Sky Airline is a New Member of ALTA
July 20, 2014
Miami (July 18, 2014) – The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) announced today that SKY Airline has joined the association as a Full Member, bringing the total number of its Members to 71, including airlines and affiliated aviation-related organizations. ALTA represents the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean emphasizing safety and cost-efficiency, as well as making aviation more environmentally friendly.
Sky Airline is a Chilean enterprise headquartered in Santiago, Chile, transporting passengers and cargo since 2002. It is the second largest Chilean airline, having carried 2.4 million passengers in 2013. SKY Airline currently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus aircraft A-319 and A-320 which fly to 14 regular destinations within Chile and to 4 international destinations (La Paz, Lima, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires).
Eduardo Iglesias, Executive Director of ALTA, commented, “ALTA welcomes the incorporation of SKY Airline into our Association. Today, the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the fastest growing in the world and expected to produce excellent results in the next two decades. It is vital that airlines in the region combine efforts to voice their priorities so that the success so far attained can be sustained. ALTA is the most effective platform to project that voice.”
Holger Paulmann, COO of Sky Airline pointed out that the re-entry of Sky as member of ALTA is “very important”. “Our company is in a stage of growth, which means that we need to be attentive to all topics that are discussed within the airline industry, in order to provide the best service to our passengers and encourage competition and safety in the region”.
Hong Kong Aviation Capital orders 70 A320neo Family aircraft
July 17, 2014
Lessor confirms strong market demand for the efficient A320neo Family
Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC), a fast growing aircraft leasing company based in Hong Kong, has signed a firm order with Airbus for a total of 70 A320neo Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 30 A321neo)
The contract was finalised at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow by Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the 2013 Paris Air Show.
“We are pleased to have finalised the order for 70 A320neo Family aircraft with Airbus. The green credentials of the NEO is one of the key factors for us to choose the aircraft and through reduced fuel burn and emissions, HKAC will enable its airline clients to reduce operating cost while improving their environment impact,” said Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC. “In addition, the A321neo will enable operators to deliver reduced operating cost per seat, and better compete where airport slots are restricted,” added Donal Boylan.
“We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Aviation Capital as a new customer for the NEO. It demonstrates the continuing confidence of the market in the world’s most popular and efficient single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo Family is a valuable and profitable asset for lessors and operators”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
HKAC currently has a portfolio of over 50 single and twin aisle Airbus aircraft. It provides financing leasing services to several airlines in Asia and worldwide. This is HKAC’s first direct order with any aircraft manufacturer.
The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings and a reduction of 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year. With more than 3,000 orders received from more than 57 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the market, clearly demonstrating its leadership.
Boeing, Hainan Airlines Announce Commitment for 50 737 MAX
July 17, 2014
Extends preference for all-Boeing single-aisle fleet
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Hainan Airlines today announced that the two companies are finalizing terms and working toward a purchase agreement for 50 737 MAX 8s, reaffirming the Chinese airline’s preference for an all-Boeing single-aisle fleet.
The commitment, valued at more than $5.1 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.
“The 737 is the backbone of our single-aisle fleet,” said Adam Tan, vice chairman and president of Hainan Group. “The new 737 MAX will help our airline grow, become more efficient and offer five-star service for our passengers.”
“It is a privilege to welcome Hainan Airlines as Boeing’s newest 737 MAX customer,” said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As China’s first Skytrax 5-star airline, Hainan continues to modernize its fleet with market-leading next-generation airplanes, including the 787 Dreamliner and now the 737 MAX. We are confident that the 737 MAX will play a significant role in Hainan’s continued success.”
The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,100 orders from 42 customers worldwide and is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
The 737 MAX 8 provides customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the competition in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo.
Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) commits to up to 12 ATR 72-600s
July 17, 2014
The flag carrier of Myanmar sets out to upgrade its regional aircraft fleet with new ATR 72s following the successful restructuring plan to meet the region’s booming travel business
Myanmar’s state-owned national airline Myanma Airways, to be named Myanmar National Airlines in the near future, today signed a deal with ATR for 6 new generation ATR 72-600s with options for 6 additional aircraft. The acquisition of these new ATRs forms part of the carrier’s ambitious strategy to expand its global footprint to establish Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) as a major carrier in the region. In parallel with the new order, following the company’s dynamic development efforts, ATR will assist Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) to enhance its maintenance capabilities through the set-up of a modern MRO in Yangon meeting the highest international standards.
The new airplanes are scheduled for delivery in 2015 through to 2017. The new ATR 72-600s will complete and gradually replace the existing ATR fleet, boosting the airline services considerably by opening new routes, increasing flight frequencies to existing routes and offering the highest level of comfort to Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) customers.
Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) Managing Director Mr. Than Tun noted that today’s order represents another important step in the company’s strategy to build a strong foundation for the future. “The decision to continue with ATR for our short haul operations underpins the Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) long term strategy to build up not only a fleet of the world’s most fuel efficient and reliable aircraft but also MRO station in Yangon International Airport. The ATR -600 series family’s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort make it the right choice for Myanmar National Airways. These new generation airliners match perfectly Myanmar’s market”.
“We are delighted to be supporting Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) in this period of growth for both the country and the airline,” declared Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer. “The newly acquired ATRs will to pave the way for Myanmar National Airlines to have the most modern and fuel-efficient fleet, helping to reduce its operating and fuel costs and deliver state-of-the-art amenities to its customers, while maximizing financial flexibility for the company.”
ATR fleet in Myanmar has almost doubled in the past two years as passenger demand continues to grow.
LAN and TAM recognised as the Best Airlines in South America at the SkyTrax World Airline Awards
July 17, 2014
· It is the sixth consecutive year that a member airline of LATAM Airlines Group (LAN or TAM) has been awarded first place in this category.
· In addition to this, LAN was awarded first place in the “Best Airline Staff Service South America” category and TAM was named a finalist.
LONDON, 15 July 2014.- LAN and TAM Airlines, members of LATAM Airlines Group, have today been recognised as the “Best Airlines in South America” in first and second places respectively by the SkyTrax World Airline Awards. The awards, announced this morning at the Farnborough International Air Show, are the results of the World Airline Survey, which is conducted annually by the prestigious British market research firm, SkyTrax.
It is the sixth consecutive year that an airline belonging to LATAM Airlines Group (LAN or TAM) has been awarded first place in this category.
In addition to this, LAN was awarded first place in the “Best Airline Staff Service South America” category and TAM was named a finalist.
Mauricio Amaro, Chairman of LATAM Airlines Group said: “A combination of investment in a modern fleet, coupled with the commitment of our team members who are all focused on the delivery of an excellent service, is why our passengers prefer us. We are very proud that LAN and TAM have once more been recognised as the best airlines in our region. These awards reflect the views and opinions of seasoned travellers, which is the greatest accolade that we could receive.”
This year the awards ceremony was held at the England Wind Tunnel (ex-Royal Aircraft Establishment) at the Farnborough Air Show, a historical place in the world of aviation where multiple aircraft from Spitfires to Concorde were tested. In celebration of the awards the venue was opened to the public for the first time in 50 years.
The SkyTrax World Airline Awards have global recognition within the airline industry as they celebrate the best airlines in the world based on the opinion of over 18 million passengers across 160 nationalities. In 2014, 245 international airlines were included in the evaluation.
The awards are considered the global barometer for customer satisfaction within the industry, thanks to their exclusive reliance on the opinion of passengers. The SkyTrax awards evaluate the customer experience both pre-departure and on board. 40 aspects relating to product quality and service levels are examined; from the check-in and boarding process to comfort of the seats, state of the cabin, catering, on board entertainment and various service items.
In addition to the recognition awarded to both LAN and TAM, the oneworld alliance to which both airlines belong was chosen the best alliance in the world.
Seven Sukhoi Superjet 100 Delivery Agreement Signed between SCAC and BEK AIR
July 15, 2014
On July 14 Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and BEK AIR airline based in Kazakhstan have signed during Farnborough International Airshow 2014 an agreement on delivery of seven Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.
Long-range Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft are planned for delivery in full economy configuration with the capacity to carry 103 passengers: three aircraft in 2015 and four in 2016.
The Agreement was signed by the President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company Mr Andrey Kalinovsky and the Chairman of BEK AIR Mr Nurlan Zhumasultanov. This document opens new prospects on the aviation operations market for SSJ100 aircraft within Eurasian Economic Union, which was founded according to agreement signed in Astana in May 2014 by the Heads of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.
The signature took place in the presence of Mr Mikhail Pogosyan, the President of the United Aircraft Corporation and cosmonaut Mr Talgat Musabaev, the Chairman of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Hero of Russia and Kazakhstan.
BEK AIR is currently flying along 14 national routes in Kazakhstan carrying up to 500 000 passengers annually. In future, the airline expects to expand its route network in Kazakhstan, establish new routes to Russia, Asia and the Middle East.
Boeing, Avolon Announce Commitment for 787 Dreamliners, Additional 737 MAXsLeasing company adds Dreamliner to portfolio with six 787-9s 737 MAX order book to increase to 20 airplanes FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Avolon announced the leasing company’s commitment for six 787-9 Dreamliners and five additional 737 MAX 9 airplanes, valued at more than $2 billion at current list prices. This commitment marks Avolon’s first order for the efficient 787 Dreamliner and will increase the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 20 airplanes. When finalized, the order will be posted on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website. “Our investment strategy is focused on building a portfolio of young, modern and fuel-efficient commercial aircraft. This order for six Boeing 787-9 aircraft, when combined with our ongoing sale and leaseback investments in the 787 family, reflects our commitment to our customers to have a product offering built around the latest and most technically advanced aircraft available in the market,” said Domhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon. “We are also pleased to reconfirm our commitment to purchase five Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The 737 has proven itself a hugely popular aircraft with airlines, investors and financiers worldwide,” said Slattery. “Avolon was one of the first three lessors to order the 737 MAX when we announced our original commitment in July 2012 and we are delighted to increase that commitment now, reflecting our confidence in the asset and our customers’ need to operate the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.” “We are thrilled that Avolon is committing to order the 787-9 Dreamliner and additional 737 MAXs,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “This addition to its portfolio reflects Avolon’s important role in the leasing industry and the market popularity of both the Dreamliner and 737 MAX.” The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second member of the super-efficient 787 family. Both the 787-8 and 787-9 bring the economics of large jets to the middle of the market, with 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes and passenger-pleasing features. At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 extends the family in capacity and range, flying more passengers and more cargo farther. The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The largest in the 737 MAX family, the 737 MAX 9 offers the best fuel-efficiency per seat and will be 7 percent per trip less expensive to operate than its competitor, the A321neo.
July 15, 2014
Leasing company adds Dreamliner to portfolio with six 787-9s
737 MAX order book to increase to 20 airplanes
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Avolon announced the leasing company’s commitment for six 787-9 Dreamliners and five additional 737 MAX 9 airplanes, valued at more than $2 billion at current list prices.
This commitment marks Avolon’s first order for the efficient 787 Dreamliner and will increase the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 20 airplanes. When finalized, the order will be posted on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.
“Our investment strategy is focused on building a portfolio of young, modern and fuel-efficient commercial aircraft. This order for six Boeing 787-9 aircraft, when combined with our ongoing sale and leaseback investments in the 787 family, reflects our commitment to our customers to have a product offering built around the latest and most technically advanced aircraft available in the market,” said Domhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon.
“We are also pleased to reconfirm our commitment to purchase five Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The 737 has proven itself a hugely popular aircraft with airlines, investors and financiers worldwide,” said Slattery. “Avolon was one of the first three lessors to order the 737 MAX when we announced our original commitment in July 2012 and we are delighted to increase that commitment now, reflecting our confidence in the asset and our customers’ need to operate the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.”
“We are thrilled that Avolon is committing to order the 787-9 Dreamliner and additional 737 MAXs,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “This addition to its portfolio reflects Avolon’s important role in the leasing industry and the market popularity of both the Dreamliner and 737 MAX.”
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second member of the super-efficient 787 family. Both the 787-8 and 787-9 bring the economics of large jets to the middle of the market, with 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes and passenger-pleasing features. At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 extends the family in capacity and range, flying more passengers and more cargo farther.
The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The largest in the 737 MAX family, the 737 MAX 9 offers the best fuel-efficiency per seat and will be 7 percent per trip less expensive to operate than its competitor, the A321neo.
Boeing, Okay Airways Announce Order For 737 MAXs, Next-Generation 737s
July 15, 2014
737’s reliability and efficiency supports Okay Airways’ growth
First Chinese airline to fly 737-900ER
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Okay Airways announced an order today for six 737 MAX 8s and four Next-Generation 737-800s, valued at $980 million at current list prices.
Okay Airways, the first privately owned airline in China, also announced it will convert five 737-800s from a previous order into 737-900ERs (Extended Range). With today’s conversion announcement, Okay Airways will be the first airline in China to operate the 737-900ER and has eight of the airplanes on order.
“The 737 is the backbone of our fleet and has fueled our growth with its proven reliability and efficiency,” said Liu Weining, president, Okay Airways. “The addition of the new 737 MAX airplanes will help us explore new regional markets while strengthening our existing domestic routes.”
“We are honored to partner with Okay Airways once again, as the airline continues to modernize its fleet with Boeing’s 737 airplane family,” said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The combination of Next-Generation 737-800s and 737 MAX 8 airplanes is a perfect fit for Okay Airways and will provide its fleet with market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort for many years to come.”
Okay Airways is headquartered in Beijing with its main hub at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Its jetliner fleet includes 12 Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737-300 Freighter, which serves 40 domestic destinations.
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX 8 is 2.2 meters longer, providing customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the A320neo in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo. The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history.
The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The 737-900ER complements the 737-800s that many Next-Generation 737 customers already have in their fleets by providing 31 additional seats for more incremental revenue opportunity.
VivaAerobus selects Rockwell Collins’ advanced avionics for 52 new Airbus aircraft
July 15, 2014
FARNBOROUGH, England (July 14, 2014) – Rockwell Collins today announced that Mexico-based VivaAerobus has selected a comprehensive Rockwell Collins avionics package, including its MultiScan ThreatTrack™ weather radar and GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR), for 52 new Airbus A320 aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2015.
“VivaAerobus pilots will operate with the most advanced technology for avoiding damaging weather threats and be better equipped to precisely navigate challenging approaches,” said Alan Prowse, vice president and managing director, the Americas for Rockwell Collins. “The airline also is well-positioned for any future airspace mandates that may emerge in Latin America.”
MultiScan ThreatTrack goes beyond hail and lighting prediction within a thunderstorm and alerts pilots to these significant threats adjacent to or above the cell. In addition, the new radar is the first in the industry to feature two levels of turbulence detection – severe and ride-quality – which more accurately informs flight crews of the type of turbulence in their path.
Rockwell Collins’ MMR, the first ever GPS Landing System receiver, enables airlines to take advantage of evolving Required Navigation Performance (RNP)/Area Navigation (RNAV) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities. Other Rockwell Collins avionics systems selected by VivaAerobus include the ADF-900 Automatic Direct Finder, DME-2100 Distance Measuring Equipment, VHF-2100 Transceiver and VOR-900 Omnidirectional Radio.
“We are very pleased to partner with Rockwell Collins, whose technology, without a doubt, provides advanced operational experience to our pilots and a smooth and safe flight experience to our customers, which enhances our operations while reducing costs,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, VivaAerobus CEO. “Rockwell Collins has provided, through its many years of experience, a reliable service; we look forward to working closely with this key aviation supplier”.
Monarch Airlines Selects Boeing as Preferred Bidder for Fleet Replacement
July 15, 2014
Commitment for 30 737 MAX 8s marks fleet transition for U.K.-based carrier to Boeing airplanes
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Monarch Airlines today announced that the two companies are finalizing terms and working towards a Purchase Agreement for 30 737 MAX 8s, marking the start of a fleet transition for Monarch to Boeing single-aisle airplanes.
The order, valued at $3.1 billion at current list prices, will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website when finalized.
“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in an exhaustive three year evaluation process, and a key part of The Monarch Group’s transformation and renewal,” said Iain Rawlinson, Executive Chairman, The Monarch Group. “Boeing truly understood our business and put together a complete package that fits extremely well with our ambitions for the Group. With this announcement, we begin another chapter in our long and fruitful relationship with Boeing, something which now stretches over 40 years.”
“Having reviewed all of the options in the marketplace, we concluded that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft that best fits our future route network strategy, enabling us to tightly control our unit costs whilst offering a superior service to our customers,” said Andrew Swaffield, Managing Director, Monarch Airlines.
“We are delighted that Monarch intends to structure its future fleet around the 737 MAX,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “We look forward to finalizing the order and can’t wait to see the Monarch livery on 737s once again. Today is a proud moment for everyone at Boeing, as we welcome back a prestigious U.K. operator. We are confident that the 737 MAX will play a significant role in Monarch’s continued success.”
The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
The 737 MAX 8 provides customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the competition in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo. In addition to lower fuel use, the 737 MAX reduces the operational noise footprint by 40 percent compared to today’s airplane.
Headquartered at London Luton Airport, but also operating from five other U.K. bases, Monarch predominantly serves holiday destinations around the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands as well as European ski resorts. Founded in 1968, the British carrier’s passenger numbers reached nearly 7 million in 2013, a record for the airline, with a fleet made up of more than 40 airplanes.
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