Condor gets official certification for commercial flights with its first A330-200 aircraft......

Earlier this week Condor received the official certification for commercial flights with its first A330-200 aircraft, registration D-AIYC. 

As one of four A330-200s, the aircraft is expected to be in service with Condor on a transitional basis for around two years. Starting in autumn 2022, Condor will successively take the brand-new A330neo long-haul aircraft with a three-class product into its operations. The first passenger flight of the Airbus A330-200 now certified with sun-hungry vacationers, particularly many of them from tour operator Alltours, will take off from Düsseldorf to Palma de Mallorca on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

"For Condor, the first passenger flight of the first A330-200 is an important step in preparation for the fleet renewal and towards the future. Over the past weeks, we have been preparing intensively for this day and the deployment of the aircraft, and we are looking forward to welcoming our first guests on board on their flight to Mallorca on Saturday," said Christian Schmitt, COO Condor. "Even though the aircraft will only be in service for the transition as part of the modernization of our fleet for the time being, we will offer our guests economy and business class on these flights, so that their vacation already begins when entering the aircraft."

The Airbus A330-200, with the registration D-AIYCwill initially be deployed on short- and medium-haul routes and is also expected to operate on long-haul routes in summer 2022. Unlike the new Condor A330neo, which will fly in a three-class configuration, the Condor Airbus A330-200 has a two-class configuration with 240 seats in Economy Class and 22 Business Class seats. For all Business Class guests, the A330-200 offers comfortable seats that can be converted into completely flat reclining seats at the touch of a button. All Economy Class seats have a monitor as well as a USB port and power socket at the seat, so guests can charge their mobile devices at any time. The free Wi-Fi inflight entertainment program Condor FlyStream will also soon be available on board the aircraft, to giveguests the option to watchfilms and series conveniently by streaming it with their own mobile device.

In July 2021, Germany's most popular leisure airline announced an order for 16 long-haul A330-900neo aircraft of the latest generation. As the German launch customer for the Airbus A330neo, Condor is thus focusing on latest technology, maximum efficiency and the highest level of customer comfort. The first aircraft is expected in autumn 2022, whilst the replacement of the entire long-haul fleet is scheduled to be completed by mid-2024.

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Cebu Pacific selects Airbus FHS to support its A330neo fleet

Cebu Pacific selects Airbus FHS to support its A330neo fleet

Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has chosen Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) materials management to provide the component support for its fleet of 16 A330neos.

The comprehensive and flexible solution includes parts pooling, on-site stock at the airline’s main base in Manilla, components repairs, component engineering services, as well as end-of-lease condition support. Furthermore, Airbus will guarantee spare parts availability, contributing to securing aircraft technical performance.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific in its A330neo lifecycle journey. Recognising the need to support airlines in their recovery, Airbus offers flexibility with its innovative Flight Hour Services which allows them to minimise maintenance costs whilst maximising aircraft availability and securing operational performance simultaneously,” said Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific.

“This collaboration reinforces Cebu Pacific Air’s position as an industry-leading Airbus operator. It ensures that we are able to meet our operational and reliability targets, while we remain prudent with our expenditure,” said Michael Szucs, CEB Chief Executive Adviser.

With this latest A330 Flight Hour Services selection from Cebu Pacific, Airbus becomes the leading provider for A330 by-the-hour services.

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Airbus to support Philippine Airlines’ traffic ramp up with cabin upgrades and new material services

Airbus to support Philippine Airlines’ traffic ramp up with cabin upgrades and new material services 

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has selected Airbus to perform cabin modification for 15 aircraft and expand the material services programme for the airline’s Airbus fleet. 

The cabin modification agreement covers 11 A320, two A330-300s and two A350-900s.

When completed, PAL’s A320s will have 24 extra seats to bring the total seat count to 180, a configuration that suits the airline’s requirements for short-haul inter-island domestic routes. The two A330s will gain an additional 50 seats to bring the total seat count to 359 for better airlift capability on key higher-density regional routes and repatriation flights. The A350s will gain another 18 seats for a total of 313 seats, which still preserves the roomy cabin layout and passenger-friendly experience that PAL Business Class and Economy Class travellers enjoy on the A350’s long-haul routes.

PAL has contracted Airbus to provide the relevant Service Bulletins and kits required for the cabin modification programme, which comes as part of the carrier’s fleet restructuring plans. 

“Philippine Airlines believes that, as we exit the pandemic, our fleet restructuring strategy helps us to better adapt to changing market situations and ensure that we are well-positioned for recovery,” said Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, PAL Chief Financial Officer. “Our aircraft deployment decisions and related technical support arrangements are tailored for a restructured network that suits a vastly different global environment.” 

That's one big corporate jet.....K5-Aviation takes delivery of its first ACJ330-300

K5-Aviation has taken delivery of its first ACJ330-300 aircraft from ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jets). K5-Aviation is the largest ACJ operator in Europe with four ACJ319s and one ACJ350-900  in its fleet.

Designed for highly-demanding VIP and private markets, the  ACJ330-300 delivers top-end luxury, comfort and true nonstop range to the world.

The ACJ330-300 aircraft will feature a 243m² VIP cabin, installed by Fokker Techniek, the outfitter selected by K5-Aviation. Onboard guests can experience ultimate comfort over 8,650 nm/16,000 km or up to 18.5 hours, enough to fly nonstop from Europe to Australia.

At the end of December 2021, Airbus’ A330 Family had won over 1,800 orders, making it the world’s most successful widebody aircraft.

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ITA Airways firms up order for 28 Airbus aircraft

 

ITA Airways, Italy’s new national carrier, has firmed up an order with Airbus for 28 aircraft, including seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos, the latest version of the most popular A330 widebody airliner. The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding announced on 30th September 2021. In addition, the airline will pursue its plans to lease A350s to complement its fleet modernisation.

 

“Today the strategic partnership with Airbus takes an important step forward with the finalisation of the order we announced last September. In addition to this agreement, possibilities for further collaboration have emerged, in particular regarding technological developments in the aviation sector and digitalisation, where Airbus is the market leader. All this is part of the actions to achieve our environmental sustainability objectives, " said Alfredo Altavilla, Executive President of ITA Airways.

"We are very proud to partner with ITA Airways in building its long-term future with the most efficient, latest technology Airbus aircraft. This agreement supports ITA Airways business objectives to develop its network in Europe and internationally in the most sustainable way,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

These new Airbus aircraft will expand the initial ITA Airways fleet with a new generation aircraft with better environmental performance, equipped with latest technologies and state-of-the-art cabins to guarantee maximum operational efficiencies for the airline and the best comfort to travelers.

Cathay Pacific will resume non-stop weekly flights between Dubai and Hong Kong from Friday, 21 May 2021

The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has confirmed it will resume non-stop weekly flights between Dubai and Hong Kong from Friday, 21st May 2021. 

The airline advises the flights will operate from Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport and will give UAE residents and visitors convenient access to Hong Kong and onward connections across the carrier’s Asian network including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and the Chinese mainland. 

“Dubai has been an important route for us for more than four decades and we are extremely excited to be resuming our operations from here. We look forward to welcoming travellers from the region who will once again be able to experience our warm, thoughtful service, together with our traditional Asian hospitality. Our customers can now fly confidently with Cathay Care, our commitment towards the wellbeing of our passengers, as we endeavour to provide a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience throughout their journey.” said Vishnu Rajendran, Area Manager – Middle East, Cathay Pacific.

Delta heading back to Athens from New York's JFK on 28 May and new service from Atlanta starts in July

    Delta will be the first airline to resume service to Athens after Greece opens with no quarantine requirement for vaccinated travellers or those with a negative PCR test

    Daily New York-JFK service returns May 28

    New daily Atlanta service launches July 2

Delta has confirmed it will resume flights to Athens International Airport from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport starting 28th May, with the mega-carrier operating a daily nonstop service. 

The carrier will also start a daily nonstop operation from the airlines home base of Atlanta, for the first time since 2011. "Customers are eager to reclaim their lives and for many, that means travelling again,” said Joe Esposito, S.V.P. – Network Planning. “Outdoor-friendly destinations like Greece are particularly in demand and flying Delta means you can continue to expect award-winning hospitality with new services to make the entire journey more enjoyable, simple and stress-free.”

U.S. travellers to Greece will no longer need to quarantine on arrival if they hold a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test issued up to 72 hours before arrival.  

Both the ATL and JFK services will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, configured with 293-seats, spread between Delta One - with its full-flat beds, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabins. The jets also include Wi-Fi and personal seat-back entertainment screens.

Delta will also resume and expand its flights to Reykjavík, Iceland for vaccinated travellers, with new service from Boston and restarting services from JFK and Minneapolis/St. Paul starting next month.

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CDB Aviation introduces next generation Airbus A330 P2F Freighter to the market

CDB Aviation, a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited confirmed this week, a new partnership with Germany-based EFW to conduct the Passenger-to-Freighter (“P2F”) conversion of two Airbus A330-300 aircraft in 2021, which will be available for lease to airline customers from early 2022.

The A330-300 P2F conversion program marks CDB Aviation’s first entry into freighter conversion, advancing the lessor’s strategic efforts to deliver ever-more customized fleet solutions to customers, while tapping the long-term growth potential of the medium widebody freighter market. The A330 P2Fs are part of the existing fleet of 228 aircraft, in addition to the lessor’s further commitments for 150 in-demand, next-generation technology aircraft.

The A330 Family legacy continues with the 1,500th delivery

The A330 Family’s 1,500th delivery on 21st September to Delta Air Lines says a great deal about the enduring qualities of the aircraft's original design, coupled with the constant infusion of the latest technologies, culminating in today’s A330neo variant. The application of ‘incremental innovations’, since its service entry, has resulted in the A330’s ongoing versatility, functionality, increased payload-range, class-leading economy with state-of-the-art Airspace cabin comfort and 4th generation IFE.

 

Today the A330neo builds on the A330ceo’s proven credentials, saving airlines around 25 percent fuel burn per seat compared with the previous-generation aircraft it replaces: the 767-300. Comprising two versions – the A330-900 (which first entered service in November 2018 with TAP) and the smaller A330-800 (which enters service in the coming weeks) – the NEO incorporates a new high-aspect ratio wing with carbon fibre wing tips, the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines with a 10:1 bypass ratio, more seats and new Airspace cabin features such as fully-variable colour LED mood lighting. It is noteworthy that the newest A330neo variant with a 251t MTOW (with certification iminent at the time of writing) can fly around 8,000nm with a full passenger load – around twice as far as the very first 212t A330-300 had achieved. Furthermore, the A330neo is a very quiet aircraft, exceeding the most stringent industry regulations – for example, achieving 16dB lower noise margin relative to ICAO Chapter 4.

EASA approves increased take-off weight variant of the A330-900

Airbus has achieved certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its latest A330neo product enhancement enabling longer range: the 251 metric tonne Maximum-Take-Off Weight (MTOW) variant of the A330-900. With more range and even better economics, the new variant now offers a significant 650-nautical mile boost in range – or six tonnes more payload – when compared with the A330-900’s current 242-tonne version.

This increase in range responds to evolving market needs, enabling airlines to benefit from the unique economics of the A330neo for even longer missions – flying efficiently on routes from 20mn to over 17 hours. It also means that now the A330neo Family offers airlines even more flexibility with a wide range of certified MTOW options, ranging from 200 to 251 tonnes. Corsair will be the first airline to operate this most capable A330neo. With this new A330-900 offering, operators will have the necessary range and capacity to capitalize on longer routes while rationalising their fleets.

American Airlines bidding a fond farewell to five fantastic fleets..........

Farewell Boeing 757-200 from American Airlines fleet                                       Photo American Airlines

The US mega-carrier American Airlines recently announced plans to accelerate the retirement of 99 older, less fuel-efficient aircraft from its fleet a fair bit sooner than it had originally planned. 

Following the record lack of demand, travel bans and restrictions caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, American is rapidly redesigning its flying schedule for the foreseeable future and that basically means a lot less aircraft will be required to be in the air where they rightly belong.  So the massive airline is taking this opportunity to retire a total of five aircraft types all around the same time.

American has officially retired the Embraer E190 and Boeing 767 fleets, which were originally scheduled to retire by the end of 2020. The airline has also accelerated the retirement of its Boeing 757s and Airbus A330-300s. Additionally, American is retiring 19 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft operated by PSA Airlines.

A330-800 receives joint EASA and FAA Type Certification

The A330-800 has received joint Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft’s certification flight-test campaign was successfully performed by aircraft MSN1888, which completed the programme in 370 flight test hours and 132 flights since its first flight in November 2018.

The A330-800, part of a true new-generation A330neo family, is the most efficient, longest-range entry-level widebody and incorporates new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, a new 3D-optimised wing and new Sharklets using lighter composite materials. Together, these advances bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 25% compared with older-generation competitor aircraft of similar size.

Certified initially with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 242 tonnes for a range capability of up to 7,500 nautical miles, the A330-800 will typically seat 220 to 260 passengers in three classes, or up to 406 travellers in a single-class high-density configuration. To date the A330neo Family has won 337 firm orders from 22 operators.

Panic stations.......Qantas captain causes panic evacuation at Sydney Airport

A Qantas Airbus A330 suffered a hydraulic problem shortly after taking off for Perth from Sydney at 0845 on Sunday morning.

The jet was approximately twenty minutes into operating flight QF575 when the Captain elected to return to Sydney and the aircraft landed safely shortly afterwards. Qantas said no emergency was declared and the aircraft taken back to a gate.

Once the aircraft was back on the gate there were reports of a thick haze in the cabin, "likely caused by hydraulic fluid entering the air conditioning unit." Qantas says that while customers may have thought it was smoke, there was no fire.

Even though the aircraft was at the gate, with airbridges attached to the front,  the captain gave an order to evacuate the aircraft and emergency chutes were deployed.  One of the passengers took to social media saying the experience was "terrifying" - and claimed the captain was screaming "evacuate"

Hawaiian Airlines starts new Fukuoka service

Hawaiian Airlines welcomed guests aboard its inaugural flights between Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) with festive gate-side celebrations in both cities as the carrier marked the start of its four-times-weekly nonstop service with Airbus A330 aircraft.

Hawai‘i’s flagship carrier delighted guests with performances by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders music and hula troupe, as well as fresh lei and special keepsakes including a canvas tote and luggage tag commemorating the airline’s inaugural flight.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram addressed guests in Honolulu to mark the return of service to its sister city. Ross Higashi, deputy director of the State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation – Airports and Koichi Ito, Consul General of Japan also offered congratulatory remarks before the inaugural flight, HA827, departed HNL on Nov. 26 at 11:20 a.m., arriving into FUK at 5:21 p.m. the following day.

First of three Airbus A330 aircraft arrives for Onur Air

CDB Aviation has delivered the first of three Airbus A330-343 aircraft to its new airline customer in Turkey, Onur Air. The remaining two aircraft are expected to deliver in the second quarter of 2020.

“We are very pleased to have Onur Air join our growing European customer base,” said Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation Head of Commercial Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “These A330s will well complement the growth objectives of this pioneer in Turkey’s aviation sector, enabling them to further execute its mission to continuously break new grounds.”

Committed to increasing the standards of Turkish air travel by setting its targets always higher not only for itself, but for the benefit of the overall industry, Onur Air will utilize the additional widebody aircraft to boost its all-Airbus fleet, while supporting wet-lease, scheduled and charter operations, both domestically and internationally to destinations including Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.

One of the UK's leading charter airlines to get Airbus A330

One of the UK's leading charter airlines, Titan Airways is to get a five-year-old Airbus A330 in its fleet from the first part of next year the airline has confirmed this week.

Titan says the introduction of its first Airbus A330 airliner, will take place during the first quarter of 2020 and is expected to enter revenue service in April.  The jet is being taking on a 5.5 year lease and will replace the carriers Boeing 767-300ER, as it moves to an all-Airbus airline.

"We have selected this aircraft due to the very high standard of the cabin and the crew rest compartment, which will enable us to operate the aircraft to its maximum range. This should open up a wealth of new opportunities in the charter market." Titan Airways said.

The airline will configure the spacious cabin with 32 fully lie-flat beds in business and 206 standard economy seats, offering a generous 32inch seat pitch. All seats are equipped with touch screen in-flight entertainment and in-seat power, allowing passengers to power their own devices. The jet also has a crew rest area, which helps to extend the range of the aircraft to approximately 14 ½ hours.

"We anticipate strong demand for the new A330 aircraft from other airlines for wet/damp lease, ad-hoc charter and tour operator charter roles." the airline said.

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Aeroflot to start flights to Mumbai

The Russian airline Aeroflot has begun ticket sales for flights to Mumbai, India.  Regular flights on the Moscow – Mumbai – Moscow route will launch on 2 July 2020. Mumbai will become India’s second city serviced by Aeroflot’s own flights, in addition to Delhi.

The flights will operate daily using an Airbus 330 aircraft on the following schedule:

Moscow - Mumbai

- Flight SU0238 will depart Sheremetyevo at 0:45 and will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji at 10:15 (all times local);

Mumbai - Moscow

- Flight SU0239 will depart Chhatrapati Shivaji at 11:45 and will arrive at Sheremetyevo at 16:15 (all times local).

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

AirAsia X, the long-haul unit of the AirAsia Group, has finalised a firm order with Airbus for an additional 12 A330-900 and 30 A321XLR aircraft. The contract was signed by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman, AirAsia X Berhad and Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus in Kuala Lumpur today, in the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Group, who was present at the signing, said: “This order reaffirms our selection of the A330neo as the most efficient choice for our future wide-body fleet. In addition, the A321XLR offers the longest flying range of any single-aisle aircraft and will enable us to introduce services to new destinations. Together, these aircraft are perfect partners for long-haul low-cost operations and will allow us to build further on our market-leading position in this fast-growing sector.”

Finnair grows its operations in China, operates three weekly flights to new Beijing Daxing International Airport as of November 2019

Finnair adds capacity to Beijing with three weekly flights to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, which opens for operation by 30 September, 2019. Finnair will operate to Beijing International Daxing Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays as of 3rd November, 2019 with an Airbus A330 aircraft. The new frequencies are in addition to Finnair’s daily flights to Beijing Capital Airport.  

RwandAir expands route network with services to Guangzhou and Tel Aviv,

Guangdong 

RwandAir, the flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, has expanded its route network with a new service from his home base to Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong and the third largest city in China.

The airline will fly to Guangzhou three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Guangzhou will be tagged to the existing Mumbai route and will be operated by the African Airlines Airbus A330 with triple-class cabin and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Wi-Fi onboard, in-flight entertainment and comfortable seats with more legroom making it very convenient for long haul flights.