The Air France-KLM Group has finalized a firm contract for 25 A350-900 aircraft and for a further 25 options. These aircraft will become an essential element in the Group’s future fleet strategy.

The Air France-KLM Group has finalized a firm contract for 25 A350-900 aircraft and for a further 25 options. These aircraft will become an essential element in the Group’s future fleet strategy.

“This order of new-generation, high performance aircraft reflects the importance of our investments for the benefit of our customers, whose comfort is at the heart of our concerns. With the A350, Air France-KLM will continue to operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, and ensure the growth of its long-haul activity, while achieving significant cost savings.” said Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of the Air France-KLM Group as of first of July 2013.

Peter Hartman, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLM, said: “Our order for this new aircraft type opens a new chapter for the Group. This aircraft introduces major environmental advances and will contribute to our ambitious targets for noise and carbon reduction.“

“We are honoured that our all new, extra efficient A350-900, which has just recently flown on its maiden flight, will become an essential cornerstone in the future fleet development of Air France-KLM,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. “The A350 XWB’s unbeatable economics and environmental credentials will pay nice dividends into the future positioning of the airline, while the aircraft’s commonality with the groups existing Airbus fleet will generate further efficiencies and savings.”

The Air France-KLM Group currently operates a fleet of just over 190 Airbus aircraft, comprising eight A380s, 31 A330s, 13 A340s, 25 A321s, 54 A320s, 41 A319s and 18 A318s. With this new order Air France-KLM joins an exclusive group of airlines who are customers for every member of the Airbus product family.

The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in spacious three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. By the end of May, the A350 XWB has already won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.

ALC Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Boeing has announced at the Paris Air Show a memorandum of understanding with Air Lease Corporation (ALC) to purchase 33 airplanes. The Los Angeles-based leasing company has committed to order three 787-9 and 30 787-10X Dreamliners.

Boeing looks forward to working with ALC to finalize the details of the agreement, at which time the airplanes will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website as a firm order.

“We are thrilled to announce our commitment for 787-10Xs and additional 787-9s,” said ALC Chairman and CEO Steven F. Udvar-Hazy. “Both of these airplanes possess the characteristics our airline customers desire by providing the ideal size, capabilities and economical operating costs for their medium to long-haul markets. We believe the performance characteristics of the 787-10X will build on the 787 family’s success in the marketplace.”

ALC expects to begin taking 787-10X deliveries in 2019.

The 787-10X would be the third version of the popular 787 family, with a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) and seating for 300-330 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. The second member of the family, the 787-9, is in final assembly in Everett, Wash., and set to make its first flight later this year.

“ALC has taken a disciplined approach to building a portfolio that offers its airline customers the most fuel-efficient and desirable airplanes on the market today and in the years to come,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The ALC leadership team has an excellent record of placing Boeing airplanes with airlines worldwide. They are an ideal partner to help establish the 787-10X in the leasing market.”

Once the order is finalized, these 787-10Xs and 787-9s will add to the more than 180 airplanes that ALC already has on order including Next-Generation 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s and 9s, 777-300ERs and 787-9s. It also will mark more than 1,000 Boeing airplanes that Mr. Udvar-Hazy and his management team have ordered over the past 35 years.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is an aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California, that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline partners worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. For more information, visit ALC’s website at www.airleasecorp.com.

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

United Airlines has increased its 787 Dreamliner order to 65 aircraft (including six previously delivered aircraft) with an order for 20 787-10s.

United is the North American launch customer for the 787-10 and it expects delivery of its first aircraft in 2018. United ordered 10 incremental 787-10 aircraft and will convert 10 existing 787s on order to 787-10s, enabling the airline to further modernize its international widebody fleet by replacing older, less efficient aircraft. The advanced technology and composite construction of the 787 reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions, while providing a superior customer experience.

Expanding the 787 Dreamliner fleet

United is currently the only U.S. airline to operate the 787. United has six new 787-8 aircraft in service and had previous orders for an additional 49 Dreamliners consisting of both the -8 and -9 variants. The 787-10 is a stretched version of the 787-9 and will offer the lowest fuel burn per seat of any aircraft in its size category. The 787 offers up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than similarly sized aircraft, due in part to the more than 50 percent composite makeup of its structure. The 787 also boasts an enhanced inflight experience including larger windows, larger overhead bins and lower cabin altitude with enhanced ventilation systems that reduce the effects of jet lag.

Fleet modernization

“Advanced technology aircraft like the 787-10 are key to United’s future, enabling us to fly fuel-efficient, customer-pleasing aircraft that are the right size for many long-haul markets in our unparalleled network,” said Jeff Smisek, United’s chairman, president and CEO. “At United, we continue to modernize our fleet to operate our airline more efficiently, while improving the flight experience for our customers and work environment for our co-workers.”

“United and Boeing share a rich history together and we are delighted United has chosen the 787-10 for its future fleet,” said Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO. “This commitment builds on our long-standing partnership with United. We have partnered on several new airplanes together including the 727, 737, 767 and 777.”

The 787-10 order is the latest in United’s commitment to improve the efficiency of its fleet. In July of last year, United announced a narrowbody order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and 50 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. In addition, United has an order for 25 Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline is also modernizing its United Express fleet by adding 70 76-seat Embraer aircraft that will be operated by United Express regional partners.

United Airlines Boeing 787 at Seattle (photo courtesy of United)

A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Denver to Tokyo yesterday diverted to Seattle-Tacoma Airport due to a mechanical issue.

According to reports, the plane developed a problem with one of the engine’s oil filters.

‘United Airlines flight 139 landed safely at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 5 p.m. mountain time. The nonstop flight from Denver International Airport to Narita International Airport took off at 1:19 p.m.’

There were no injuries reported. Passengers were put on other flights to Tokyo.

The emergency landing comes just one week after the launch of the direct route from Denver to Tokyo. The launch date was for the much-heralded flight was pushed back twice due to problems with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was plagued with problems and was grounded for several weeks while Boeing sought a solution to its battery problems.

Source

Airnation.net Plane Spotting

All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 at Toyama…

EasyJet

After a thorough technical evaluation, easyJet has earmarked the Airbus A320neo for its future fleet requirements.

Based on the company’s growth forecasts, the A320 was selected for offering the best productivity, lowest operating cost and best fuel efficiency of any single aisle aircraft in the 180 seat sector. Currently easyJet operates a fleet largely based on the smaller A319 seating 156 passengers.

Subject to shareholder approval, easyJet has identified a future need for 100 A320neo aircraft. These will be preceded by 35 A320ceo aircraft equipped with Sharklets. Of the 135 aircraft, 85 will be for replacement.

“The NEO is without doubt the most productive and fuel efficient aircraft around. It has the widest and tallest cabin of any single aisle aircraft for faster turnaround operations and better passenger comfort. We are delighted our reliable aircraft have met easyJet’s demanding criteria,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer-Customers.

This order will sustain nearly 2,500 jobs as well as some 7,500 in the extended supply chain in the UK.

easyJet operates one of Europe’s most extensive route networks, and is the UK’s largest airline carrying 55 million passenger a year. easyJet is also the largest A320 Family customer and operator in Europe.

Korean Air Boeing 747-8 and 777-300ER

Boeing and Korean Air today announced that the airline has agreed to purchase five 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes and six 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, valued at approximately $3.6 billion at current list prices. Boeing will work with Korean Air to finalize the order, at which time the order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

“Korean Air is a valued Boeing customer and their commitment to add more Boeing twin-aisle airplanes to their fleet demonstrates our strong partnership,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Korean Air has steadily built its reputation as an early adopter of new technology and innovation and Boeing airplanes have played an instrumental role in that strategy.”

Korean Air is the only airline in the world to order both the passenger and freighter variations of the 747-8. When today’s order is finalized, Korea’s flag carrier will have 10 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes on order. The airline has taken delivery of three of its seven 747-8 Freighters on order.

Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 90 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. In February 2012, Korean Air became the first airline in the world to operate both the 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

“Boeing shares a unique relationship with Korean Air—both as a customer and a supplier for Boeing,” said Conner. “Our partnership is built upon trust and is multifaceted, which brings us closer on many levels.”

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.

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

Boeing announced today at the 2013 Paris Air Show that it has launched the 787-10 Dreamliner, the third member of the super-efficient 787 family.

Commitments for 102 airplanes from five customers across Europe, Asia and North America provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the newest Dreamliner.

Customer launch commitments for the 787-10 include Air Lease Corporation, with 30 airplanes; GE Capital Aviation Services, with 10; International Airlines Group / British Airways, with 12 subject to shareholder approval; Singapore Airlines, with 30 and United Airlines, with 20 airplanes.

The new 787-10 will fly up to 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) — covering more than 90 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes — with seating for 300-330 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. The second member of the family, the 787-9, is in final assembly in Everett, Wash., and is set to make its first flight later this year.

“The 787-10 Dreamliner will be the most-efficient jetliner in history. The airplane’s operating economics are unmatched and it has all the incredible passenger-pleasing features that set the 787 family apart as truly special,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The 787-10 is 25 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything being offered by the competition for the future.”"The 787-10 Dreamliner will be the most-efficient jetliner in history. The airplane’s operating economics are unmatched and it has all the incredible passenger-pleasing features that set the 787 family apart as truly special,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The 787-10 is 25 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything being offered by the competition for the future.”

Design of the 787-10 has already started at Boeing, and international partners will be involved in detailed design in the months ahead. Final assembly and flight test of the 787-10 are set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2018.

“Our ongoing investment in the 787 family is well-founded,” said Conner. “With the 787-10, we’ve designed an exceptional airplane supported by an efficient and integrated production system that can meet increasing demands and create new opportunities for us. Our team and our customers are excited about growing the product line and expanding our presence with this family of airplanes.”

The 787 family’s unique interior offers passengers technologies that make their flights more enjoyable, including large, dimmable windows; cleaner air; higher humidity; lower cabin altitude; bigger stowage bins; soothing LED lighting and a smoother ride. The 787-10 will share a common type rating not only with the 787-8 and 787-9 but also with the popular Boeing 777, giving airlines additional flexibility in scheduling and training flight crews.

Lufthansa A320

The Lufthansa Group has firmed up a previous Supervisory Board decision from March this year and signed for 100 A320 Family aircraft (35 A320neo, 35 A321neo and 30 A320ceo with Sharklets) at the Paris International Airshow in Le Bourget, France.

The Lufthansa Group has been operating the A320 Family since October 1989. They were the launching customer for the A321 and belonged to the first operators of the A319 and A320. The new order confirms Lufthansa’s leading position as the largest Airbus airline customer and operator in Europe, increasing its order for the A320 type to 299. Over 150 of these aircraft have already been delivered.

“These modern and fuel-efficient aircraft will meet the future growth and fleet renewal needs of the Lufthansa Group airlines. By purchasing these aircraft, we will be able in the long term to offer customers a comfortable and modern product in the highly competitive environment. In addition, these aircraft are contributing significantly to reduce noise and emissions wherever we fly our aircraft to”, said Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management.

“Lufthansa is a loyal customer, and has been operating our aircraft for almost 40 years. We are extremely pleased to receive this repeat order and thank our prestigious customer for their continuing strong commitment to our eco-efficient products. The A320 Family represents the highest level of operational performance while also offering Lufthansa passengers superior level of comfort and services,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Air New Zealand A320 with Sharklets

Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first A320 equipped with fuel saving wing tip devices, or Sharklets, at a ceremony during the 50th Le Bourget Paris airshow. The aircraft was officially handed over to the airline’s Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer David Morgan.

Airbus launched the Sharklet during the November 2009 Dubai air show, and Air New Zealand was the first to commit to the fuel saving devices.

Captain David Morgan says, “The A320 is at the core of Air New Zealand’s domestic fleet and the airline is committed to moving all domestic flying to this aircraft type to reap the efficiency gains it offers.”

We are delighted that the launch customer for our Sharklet, Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first A320 equipped with these fuel saving wing tip devices. The Sharklets deliver a fuel burn reduction of up to four percent and will help Air New Zealand become even more efficient in one of the world’s most competitive markets.” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

Air New Zealand will take delivery of a total of 10 Sharklet equipped A320s.

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. The new wing tip devices measure 2.4 metres tall, replacing the A320’s current wing tip fence. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.

So far over 70 Sharklet aircraft have been delivered to over 20 customers. In total some 44 customers have ordered aircraft equipped with Sharklets.