AEROLINEAS STARPERU EXPANDS INTO REGIONAL FREIGHT OPERATIONS WITH PURCHASE OF BAe 146 QT
June 28, 2011
Fast-growing Aerolineas StarPeru is adding a BAe 146QT (Quiet Trader) freighter to its fleet of nine passenger BAe 146s and plans to introduce regional freighter operations in Peru.
The aircraft has been purchased from UK airline Titan Airways under a deal that was arranged by BAE Systems Asset Management through its remarketing agreement with the UK airline. Delivery of the aircraft has just taken place.
Based in the capital Lima, StarPeru was founded in 1997 as a charter operator providing air services into remote jungle airstrips to support oil exploration companies.
The airline commenced scheduled airline services in late 2004. It now has a fleet of two 77/78 seat BAe 146-100s, five 88-seat Series 200s and two 112-seat Series 300s that is used on a growing domestic network that embraces services from Lima to 15 destinations and now accounts for some 14 per cent of the Peruvian market.
The airline also started international services to Rio Branco in Brazil in September 2010.
AirAsia orders 200 A320neo aircraft
June 23, 2011
Largest-ever order consolidates A320 Family’s market leading position
AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in the Asia-Pacific region, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show today, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family and makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. AirAsia announced that its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.
Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service on the carrier’s fast-growing pan-Asian network. In addition, the carrier’s long haul affiliate AirAsia X is also an all-Airbus customer having placed orders for 38 widebody aircraft.
“With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market,” said Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia. “Our decision to be one of the launch customers for the A320neo will ensure that we remain at the forefront of our business, with one of the world’s youngest and most modern fleets.”
“Thanks to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of Tony Fernandes and the energy of his team, Air Asia has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, most innovative and respected airlines in the business,” said Tom Enders, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus. “This landmark deal is the strongest endorsement yet of our decision to invest in the development of the A320neo and further consolidates the market-leading position of the Airbus single aisle product line.”
Incorporating new engines and large wing tip devices called sharklets, the A320neo will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles (950 kilometers), or the ability to carry two tonnes more payload at a given range. For the environment, the fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the existing models, enabling it to fit seamlessly into existing A320 Family fleets.
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.
LAN signs firm order for 20 eco-efficient A320neo
June 22, 2011
First from a Latin American
LAN Airlines, one of Latin America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines placed a firm order at Le Bourget Airshow for 20 A320neo aircraft as part of its expansion strategy and fleet renewal program. The airline becomes the first in the region to sign a firm order for the A320neo. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.
The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. This will represent some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and less engine noise, thus being a good neighbour at any airport where airlines will operate the aircraft.
This purchase agreement, which brings LAN’s total Airbus orders to more than 170 aircraft, comes just months after LAN bought 50 A320 Family aircraft in December. The airline is slated to start operating A320s with Sharklets as of 2013.
Ignacio Cueto, LAN Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, commented: “This order solidifies our continuous commitment to provide customers with the most modern technology in aviation thanks to the A320neo’s dramatic improvements to fuel efficiency and range capabilities. Adding the A320neo to our fleet is a huge step in ensuring LAN’s leadership in the region.”
“Our history with LAN has been consistent with their passion for innovation and growth,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “Airbus commends LAN for being the first in the region to order the A320neo and capitalize on its unbeatable cost savings.”
The A320 Family is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft today
The A320 Family has now exceeded 7,000 firm orders, reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. Furthermore, to date more than 4,700 have been delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.
The Airbus fleet operating in Latin America has doubled in the last five years. With more 550 aircraft sold and a record backlog of more than 250 aircraft to be delivered to its Latin American customers, today nearly 400 Airbus aircraft are flying with Latin American airlines. This represents more than 60 percent of the fleet delivered in the region.
ATR increases its Paris Air Show record: 88 firm orders and 42 options = 130 aircraft
June 22, 2011
Le Bourget, 22 June 2011
ATR increases its Paris Air Show record:
88 firm orders and 42 options = 130 aircraft
ATR keeps increasing its outstanding order book at 2011’s historical Paris Air Show. With today’s signature with the leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), ATR brings to 88 its total firm orders (plus 42 options) since the beginning of the year. This becomes its new record of sales announced at the Paris Air Show (previous record was 53 orders and 15 options, at the 2007 edition).
The total value of these orders, including the options, is estimated at 2.8 US$ billion.
During this week’s Paris Air Show, ATR has announced 60 new orders and 37 options. They join the 28 orders and 5 options previously revealed this year. The addition of all has enabled ATR to reach such an historical record of 88 firm orders and 42 options at the Paris Air Show.
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 1,162 aircraft and delivered 929.
This brings ATR’s backlog to 233 aircraft (worth: 5.4 US$ billion). This order book
translates to more than three years of production.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declares: “This is a totally outstanding and historical air show for ATR. Our list of customers, both airlines and leasing companies, is dramatically increasing, and ATR aircraft are today in almost 100 countries. This clearly underlines the ATR product as the optimal solution for regional transportation. We are pleased to welcome our new operators and customers, and we are honored of the confidence that some others have placed in ATR for years”.
Ecuador’s TAME orders 3 ATR 42-500s
June 22, 2011
First new order for ATR in the country
European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Ecuador’s national flag carrier TAME today signed a contract for the purchase of 3 new ATR 42-500s, valued at US$ 54 million. This is the first time ATR concluded an aircraft sale with an Ecuadorian airline. This deal also reinforces the growing presence of ATR in Latin America and Caribbean region, where there are some 120 ATRs in operation, plus more than other 40 on order.
With the entry into service of these new 50-seat ATR 42-500s, starting in September 2011, Ecuador’s flag carrier will develop “public service routes” in order to bring air connectivity to some remote regions across the country. The new ATRs will also help to feed main national airports at Quito and Guayaquil.
The ATR 42-500 is optimally suited for the country’s airports and operational characteristics, which includes hot and high environments and short runways.
General Gustavo Cuesta, Chief Executive Officer of TAME, declares: “The purchase of these new ATRs is part of a double goal. On the one hand, we are renewing our fleet with brand new aircraft featuring the best ecoefficiency and proven performance in altitude, hot environments, small airfields and short runways. On the other hand, as a public carrier, we aim to expand our national network, and bring air services to remote areas with convenient access to main towns. Our new ATRs will allow us to develop services where the only alternative today can be more than ten hours of driving”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlines that “this new contract demonstrates there is a steady market for 50-seat regional aircraft. Today ATR is the only manufacturer that can propose a solution for this market. It also confirms the strong dynamism of Latin America, where regional networks are being substantially developed and where we are recently experiencing very good commercial success. The introduction of these new turboprops will bring to passengers new standards of comfort, while helping the national carrier to optimize its operating and maintenance costs.”
AviancaTaca to increase fleet with 51 A320 Family aircraft
June 22, 2011
Commitment includes 33 A320neo aircraft
Recently-merged AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 51 A320 Family aircraft, including 33 eco-efficient A320neo. Once firm, the order will be the largest order for A320neo in the region and also the biggest from a single airline in the history of Airbus in Latin America.
The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region.
“Since 1998, we have relied on the A320 Family’s economic benefits, customer appeal and proven reliability. Adding the A320neo to our fleet enhances AviancaTaca’s fuel efficiency and range capabilities,” said Fabio Villegas, President and CEO of AviancaTaca. “Today’s historic commitment reinforces our ongoing strategy to provide our customers with the most modern, efficient and environmental friendly services in the region.”
With combined orders of 135 aircraft, AviancaTaca operates a total of 85 Airbus aircraft, including 78 A320 Family and seven A330 aircraft. Today, AviancaTaca has a backlog of 40 Airbus aircraft. AviancaTaca operates the entire A320 Family of aircraft (A318, A319, A320 and A321).
“The A320neo will lift AviancaTaca to new levels of savings and efficiency,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “We are very proud that AviancaTaca continues to rely on Airbus to lower their operating costs and to modernize their fleet.”
The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. This will represent some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.
The A320 Family’s recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft features the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has also the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft today.
The A320 Family has exceeded 7,000 firm orders, reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. To date more than 4,700 have been delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.
The Airbus fleet operating in Latin America has doubled in the last five years. With more 550 aircraft sold and a record backlog of more than 250 aircraft to be delivered to its Latin American customers, today nearly 400 Airbus aircraft are flying with Latin American airlines. This represents more than 60 percent of the fleet delivered in the region.
JetBlue to order 40 A320neo aircraft
June 21, 2011
At the Le Bourget International Air Show in Paris today, JetBlue Airways and Airbus announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the airline to purchase 40 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft. The airline has not yet announced its engine selection for the new engine option aircraft.
In addition, the MOU will result in JetBlue converting 30 of its current orders for A320 aircraft to the larger A321 model with enhanced wingtip devices called Sharklets.
The New York-based airline has long made the A320 Family the core of its fleet, starting with the delivery of its very first aircraft in 1999, an Airbus A320, one of 173 it has ordered in total – not including today’s announcement
“JetBlue’s very first flight was operated by an A320, and with today’s news, we are further planning our future fleet with Airbus, our longest-standing business partner,” said Dave Barger, President and CEO of JetBlue Airways. “This fleet announcement is driven by our successful network strategy, and it also supports our financial goal of sustainable growth while respecting our energy and environmental responsibilities. And our crewmembers and customers love the Airbus.”
“JetBlue is already one of the largest A320 Family operators in the world,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “By adding the A320neo and the A321 with Sharklets to its fleet, the airline is demonstrating why it continues to grow and lead so successfully – it drives evolution in the industry with the latest technology and trends.”
The A320neo, launched in late 2010, is the latest product innovation at Airbus. These new A319, A320 and A321 models feature a choice of two new engines – the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt & Whitney or the LEAP-X from CFM International. The aircraft also feature large wingtip devices known as Sharklets. Together this results in a 15 percent fuel burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft.
Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. More than 10,100 Airbus aircraft have been sold to more than 440 customers and operators worldwide, and more than 6,700 have been delivered since the company first entered the market in the early seventies.
Brazil’s Azul signs contract for 10 additional ATR 72-600s
June 21, 2011
The airline has ordered a total of 30 firm ATRs since the last year
European turboprop manufacturer ATR and Brazil’s Azul Linhas Aéreas today signed a contract for the purchase of 10 additional ATR 72-600 aircraft, valued at some 227 US$ million. The deal is the conversion into firm orders of 10 of the 20 options inked in the contract that both companies announced at Farnborough Airshow last year. This conversion brings to 30 the total fleet of ATR 72-600s to be operated by the carrier. Deliveries of the first ATR -600 series aircraft of Azul Linhas Aéreas are scheduled in October 2011.
These additional aircraft will also be equipped with the newest technological developments that make the ATR -600s the reference in regional aviation: new avionics suite with latest generation glass cockpit, redesigned and stylish cabin interiors and enhanced engine performance and payload. With their 10 additional ATR 72-600, Azul Linhas Aéreas will further develop its vast regional network.
There are currently some 50 ATRs in operation in Brazil, and some 120 in the whole Latin America. This continent represents around 20% of the current ATR’s backlog.
David Neeleman, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Azul Linhas Aéreas, declared: “We are pleased to announce the purchase of 10 new aircraft. This reinforces our confidence in the product and our partnership with ATR”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “The success of Azul Linhas Aereas is also contributing to consolidate our strong presence in Brazil and in the whole region. ATRs are becoming real popular aircraft in Brazil, one of the most dynamic markets around the world. We are convinced there is a potential to double, in the short term, the total ATR aircraft fleet operating in the country.”
The ATR 72-600 receives EASA certification
May 31, 2011
With this certification, ATR can commence delivery of the regional aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies on the market
The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR is pleased to announce that the ATR 72-600, the new member of its aircraft family, has obtained certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). A prerequisite for the aircraft’s entry into service, this certification covers the new equipment on the aircraft, and is the successful conclusion to a series of ground and flight tests conducted on the ATR 72-600 prototype. Flight testing on the aircraft began in the summer of 2009.
This series of tests validated the proper functioning of the new systems and equipment installed on the aircraft, such as its new avionics: a new glass cockpit with 5 LCD screens, new communication, navigation, monitoring, flight management (FMS), Automatic Pilot and alert management systems, and a new MPC computer system (including aircraft maintenance and protection functions).
Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR, said he is “…very proud to see that the ATR 72-600 is now on the brink of entering into service and allowing airlines to discover its many advantages. Development of the new 600-series ATRs is based on our commitment to continue developing our line of aircraft in order to better meet the needs of regional airlines, in terms of operating costs as well as airworthiness and passenger comfort. The ATR ‘-600’, now the most advanced regional aircraft on the market, features new avionics, developed in partnership with Thales, which make flight management even simpler thanks to its state-of-the-art technology. It also features a new cabin, designed by Giugiaro, with new, even more comfortable seats which are also lighter-weight, and completely redesigned baggage stows offering more storage space for passengers. The new ATR ‘-600’s’ entry into service will soon open up new commercial prospects for us.”
The test campaign was mainly conducted in Toulouse, although the aircraft also traveled to Tarbes and Agen (France), Lugano (Switzerland) and Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. While in Tarbes and Agen, ATR was able to test proper functioning of the automatic pilot system, notably in high wind conditions. In Lugano, ATR tested the ATR 72-600 on steep landing strips (slope: 6.65°). At Charles de Gaulle Airport, ATR checked the navigation management systems (radio, SMS, GPS, RNP) in traffic conditions characteristic of a busy major airport.
Since launching the new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 program in October 2007, ATR has received orders for a total of 141 aircraft in this new series.
Delivery of the first ATR 72-600s will begin this summer. Royal Air Maroc, who ordered a total of 4 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-600s, will be the first operator to take delivery of an ATR 72-600.
Testing on the ATR 42-600 is currently underway, and this aircraft will benefit from its close similarity to the ATR 72-600 (fuselage, engines, avionics). Its certification is expected at the end of the year.
NEW GATEWAY TO LATIN AMERICA WITH AVIANCA
May 24, 2011
Passengers can now access the Avianca route network in Latin America from Orlando, Florida, through direct flights to its hub in Bogota
Orlando becomes the fifth city operated by Avianca in the United States
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), Orlando/Orange County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (OOCVB), Walt Disney World, Busch Entertainment Corporation, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and the Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have collaborated with an Avianca work team over the past months to make this service a reality
Jointly with TACA Airlines, Avianca offers comprehensive travel solutions to more tan 100 destinations in the American continent and Europe
Avianca opens a new gateway from the United States towards Latin America inaugurating operations from Orlando, Florida. Service starts the 12th of July, with four flights per week towards and from its hub in Bogota, Colombia. This flight becomes the fifth gateway to the United States and an opportunity for Orlando passengers to access Avianca’s route network throughout Latin America.
Rolando Damas, Managing Director North America and Asia for AviancaTaca said, “Through this new gateway towards Latin America we look to strengthen our current route network, always aiming to deliver more and improved options to our customers. This new opportunity also seeks to capitalize synergies with our partner airline TACA, which has been serving this destination for a couple of years. Together we provide comprehensive travel solutions towards the growing Latin American markets.”
Direct Flight to Bogota with Convenient Connections to South America
Avianca will serve the Orlando-Bogota direct flight with Airbus 319 aircraft with 120 passenger capacity. The airline operates through a strong hub in Bogota, with connectivity towards local destinations in Colombia and international destinations in South America.
“This new gateway to Latin America provides convenient travel options towards the different South American cities such as Caracas, Lima, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and also the varied offer of local destinations within Colombia, like Cali, Medellin, Cartagena, Bucaramanga, and many more”, added Damas.
Growing Latin American Markets
The new flight is a direct result of the growing interest in Latin American markets, a trend that is receiving the support of several local organizations. “We want to thank the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), Orlando/Orange County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (OOCVB), Walt Disney World, Busch Entertainment Corporation, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and the Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who have collaborated with the Avianca work team over the past months to make this service a reality,” said Damas. “This team work mystique and tourism oriented focus is evidence of how the Orlando business community does consistent efforts to be a prime tourist destination. We are confident that this flight will serve an increased amount of visitors from Latin America.”
Jointly with TACA Airlines, AviancaTaca offers comprehensive travel solutions towards Latin America through their hubs in El Salvador, San Jose, Lima, and Bogota. Both airlines serve more tan 100 destinations in the American continent and Europe.
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