Happy birthday to Airbus Beluga....

.Happy 30th Birthday, 

From the Super Guppy to the BelugaST and BelugaXL, these super transporters have been essential to Airbus' operations and beyond. From flying aircraft components between 11 European production sites to offering outsized cargo services to customers worldwide and most recently, visiting London Heathrow with parts for a British Airways Airbus jet.

New Icelandair Airbus fresh from the paintshop

A lot of work goes into the arrival of a new fleet member – especially when it’s the first Airbus to join the fleet of Icelandair!

TF-IAA rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg earlier this week and proudly wears the sparkling new Icelandair livery. Next up for the aircraft will be installing the engines and seats. The carrier will officially take delivery of the plane in November and expects to welcome a total of four new Airbus jets to the fleet by summer 2025.

Azul picks Viasat to deliver in-flight connectivity for its Airbus A330-900neo fleet

Azul, the largest airline in Brazil by number of departures and cities served, and Viasat Inc a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that seven aircraft in Azul’s new Airbus A330-900neo fleet will be equipped with Viasat’s trusted Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter service next year.

Consistent with the in-flight Wi-Fi offering on Azul’s other aircraft types equipped with Viasat’s solution, Azul passengers traveling on the new, linefit Airbus A330-900neos will be able to enjoy onboard internet from gate to gate. Customers will be able to acquire packages for streaming audio and video, web browsing, and messaging.

“Part of what differentiates Azul in the Brazilian market is the best-in-class connectivity experience we offer on select aircraft,” said Jason Ward, Azul’s Chief People and Customer Officer. “From Brazilians’ thirst for real time sports scores to their desire to stay connected to loved ones on the ground while flying, our hypothesis that this feature would be critical to customer satisfaction is playing out in the market. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Viasat as we continue to build on our current in-flight Wi-Fi experience in the future.”

“After several successful years of serving Azul passengers in Brazil, we are excited to work with Azul to expand our connectivity onboard even more aircraft,” said Don Buchman, VP and GM, Commercial Aviation at Viasat. “It remains Viasat’s mission to continue delivering high quality and consistent in-flight Wi-Fi, so that passengers can enjoy online activities while in the air as they do on the ground, even as the demand for data grows and passenger expectations accelerate rapidly.”

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft to arrive in Australia next year.  As part of Qantas’ fleet renewal programme, 28 of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft have been ordered which will replace the Australian carrier's fleet of Boeing 737  jets over the next decade.

The A321XLR is the longest-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, which will allow Qantas to open up new non-stop routes that aren’t currently viable with its planes. Qantas says the new fleet will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers with a quieter cabin, deliver more reliable operations and generate fewer emissions per seat than the aircraft they replace.

Inside Qantas A321XLR passengers will experience a wider economy seat than on the 737  planes, with extra comfortable seat cushioning.  The new planes feature the largest overhead bins of any single-aisle aircraft that allow for 60 per cent more bags and there is a sense of spaciousness in the long cabin with higher ceilings and large windows, and a wider cabin than the aircraft it is replacing.  

The new  A321XLR aircraft will be configured for 197 passengers across two cabins, with 20 Business seats in a 2-2 layout and 177 Economy seats in a 3-3 placement. Although, the first three Qantas A321XLRs will arrive configured with 180 Economy seats.  Plus Qantas is also installing fast, free  Wi-F to the aircraft, allowing all customers in-flight connectivity to stay connected across multiple devices, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device.

Training

Ahead of the arrival of the first A321XLR, Qantas pilots have started training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator that was shipped from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier in the year over a 34-day journey. The simulator is fitted with the latest technology and will be one of the few in the world fitted with a dual head-up display. The A320 simulator is based in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre that is expected to be fully operational with more flight simulators and training equipment to be added by the end of the year.

More than 240 Qantas pilots are expected to be trained on the A321XLR aircraft over the next three years, opening up new career pathways and promotional opportunities. Pilots will spend up to 60 hours in the new simulator as part of their broader training program, and then return each year for four recurrency training sessions. 

In addition, around 2,000 cabin crew will also be progressively trained on the new aircraft type as they enter the fleet.

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Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 197 people (20 business, 177 economy) – a 13 per cent increase across the whole cabin with no reduction in space between seats and a 66 per cent increase in premium seats.

It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737 (at 8,700km) and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific islands).

Qantas’ A321XLR will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).

The A321XLR improves noise levels compared to previous generation aircraft.

On a per seat basis, the A321XLR is expected to burn less fuel than the 737 aircraft it replaces.

Qantas employees are helping name the new fleet of aircraft under the theme of Walks, Rivers and Roads as a nod to the iconic travel opportunities across Australia and the importance of connecting this vast landscape and beyond. The first aircraft to arrive will be called Great Ocean Road.

 Fact Sheet Qantas Group Fleet Renewal.

Airbus commences limited share buyback to support future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation

Airbus SE  is commencing a share buyback programme, for the purpose of supporting future employee share ownership plan activities and equity-based compensation plans. The programme will be executed in the open market over a period ending 31 March 2025 for up to a maximum number of 4,254,000 shares (with the maximum monetary amount being that required to acquire the targeted number of shares at prices fixed in compliance with the Delegated Regulation, and will be effected in one or more tranches).

Airbus has mandated an investment firm to manage the execution of the first tranche of the programme, which will comprise an amount up to a maximum of 2,127,000 shares, beginning on 9 September 2024 and ending no later than 31 October 2024. The investment firm will make its trading decisions concerning the timing of purchases independently of Airbus.

Iraq Ministry of Defence orders 12 Airbus H225M helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters by the Republic of Iraq. The contract was signed in Baghdad by the Minister of Defence of Iraq Mr Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of the French Ambassador Patrick Durel. These helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation command replacing older Mi-17s for a wider range of missions: counter-terrorisim, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue. Deliveries will start in 2025. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families. 

“We are very pleased to welcome a new member in the H225M family,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H225M is a combat-proven platform used around the world by many operators, including the French Air Force, for combat search and rescue missions. It has proven its worth and saved many lives since entering into service,” he added. “The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload and also mission systems. It has been designed to operate challenging missions in the most demanding environments. We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty.”
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg. 
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary. 

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency orders inspection of Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines on Airbus A350-1000 jets

Following a serious engine issue on a Cathay Pacific 5-year-old Airbus A350-1000 on 1st September, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated inspections on all Airbus A350-1000 that are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. This is, according to EASA a precautionary measure and focuses on a flexible fuel hose connections inside the engines to check for damage. The inspections need to take place over the next 3-30 days, depending on the individual engine history. In total, 86 A350-1000 aircraft are in service worldwide, Cathay Pacific has already checked all of its affected aircraft and found the same issue on a small number of other aircraft.

“This action is a precautionary measure, based on the information received from the initial investigation of the recent Cathay Pacific serious incident and on the airline’s findings in its own subsequent inspections,” said EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet. “We will continue to follow closely all information that will be made available through the ongoing safety investigation.”

Cathay Pacific was operating a flight from Hong Kong to Zurich with an Airbus A350-1000 on 1st September when it experienced an in-flight engine fire shortly after take-off. The fire was promptly detected and extinguished, and the aircraft returned safely to Hong Kong after dumping fuel. The aircraft was powered by Trent XWB-97 engines.

This event was classified as a serious incident, and an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex-13 investigation was opened by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of Hong Kong.

EASA is the State of Design airworthiness authority for the A350 aircraft and for the Trent XWB engines. The current measures are mandated for Trent XWB-97 engines. Trent XWB-84 engines, installed on the A350-900, are similar but differ in design and service history. On the basis of the available information, an extension of the measures to these engines is not warranted at this stage.

EASA Safety Publications Tool (europa.eu)

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Airbus delivers 47 aircraft in August....

In August, European planemaker made 47 commercial aircraft deliveries to 31 customers, taking the yearly total planes delivered to 447 to 75 customers.   The company also confirmed it had taken orders for 46 aircraft during the month. 

Among the airlines getting new aircraft were: Air France, Breeze, IndiGo, Frontier Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Jet2, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Korean Air, Starlux and China Eastern Airlines. 

The airlines ordering planes during August included Airbaltic with 10 A220 jets, Cathay Pacific with 30 A330-900 models, plus 3 A320neo and 3 A350-900s which are currently attributed to private customers.    

On 27th August 2024 the Dutch national carrier KLM took delivery of its first A321neo as part of their fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft, KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.

By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on-board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition. 

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

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Airbus built Sentinel-2C satellite successfully launched

         The third Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite has been successfully launched on a Vega rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. The Airbus-built Sentinel-2C satellite will enter service in low Earth orbit at 780 km following initial testing and commissioning. Then, it will replace Sentinel-2A, which will retire and operate in tandem with Sentinel-2B.

Marc Steckling, Head of Earth Observation, Science and Exploration at Airbus, said: “This launch gives the world another important sensor to monitor our changing planet and provides crucial continuity since the first Sentinel-2 satellite launch in 2015. Equipped with a high-resolution multispectral imager the satellite will collect vital imagery for a myriad of applications from agriculture to water quality monitoring.”

The Sentinel-2-mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites, flying in the same orbit but 180° apart for optimal coverage and revisit time. The satellites orbit the Earth every 100 minutes covering all Earth’s land surfaces, large islands, inland and coastal waters every five days.

Offering "colour vision" for the Copernicus programme, Sentinel-2C – like its precursor satellites Sentinel-2A and -2B – will deliver optical images from the visible to short-wave infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The 1.1 ton satellite will enable continuation of imaging in 13 spectral bands with a resolution (per pixel) of 10, 20 or 60 metres and a uniquely large swath width of 290 km.

Airbus completes acquisition of infodas, strengthens cybersecurity portfolio

Airbus Defence and Space has finalised the acquisition of infodas, a German company that provides cybersecurity and IT solutions in the public sector including for defence and critical infrastructures, and which is now becoming an Airbus subsidiary. This follows receipt of the required regulatory approvals.

“This acquisition supports Airbus’ strategic ambition to strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio for the benefit of its European and global customers,” said Karen Florschuetz, Executive Vice President of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space.

With the exponential growth of cyber threats, along with the increasing digitalisation and connectivity of defence and aerospace products and systems, cybersecurity is an important component of Airbus’ development. Over the last years, the company has continuously developed its cybersecurity capabilities and expertise, ensuring the best possible protection for its products, operations, customers, and ecosystem, including in the perspective of major military programmes such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). 

Infodas with around 250 employees and annual revenues of about 50 million euros is headquartered in Cologne, it has additional offices in Germany in Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg, Munich and Mainz. The company has been certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) as an IT security service provider in the areas of information system auditing, consulting and penetration tests. The infodas Secure Domain Transition (SDoT) Security Gateway product family is approved for classification levels up to secret. The products are also certified in accordance with the Common Criteria (CC) and have other country-specific certificates. 

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Pegasus Airlines picks Lufthansa Technik to provide base maintenance services in Sofia

Multi-year agreement for more than 60 aircraft checks signed. 

Services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.

Pegasus Airlines has entrusted Lufthansa Technik with providing comprehensive Base Maintenance Services for its fast-growing Airbus A320 family fleet. The recently signed three-year agreement includes more than 60 checks on A320ceo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft of Türkiye’s second largest airline. All contracted services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.   

“The newly concluded contract and thus the long-term intensification of our cooperation with Lufthansa Technik gives us flexibility and at the same time guarantees our high quality standards,” said Şerife Akın, Senior Purchasing Director at Pegasus Airlines. “With our dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia, we are now optimally positioned for the coming years. It supports our goal to be one of the leading low-cost airlines in the industry, streamlining air travel and offering affordable fares to our valued customers.”

Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are pleased to offer our customers a top-quality service and to make a valuable contribution to ensuring the stability of their flight operations with reliable overhauls. We already have a close and trustful collaboration with Pegasus Airlines, which enables us to respond individually to their needs, and we are honored to expand our successful business relationship.”

First Airbus A321neo joins KLM’s fleet

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines this week welcomed its first Airbus A321neo after it touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The arrival of this new aircraft is an important step in the rigorous renewal programme initiated by KLM to support cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations. From mid‑September, the A321neo will begin serving several European destinations.

New engine option

The “neo” stands for new engine option: the aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured per passenger tonne kilometre, the A321neo is around 21% more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the aircraft reduces noise impact – essentially halving its noise footprint – causing far less disturbance to residents.

More comfort and convenience

Passengers on the A321neo experience more comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and a holder for a mobile or tablet. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and mood lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.

Beluga at work moving helicopters....

                       Airbus Helicopters are shifting two H175s with the assistance of one of the fleet of specially modified A300-608, a Beluga with registration F-GSTC.  The first stop was Cairo in Egypt where it arrived at 15:47 local time.

KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft

KLM has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of its fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft, KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.

By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition.

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Photo caption: The first A321neo for KLM was handed over at Airbus’ Hamburg manufacturing site by Wouter van Wersch, Airbus Executive Vice President of International, to Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM.

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Air France KLM Points

Airbus ships the third European Service Module to Cape Canaveral on behalf of ESA

Moon mission awaits - ESM-3’s essential support for astronauts and vital contribution to NASA’s lunar exploration programme

 

Orion’s third European Service Module (ESM-3) is leaving Airbus’ facilities in Bremen, Germany, and heading to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, where it will be assembled and tested with the Crew Module. This third mission of NASA’s Artemis programme will mark the first human return to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972.

ESM-3, built by Airbus under contract to the European Space Agency (ESA), will play a critical role in supporting four astronauts during their three-week mission aboard the Orion spacecraft: from the moment they leave Earth, their journey into lunar orbit, docking with the lunar landing system Starship HLS, and their safe return to Earth.

Ralf Zimmermann, Head of Space Exploration at Airbus, said: “Today’s delivery of the third ESM marks the beginning of yearly ESM deliveries, underlining the importance and reliability of Europe in this transatlantic partnership.” Airbus Defence and Space is under contract up to ESM-6 and long lead items procurement up to ESM-9.

Space is an incredibly harsh environment with temperatures dipping as low as -200°C. To keep the astronauts safe and comfortable Airbus has developed comprehensive thermal energy control systems to keep the crew module between 18 and 24°C by radiating excess heat out of the ship but also keeping the cold at bay.

25 years of help alliance: Lufthansa Airbus takes off in fall with special ’helping hands’ livery

Exactly 25 years ago, Lufthansa Group employees in Frankfurt am Main founded the Help Alliance, Lufthansa Group’s aid organization. To mark this anniversary, Europe’s largest aviation company is sending a clear sign of support across the continent: an Airbus A321neo with the lettering ’help alliance’ and many colourful “helping hands” will be flying in Lufthansa’s European route network from autumn.

The aircraft with the help alliance sticker pays tribute to all the people who have shown great commitment to the aid organization over the past 25 years and collects donations. Those who hurry can symbolically leave a colourful handprint on the plane. There is space for a total of 300 handprints on the aircraft - they can be purchased at helpalliance.org. The money will be used to provide children in Africa and India with school books and meals, among other things.

10 more A220s for airBaltic takes total commitment to 90 aircraft

The new order takes the airline’s total commitment to 90 planes. 

airBaltic confirms an incremental order for an additional 10 A220-300s. This new and fourth reorder will take the airline’s total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft. Already operating a strong fleet of close to 50 A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220 customer in Europe and the largest A220-300 operator in the world. 

The Latvian flag carrier has a long-standing history operating the Airbus A220-300 - previously known as Bombardier CSeries CS300, having been the launch customer in 2016. Since 2020, the airline has operated an A220-exclusive fleet. With a firm order for 90 A220-300, airBaltic further reinforces its position as the largest A220 customer in Europe.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said: “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and these exercised options are the next step in the right direction. Over the years, this aircraft type has proven its operational capabilities and value – it has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic. By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years.”

airBaltic places order for 10 additional Airbus A220 aircraft

The new order takes the airline’s total commitment to 90 planes. 

airBaltic confirms an incremental order for an additional 10 A220-300s. This new and fourth reorder will take the airline’s total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft. Already operating a strong fleet of close to 50 A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220 customer in Europe and the largest A220-300 operator in the world. 

The Latvian flag carrier has a long standing history operating the Airbus A220-300, having been the launch customer in 2016. Since 2020, the airline has operated an A220-exclusive fleet. With a firm order for 90 A220-300, airBaltic further reinforces its position as the largest A220 customer in Europe.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said: “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and these exercised options are the next step in the right direction. Over the years, this aircraft type has proven its operational capabilities and value – it has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic. By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years.”

Aeroflot's most popular routes for the first half of the year..

The Russian airline Aeroflot has released figures for its growth despite sanctions and airspace closures.  The carrier carried 4.2 million passengers on its own international flights, which is 34.1% more than in the first half of 2023.

The most popular international destinations in terms of the number of transported passengers in the first half of 2024 were*:

Moscow — Istanbul — Moscow (320.1K passengers)

Moscow — Phuket — Moscow (245.2K passengers)

Moscow — Dubai — Moscow (236.9K passengers)

Moscow — Antalya — Moscow (229.4K passengers)

Moscow — Yerevan — Moscow (227.3K passengers)

The most popular domestic destinations in terms of the number of transported passengers in the first half of 2024 were*:

Moscow — Sochi — Moscow (863,278 passengers)

Moscow — Saint Petersburg - Moscow (786,225 passengers **)

Moscow — Kaliningrad — Moscow (502,839 passengers)

Moscow — Yekaterinburg — Moscow (463,207 passengers)

Moscow — Mineralnye Vody — Moscow (418,609 passengers)

Moscow — Vladivostok — Moscow (418,154 passengers)

Moscow — Kazan — Moscow (371,723 passengers)

Moscow — Ufa — Moscow (329,427 passengers)

Moscow — Samara — Moscow (320,085 passengers)

Moscow — Chelyabinsk — Moscow (299,710 passengers)

*Only own Aeroflot flights are counted excluding affiliated airlines.

**Taking into account Rossiya Airlines, the total passenger traffic in the first half of the year amounted to a record 1,499,426 people.

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New routes....

The Russian carrier is resuming direct scheduled flights to Thailand from Yekaterinburg. 

CDB Aviation Delivers First of Two A320neo Aircraft to Beibu Gulf Airlines

                       CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., announced the delivery of the first of two Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on lease to a new Chinese airline customer, Nanning-based Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines - “GX Airlines”.

The first LEAP-1A26 engine-equipped aircraft was delivered to the HNA Group-affiliated subsidiary in July 2024, with the second aircraft anticipated to be received by the carrier in September 2024. With the addition of CDB Aviation’s two A320neos, Beibu Gulf Airlines will now have 17 A320 Family aircraft, including eleven A320s and six A320neos.

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the HNA Group, while welcoming one of their subsidiary airlines as a new customer in China,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “These new technology aircraft, boasting lower fuel consumption and superior operating characteristics, will advance Beibu Gulf Airlines’ fleet growth.”

“China’s commercial aviation market demand is strong, while global aircraft resources are scarce. In this opportunity and challenge, Beibu Gulf Airlines is pleased to establish a friendly cooperative relationship with CDB Aviation,” said Li Rongkui, President of Beibu Gulf Airlines. “On the premise of continuously improving service quality, operational management capabilities, comprehensive service guarantee capabilities, as well as ensuring safety, Beibu Gulf Airlines will continue to introduce aircraft and open more routes to serve local economic development. We look forward to more cooperation with CDB Aviation in the future.”