The world’s first metal 3D printer for space is on its way to the ISS

The first metal 3D printer for space, developed by Airbus* for the European Space Agency (ESA), will soon be tested aboard the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). It could be a real game changer for manufacturing in space and future missions to the Moon or Mars. 

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an industrial process that has opened up new ways of looking at how parts are designed. It has many uses from the day-to-day to the surprising: from simple repairs to bio-ink implants, from printing whole houses to producing spacecraft parts. 

Metal 3D printing makes life easier for astronauts

There are already several plastic 3D printers on board the International Space Station (ISS), the first of which arrived  in 2014. Astronauts have already used them to replace or repair plastic parts, since one of the major problems of everyday life in space is the supply of equipment, which can take months to arrive. But not everything can be made from plastic… 

This logistical constraint will intensify on future Moon and Mars stations in the next few decades. Even though the raw material still needs to be launched, printing the part is still more efficient than transporting it whole up to its final destination.

Gwenaëlle Aridon, Airbus Space Assembly lead engineer, says: “The metal 3D printer will bring new on-orbit manufacturing capabilities, including the possibility to produce load-bearing structural parts that are more resilient than a plastic equivalent. Astronauts will be able to directly manufacture tools such as wrenches or mounting interfaces that could connect several parts together. The flexibility and rapid availability of 3D printing will greatly improve astronauts’ autonomy.” 

The challenges of printing metal in space

Another new Airbus jet for Spirit.

Spirit Airlines has taken delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease basis from Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager.  The new jet is powered by ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and is the fourth of four aircraft ordered from ACG and taken from their existing orderbook with planemaker Airbus.

ACG is one of the globe's leading aircraft leasing firms, with over 490 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries.

The budget carrier recently celebrated twenty years of flying between the U.S. and Mexico, with its routes to  Cancun International Airport.  "For 20 years, we've been pleased to offer our Guests affordable, nonstop service to Cancun, making the popular beach destination more accessible and affordable with the opportunity to save on airfare while enjoying more of Cancun's tourist attractions," said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We're grateful to Cancun International Airport and our Guests in Southeast Mexico for embracing our business model and trusting us with their travels for the past two decades."

Spirit currently offers nonstop service from Cancun to nine cities in the United States: Baltimore (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Orlando (MCO), New Orleans (MSY) and Philadelphia (PHL). 

Airbus Announces Purchase of Eutelsat OneWeb’s Stake in Satellite Constellation Manufacturing Joint Venture

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. announced the completion of a deal with Eutelsat OneWeb to purchase its 50% share of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS) joint venture. 

Airbus is now the sole owner of AOS and the satellite manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida.

The new structure is expected to provide maximum efficiency and increased competitiveness for commercial, institutional and national security space customers.

“This agreement furthers our position as a market leader in the small satellite constellation business, building on our successful partnership with OneWeb,” said Robert Geckle, Chairman and CEO, of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. “We will continue mass-producing small satellites for our customers and are excited for what the future holds for us on Florida’s Space Coast as we move forward,” he added.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense recently retooled the Merritt Island factory to accommodate the Arrow450 production line and is starting an expansion project to meet increased demand for small satellites from commercial and government customers deepening the company’s presence in Florida.

The Airbus OneWeb Satellites joint venture, established in 2016, built more than 600 satellites at the rate of two per day for the OneWeb first-generation constellation, currently operating on-orbit. 

Another new Airbus jet for SAS

             Aviation Capital Group, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the ninth of ten aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs.

Airbus partners with Tata Group to set up India’s first helicopter Final Assembly Line in the private sector

In a major boost to ‘Make in India’, Airbus Helicopters has announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.

The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, providing a major boost to the Government of India’s 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme. Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters.

The announcement was made during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine. It will also do testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The FAL will take 24 months to set up and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to commence in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.

“Helicopters are crucial for nation building. A ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter will not only be a symbol of the confident New India but will also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “This helicopter final assembly line, which we will build together with our trusted partner Tata, is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India after the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.”

Airbus opens first service centre dedicated to the entire lifecycle of an aircraft

The Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC) has started its operations in Chengdu (China), offering solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of an aircraft. This centre is the first of its kind to cover, as a one-stop shop, the full range of activities from aircraft parking and storage to maintenance, upgrades, conversions, dismantling and recycling services for various aircraft types, as well as the controlled distribution of used parts from dismantling.

The Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre in Chengdu is certified by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). 

The Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre covers a surface area of 717,000 square metres and has a storage capacity of 125 aircraft. The site will progressively ramp up operations between now and 2025, directly employing up to 150 employees. The main buildings have obtained the LEED(1) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for their construction, which is a first step to reduce the environmental impacts of operations at the ALSC site.

“I’m glad to see the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre enter into service in Chengdu,” said Cristina Aguilar, Airbus SVP Customer Services. “It echoes our purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace and shows our approach to environmental responsibility across the entire aircraft lifecycle. Our service centre is a great example of Chinese-European cooperation in the development of the circular economy for the aviation industry.”

French Ministry of Interior orders 42 H145 helicopters

The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) ordered 42 new H145 helicopters at the end of 2023, on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, with deliveries set to start in 2024. Of these 42 helicopters, 36 are destined for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile,  while the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale, will use six.  The contract includes an option for a further 22 H145s for the Gendarmerie Nationale and a range of support and service solutions from training to spare parts, as well as a complete initial support package for the aircraft.

“We have a long standing relationship with the Gendarmerie Nationale and the Sécurité Civile and I am very proud that we will add another chapter to our shared story,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145 has already proven its worth with the Sécurité Civile conducting many rescue missions in the difficult mountainous environment of the French Alps”, he added. “The H145 is operated by many law enforcement agencies across the world. The Gendarmerie will benefit from a state-of-the-art helicopter equipped with the latest mission systems,” he explained.

The Sécurité Civile currently operates four five-bladed H145s, ordered in 2020 and 2021. The 36 H145s will progressively replace the 33 EC145s currently in operation for rescue and air medical transport services, throughout France.

The six H145s will initiate the renewal of the Gendarmerie’s fleet, composed of Ecureuils, EC135s and EC145s. They will be equipped with an electro-optical system and a mission computer to perform the most demanding law enforcement missions.

Certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in June 2020, this new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter brings a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission helicopter, increasing the useful load by 150 kg while delivering new levels of comfort, simplicity, and connectivity. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class. Today, Airbus has more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours.

Airbus Helicopters delivers solid sales performance in 2023

In 2023, Airbus Helicopters logged 410 gross orders (net: 393), highlighting a steady market recovery with a strong performance this year for the light twin and medium twin helicopters. Orders came from 179 customers in 47 countries. The Company delivered 346 helicopters in 2023, resulting in a preliminary 54% share of the civil and parapublic market.

“Airbus Helicopters’ order intake in 2023, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units in  comparison to 2022, highlights its stable growth despite the ongoing global context of inflation and geopolitical instability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “It’s also a testament to the versatility of our products on both the civil and military market and I’d like to thank our customers for continuing to entrust their critical missions to Airbus Helicopters,” he added.

2023 was a year of many firsts, with the first flight of the DisruptiveLab demonstrator featuring a new aerodynamic architecture aimed at reducing fuel consumption and the first flight of the NH90 Sea Tiger, the state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the German Navy. The Company also welcomed a new member to the Airbus family when the Spanish Navy took delivery of their first H135 helicopters.

“Defence and security is one of Airbus Helicopters’ strategic priorities and we continue to innovate and develop to increase mission capabilities for our customers. The German armed forces signing the largest H145M contract with up to 82 light attack helicopters at the end of 2023 is testimony to that. On the development side, the H175M successfully performed flight demonstrations in the extreme hot and high conditions of the desert in Saudi Arabia while the VSR700 demonstrated its performance during sea trials from a French Navy multi-mission frigate. We also continue to expand our UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Aerovel which will allow us to offer our customers additional mission capabilities with manned-unmanned teaming,” continued Even.

Global support contracts and the HCare offering continued to prove popular in 2023 both with civil and military customers. 140 new helicopters were covered by “by-the-hour” contracts bringing the total to 2760 helicopters.  

Airbus boosts ‘Make in India’, awards additional manufacturing contracts to Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Mahindra Aerospace Structures Private Limited

Demonstrating on its ‘Make in India’ commitment, Airbus has signed contracts with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Mahindra Aerospace Structures Private Limited (MASPL) to procure commercial aircraft components. 

Under the contract, TASL and Mahindra Aerostructures will manufacture metallic detail parts, components and assemblies for Airbus' A320neo, A330neo and A350 programmes. The two companies are already among more than 100 India-based suppliers that provide components and engineering and digital services for various Airbus programmes. 

“Airbus has made ‘Make in India’ front and centre of its strategy in the country. Our ambition is not only to support the growth of the Indian commercial fleet but also to grow the complete aerospace ecosystem here – and that includes developing and strengthening manufacturing and engineering capabilities from our Indian partners,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. “Tata Advanced Systems and Mahindra Aerostructures already contribute to our aircraft programmes, and the latest contracts increase our cooperation with them.” 

For Airbus, India is a strategic resource hub where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital. 

Today, every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India, including the A220 Escape Hatch Door and the Flap Track Beams for the A320neo and A330neo aircraft. Currently, the company’s procurement of components and services stands at about US$750 million every year, and the latest round of contracts will add significantly to this. 

Airbus’ efforts to mature the wider Indian aerospace ecosystem includes the building of a Final Assembly Line for the C295 military aircraft in Vadodara under an industrial contract with TASL as well as training commercial pilots and maintenance crew.

Icelandair signs contracts for two additional Airbus aircraft

Icelandair and CDB Aviation have signed long-term lease agreements for two new Airbus A321LR aircraft scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2025.  

As previously announced, Icelandair signed a contract with Airbus for up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in July 2023 as well as having secured long-term lease agreements for five new A321LR aircraft. 

The Airbus A321LR and XLR aircraft will be the future replacement of Icelandair’s fleet of Boeing 757s. Deliveries of the A321LR aircraft will begin later this year and XLR deliveries will start in 2029.  

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO:  “We continue our fleet renewal and are very pleased to announce the lease of two new aircraft from CDB Aviation, expanding our business relationship with the company. We have already started entry into service preparation for these efficient aircraft that will replace our Boeing 757’s. They will provide exciting opportunities and possibilities to explore new destinations as well as further support our sustainability efforts.” 

U.S. mega-carrier Delta orders Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

20 Airbus A350-1000 for Delta 

Delta Air Lines has chosen Airbus to meet its needs for modern efficient widebodies having placed a first order for 20 A350-1000 aircraft. The A350-1000 will be a new aircraft type in Delta’s fleet.

“We are thankful for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus’ solutions to meet its fleet needs,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus. “Delta was the first U.S. airline to operate the A350-900, and is doing so with great success. Delta now welcomes the A350-1000, which will open even more opportunities for the airline and its customers. We are proud that our aircraft serve the entirety of Delta’s impressive global network as this stellar airline takes fleet efficiency to the next level.”

“The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “The aircraft complements our fleet and offers an elevated customer experience, with more premium seats and best-in-class amenities, as well as expanded cargo capabilities.”

Airbus reports strong 2023 commercial aircraft orders and deliveries in complex operating environment

Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft to 87 customers around the world in 2023, demonstrating strong performance despite a complex operating environment. The Commercial Aircraft business registered 2,319 gross new orders (2,094 net). As a result, its 2023 year end backlog stood at 8,598 aircraft.

“2023 was a landmark year for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business with exceptional sales and deliveries on the upper end of our target,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. "A number of factors came together to help us achieve our goals, including the increased flexibility and capability of our global industrial system, as well as the strong demand from airlines to refresh their fleets with our most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft." Guillaume added: “ This is a remarkable achievement. My thanks goes to our customers, supplier partners and all the Airbus teams who made it happen.”

Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft in 2023, an 11% increase on 2022.

2,319 gross orders (2,094 net), including 1,835 A320 Family and 300 A350 Family aircraft.

Demonstrates strong recovery and acceleration for modernising aircraft fleets with latest generation fuel efficient aircraft.

The 2023 year end backlog stands at 8,598 aircraft.

 

“We originally anticipated aviation to recover sometime in the 2023-2025 timeframe, but what we saw in 2023 was, alongside the single-aisle market, widebody return much sooner than expected, and with vigour“, said Christian Scherer, Airbus’ newly appointed CEO, Commercial Aircraft. “A big thumbs up to our commercial and regional teams, and importantly, a big thank you to our customers for their trust and partnership. We have never sold as many A320s or A350s in any given year, not to mention welcoming seven new customers for the A350-1000. Travel is back and there is serious momentum!” Christian added: “I’m proud to say there are now 735 more fuel-efficient Airbus jets flying today, paving the way to our lower carbon future. It’s the orders we win today that will support us in investing in innovative and even more sustainable solutions tomorrow.”

Full aircraft fleet deliveries for 2023
 

	2023	2022
A220 Family	68	53
A320 Family	571	516
A330 Family	32	32
A350 Family	64	60
Total	735	661*

*After a reduction of two aircraft (2 A350-900 AEROFLOT) previously recorded as sold in December 2021 for which a transfer was not possible due to international sanctions against Russia.

/

The 2023 full year Financial Results will be disclosed on February 15, 2024.

Airbus Helicopters to expand unmanned aerial system portfolio with acquisition of Aerovel

Airbus Helicopters to expand unmanned aerial system portfolio with acquisition of Aerovel

Airbus Helicopters and Aerovel have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, as part of a strategy to strengthen its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. Flexrotor is a small tactical unmanned aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Aerovel into the Airbus family. This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming. Aerovel's expertise in autonomous flight technology will undoubtedly complement our UAS development with the VSR700, as well as the work that we have been doing to develop interoperability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

"Joining forces with Airbus will allow us to scale innovation, accelerate our mission to advance unmanned aviation, and maintain our unwavering support for the US military and its allies. We are proud to become part of an organisation with a rich legacy of aerospace excellence and we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to define the future of autonomous systems. It will also be a great tribute to our Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Tad McGeer, who has spent the last 30 years committed to delivering innovative unmanned products,” said Ali Dian, CEO of Aerovel.

The Flexrotor, a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft with a maximum launch weight of 25 kg, has been designed for ISTAR missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to suit customers’ unique mission needs. With the ability to autonomously launch and recover  from either land or sea requiring only a 12 by 12 ft. area for launch and recovery, the Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint. Through the support of the US Department of Defense (DoD), and contracted deployment in a variety of maritime security exercises, the Flexrotor is a mission-proven, force multiplier for operations in harsh, high-threat, GPS-denied environments. The Flexrotor can also be used for parapublic missions such as forest fire surveillance (providing firefighters with critical images day or night) and ice navigation (helping guide naval vessels through ice in the Arctic ocean).

Aerovel, based in Bingen, Washington, will remain a US-owned company and continue collaboration with the US DoD under Airbus’ Special Security Agreement (SSA).

The acquisition has been approved by the relevant bodies of both companies. It remains subject to regulatory approvals, as well as other customary conditions. Transaction closing is expected in 2024.

Transavia France takes delivery of its first A320neo

French low-cost carrier Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A320neo, on lease from Avolon, from Airbus manufacturing site in Toulouse. The airline has opted for the Airbus option to have the delivery flight to Paris-Orly powered by a sustainable aviation fuel blend on board.

The new aircraft features 186 seats in a single-class layout. Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, reduced emissions and comfort, the A320neo will be deployed by Transavia France on its services on its domestic network as well as across its European and Mediterranean markets.

The introduction of its first A320neo aircraft marks the beginning of Transavia France' transition to become an all Airbus operator, powered by efficient A320neo Family aircraft. With its reduced fuel burn and emissions, the A320neo will play a key role in advancing the airline Group's sustainable development goals.

By incorporating new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines and Sharklets, the A320neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while improving passenger comfort in a wider single-aisle cabin.

The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide 40% more stowage space compared to conventional bins, for a more relaxed boarding. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at each seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won nearly 9,800 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets.

EVA Air orders over 30 new jets from Airbus.

Taiwan’s EVA Air has finalised a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo. This sees the airline become the latest global carrier to select the A350-1000 for its future long haul requirements. In addition, the A321neo aircraft will bring new levels of efficiency for the carrier’s regional network.

Clay Sun, President of EVA Air said: “We have selected the Airbus aircraft following a thorough evaluation of the various models in each market segment. In both size categories we have selected the most modern and fuel efficient types, that offer the highest levels of passenger comfort. The aircraft also bring significant reductions in carbon emissions, which is in line with our company’s sustainability goals. For long-range operations the A350-1000 sets new standards in its class and will allow us to offer our passengers the best possible in-flight experience.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, said: “This order marks a new phase in our relationship with EVA Air and we thank the airline for its confidence in Airbus. In the long range market, it’s another major endorsement for the A350-1000 as the natural replacement for previous generation aircraft in the larger widebody size category. The A350 is setting new standards across the board in terms of range, payload, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, while making an immediate contribution to reduced carbon emissions.” 

“We also thank EVA for reaffirming its commitment to the latest generation Airbus single aisle family with its first direct purchase of the A321neo and we look forward to working closely with the airline as it prepares for its new Airbus fleet.”

As the industry’s long-range leader, the A350 is available in two sizes, with the A350-900 typically seating up to 350 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and the larger A350-1000 seating up to 410 passengers. 

Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions. For passengers, the A350 offers the highest levels of in-flight comfort with the quietest cabin, new lighting systems and the latest in-flight connectivity. The reduced cabin pressure also ensures that passengers arrive in better shape.

Japan Airlines A350 collides with DHC-8 whilst landing in Tokyo.

The crew of a Japan Airlines aircraft are being hailed as heroes after all 367 passengers and 12 crew evacuated their Airbus A350 aircraft that burst into flames following a collision with another aircraft at the point of landing at  Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, earlier today.

Dramatic pictures and videos are flooding social media following the incident that clearly shows the aircraft erupting into flames as it travels down the runway. The initial fear from those on the ground, witnessing the disaster unfold from various points all over the airport would have been the certain death of all those onboard. However, whilst the videos and images show how the aircraft seemed to lose its nose gear, the plane came to a halt and all passengers and crew managed to escape the burning craft. 

Video from inside the A350 shows the orange glow of flames lighting up the windows and the cabin start to fill with light smoke as the stricken aeroplane continues down the runway.  Passengers seemed on the whole to be calm initially and then the evacuation took place. According to officials, nobody suffered serious injury during the crash or the evacuation.

The A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was operating flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport when it collided with a Coastguard DHC-8 aircraft whilst landing in Haneda.  The incident occurred shortly after 17:47 local time on 02 January 2024 and all 367 passengers and 12 crew members on board evacuated the A350,  whilst Japanese authorities have now confirmed five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive.

The A350 aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, and delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Japan Airlines issued the following statement:  "We regret to inform you that on the evening of January 2nd, JL516 was involved in a collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft during its landing at Haneda Airport, resulting in a fire on the runway. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased members of the Japan Coast Guard. We want to assure you that all passengers and crew on our flight were safely evacuated.

We would like to extend our sincerest apologies for the distress and inconvenience caused to our passengers, their families, and all those affected by this incident. We would like to assure you that we will provide our full cooperation in the investigation of this unfortunate event."

Plane maker Airbus issued the following statement "In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities.

Further updates will be provided as soon as consolidated information is available and Airbus is authorised to release them.

Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident."

The remarkable evacuation of all passengers and crew from the A350 is amazing and is a testament to the way the A350 is constructed.  With its carbon fibre composites and different manufacturing, the plane seems to have held up very well following the collision and subsequent fire which undoubtedly gave those on board more time to escape down the evacuation chutes.  According to local news outlets, only 17 people sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. 

Whilst the exact cause is not yet known and an investigation has been started, preliminary reports indicate the pilots of the Japan Airlines flight did not spot any other aircraft on the runway prior to landing.  Tadayuki Tsutsumi, Japan Airlines senior vice president of corporate safety and security commented the plane “entered the runway as normal and began landing as normal and that there was an impact, which led to the accident, but we are still investigating further details.”

Senior Vice President of Japan Airlines Noriyuki Aoki appeared to blame the flight crew for the disaster at a press conference on Tuesday evening, saying “However, I can't say at this time if they [Japan Airlines crew] were cleared to land, or if they communicated with ATC, because that is a fundamental factor in the cause of the accident, and we are still trying to confirm that,” 

Video content from BBC News

First Airbus A220 arrived for Qantas in December

The first QantasLink Airbus A220 aircraft landed in Sydney on 20th December marking the next phase in the Group’s fleet renewal programme.  The aircraft, which features a special indigenous livery, was ferried from Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada, and touched down at midday after stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Nadi (Fiji).

It is the first of 29 A220s that will be delivered to QantasLink as part of the Group’s domestic fleet renewal program. A further 36 widebody aircraft are also on order.

The A220s have double the range of the Boeing 717s they replace, giving them the ability to fly non-stop between any two points in Australia. As the first aircraft of their type in Australia, the 137-seat aircraft are expected to open up new (direct) domestic and short-haul international routes as more enter the fleet.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A220 would unlock improvements ranging from lower emissions to less noise and better passenger comfort.  “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this new A220 aircraft, along with the benefits it will bring to our customers and career opportunities for our people.  The size and range of the A220 means we can add new direct routes to our network that may not have been commercially viable before.

More fuel efficient aircraft is one way we’re working towards net zero and the A220 generates around 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions than the previous generation as well as being much quieter.  This arrival marks the start of the biggest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history as the Group takes delivery of one new aircraft every three weeks on average over the next few years.

On the back of this fleet investment we’re recruiting more pilots, cabin crew and engineers and expect to create around 8500 local jobs over the next decade,” 

As the first A220 to be operated in Australia, the aircraft, registered as VH-X4A, will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and crew familiarisation and training activities before it commences flying on the Melbourne-Canberra route in the first quarter of 2024. A dedicated A220 flight simulator for pilot training is based in Melbourne.

Airbus to send specialists to Japan in wake of A350 crash

The European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus has confirmed it will be sending specialists to Japan after one of its A350 jets burst into flames on the runway following a collision with another aircraft.

The A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was operating flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport when it collided with a DHC-8 aircraft whilst landing in Haneda.  All 367 passengers and 12 crew members on board evacuated the A350,  whilst Japanese authorities have now confirmed five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive.

The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Airbus said in a statement "In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities."

Adding "Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident."

Pegasus Airlines get new Airbus A321neo jet at new Toulouse final assembly line

Airbus has successfully delivered its first Airbus A321neo assembled at its newest A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse.

The A321neo, which will be operated by Pegasus Airlines, the leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in Türkiye, is the first delivery from Airbus' latest state-of-the-art production facility. Located in the former A380 "Jean-Luc Lagardère" building, the assembly line reflects Airbus' commitment to modernise and meet the growing global demand for the A321neo, which now accounts for nearly 65% of Airbus' A320 Family order backlog.

The A321neo is the largest member of the Airbus A320neo Family, offering unmatched range and performance. Equipped with new-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo delivers a 50% reduction in noise footprint and more than a 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. More than 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by over 100 customers worldwide.

Pegasus Airlines' current Airbus fleet stands at 93 aircraft, including 6 A320ceo, 46 A320neo and 41 A321neo. The airline also has 68 A321neos on order.

The delivery of the aircraft to Pegasus Airlines marks the start of the ramp-up of the new Toulouse FAL, which together with the other A320 Family FALs in Hamburg (Germany), Mobile (USA) and Tianjin (China), will contribute to Airbus' objective of producing 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2026.

BOC Aviation orders six Airbus just to lease to German airline Condor

BOC Aviation Limited has confirmed it has agreed to purchase four new Airbus A321NEO and two new Airbus A320NEO aircraft from Airbus, and then these modern jets will be leased to German holiday and leisure carrier Condor. The aircraft have a scheduled delivery date in 2027 and 2028 and will be placed on long-term lease arrangements with Condor as it seeks to embark on a massive expansion programme. 

“We are delighted to be working with Condor once again, supporting its fleet growth and renewal with these six latest technology aircraft,” said Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, of BOC Aviation. “This transaction adds to our delivery pipeline of the world’s most advanced aircraft models, which will enable our Company to continue on its path of long-term sustainable growth.”

“The successful deal with BOC Aviation Limited is another important step to becoming the operator of one of the most modern and efficient fleets in Europe. The partnership is extremely important for us and we are grateful for the continuous support and trustful cooperation with our new partner”, said Björn Walther, Chief Financial Officer, Condor.

One of the newest members of the fleet landed at Düsseldorf Airport from Toulouse on the 18th of December and started operating scheduled flights a few days later on Friday with a flight first to Frankfurt and then on to a long-haul service. The A330neo, registration D-ANRT is dedicated to Ralf Teckentrup with a special livery that had been unveiled at an exclusive event attended by representatives from the fields of politics, aviation and industry as well as employees from Condor.  The A330neo also bears the words "thank you, tecke" - a dedication to Ralf Teckentrup in recognition of 20 years of tireless commitment.

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BOC Aviation