50 A350-900s for Emirates

Airbus and Emirates Airline have signed a purchase agreement for 50 A350-900s - Airbus’ newest generation widebody aircraft.

The order was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.

“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

Emirates Airline orders 50 A350XWB at Dubai Airshow 2019

Airbus and Emirates Airline have signed a purchase agreement for 50 A350-900s - Airbus’ newest generation widebody aircraft.

The order was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.

“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

Fiji Airways takes delivery of its first of two A350 XWBs

Fiji Airways has become the first airline from the South Pacific region to take delivery of the A350 XWB, the world’s most modern all-new wide-body aircraft. The A350-900, which was delivered following a ceremony in Toulouse, is the first of two A350 XWBs that will join Fiji Airways’ fleet. Both aircraft are being leased from Dubai-based DAE Capital. The aircraft are the first to be directly purchased by DAE Capital from Airbus.

Delivering new levels of fuel efficiency, Fiji Airways will operate the A350 XWB on its Nadi-Los Angeles and Nadi-Sydney routes. This will further boost the airline’s position as a leading carrier from the South Pacific region, as well as to contributing to the ongoing growth of Fiji’s tourism sector and the wider economy.

Iberia to deploy Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the Madrid - Santiago de Chile

Iberia is to use the Airbus A350-900s, its most sustainable aircraft, on flights between Madrid and Santiago de Chile.

Starting on 1st November, the Spanish airline Iberia will being using the Airbus A350 aircraft on three of its ten weekly return flights between the two cities, specifically the daytime flights leaving Madrid at 12:20 and arriving in Santiago at 21:45 on  Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The new aircraft will gradually replace the Airbus A340-600s now used on the daily flight leaving Madrid at 23:55 and arriving in  Santiago at 09:25.

The twin-engine A350-900 is Iberia’s most efficient aircraft, with 25% less fuel consumption and emissions than its predecessor, and completing the Madrid-Santiago flight about 15 minutes faster.
The A350-900, the quietest in its class, is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
It also boasts a roomier cabin with more features for passengers –wider aisles, bigger screens, power points for personal devices, and Wi-Fi.
Iberia now operates five Airbus A350-900s, and is to receive another 15 before the end of 2023.

China Southern Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-900

China Southern Airlines has taken delivery of its first of 20 A350-900s, becoming the newest operator of this latest generation and highly efficient twin-engine, long-range wide-body aircraft. The Guangzhou-based carrier operates an Airbus fleet of 335 aircraft, including 282 A320 Family aircraft, 48 A330 Family aircraft and five A380 aircraft (figures at the end of May 2019).

China Southern’s A350-900 aircraft features a modern and comfortable three-class cabin layout of 314 seats: 28 business, 24 premium economy and 262 economy. The airline will initially operate the new aircraft on its domestic routes from Guangzhou to Shanghai and Beijing, followed by flights to international destinations.

More A350 orders for Air Lease Corporation clients....... FrenchBee and Air Caraïbes

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Three New Airbus A350-900 and One New Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft with Air Caraïbes and FrenchBee

Air Lease Corporation announced this week long-term lease agreements with Air Caraïbes and FrenchBee, part of Groupe Dubreuil Aéro, for three new Airbus A350-900 and one new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, on lease from ALC’s order book with Airbus.  The three A350-900s are scheduled to deliver to Air Caraïbes starting in 2019 through 2020, the first of which delivered to the airline on June 12, 2019 on lease to FrenchBee.  The A350-1000 is scheduled to deliver to the airlines in Fall 2021.

Sichuan Airlines gets a new Airbus A350-900

Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on long-term lease to Sichuan Airlines. Featuring Trent XWB-84 engines, this A350-900 is the first ALC A350-900 to deliver to an airline in China. The aircraft is from ALC’s order book with Airbus and joins eight Airbus aircraft currently on lease from ALC to Sichuan Airlines for a total of nine aircraft.

“Sichuan Airlines is a loyal long-term customer of ALC and we are pleased to be leasing our new A350-900 to the airline,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This significant delivery further strengthens our close relationship and we are confident this new widebody aircraft will complement the airline’s current fleet operations, adding technological and innovative advancements that will bring a whole new experience to Sichuan’s offerings.”

First Japan Airlines A350 XWB makes maiden flight

First Japan Airlines A350 XWB makes maiden flight

Photo Japan Airlines

The first A350-900 for Japan Airlines (JAL) has successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The A350-900 is the first aircraft to be produced by Airbus for the airline and features a special A350 logo on the fuselage.

The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, including cabin completion, as well as further ground and flight tests leading to customer acceptance and delivery.

First Japan Airlines A350-900 emerges from the paint shop

Looking impressively sleek, the first A350 for Japan Airlines (JAL) has just rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, recently.

The A350-900 is the first ever Airbus aircraft to be produced directly for JAL and features a special A350 red logo on the fuselage. The aircraft will now proceed to ground and flight tests, before delivery to JAL in early summer.

In total JAL has ordered 31 A350 aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s. The A350-900 will initially be operated on major domestic routes, with a three-class configuration seating 369 passengers. 

Asiana Airlines gets new Airbus A350-900 as a third of the company goes up for sale

The first of two A350-900 for Asiana Airlines                                              Photo Aviation Capital Group 

The Aviation Capital Group, one of the leading global aircraft leasing firms announced that it had delivered today the first of two new A350-900 aircraft on long-term lease to Asiana Airlines. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery during the month of October this year.

The aircraft was transferred to Asiana Airlines at a special ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France, before embarking on its delivery flight to South Korea. 

"ACG is extremely excited to deliver our first A350XWB aircraft into the Asiana Airlines operation and is delighted to continue a long-standing and important relationship with Asiana Airline,” said Khanh T. Tran, president and CEO of ACG.

“We are delighted to introduce the 8th A350 into our fleet with ACG’s support. This aircraft will further enhance our long-haul network operation. We believe this aircraft, equipped with the newest cabin interior, will bring an exceptional passenger experience to our customers,” said Danny Kim, General Manager of Asiana Airlines, Inc.

Part of Asiana is up for sale!

Lufthansa’s non-stop service from Munich to São Paulo

Resumption of direct service between Munich – Sao Paulo with the Airbus A350-900

Off to Latin America: Lufthansa continues to expand its services from Munich. As of December 2, 2019 the airline will be reinstating the connection to São Paulo in its Munich flight schedule. Planned are three weekly connections with the Airbus A350-900 to Brazil’s largest city. Flight LH504 departs Munich every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m., arriving in Sao Paulo at 07:55 a.m. the following day. The return flight leaves the Brazilian metropolis at 07:00 p.m. local time and arrives in Munich at 09:35 a.m. “The route offering is

further proof of the positive development of Munich as a premium hub. For the first time, Lufthansa is operating the Airbus A350-900 to South America, the most modern and environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world”, said Wilken Bormann, CEO Lufthansa Hub Munich.

São Paulo is Brazil’s most important economic, financial and cultural centre and the largest industrial urban area in Latin America. The greater metropolitan region of Grande São Paulo has a population of 21 million. This makes São Paulo one of the world’s largest cities.

STARLUX Airlines orders 17 A350 XWB aircraft for long-haul services

STARLUX Airlines orders 17 A350 XWB aircraft for long-haul services

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for 17 widebody aircraft, comprising 12 A350-1000s and five A350-900s. The new airline plans to deploy these aircraft on its premier long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are very glad to sign the official purchase agreement today for Airbus widebodies. The A350’s combination of extra-long-range capability, significantly lower operating costs and high passenger comfort were key factors in our decision,” K.W. Chang, Founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines said. “STARLUX is committed to becoming one of the best airlines in the world. We are positive that with the A350 XWB, we will be able to spread our wings to further destinations, bringing our best-in-class services to more people over the world in the near future.”

Lufthansa Group makes large order for long-haul aircraft....................and announces sale of six A380 aircraft.

Photo Lufthansa 

The giant European airline group has placed an order for 40 state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft, split between 20 Airbus A350-900 and 20 Boeing 787-9 and also confirms that it will sell off 6 superjumbo Airbus A380's.

The Lufthansa Group is forging ahead with modernisation plans for its long-haul aircraft with the large order for 40 aircraft which have a list price value of some $12 billion.  As is usual with such orders, the Lufthansa Group has negotiated a significant price reduction and the parties have agreed not to disclose the actual purchase price.

Iberia name A350 Museo del Prado

The Spanish airline Iberia has named its latest Airbus

A350-900 "Museo del Prado"

Photo Iberia

The Director of the National Museum of the Prado, Miguel Falomir, and the President of Iberia, Luis Gallego were on hand to name the carriers latest Airbus A350-900 "Prado Museum".

"The Prado Museum is one of the institutions that best represents the wealth that our country, offers the world and, as a Spanish airline, we are proud to contribute to disseminate it with this plane," said Luis Gallego.  

"One of the objectives of the Bicentennial is to bring the Prado Museum closer to the Spaniards, both geographically - bringing masterpieces to all the Communities - and emotionally, placing the institution in activities beyond the walls of the building. For us that a company like Iberia has wanted to name one of its most modern aircraft with the name of the Museum is a pride for what it means in recognition of the importance of the institution as an international emblem of Spain ", assured Miguel Falomir.

Japan Airlines first Airbus A350 XWB is taking shape in the final assembly line

The first Airbus A350 XWB is taking shake on the final assembly line at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.  

The wing-fuselage junction and the installation of the vertical and horizontal tailplane have been completed. After this station, the first JAL A350 XWB will be in the next assembly station for final structural completion – such as the installation of winglets – and ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems.

JAL placed an order for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s) in 2013. It was JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft. The carrier’s first A350-900 is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. JAL’s A350 fleet will enter service on major domestic routes starting with its Haneda-Fukuoka route from September and later fly on international routes, replacing older-generation widebody types.

China Eastern receives first of 20 A350-900

China Eastern Airlines has received its first of 20 A350-900 aeroplanes at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Equipped with China Eastern's latest passenger service system, this new generation flagship model promises to redefine intercontinental air travel with its advanced capabilities.

The introduction of the new aeroplane, which is more spacious, greener and quieter than previous models, is part of efforts by the Shanghai-based airlines to meet the diversified demand for a high-quality travel experience in the air.

The cabin of China Eastern's first A350-900 is divided into three parts -- a business class section with 40 seats, including four premium business seats, a super economy class area with 32 seats, and 216 economy class seats.

Delta orders 10 additional A330-900neos and cuts A350-900 order to 15 for the time being

to replace older wide-body jets & facilitate measured growth

The mega US carrier Delta Air Lines has confirmed on Friday, November 16th it will be adding 10 Airbus 330-900neo aircraft to its existing fleet under an agreement with Airbus and engine maker Rolls-Royce. This latest feet development expands the carrier's order of the next-generation wide-body jet from 25 to 35. Delta expects the first delivery of the state-of-the-art aircraft, which is powered by next-generation and fuel-efficient engine technology, will be during the second quarter of 2019. 

“Expanding our A330 order book not only ensures that Delta’s near-to-medium-term wide-body needs are taken care of, but also drives our strategic, measured international growth,” said Gil West, Delta’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The next-generation engine technology from Rolls-Royce which powers the A330neo provides compelling operating economics, superior fuel performance and the range and coverage for our transoceanic needs going forward. These changes are consistent with Delta’s long-term philosophy of investing 50% of operating cash flow back into the business, ”

Move to expand A330-900neo order book to 35 from 25 addresses Delta’s near-to-medium-term widebody needs

and reinforces commitment to fuel, economic and sustainable efficiency

“The A330-900 is going to be an important addition to Delta’s fleet,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian. “Airbus has infused this next generation of the successful A330 family with new technology and features providing advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”

The first A350-900 for China Eastern Airlines has performed its maiden flight in Toulouse,

Earlier this week the first A350-900 for China Eastern Airlines has performed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. That aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, ground checks and test flights before being prepared for delivery in the coming weeks.

China Eastern Airlines currently operates an Airbus fleet of 363 aircraft, including 305 A320 Family aircraft and 58 A330 Family aircraft and has 20 A350-900s on order.

The aircraft is bringing new levels of efficiency and comfort in the long-range market, the A350 Family is especially well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines. To date, A350 Family firm orders from carriers in the region represent over a third of total sales for the type.

Seamless to Seattle............................Singapore Airlines to launch direct flights to Seattle.

Seattle will become the fifth US city in Singapore Airlines’ route network, the fourth to be served non-stop from Singapore - when new flights start on 3rd September 2019.

Tickets for this ultra-long-haul flight go on sale from 7th November which will initially be operated three times per week before increasing to four times per week in October 2019. The aircraft plying the route will be an Airbus A350-900 which will be configured with 42 Business Class seats, 24 in Premium Economy Class and 187 seats in the main economy cabin. 

The Singapore girls (and boys) will be taking flight SQ28 initially departing Singapore at 0925hrs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Seattle at 0905hrs on the same day (all times local). The return sector, operated as SQ27, will depart Seattle at 1040hrs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Singapore the following day at 1730hrs. From October 2019, flight SQ28 and flight SQ27 will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Of course, all times are subject to all the usual regulatory approvals.

Seamless to Seattle............................Singapore Airlines to launch direct flights to Seattle....

New China route for Delta Air Lines

Delta proposes Minneapolis-St. Paul – Shanghai

route to begin in 2020

The US mega-carrier Delta Air Lines plans to start a service from its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub to China for the first time in 2020. It announced this week that it wants to fly to Shanghai from the MSP hub on state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, subject to government approvals from the United States and China.

"We are honored to be proposing the first-ever nonstop flight between Minneapolis-St. Paul and China as we continue to expand across the Pacific" said Ed Bastian, Delta's Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to our Twin Cities customers, this new route will benefit travellers across the U.S. with more competition and options for service to Shanghai thanks to our connecting hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport."

Delta's flagship A350-900 aircraft has 306 total seats, arranged over 32 award-winning Delta One business class suites, 48 seats in the Delta Premium Select cabin, and 226 main cabin seats. All seats offer personal in-flight entertainment, power ports and ample overhead bin space. All cabins of service include complimentary meals, snacks and beverages.