Arajet gets ready to celebrate its 1st birthday with a special 7 3 7 fares....

Arajet, the leading low-price airline of the Caribbean, is commemorating its first year of operations on September 15th with the launch of an anniversary campaign in partnership with Boeing that will allow passengers to purchase tickets at a special offer of only $ 7.37 per segment (taxes or fees not included).

This special limited-time offer will be available for flights to Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Saint Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba, Jamaica, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic by segment. For travel to Brazil, prices will start at US$73.70 each way.

On September 15 Arajet will celebrate this milestone at its Dominican Republican headquarters with music, gifts and special surprises for attendees. Details of the event will be disclosed in the following days.

Over the course of Arajet’s first year of operations, the Dominican airline offered customers the opportunity to fly to 22 destinations in 15 countries, with more than 150 combinations of connections from all its destinations. New routes are to follow soon from Santo Domingo to Sao Paulo, Toronto, Santiago de Chile, Montreal, and Buenos Aires, along with another route from Santiago de los Caballeros to Bogotá that will also connect with Arajet’s other routes.

This first-year anniversary offer will be available from September 7 to September 30, and is valid for flights from October 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, with the exception of dates from December 14, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Turkish Airlines signs lease deal for 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Yesterday the Chinese Development Banks aircraft leasing subsidiary CDB Leasing confirmed the signing of lease agreements for a series of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Turkish Airlines for its  AnadoluJet subsidiary. 

All six aircraft are part of the lessor's existing orderbook with Boeing. They will be powered by CFM International Leap-1B engines and built with the AnadolouJet-specific configuration, which is a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. Deliveries are set to take place in 2024 and 2025.

“We’re delighted to have signed these new lease agreements with our valued customer, Turkish Airlines, for the financing of the upcoming six 737 MAX aircraft deliveries from our orderbook,” stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “Turkish has become a leader among airlines in undertaking sustainability-focused initiatives to modernize every stage of their flight and ground operations. These highly efficient aircraft will bring Turkish closer to achieving their ambitious sustainability goals by lessening the environmental footprint of their mainline and subsidiary carrier’s flight operations.”

Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines Chief Investment and Technology Officer, commented: “We are proud to collaborate with partners like CDB Aviation in our pursuit of excellence. Adding these aircraft to the AnadoluJet fleet will contribute significantly to our goals and allow us to present remarkable travel experiences to our passengers."

Akasa Air signs up for 4 more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets....

India's newest airline increases 737 order book to 76 jets

The growth strategy continues at pace.

Boeing and Akasa Air announced an order for four additional 737 MAX 8 jets at the Paris Air Show. 

Fledgling carrier, Akasa Air, launched operations in 2022 with its first 737 MAX 8 and has rapidly grown its market share and fleet to 19 aeroplanes across 16 destinations to support the fast-growing market in India.

With the order of four additional aircraft, the Indian carrier's order book comprises 76 jets, which include 23 737 MAX 8s and 53 high-capacity 737 MAX 8-200 aeroplanes.

"As the world's fastest-growing airline, we are excited to add four more Boeing 737 aeroplanes into our fleet, taking our initial order of 72 aircraft up to 76 jets which will be delivered over the next four years. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, these aeroplanes allow us to take full advantage of the category-leading 737 aircraft with its unparalleled range, as we prepare our foray into international routes," said Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air. "The fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions of the 737-8 allows us to remain focused on sustainable operations, while also providing our environmentally conscious passengers with a more comfortable way to fly. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we strive for more opportunities to reduce our impact to the environment."

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: "This follow-on order by Akasa demonstrates the market-leading capabilities of the 737 MAX in the world's fastest-growing commercial aviation market. The efficiency and range of the 737 MAX 8 support Akasa Air's plan to expand domestic and regional networks."

The 737 MAX family provides Akasa Air with greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions 20% compared to older-generation airplanes. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter aeroplane with a 50% smaller noise footprint.

Air101: Leasing giant Avolon delivered five Boeing 737 MAX jets to Akasa Air

Air101: Akasa Air shows off first new 737 MAX jet

Air101: Akasa Air orders 72 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

European launch customer Boeing's 737 MAX 7 is Luxair with deal for 4 aircraft.

Luxair has chosen to be the European launch customer for Boeing's 737 MAX 7 jet as the small carrier places an order for four of the jets.  

Since March 2023, Luxair has placed orders for four 737 MAX 8 aircraft so with this new order the carrier has commitments for 8 aircraft.  Luxair will also initially lease two used 737- MAX 8s, due this summer, before taking direct delivery of its first 737 MAX 8.                                                                  

Gilles Feith, Luxair's CEO said:  "We continue to invest in Luxair's growth and this agreement for four Boeing 737-7 is an extra step towards securing a long-term future for our national airline. This type of aircraft is a perfect match for Luxair and will meet the requirements of the market. Seating 160 passengers, the 737-7 will offer flexibility across the Luxair destination network while significantly reducing fuel consumption. This will help us get even closer to our commitment to sustainable flights while demonstrating once again our support to the promise of "Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050" submitted by IATA," 

Brad McMullen, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stated "We are delighted that Luxair has chosen to build upon its 737-8 order by selecting the 737-7 and in doing so becoming the launch customer in Europe for the aeroplane type,

The 737-7 is perfectly suited across Luxair's network, seamlessly integrating in to its existing fleet and adding capacity on to regional routes. By selecting the 737-7 Luxair will operate a common fleet allowing it to move aircraft around the network-based, increasing and dropping capacity based on seasonality and demand, ensuring maximum profitability flying all year round."

Since its founding in 1961, Luxair has always aimed to be a key player in the economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as well as the surrounding area. The firm has grown to offer fast air service to most of Europe’s largest cities, business centres and international hubs. The airline strives for Safe and Clean travelling and prides itself upon providing maximum flexibility to its business clients and quality travel to its leisure customers.

Luxair offers a wide range of package deals and thematic holidays through its tour operating division. Products are tailored to suit a great variety of vacation desires and all budgets, always in line with the highest quality and safety standards.

As the unique airport service provider at Luxembourg Airport, Luxair takes care of passenger assistance and all the tasks and duties relating to fast and efficient servicing of arriving and departing. Luxair’s Catering division is responsible for preparing inflight meals and loading them in the best fresh conditions.

The airline also has an air freight division which handles every kind of merchandise with ease and efficiency and is considered one of the largest freight distribution centres in Europe.

Air101: New food items on Luxair flights.....

Air101: Luxair to grow single-aisle fleet with Boeing 737 MAX planes

Air101: Luxair launches only direct London to Antwerp service

Big orders from leasing giant Avolon at Paris Air Show....

Avolon orders 40 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

Converts 50 A320neos on order to larger A321neo model

Signs up for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. 

At the Paris Air Show on Wednesday, the international aircraft leasing giant Avolon has ordered 60 aircraft and converted a previous order to a larger type of plane. 

The firm has placed a firm order with Boeing for 40  737 MAX aeroplanes, the first order from the company since 2017. However, this isn't a completely new order, it was previously listed as unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website with the announcement deliberately delayed to the air show to boost Boeing's publicity coverage at the show. 

Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon said: "Today's announcement reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our support for their 737 MAX program. We are confident in the long-term demand from our customers for the 737 MAX, and this order extends our delivery pipeline out to 2030," 

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said: "This order demonstrates the popularity of the 737-8 among the leasing community and the demand they are seeing from their customers for this aeroplane model. Avolon has a long-standing relationship with the 737 MAX program and took delivery of the 1,000th 737 MAX last year. We look forward to building on this strong relationship with a key leasing partner as they grow their Boeing portfolio of aeroplanes."

Avolon has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus at the Paris Air Show to order 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. These new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2026 and 2028.

Avolon was a launch customer for the A330neo programme in 2014 and has fully placed its current widebody order book.  This agreement will also see 50 A320neo aircraft Avolon has on order with Airbus converted to the larger A321neo model as passenger demand has recently rapidily 

Andy Cronin commented:  “We have been a strong supporter of the A330neo programme since its launch and, with our existing widebody orderbook fully placed, we are now locking in future growth in a supply-constrained environment. Our expanded delivery pipeline allows us to offer our customers the A330neo’s range and reduced emissions, supporting their evolving fleet needs. Our recent aircraft orders and commitments reflect our confidence in the long-term growth trajectory of the aviation sector, which is outlined in our recent World Fleet Forecast projecting that the global passenger fleet will almost double by 2042.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus said: "It’s fantastic to see Avolon once again commit additional investment in the A330neo aircraft and lead the lessor market reordering widebody aircraft. Avolon’s vision and timing could not be better with this commitment for a further 20 aircraft to its portfolio. Avolon will benefit from the strong wave of growth and replacements that we currently observe across all markets."

Second big order from Air India announced that Paris Air Show....up to 290 Boeing jets...

Air India has confirmed its second large order at The Paris Air Show, by finalising a deal with Boeing' for up to 290 jets.

Boeing and Air India held a signing ceremony at the air show on Tuesday cementing the deal, which includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets plus options for 50 more  737 MAXs and 20 more 787 Dreamliners.  

A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia's rapidly growing aviation market. Over the next 20 years, South Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 aeroplanes to meet passenger demand.

Airbus expects India will need 2,210 new aircraft over the next 20 years while Boeing believes the nation will need more aircraft than that and the recent orders by IndiGo and Air India would certainly seem to indicate the demand is great. Whilst confidence is great, there are one of two in the aviation world that are predicting a less-than-rosy future. Potential trouble could include another pandemic, changes in Indian regulation that would require new aircraft to be built wholly in the country, and corruption. 

Mega order for 737 MAX jets from Ryanair........up to 300 aircraft

The Irish low-fare airline Ryanair has made its largest Boeing order with up to 300 jets to help it dominate the European travel market.

The deal includes a firm order for 150 737-MAX 10 jets and options for 150 more aircraft. When finalized, and subject to all options being exercised, this deal is valued at over $40bn at current list prices and is the largest order ever placed by an Irish Company for US manufactured goods.

Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-MAX 8 -200 aeroplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-MAX 8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the older 737s they are replacing and reduces the space allotted to customers.  The new order adds the larger 737- MAX 10 variant, which with give the airline 228 seats to fill on each flight.  

The bombastic Ryanair Group CEO Michael  O’Leary said: "Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX-10s with our aircraft partner Boeing.  These new, fuel-efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs."

According to the airline, this order will help it create 10,000 new jobs which will be located across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair operates and is either the No.1 or No.2 airline.

"The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people," said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. "Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct aeroplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals."

Given the size and scale of the transaction, it will be subject to shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting on September 14th. 

flydubai's new “Business Suite”......

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has unveiled its latest premium business class seat, offering passengers added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.

The Business Suite, designed exclusively for single-aisle aircraft, is the latest evolution in flydubai’s Business Class offering which will see 10 suites introduced to a number of the carrier’s newest 737 aircraft before the end of 2023. The new seat will offer all passengers in Business Class direct aisle access, which rivals the Business Class experience onboard many wide-body aircraft.

flydubai is the launch customer for this brand-new seat. Close collaboration with Safran Seats, one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, and JPA Design, a multinational design company operating in the transportation, interiors, and product design arenas, has resulted in a uniquely flydubai and best-in-class Business Class seating product.

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The Business Suite: the first aircraft featuring the new Business Suite is expected to join the flydubai fleet in November. The new premium Business Class experience will be available on up to six aircraft by the first quarter of 2024 and will be scheduled on select longer flights around the flydubai network. The Business Suite features:

Privacy and added comfort: from a fully-closed suite experience to a more traditional open-plan seat for greater social interaction, passengers will be able to choose their own level of privacy based on their mood.

Discreet and thoughtful stowage solutions: will keep a passenger’s personal items readily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free living space.

Ambient lighting: has been set into the shell of the seat. It’s also been incorporated under the ottoman and inside personal stowage areas, so the entire suite has a relaxing ambience.

Entertainment: Bluetooth allows the use of personal headphones with a 17-inch 4K built-in touchscreen for an immersive viewing experience, with hours of blockbuster movies and popular TV shows to enjoy.

Dining: a selection of delicious meals, snacks and complimentary hot and cold beverages are available to passengers in Business Class. Hot meals from an internationally inspired menu are offered on flights over 90 minutes and lighter cold meals on shorter flights.

Leasing giant Avolon to order 40 Boeing 737 MAX jets

The international aircraft leasing company giant Avolon has announced a commitment to order 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with delivery scheduled to be between 2027 and 2030, despite more production line issues and problems. 

Avolon delivered the first 737 MAX in 2017, along with the one thousandth 737 MAX earlier this year and this will increase the overall size of Avolon’s owned, managed and committed fleet to 870 aircraft.

Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, commented: "This commitment with Boeing underlines our confidence in the positive momentum in the aviation market, and increases our portfolio of young, modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. With strong demand for our new technology order book, and delivery slots at a premium, it strengthens and extends our delivery profile with Boeing. This commitment will also support our airline customers who are looking to plan beyond the robust post-Covid traffic recovery and prepare for future growth, while also reducing their carbon emissions."

The transaction is subject only to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., Avolon’s 70% shareholder, which is anticipated before the end of May. The actual cost of the deal has not been disclosed, however, as usual, with large multi-aircraft orders to existing customers, discounts of 20-30% on list prices are not unusual.  

Boeing recently announced that a supplier had revealed that the installation of fittings at the rear of 737 MAX jets did not follow the standard and warned there could be delays.  Whilst Boeing assured the issue was not an "immediate safety of flight issue" many have doubted the sincerity of the words, recalling previous Boeing statements about the risks of other issues encompassing the safety of the 737 MAX. 

The jets have been beset with problems and issues since the two crashes that led to a year-long grounding of the type. In-flight issues surrounding the horizontal stabiliser, autopilot, and engines have all caused concern. Some airlines indicate privately that the savings promised by the manufacturer have not yet been seen in 'real-world' operational use and are clouding the future.  

Icelandair to move away from Boeing to Airbus......

Icelandair is turning away from Boeing as it signs up for 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace its ageing Boeing 757 fleet and long-term plans will see the carrier slowly transition away from Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The deal the Icelandic carrier has signed with Airbus also has options for a further 12 aircraft and the planes are scheduled to start arriving in 2029.  However,  Icelandair is currently in negotiations for leasing four Airbus A321LR to arrive in 2025.   Further additions can be expected in the years thereafter. With the acquisition of the Airbus aircraft, Icelandair will complete the replacement of the Boeing 757.

The agreed purchase price of the 13 aircraft is confidential, however, is understood to be 20% less than the current list prices. Whilst the financing of the aircraft is yet to be determined, Icelandair will explore financing options closer to the delivery dates which is expected to include a sale and lease back deal with two aircraft leasing firms. 

The A321XLR and A321LR aircraft are part of the Airbus A320neo Family of narrow-body aircraft that provide an excellent range, fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The implementation of the aircraft will reduce operating costs, further support Icelandair’s sustainability targets and offer exceptional customer experience through the aircraft design and unique features. The aircraft has around 190 seats in Icelandair’s layout. In comparison, the Boeing 757-200 aircraft has 183, whereas the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9 have a passenger capacity of 160 and 178, respectively.

Bonza welcomes Bazza.....

A couple of days ago in Marcoola, Queensland a Bonza bird named Bazza landed for the first time!

Photo Sunshine Coast Airport

The Sunshine Coast Airport welcomed the arrival of Bazza, the second aircraft in the colours of the new budget airline Bonza of Australia. CEO Andrew Brodie welcomed the arrival saying it was a step closer to the first flights from the airport for the fledging airline, “Our partnership with Bonza will benefit the wider region, the State and community by connecting more people to more places, bringing them closer to the moments that matter most” 

Travelling from Nadi, the Boeing 737 MAX jet aircraft, registration VH-UIK, arrived at Sunshine Coast Airport at 9:20am on 29th October and will help the carrier start flying operations. Bonza is scheduled to fly to 13 destinations initially, with more added to the timetable next year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bazza to Bonza’s backyard – Sunshine Coast Airport. He will join Shazza as the second aircraft in our fleet. We thank Sunshine Coast Airport for their ongoing support as a true extension to the Bonza team of legends,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

The airline has also registered a third Boeing 737 MAX in the last week or so and the aircraft is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.

Photo Sunshine Coast Airport

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Air101: Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners orders more Boeing 737 MAX jets

Air101: Bonza becomes first Australian airline to take delivery of the new 737 MAX

Alaska Airlines firms up options for 52 Boeing MAX jets

Alaska Airlines announced this week it is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027—growing the airline’s confirmed 737 MAX fleet from 94 to 146. Alaska also secured rights for 105 more planes through 2030, ensuring access to sufficient aircraft for fleet replacement and growth. This agreement represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline’s history.

"This investment secures aircraft to optimize our growth through the next decade, which we know will be a formidable competitive advantage," said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “We’re proud of the strong financial foundation that uniquely positions Alaska to make this commitment to our future, and of the fantastic partnership we share with our hometown aircraft manufacturer at Boeing.”

Already operating a fleet of 35 737-MAX 9 aircraft, the airline expects to take delivery of another 43 MAX aircraft between now and the end of 2023—at which point it will once again operate a mainline fleet solely of Boeing aircraft. Alaska Air says the performance of the 737- MAX 9 has exceeded its expectations on economics and fuel efficiency.

This order positions Alaska’s fleet as one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and profitable fleets in the industry. The order includes MAX 8s, 9s and 10s enabling Alaska to optimally match aircraft size and capability with market characteristics. 

“As Alaska Airlines sustainably grows its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility to expand service across its route network,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Built in our Renton factory near Alaska’s headquarters in Washington state, these airplanes will carry passengers to destinations for years to come.”

Alaska Airlines announced today it is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027

Alaska Airlines announced today it is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027—growing the airline’s confirmed 737 MAX fleet from 94 to 146. Alaska also secured rights for 105 more planes through 2030, ensuring access to sufficient aircraft for fleet replacement and growth. This agreement represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline’s history.

"This investment secures aircraft to optimize our growth through the next decade, which we know will be a formidable competitive advantage," said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “We’re proud of the strong financial foundation that uniquely positions Alaska to make this commitment to our future, and of the fantastic partnership we share with our hometown aircraft manufacturer at Boeing.”

Already operating a fleet of 35 737-MAX 9 aircraft, the airline expects to take delivery of another 43 MAX aircraft between now and the end of 2023—at which point it will once again operate a mainline fleet solely of Boeing aircraft. Alaska Air says the performance of the 737- MAX 9 has exceeded its expectations on economics and fuel efficiency.

This order positions Alaska’s fleet as one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and profitable fleets in the industry. The order includes MAX 8s, 9s and 10s enabling Alaska to optimally match aircraft size and capability with market characteristics. 

“As Alaska Airlines sustainably grows its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility to expand service across its route network,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Built in our Renton factory near Alaska’s headquarters in Washington state, these airplanes will carry passengers to destinations for years to come.”

American pilots union opposes equipment exemption for Boeing 737-7 MAX and 737-10 MAX aircraft

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, expressed its strong opposition to any extension of the equipment exemption for the Boeing 737-7 MAX and Boeing 737-10 MAX, which is scheduled to expire in December. 

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. 

“Boeing needs to proceed with installing modern crew alerting systems on these aircraft to mitigate pilot startle-effect and confusion during complex, compound system malfunctions,” said APA President Capt. Edward Sicher. “Once these systems are installed and pilots have been properly trained on them, our crews will be better able to identify system failures and prioritize corrective actions that could save lives.”

Sicher noted that American Airlines pilots fly more than 300 B-737s for the airline.

“We oppose any extension of the exemption and don’t agree with Boeing’s claim that pilots could become confused when moving from an airplane without the modern alert system to one that is equipped with it. Nothing could be further from our flight deck reality,” Capt. Sicher said. “Consider the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 – they’re substantially different airplanes, yet operate under a single certificate. Pilots have routinely flown both on the same day without any confusion.

“Pilots must have the tools we need to keep our passengers safe. By equipping these aircraft with modern crew alerting systems, Boeing can maintain a strong order book for them, which will in turn protect the jobs of the thousands of hard-working men and women who build the airplanes. Doing so will also help Boeing to continue rebuilding public trust.”

Aviation Capital Group Announce Order for 12 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Aviation Capital Group and Boeing yesterday at the Farnborough International Airshow announced ACG is growing its 737 MAX portfolio with an order for 12 additional 737-8 MAX aircraft. As the travel market recovers, ACG is increasing its 737-8 offering to meet airline demand for modern, fuel-efficient, and sustainable operations. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

“This latest incremental 737 MAX order allows ACG to offer highly fuel-efficient aeroplanes to our airline customers around the world,” said Mahoko Hara, ACG Executive Chair. “These additional 737 MAX aircraft will help position ACG’s order book for a recovery in air traffic coming out of the pandemic.”

Today’s announcement will see ACG expand its 737 MAX order book to 34 aeroplanes, building upon an order for nine 737-8s in May 2022. Boeing is seeing strong market demand for the 737 MAX family, with more than 1,000 gross orders across all models since late 2020.

“The 737 MAX family strengthens ACG’s narrowbody portfolio, providing operators with excellent fuel efficiency and flexibility across different networks,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Topping up with additional 737-8s positions ACG well to respond to growing airline demand. We look forward to more opportunities to expand our relationship to support ACG and their customers.”

The 737-8 is a member of the 737 MAX family, which is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The aeroplane can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the aeroplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, using 20% less fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs.

SmartLynx Airlines increasing fleet to 60 aircraft to cope with growing demand.....................

SmartLynx Airlines provides Aircraft-Crew-Maintenance-Insurance services to help several European airlines deal with a resource crisis caused by the rising passenger numbers, lack of spare parts, and labour shortages. The company currently operates a fleet of 44 aircraft, which is expected to increase to 60 by the end of the summer, making SmartLynx Airlines the operator of the largest aircraft fleet in the Baltic countries.

“The aviation market has experienced great fluctuations in the past three years – from the best year in history in terms of passenger turnover to 2020, when this business almost ceased to exist. Currently, airlines around the world are seeing a huge increase in passenger numbers, struggling to meet the demand. Due to disruptions in supply chains, spare parts for aircraft repairs arrive late, there are labour shortages at both airlines and airports, and fuel prices have increased significantly. At the moment, the biggest problems can be observed at the large airports in the Netherlands and Great Britain, where people have to wait in long queues as the airports are short-handed,” says SmartLynx Airlines CEO Žygimantas Surintas.

In most cases, Aircraft-Crew-Maintenance-Insurance is a short- or medium-term solution so that airlines could ensure the necessary number of flights during the high season. Airlines that have large fleets also use this service when an aircraft has technical problems and a quick solution is needed, which also comes with excellent service. SmartLynx Airlines is currently one of the largest ACMI operators in Europe with a 30% market share, and the largest in Great Britain (69%). The expansion in the British market is due to the fact that, in the wake of Brexit, airlines are short of employees as crews of UK-registered aircraft must have British visas, which is why airlines prefer to lease aircraft with crews.

“Buying new aircraft means enormous investment, and for the purchase to be profitable, the plane needs to be up in the air all year round, carrying cargo or passengers. That is why airlines do not purchase additional aircraft for crisis situations, but rather lease aircraft from other airlines when necessary. ACMI operators, or Aircraft-Crew-Maintenance-Insurance companies, offer airlines an alternative to the financial burden associated with long-term aircraft ownership by providing temporary access to aircraft, crews, maintenance, and insurance," explains SmartLynx Airlines CEO Žygimantas Surintas.

Using the crisis as an opportunity

New lease deal for Icelandair on two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Icelandair has entered into agreements with BOC Aviation (BOCA), regarding long-term operating leases of two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered from Boeing in the fall of 2023. This transaction will bring the total number of 737 MAX in the Icelandair fleet up to 20 aircraft. 

Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair Group: “We are pleased to announce the new agreements with BOCA, a long-lasting business partner. Locking in these aircraft favorable on favorable terms enables the company to expand our fleet of Boeing 737 MAX and supports our future growth plans. The aircraft offer excellent fuel-efficiency from previous generation aircraft which also contribute to our efforts of reducing the carbon emissions from our operations.” 

Icelandair, a shadow of its once-massive travel and hospitality empire is facing much greater competition from homegrown rival Play and the major U.S. airlines and has been struggling financially for some time, but now appears to have turned a corner. During the month of May, it carried a total of 290,524 on international flights, with the number of passengers to Iceland was around 116,000 and from Iceland around 51,000. Via passengers were around 124,000 or 43% of the total number of international passengers. The carrier's load factor on international flights was up to 74%, compared to 35% in May 2021.   

Air Models have a range of aircraft models, including some special 737 MAX models, including this one in the colours of flydubai.  

Other airlines featured include Air China,  Xiamen Air and China Southern 

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Icelandair signs LOI for four additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Icelandair signs LOI for four additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Icelandair has entered into a Letter of Intent for the purchase of four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The aircraft were built in 2018 and are scheduled to be delivered in the fall of 2022. This transaction will bring the total number of 737 MAX in the Icelandair fleet up to 18 aircraft.

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair CEO: “We are pleased to announce a further expansion to our fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on favourable terms. The MAX has proven to be a good fit to our route network and its fuel efficiency contributes positively to our efforts of reducing the carbon emissions from our operations. We have been ramping up our operations, expanding our strong route network that connects Europe and North America via Iceland. This summer we offer direct flights from Iceland to 44 destinations, up to five times a day. This addition to our fleet allows us to further increase our services by adding new destinations and increasing frequency to our current destinations.”

However, according to an Icelandair first officer, 6 pilots have reported issues to maintenance over unusual or unexpected events occurring in the cockpit to flight controls or systems in as many weeks when flying on MAX jets. 

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Akasa Air shows off first new 737 MAX jet

Akasa Air, India’s newest airline that aims to be dependable offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares is getting ready to fly with its first Boeing 737 MAX jet.

Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service will be a key part of the carrier's growth as it seeks to make a big mark on India's commercial aviation industry. 

Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aeroplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. With a fleet of 737 MAX jets, Akasa plans to have the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.

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Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

Air Models have a range of aircraft models, including some special 737 MAX models, including this one in the colours of flydubai.  

Other airlines featured include Air China,  Xiamen Air and China Southern 

Want me in your inbox? Follow here for email updates Air101 here.