for its 787 Dreamliner fleet.

Under the 12-year agreement, Boeing will supply British Airways 787s with a carefully selected pool of high-value parts, enabling the airline to reduce its inventory management costs while improving component availability.

Component Services, part of Boeing GoldCare, offers solutions for airlines’ materials, engineering and maintenance needs. British Airways currently has eight 787s with 34 more on order, adding an additional 42 aircraft to Boeing’s growing Component Services customer base.

“Our fleet of 787s continues to grow, as does the expertise of our engineers in maintaining this modern and sophisticated aircraft,” said Andy Kerswill, director of engineering, British Airways. “This new Boeing service, which provides us with replacement parts quickly and efficiently, will help us to maintain our global 787 flight schedule and continue to deliver a consistently great performance for our customers.”

Under the Component Services program, Boeing establishes and maintains a pool of parts, selected to fit each customer’s fleet needs. The customer contacts Boeing for quick replacement of program-covered parts, which are shipped within a timeframe determined by the airline, based on their criticality. Boeing handles the repair, upgrade or warranty service when the customer returns the unserviceable part.

“Boeing’s industry-leading services offer a simple way for airlines to reduce the total cost of airplane ownership, giving them a competitive advantage in their markets,” said Rick Anderson, vice president of sales, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. “We look forward to helping British Airways get the best possible performance from their 787 fleet.”

Boeing Commercial Aviation Services is a business unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, offering the aviation industry’s broadest portfolio of customer support and services to more than 12,000 airplanes worldwide, with 330 field services offices in 60 countries.

Boeing Statement on EL AL Israel Airlines Intent to Purchase 787 Dreamliners

August 7, 2015

TEL AVIV, Aug. 5, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] is pleased that EL AL Israel Airlines has announced its intent to purchase and lease up to 15 787 Dreamliners, with purchase rights for 13 additional airplanes. When finalized, the order will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

“We are honored that EL AL has selected the 787 for its fleet renewal plan,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The Dreamliner will be an excellent addition to EL AL’s all-Boeing fleet and marks another chapter in a partnership between our two companies that spans over half a century.”

LAN and TAM are recognized as the “Best Airlines in South America” at the World Airline Awards

June 17, 2015

·         LAN and TAM won first and second place, respectively, in the categories “Best Airline in South America” and “Best Service in South America.”
·         275 airlines were evaluated by more than 18 million passengers from 160 different nationalities.
Santiago, Chile – June 16, 2015. During the Paris Air Show – one of the most renowned and prestigious airshows in the world – LAN and TAM, members of LATAM Airlines Group, won first and second place, respectively, in the categories “Best Airline in South America” and “Best Service in South America” according to the World Airline Awards conducted each year by the prestigious British company SKYTRAX, specialist research advisors for the airline industry.

“Since the merger we have been working hard to standardize our service and travel experience for LAN and TAM passengers and because of this, we are proud that both airlines were once again honored in the categories ‘Best Airline in South America’ and ‘Best Service in South America’ by the World Airlines Awards”, said Roberto Alvo, Chief Corporate Officer for LATAM Airlines Group. “These awards reflect the opinions of experienced passengers and this is the best motivation we could possibly receive.  This is proof that we are on the right path. Our main objective is to provide our passengers with the best travel experience and become one of the top three airline groups in the world by 2018”.

In the past seven years, LAN and TAM have alternated back and forth between first and second place in the “Best Airline in South America” category.
Additionally, the oneworld airline alliance, of which LAN and TAM are members, was elected as the “Best Airline Alliance in the World” for the third consecutive year.

THE CEREMONY:  2015 PARIS AIR SHOW
This year, the awards ceremony was held at the legendary Musee de l’Air et de l’Espace during the Paris Air Show.  The Museum is a historic landmark for the industry and is one of the oldest in the world, home to more than 150 airplanes including prototypes of the Concorde and Swiss and Russian rockets.
The ceremony is recognized worldwide by the airline industry for its role in distinguishing the best airlines according to the opinion of more than 18 million passengers from 160 different nationalities.

Synergy commits to 62 A320neo Family aircraft

June 17, 2015

Once firm, order will mark over 400 A320neo sold in Latin America

Synergy Aerospace Corporation, Avianca’s largest shareholder and owner of Avianca Brasil, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 62 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement paves the way for Avianca Brasil to base its fleet renewal and network growth strategy on the A320neo Family.

“These 62 A320neo aircraft will make it possible for Avianca Brasil to take an important leap toward growing and modernizing its fleet, while improving passenger experience,” said German Efromovich, Chairman of Synergy. “Thanks to their excellent eco-efficiency, reliability and comfort, the A320neo Family will allow Synergy to strengthen its position in Latin America by offering Avianca Brasil passengers the best single aisle product available.”

“Airbus is proud that Avianca Brasil will rely on the unmatched productivity and fuel efficiency of the A320neo to renew its growing fleet and expand its network in South America,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320neo Family will deliver Avianca Brasil with enhanced performance capabilities in key airports such as Santos Dumont in Rio de Janiero.”

Synergy has ordered 10 A350 XWBs, six A330-200 passenger, one A330-200 Freighter and 20 A320 Family aircraft. Avianca Brasil operates 38 A320 Family and one A330 Freighter aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,700 orders to date and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to 400 customers and operators worldwide. The newest member of the A320 Family, the A320neo, incorporates many innovations including latest generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 3,800 orders received from 72 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured almost 60 percent share of the market.

Once the order is firm, Airbus will have sold 407 A320neo aircraft to seven customers in Latin America — Avianca, Azul, Interjet, LATAM, Synergy, VivaAerobus and Volaris. With more than 950 aircraft sold and a backlog of almost 500, nearly 600 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region. In May, Airbus celebrated its 500th aircraft delivery in Latin America.

Boeing, Korean Air Announce Airline’s Intent to Purchase 30 737 MAXs

June 16, 2015

Memorandum of Understanding includes intent to purchase two additional 777-300ERs, options for 20 additional 737 MAXs

LE BOURGET, France, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air today announced the airline’s intent to purchase 30 737 MAXs and two additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, with options for an additional 20 737 MAXs. The agreement is valued at approximately $3.9 billion at current list prices. Boeing will work with Korean Air to finalize the order, at which time the order will be posted to the Orders & Deliveries website.

“This agreement reflects Korean Air’s ongoing fleet modernization program, and we are committed to introducing new next-generation airplanes that are environmentally friendly and fuel efficient, while also providing maximum comfort to our passengers,” said Walter Cho, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Korean Air.

With this commitment Korean Air is poised to become a new 737 MAX customer when this order, which includes MAX 8s and substitution rights for MAX 9s, is finalized. With this commitment, the Korean flag carrier will increase the size of its unfilled orders with Boeing to 69 airplanes.

“Korean Air has been a valued Boeing customer for many decades and today’s agreement further demonstrates the strength of our enduring partnership,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “We are honored to welcome Korean Air as our newest 737 MAX customer and we look forward to continue playing an integral role in their long-term success.”

Today’s agreement, which also includes two additional 777-300ERs for Korean Air, comes on the heels of the airline’s order for five 777 Freighters earlier this year, raising Korean Air’s total orders and commitments with Boeing in the first six months of 2015 to 37 airplanes.

“We truly appreciate Korean Air’s continued confidence in our products and services,” said Conner. “The airline’s current backlog of Boeing airplanes is a testament to our mutually beneficial partnership and I look forward to strengthening this relationship for many more years.”

Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 87 Boeing passenger airplanes that consist of 737, 747 and 777 airplanes. The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 27 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is a key Boeing partner on both the 747-8 and 787 programs, supplying the distinctive raked wing-tips for each model. They are also one of two suppliers producing the new 737 MAX Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Beginning in 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor.

The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane in its class today with 99.5 percent reliability, making it the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. The flagship of the world’s elite airlines, the 777-300ER carries 386 passengers in a typical three-class configuration up to 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers), on non-stop routes. Korean Air has configured its 777-300ER with a seating capacity of 277 passengers in a three-class configuration.

Korean Air, with a fleet of 159 aircraft, is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, and operates more than 430 flights per day to 129 cities in 46 countries. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which together with its 20 members, offers its 612 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 16,000 daily flights covering 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

Korean Air to order up to 50 A321neo

June 16, 2015

Carrier becomes new customer for best-selling A320 Family

Korean Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus to acquire up to 50 A321neo aircraft, becoming a new customer for the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The agreement, covering 30 aircraft plus 20 options, was announced today at the Paris Air Show by Korean Air Group Chairman Cho Yang Ho and Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier.

Korean Air will operate the A321neo with a two class full service layout on regional services, including on longer sectors to selected destinations in South East Asia. The aircraft will be fitted with premium amenities, including wider seats in both classes and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

“After an extensive technical evaluation we are pleased to announce that Korean Air will introduce Airbus single aisle aircraft for the first time,” said Cho Yang Ho, Chairman of Korean Air Group. “The A321neo will bring new levels of efficiency, longer flying range and greater in-flight comfort to our single aisle fleet, as well as reduced impact on the environment. Today’s decision is part of our ongoing commitment at Korean Air to offer true excellence in flight wherever we fly.”

“This agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Korean Air and Airbus,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “It’s also a very significant endorsement of the advantages offered by the A321neo at the top end of the single aisle market. We look forward to seeing the A321neo take to the skies in the colours of Korean Air, flying alongside the airline’s existing Airbus widebody fleet.”

Korean Air is Airbus’ longest-standing customer from outside Europe and placed its first order with the manufacturer in 1974. Since that time Airbus widebody aircraft have formed a major part of the Korean Air fleet. Today, the double deck A380 is the flagship of the airline’s long haul fleet, while mid-size A330 is operated by the airline on services across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on selected routes to Europe.

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. To date, the A320 Family has won more than 11,700 orders and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide. Incorporating new engines and the latest technologies, the A320neo Family will bring a step-change reduction in fuel consumption of over 15 per cent, longer range capability and reduced maintenance costs, as well significantly reduced carbon emissions.

Since its launch in 2010 the A320neo Family has won almost 60 per cent of all new orders for single aisle aircraft with over 100 seats and has been selected by over 70 airlines worldwide.

Boeing, Ruili Airlines Announce Commitment for 30 737 MAXs

June 16, 2015

LE BOURGET, France, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ruili Airlines today announced at the Paris Air Show that the airline has committed to purchase 30 737 MAXs with the financial support of AVIC International Leasing, amid a surge in China’s passenger traffic.

The commitment, valued at $3.2 billion at current list prices, will be subject to the approval of the Chinese government and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

“Today’s agreement demonstrates our ambition to grow from a start-up airline to a driving force in China’s growing aviation industry,” said Ma Zhanwei, president of Ruili Airlines. “With the competitive advantages offered by the 737 MAX, and the solid partnership with Boeing as well as aircraft leasing giants, we feel very confident in our ability to fulfill continuous growth.”

Currently, Ruili Airlines operates 34 daily flights on 11 scheduled routes with a fleet of five Boeing 737 airplanes. According to its development plan, the start-up carrier will expand its fleet to seven aircraft by the end of this year and 26 by 2020.

“The development of Ruili Airlines over the past year is truly remarkable,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are honored to continue playing an important role in Ruili’s long-term success with the addition of the 737 MAX. This airplane will provide market-leading fuel-efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, enabling the airline to remain competitive well into the future.”

Ruili Airlines obtained its public air transport enterprise business license from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in February 2014, marking the formal establishment of the carrier. The start-up airline is the first private carrier approved by CAAC after the regulator relaxed restrictions on new carriers in 2013.

Today’s agreement from Ruili Airlines continues the momentum of the 737 MAX in the marketplace. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX will be 14 percent more fuel-efficient than today’s most efficient Next-Generation 737s – and 20 percent better than the original Next-Generation 737s when they first entered service.

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