TAME introduces ATR 42-500 in Ecuador
October 13, 2011
Ecuador’s national flag carrier TAME today has taken delivery of the first ATR 42-500 that will operate in the country. The European turboprop manufacturer ATR and TAME inked a US$ 54 million dollars contract for three of these aircraft at the last Paris Air Show, in June 2011.
The aircraft delivered today, as well as the other two, will enable the airline to develop public service routes across the country. With these new ATR 42-500s, TAME will bring air connections to some remote Ecuadorian areas, while feeding main national airports at Quito and Guayaquil.
Commenting on this first delivery, General Gustavo Cuesta, Chief Executive Officer of TAME, declared: « The ATR 42-500s are optimally suited for the type of public service routes we want to develop in Ecuador, as they provide the lowest operating and maintenance costs, and feature optimal performance in hot and high environments and short runways ».
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “This new delivery demonstrates there is clearly a market niche for 50-seat aircraft, while we are today the only manufacturer proposing aircraft of this capacity. We are happy of adding TAME among our increasing list of operators in Latin America. ATRs are becoming really popular aircraft in this region. There is today more than 120 ATR aircraft flying daily in Latin America for almost 30 operators. Also, Latin America represents more than 20% of our current historical backlog of over 270 aircraft”.
About the ATR 42-500:
Passenger capacity: 50 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,400 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 18,600 Kg
Maximum payload: 5,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 801 nautical miles (1,483 Km)
CIT signs firm order for 50 A320neo aircraft
August 17, 2011
Top leasing companies continue to favour A320neo
CIT Aerospace, a unit of CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a global leader in transportation finance has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for the 50 A320neo family aircraft, which it had committed to at the 49th Le Bourget airshow on 21st June 2011.
This deal brings the total number of Airbus aircraft ordered by CIT since 1999 to 237 comprising 191 A320 Family aircraft (including the 50 A320neo aircraft), 41 A330s, five A350 XWBs of which 144 have been delivered so far.
“This A320neo order with Airbus allows CIT Aerospace to continue to add young and technologically-advanced aircraft to our portfolio, enabling us to provide the modern, fuel efficient aircraft that our customers demand,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of Transportation Finance at CIT.
“This latest order from CIT underscores the leasing market’s continuing strong appetite for modern, fuel efficient and reliable aircraft”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In the short to medium haul segment, the A320neo family with 15 percent lower fuel consumption, is not only good for business but also for the environment”.
Close to 7,700 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.
The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. This reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars. This saves 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year, the amount of C02 absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6 and this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 Flight Simulator available for pilots training in Russia
August 1, 2011
Moscow, August 1st, 2011
The new Full Flight Simulator of SSJ100 aircraft has been put in place in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, by
the Training Center managed by SuperJet International, the joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica – a
Finmeccanica Company – and Sukhoi Holding.
The FFS is the advanced device produced by French manufacturer Thales, replicating the SSJ100
cockpit and enabling pilots to achieve the SSJ100 Type Rating training without using the real aircraft.
The new FFS “Reality 7” is equipped with LCOS Projectors for the Visual System, Electro-Hydraulic
Motion System and new IOS Station with improved ergonomics.
After an initial period of test, the FFS will reach the approval by Rosavjacia as “Level C” per JAR FSTD.
The training of Russian pilots on the device will start accordingly, within October 2011. The EASA
certification at the same level according to JAR FSTD will follow. At a second stage, the device will be
upgraded to the “level D” which is the maximum level of certification for the FFS according to JAR FSTD
A regulation.
“We are very proud for having reached this challenging milestone” – states Carlo Logli, CEO of SuperJet
International – “This represents a further sign of the great level of cooperation we have managed to
achieve with our partner Sukhoi Civil Aviation Company SCAC. Our joint effort is allowing our Training
Center in Zhukovsky to continue the training of Aeroflot pilots by utilizing this highly technologically
advanced training tool. This is certainly a major improvement for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 program”.
“The new SSJ100 FFS is providing the pilots community in Russia with an outstanding opportunity” states
Mr. Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk – President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company – “The utilization of this new
device, in fact, enables pilots which are already certified on Russian commercial aircraft, such as Tu-134,
Tu154 or An-24, to increase their rating without flying the real SSJ100. This means a professional step
ahead performed in a totally safe environment and at cost effective conditions. Russian pilot will take
good advantage of the services rendered by our partner SuperJet International in Zhukovsky”.
SJI has established a Training Center made up of two facilities, one in Venice (Italy) and one in Moscow,
(Russian Federation). Both SJI training center locations will be equipped with the same training devices
and tools which permit to provide the high quality training services in compliance with safety regulations.
In 2012 two other SSJ100 FFS will be delivered by Thales: one to be positioned at Aeroflot Training
Center at Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow) and the other to be installed at the SuperJet International
Training Center in Venice, Italy.
Mexico and the Aviation Sector: Partners for the Long Haul
July 26, 2011
International airlines increase capacity into Mexico
MEXICO CITY, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — International airlines continue to build capacity into Mexico, which is developing into a key aviation hub of North America due to an increase in demand from international passengers seeking to visit or do business in Mexico. As recently as June 2011, American Eagle, launched a new route between Dallas and Mazatlan.
Virgin America recently launched nonstop flights from San Francisco International to Cabo San Lucas (December 2010) and Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will launch a bi-weekly service between London and Cancun in June 2012 utilizing its 747-400 jumbos.
Brazilian carrier TAM will commence direct flights between Sao Paulo and Mexico City this year and local carrier AeroMexico increased their flights in July from Barcelona to Mexico City, growing from four movements per week to six, and from Madrid to Mexico City, growing from seven to eleven frequencies per week thanks to their code share operations with Air Europa. AeroMexico has also announced that by the end of the first half of 2011 it will operate new flights between the following destinations: Monterrey-Brownsville, Guadalajara-Sacramento, Guadalajara-Fresno, Mexico-Guatemala, Cancun-Miami, Leon-Monterrey-Chicago and Guadalajara-San Francisco.
The growth in the sector is intrinsically linked to a rise in demand by customers for additional capacity into Mexico.
AMR Corporation Announces Largest Aircraft Order in History With Boeing and Airbus
July 20, 2011
American Airlines to Order 460 Narrowbody Jets to Replace and Transform its Fleet
American expects to create youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet among U.S. industry peers in approximately five years
Agreement includes options and purchase rights for 465 additional aircraft through 2025
American to be first U.S. network carrier to take delivery of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft and first airline to commit to Boeing’s expected new 737 family offering
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 20, 2011 / — AMR Corporation (NYSE: AMR), the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle, today announced landmark agreements with Airbus and Boeing that will allow it to replace and transform American’s narrowbody fleet over five years and solidify its fleet plan into the next decade. These new aircraft will allow American to reduce its operating and fuel costs and deliver state-of-the-art amenities to customers, while maximizing financial flexibility for the Company.
Under the new agreements, American plans to acquire 460 narrowbody, single-aisle aircraft from the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families beginning in 2013 through 2022 – the largest aircraft order in aviation history. As part of these agreements, starting in 2017 American will become the first network U.S. airline to begin taking delivery of “next generation” narrowbody aircraft that will further accelerate fuel-efficiency gains.
These new deliveries are expected to pave the way for American to have the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among its U.S. airline peers in approximately five years.
American also will benefit from approximately $13 billion of committed financing provided by the manufacturers through lease transactions that will help maximize balance sheet flexibility and reduce risk. The financing fully covers the first 230 deliveries.
Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO of AMR and American Airlines, noted that today’s order represents another important step in the Company’s strategy to build a strong foundation for the future.
“We have a long track record of meeting our obligations to all of our stakeholders, including strategic partners, lenders, suppliers and investors. We believe this history continues to help us navigate today’s challenges while remaining focused on doing what’s necessary to position American Airlines for long-term success, and we look forward to working with Boeing and Airbus to achieve it,” Arpey said. “Today’s announcement paves the way for us to achieve important milestones in our company’s future, giving us the ability to replace our narrowbody fleet and finance it responsibly. This was an incredible opportunity for our company that presented itself from two great manufacturers. And, given our aggressive and ambitious fleet plans, we feel fortunate to have both Boeing and Airbus standing beside us to meet our needs. With today’s news, we expect to have the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among our peers in the U.S. industry within five years. This new fleet will dramatically improve our fuel and operating costs, while enhancing our financial flexibility. More than that, with the power of our network and partnerships and the dedication of our people, we will be an even stronger competitor.”
Said Tom Horton, President of AMR and American Airlines: “Our efforts in recent years have transformed nearly every corner of our business. We’ve strengthened our liquidity, focused our network and alliance relationships on serving the world’s most important markets with the best partners, enhanced our products and services with industry-leading technology, and worked to improve the customer experience. Today’s announcement will accelerate this transformation, delivering important benefits to our shareholders, customers and employees.”
Under the agreement with Boeing, American plans to acquire a total of 200 additional aircraft from the 737 family, with options for another 100 737 family aircraft. American has the flexibility to convert the new deliveries into variants within the 737 family, including the 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER.
As part of the Boeing agreement, American will take delivery of 100 aircraft from Boeing’s current 737NG family starting in 2013, including three 737-800 options that had been exercised as of July 1, 2011. American also intends to order 100 of Boeing’s expected new evolution of the 737NG, with a new engine that would offer even more significant fuel-efficiency gains over today’s models. American is pleased to be the first airline to commit to Boeing’s new 737 family offering, which is expected to provide a new level of economic efficiency and operational performance, pending final confirmation of the program by Boeing. This airplane would be powered by CFM International’s LEAP-X engine.
American’s most recent deliveries of the 737-800, with 160 seats, include the all-new Boeing Sky Interior, offering larger overhead bins that pivot down and out similar to those on the 787 Dreamliner, a contemporary feeling of spaciousness and variable LED lighting options for cabin ambience.
“We are pleased to continue our long and successful partnership with American Airlines,” said Jim Albaugh, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “While the 737 family will continue to serve an important role in American’s narrowbody fleet – delivering customer and cost benefits in both its current form and future evolution – as American’s primary widebody partner, we are excited to deliver to its customers all of the benefits and cutting-edge technology of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 777-300ER. We look forward to strengthening our partnership for the future.”
American also will acquire a total of 260 Airbus aircraft from the A320 Family and will have 365 options and purchase rights for additional aircraft. American has the flexibility to convert its delivery positions into variants within the A320 Family, including the A319 and A321.
American will take delivery of 130 current-generation Airbus A320 Family aircraft beginning in 2013. Beginning in 2017 American will begin taking delivery of 130 aircraft from the A320neo (New Engine Option) Family featuring next-generation engine technology. The new aircraft are approximately 15 percent more fuel efficient than today’s models. American will be the first network airline in the U.S. to deploy this new-technology aircraft.
The A320 Family features cabin interiors with increased overhead storage, reduced noise and ambient lighting options.
“American’s order represents a strong vote of confidence in our product in the important North American market, and we feel certain our A320 Family aircraft will help the American team deliver a great experience for customers while helping the airline to achieve cost efficiencies that will benefit its shareholders,” said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “We are proud to renew our partnership with a company that has a long history of airline industry leadership.”
Cost Reduction, Simplification and Flexibility for the Future
The 737 and A320 families offer significant cost reduction opportunities in replacing American’s older fleet. For example, Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the 737 and A320 families offer a 35 percent reduction in fuel cost per seat versus the MD-80 and a 12 percent and 15 percent fuel cost reduction per seat, respectively, versus the 757 and 767-200.
The agreements with Boeing and Airbus will continue American’s fleet simplification efforts, allowing American to transition four fleet types (MD-80, 737-800, 757 and 767-200) to two (the 737 and the A320 families, which offer significant commonality benefits within each family).
With a total of 465 options and purchase rights for additional aircraft from both manufacturers through 2025, these agreements give American the flexibility for replacement as well as growth opportunities under the right economic and financial conditions, with the ability to acquire up to 925 aircraft in total over 12 years.
Beyond today’s announcement, American continues to execute on other elements of a comprehensive fleet renewal plan that will deliver customer benefits in a range of aircraft types and sizes.
In 2009 and 2010, American took delivery of 76 737-800s. Separate from today’s announcement, American has taken or is scheduled to take delivery of a total of 54 737-800s from 2011 into 2013. American also has firm orders for eight Boeing 777-300ER widebody aircraft to be delivered in 2012-2013. American is the first U.S. airline to order the 777-300ER, which will offer many operational and customer benefits while serving as the flagship of American’s modernized fleet.
In addition, American has plans to acquire 42 state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners, to be delivered starting in late 2014, with options for 58 additional 787s. American also has firm orders for seven 777-200 widebody aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2013 through 2016.
“While our network is our core product, designed to take our customers where they most want to go, our fleet is a critical element of our ability to deliver a superior travel experience, safely, reliably and comfortably,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, who leads American’s fleet and network planning and strategy. “With today’s announcement, I am confident that we will be able to meet our customers’ needs for decades to come with a modern fleet that will be second to none.”
American was advised in the transaction by SkyWorks Capital, LLC.
Air Transport Association Reports Slower Growth in June Air Travel Spending
July 20, 2011
The Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, reported that passenger revenue(1) rose 7 percent in June 2011 compared to the same month in 2010, marking the 18th consecutive month of revenue growth. The revenue data is based on a sample group of U.S. carriers(2).
“While the overall rate of growth in air travel expenditures appears to be slowing, we are encouraged by continued strength in the Latin American and Caribbean markets. We hope to see ongoing revenue growth in July to begin the third quarter,” said ATA Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich.
The airline industry still faces cost challenges, especially higher fuel expenses. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects the full-year 2011 average price of U.S. jet fuel will be $3.06 a gallon, more than 40 percent higher than the 2010 average.
Systemwide passenger traffic, as measured by miles flown by paying passengers(3), rose 0.3 percent while the average price to fly one mile, also known as yield, rose nearly 7 percent for the month.
- U.S. domestic revenue grew nearly 6 percent, as passenger yields increased 6 percent
- Trans-Atlantic revenue increased 5.6 percent from a year ago
- Trans-Pacific revenue rose 5.5 percent
- Latin American/Caribbean revenue grew 22 percent as yields rose 18 percent
A sample of U.S. airlines(4) saw spending on shipments of freight and mail rise 6 percent year over year (up 1 percent domestically and 9 percent internationally) in June 2011.
Transport services for SuperJet International
July 20, 2011
Extension of collaboration
Lufthansa Technik Logistik (LTL) and SuperJet International are stepping up a collaboration that dates from the beginning of 2009. Under a contract extension LTL will supplement the warehousing service it already provides in Frankfurt by taking over all the transport services for the Italian-Russian aircraft manufacturer, thus ensuring rapid and reliable spares provisioning for customers of SuperJet.
Lufthansa Technik Logistik was selected by SuperJet International to be its global logistics provider two years ago. In this capacity in the medium term Lufthansa Technik Logistik will hold spares from the aircraft manufacturer’s component pool in its Frankfurt warehouse. Under the new agreement LTL will now also be responsible for transporting materials from SuperJet International’s suppliers in France, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and the USA to the LTL warehouse in Frankfurt and from there to the Superjet 100 operators. This will include not only routine transports but also ad hoc support in the event of an aircraft on ground (AOG) incident.
LTL will start by supplying the launching customers of the new Sukhoi Superjet 100, Aeroflot Russian Airlines at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow and the Armavia Air Company at Yerevan Airport in Armenia.
In this connection the warehouse which is part of the new LTL logistics facility in CargoCity South at Frankfurt Airport will assume the role of a central material pool. In March 2011 the first shipment arrived in Frankfurt and was successfully entered into the system; others followed without a hitch in April. Over the next few months it is expected that LTL will supply a growing number of SuperJet customers as delivery numbers have stepped up.
World’s first scheduled passenger biofuel flights commence
July 15, 2011
Lufthansa and Airbus make significant step forward towards sustainable aviation
Lufthansa has launched the world’s first ever daily commercial passenger flights using biofuel. The four return daily flights between Hamburg and Frankfurt will be the first in the world to use a biofuel blend using 50% Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA).This follows the approval for the use of this type of fuel by the world fuels standards body, the ASTM on July 1st and the publication of the approved standards on July 13th.
The aircraft is an Airbus A321, equipped with IAE engines (International Aero Engines). Airbus’ role is to provide technical assistance and to monitor the fuel properties. The daily flights will initially continue for six months as part of the ‘Burn Fair’ R&T project to study the long term impact of sustainable biofuels on aircraft performance.
“Lufthansa is the world’s first airline to utilise biofuel in daily flight operations. This is a further consistent step in the sustainability strategy, which Lufthansa has for years been successfully pursuing. We want to secure future sustainable mobility by conducting research and development work today,” said Christoph Franz, Lufthansa CEO.
“Fuel quality is a critical issue in aviation. Neste Oil’s NExBTL technology is very well-suited to producing aviation fuel that meets the aviation industry’s toughest quality standard,” says Matti Lievonen, Neste Oil’s President and CEO. “Being a pioneer in this area, we are very proud to co-operate with Airbus and Lufthansa. We believe that renewable aviation fuels have real potential for the future.”
“Airbus is proud of its role as catalyst in bringing together various stakeholders to speed up the commercialization of biofuels. These daily biofuel flights are a significant step forward in our industry-wide pursuit of a sustainable future for aviation,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
The renewable aviation biofuel, is being provided by Finland-based Neste Oil and all of the renewable raw materials used to produce it (NExBTL) comply with the EU’s stringent sustainability criteria and are fully traceable back to their source.
Airbus’ alternative fuels roadmap aims to make aviation biofuel a reality by bringing together stakeholders in a ‘value chain’ to speed up its commercialisation in a socially responsible way. By providing technical expertise and data collected from a series of alternative fuel flights, Airbus has been at the forefront helping obtain today’s 50% biofuel approval.
ALTA WELCOMES FOUR NEW MEMBERS WITH A STRONG LATIN AMERICA PRESENCE
July 13, 2011
Air Lease Corp., Holland & Knight, ILFC and Travel Guard Join
as Affiliate Members
MIAMI (July 13, 2011) – Air Lease Corp., Holland & Knight, ILFC and Travel Guard were welcomed as the newest affiliate members of ALTA (Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association). With the addition of these new members, ALTA’s affiliate membership represents 44 of the region’s leading organizations in aviation across a broad spectrum of areas.
“Each of these organizations offers valuable new opportunities for the industry in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Alex de Gunten, Executive Director of ALTA. “We are proud to be partnering with companies that provide such proven expertise in their respective areas and are dedicated to the progress of the aviation industry in the region.”
“Joining ALTA signals Air Lease Corporation’s commitment to the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said John Plueger, President and Chief Operating Officer of Air Lease Corporation. “We support the growth of the region’s airlines by providing strategic business solutions and access to the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.”
“We are delighted that Holland & Knight has been named an affiliate member of ALTA. The firm has both a strong airline practice and presence in Central and Latin America markets, and we see ALTA as a valued and natural partner in our efforts to assist airlines in the region,” said Anita Mosner, deputy chair of Holland & Knight’s aviation practice. “ALTA has a terrific team, and we look forward to working with and supporting them over the coming years.”
ILFC Chief Executive Officer, Henri Courpron commented, “Our affiliation with ALTA represents a further commitment by ILFC to be actively engaged with aircraft operators in an important and developing region of the industry. Latin America represents growth and opportunity. We are proud to work with ALTA and their member airlines.”
“We are delighted to be an official ALTA member. As such, we would like to approach the member airlines to help them increase their bottom line and customer loyalty, through the sale of Travel Insurance. More than 40 airlines have trusted Travel Guard as their partner worldwide, including several prestigious airlines in Latin America,” said Roberto Miranda, Travel Insurance Regional Manager, Travel Guard Latin America.
CIT DELIVERS AIRBUS A320-200 TO VUELING AIRLINES
July 5, 2011
NEW YORK – July 4, 2011 – CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a global leader in transportation finance, today announced that CIT Aerospace, a unit of CIT, has delivered a new Airbus A320-200 to Vueling Airlines, a low-cost carrier based in Barcelona, Spain.
The aircraft, MSN 4724, is powered by CFM56-5B4/3 engines. CIT now has a total of three aircraft on lease to Vueling Airlines.
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