SCAT Airlines orders seven 737-MAX 8

SCAT Airlines orders seven 737-MAX 8 aircraft to expand its 737 MAX fleet. The latest order will nearly double SCAT's 737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations.

"SCAT Airlines is the most dynamically developing airline in Kazakhstan, and it has the largest aircraft fleet in the country," said Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines, adding "Replenishing the fleet with seven more Boeing 737-MAX 8 will increase the airline's carrying capacity. It will also positively affect the timely execution of flight schedules. The company will get an opportunity to expand its route network and offer passengers even more travel destinations."

Based in Şhymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT serves an extensive network of domestic and international destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central Asia. SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates three 737-8 and five 737-9 aeroplanes. This order was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

"This repeat order is a testament to SCAT's confidence in the value, performance and reliability of the 737 MAX family," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We look forward to supporting their network expansion and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success."

Emirates to order 90 Boeing 777 jets

Dubai-based mega-carrier, Emirates will order 55 Boeing 777-9 and 35 examples of the 777-8 jets, it was announced during the Dubai Airshow at a signing event attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

In addition, Emirates updated its 787 Dreamliner order book to better align future capacity to demand. The airline is buying five more 787 jets – growing its 787 backlog to 35 – while converting 30 787-9s to 20 787-8 and 10 787-10 aeroplanes.

"Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today's order cements that position," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. "We've been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates' fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025." 

Boeing's relationship with Emirates dates back to the airline's first 777 order in 1992. Today, Emirates has nearly 150 777 jets in its fleet. Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777, the 777X family is designed to maximize efficiency and environmental performance by 25%, while providing an exceptional onboard experience.

"This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing's highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates' needs for global long-haul travel," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates' growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability along the way."

The 777-9 will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane. Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9 seats 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).

The 777-8 seats 395 passengers with a range capability of up to 16,190 km (8,745 nautical miles). The 777-8 also offers airlines more revenue potential through more payload and improved fuel efficiency on short and long flights.

ATSG Delivers Boeing 767-300BCF to My Freighter

Air Transport Services Group subsidiary, Airborne Global Leasing has delivered a newly converted Boeing 767-300 freighter to new customer My Freighter Cargo Airlines of Tashkent, Uzbekistan under the terms of a multi-year lease.

“Through its LeasePlus+ service model, ATSG continues to provide unparalleled capacity opportunities to global air cargo customers,” said Paul Chase, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “This delivery to My Freighter expands that reach by building capacity in a region recognized for facilitating trade between Europe and East Asia.”

My Freighter has provided first-class charter air cargo services in Uzbekistan and Central Asia since 2019.

"We are very pleased to announce the start of our long-standing business partnership with Air Transport Services Group,” said Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, chief executive officer of My Freighter. “This partnership and addition of the Boeing 767-300BCF to our fleet will allow us to enhance our capabilities and provide our customers with an even more reliable and efficient service. We are confident that this collaboration with ATSG will bring mutual benefits and contribute to the sustainable growth of both our companies.”

“As ATSG continues to grow its LeasePlus+ model globally,” said Chase, “not only will we offer Boeing 767 and Airbus A321 freighters, but A330 freighters also will be available in 2024, supporting e-commerce and express customers in growing regions such as central and south Asia.”

Emirates A380 fleet to ‘fly better’ well into the next decade.

 

                             Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and biggest A380 operator is doubling down its investments to maintain and improve operational efficiency, as well as maximise fleet performance and reliability of its double-decker fleet well into the next decade.

Significant investment deals signed at Dubai Airshow 2023 will see the A380 fleet continue to be a major part of Emirate's offering into the 2030s

The airline has signed agreements worth over USD $1.5 billion at the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, with an expanded network of providers and partners to deliver superior aviation aftermarket and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. 

Emirates will leverage, at scale, the expertise and capabilities of partners including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Safran, Lufthansa Technik, OEM Services, Gameco, Haeco, and others to optimise its A380 fleet’s lifespan and unlock additional operational efficiency gains, all at its exacting standards. Emirates’ partners will provide a range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, parts provisioning, component repairs, and as well as technical support.

The work, already underway, is in line with the airline’s commitment to quality, and ensures customers can enjoy its signature onboard products and services for years to come. In parallel with the work being carried out to maintain its A380 fleet, the airline continues to progress with the largest known retrofit programme in the industry, worth USD $2 billion, which is poised to elevate the onboard experience even further.  

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “The A380 has been and will continue to be very much part of the Emirates story. Its size and capacity has allowed Emirates to unlock growth at some of the world’s busiest airports, opened new opportunities for travellers, and substantially raised standards for passenger comfort. Our continued commitment to and confidence in the A380 are why we’re investing heavily to keep the fleet in optimal shape and pristine condition. The A380 will remain core to our network and customer proposition for the next decade, and we want to ensure our fleet is in tip-top shape.”

Air Samarkand gets ready for launch with the delivery of second aircraft.

 Airbus A321 arrives for Air Samarkand

Air Samarkand continued its preparations for the launch of new services with the delivery on Saturday 11th November of a second aircraft, an Airbus A321.   

The Uzbekistan-based carrier welcomed the new arrival at Samarkand International Airport, a week after receiving its first A330-300 long-haul wide-body aircraft. By the end of 2023, the airline expects to receive and have up to five aircraft.   

The Airbus A321 is one of the most popular narrow-bodied airliners for short and medium-haul routes and is designed to carry 182 passengers in Economy Class and 12 in Business Class on routes with a range of up to 6,000 km. Air Samarkand will offer an Economy Class seat pitch of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm), providing comfort for even the tallest of passengers.   

The A321 aircraft, like others in the Air Samarkand fleet, is equipped with an in-flight entertainment system with built-in seat-back screens.   

A full-service carrier, Air Samarkand will provide hot meals on all flights, with pillows, blankets and other amenities provided to its customers.   

Air Samarkand will provide those living in one of the oldest cities in Asia and its neighbouring regions with the opportunity to travel direct to popular destinations – beginning with services to cities in Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. There will be further expansion into Europe over the next 12 months.   

Air Samarkand will support the further development of the Samarkand region, which is a rapidly emerging tourist and business destination for visitors from all over the world. It forms an essential part of new infrastructure and amenities being developed in the ‘New Uzbekistan’, including the multi-faceted Silk Road Samarkand tourist centre – the first international tourism resort in Central Asia including four and five-star hotels. Neutral 

 

 

Ethiopian Airlines orders more Boeing planes

At the Dubai Air Show this week Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to buy more Boeing jets to fulfil its long-term fleet goals.  The African carrier has confirmed it will order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX aircraft. Sources close to the deal say the airline is paying less than half the list price for each of the MAX aircraft, but the final Dreamliner price is still being negotiated. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Mesfin Tasew said,  "We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern aeroplanes, with the opportunity for 36 additional jets.  This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in support of Ethiopian Airlines' growth plan and our Vision 2035 Strategy. Through this deal, we have solidified our decades-old exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines' environmentally conscious decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest technologically advanced aeroplanes."

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to provide cabin modification services for the carrier's existing 787 Dreamliners. The retrofits are designed to enhance the passenger experience with advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing's joint venture Adient Aerospace.

"Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa's preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

Two more Boeing 787 aircraft for Royal Air Maroc

Boeing and Royal Air Maroc announced the North African carrier placed a repeat order for the 787 Dreamliner, confirming two 787-9s in its order book as the airline grows its widebody fleet. The carrier, which currently operates nine Dreamliners, leverages the 787 family's efficiency and flexibility to expand its long-haul network.

Boeing and Morocco's flag carrier enjoy more than 55 years of partnership

"The two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable Royal Air Maroc to expand in the short-term its long-haul network in response to the highly favourable market conditions in 2023," said Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Air Maroc. "Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing a significant tender to quadruple the fleet before 2037."

Royal Air Maroc has added to its widebody aeroplane count with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s over the last nine years. This order was previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

"The 787 Dreamliner is perfectly suited to support Royal Air Maroc's growth and modernization plans," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Boeing's relationship with the airline spans more than five decades, and we look forward to more opportunities to strengthen our partnership with Royal Air Maroc."

Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier of Morocco, is a member of the oneworld Alliance and flies to 82 destinations in 41 territories around the world, including frequent departures to the biggest capitals in Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East. Its fleet of Boeing aeroplanes includes 737s, in addition to 787s.

Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world and reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the aeroplanes it replaces. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins, soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Air Lease Corporation has agreed lease deal for 18 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets to EGYPTAIR

Air Lease Corporation announced long-term lease contracts for 18 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft with EGYPTAIR. These new Boeing aircraft are confirmed to be delivered to the airline beginning in 2025 through 2026 from ALC’s order book with Boeing. This is the first deal between ALC and the Egyptian flag carrier and the first 737- MAX 8 addition to the EGYPTAIR fleet.

“We are pleased to announce this deal for 18 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft with ALC’s new customer, EGYPTAIR, and be the first to lease the 737- MAX 8 to the airline,” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “As a leading carrier in North Africa, EGYPTAIR will continue to excel in the market with these 18 new generation Boeing 737-MAX 8 aircraft that will replace EGYPTAIR’s aging narrowbody fleet with the most advanced, fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and will significantly enhance the airline’s fleet operations and competitiveness.”

“Our team is honoured to conclude this important transaction with EGYPTAIR and support the airline with their single-aisle fleet development. We thank our friends at EGYPTAIR for choosing to partner with ALC on this major investment to modernize and grow the carrier's narrowbody fleet and look forward to a successful longstanding relationship between ALC and EGYPTAIR,” added Afeef Louis, Assistant Vice President of Air Lease Corporation

“This major deal with ALC for 18 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft demonstrates EGYPTAIR’s commitment to fleet modernization, environment sustainability and future growth plans. The 737-8 will greatly benefit EGYPTAIR’s operating efficiency and our passenger experience far into the future,” said Yehia Zakaria, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR HOLDING. “We are thrilled to partner with a pioneering lessor such as Air Lease Corporation on this strategic initiative to support EGYPTAIR’s fleet renewal and growth plans.”

Royal Jordanian orders four 787-9 Dreamliner jets

Boeing and Royal Jordanian announced an order for four 787-9 Dreamliner jets as the airline expands and modernizes its widebody fleet. Jordan's flag carrier also reconfirmed at the Dubai Airshow a previous order for two 787-9s, bringing its total 787-9 backlog to six.

Boeing and Royal Jordanian announced an order for four 787-9 Dreamliner jets as the airline expands and modernizes its widebody fleet.

"Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience," said Samer Majali, vice chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian. "This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the Dreamliner's cutting-edge technology will play a pivotal role in elevating our operational capabilities."

Building on Royal Jordanian's fleet of seven 787-8 aeroplanes, the addition of another member of the Dreamliner family will enable the airline to fly more passengers and cargo farther. The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), building on routes first opened by the 787-8.

"Royal Jordanian, having been the first in the Middle East to order the 787 over 16 years ago, continues to lead in adopting advancements in aviation," said Majali. "The airline's current fleet of seven 787-8 Dreamliners has proven successful in connecting Amman to major global destinations. The additional order underscores Royal Jordanian's forward-looking approach and commitment to meeting the growing demand for long-haul travel."

Bombardier Defense delivers seventh global aircraft for Saab’s GlobalEye airborne surveillance solution.

Bombardier Defense is proud to announce the seventh Global aircraft delivery to defence and security company Saab, ready to be transformed into Saab’s Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution known as GlobalEye. This new delivery comes as the two companies attend the Dubai Air Show 2023, where Bombardier presents its versatile Global and Challenger business jets to the Middle East market, and Saab showcases the leading capability of GlobalEye.

Bombardier’s latest Global aircraft delivery is destined to join the Swedish Air Force and will be Saab’s second GlobalEye aircraft to join Sweden’s military fleet. The 7 aircraft delivered by Bombardier to the GlobalEye program highlight a successful collaboration and echo Bombardier’s thriving, long-standing reputation manufacturing specialized aircraft for the defense industry.

“More and more countries are preparing for the future by choosing modern, more efficient business jets as strategic assets for their military fleet,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice-President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “With the rapid progression of technologies, there is a growing realization that business jets, such as our Global aircraft, can seamlessly integrate the equipment and capabilities that were traditionally carried by commercial aircraft.”

In addition to offering lower operating costs than commercial aircraft, Global business jets have takeoff and landing capabilities that allow them to fly in and out of more strategic locations. The agility granted by the steep approach certification and the advanced wing design of the Global aircraft is an advantageous feature to airborne surveillance platforms, designed for long-range air, maritime and ground surveillance.

As such, Saab’s GlobalEye incorporates some essential attributes of the Global business jet including over 11 hours of operational endurance, state-of-the-art avionics, and class-leading maintenance intervals. Paired with ample cabin space for workstations and mission equipment for ideal crew conditions, the Global aircraft is perfectly suited for situational awareness missions of large areas.

Riyadh Air unveils the second of its permanent dual-livery designs at Dubai Airshow

The next chapter for the skies has arrived as Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new world-class airline wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) set to take off in 2025, unveiled the second of its permanent dual-livery designs at the Dubai Airshow 2023.

The latest livery continues Riyadh Air's indigo theme with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. The bold new look features a sweeping cockpit window design, with the indigo signature theme contrasted beautifully against a light unique iridescent fuselage that reflects purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia.

With a vision to shape the future of air travel, Riyadh Air unveiled its first livery at the Paris Airshow in June this year having previously received its IATA Airline Designator Code (RX) as well as signing a major deal for 90 GEnx engines to power its fleet following a significant order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners made in March.

The super-sophisticated second livery will see Riyadh Air aircraft adorned in a lavender and indigo paint featuring a feather-like design near the rear of the fuselage, and 'Riyadh Air' written in English and Arabic and the airline's trademark logo on the tail, engines, and aircraft underbelly. The second livery reflects Saudi Arabia's forward-thinking ambitions using iridescent color to add a modern twist to the innovative design, which along with intricate bold text, makes Riyadh Air instantly recognizable, whether on the ground or in the skies.

Launched in March 2023 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Riyadh Air aims to become the world's most forward-thinking carrier embracing the best sustainability practices, elevating air travel and setting a new standard for reliability, comfort, and hospitality. As a catalyst for the National Transport and Logistics Strategy playing a key role in contributing to Saudi Arabia's wider economic diversification and jobs creation, toward realizing Vision 2030 goals, Riyadh Air is set to fly to more than 100 destinations, contribute to KSA non-oil GDP growth by USD 20 billion and directly and indirectly creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.

Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air, said the second livery is another statement of intent from the new airline, "As the largest start-up in commercial aviation in decades we are delighted to unveil to the world Riyadh Air's second livery which will be unmistakable when it takes to the skies in 2025 as we become one of the first international carriers to have permanent dual-liveries on an active fleet."

"Following our initial launch in March we have had exceptional progress hitting a number of major milestones for the brand through an obsessive eye for detail, digital-native mindset and commitment to embracing the industry's sustainability best practices. We revealed our first livery reveal to global acclaim, announced fleet orders for our wide body aircraft and signed several ground-breaking new partnerships. This iconic second livery is the latest milestone for Riyadh Air as we shape and disrupt the future of air travel and aviation, with many more things to come," he added.

ITA Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation from Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities.  This latest addition further consolidates ITA Airways' all-Airbus fleet strategy, which currently stands at 81 aircraft, and includes the latest generation A220, A320neo, A330neo and A350 aircraft.

ITA Airways’ A321neo,  which will serve the airline’s medium-haul routes, is fitted with a three-class configuration including 12 Business Class full flat beds with direct aisle access, 12 Premium Economy seats in 4-abreast, and 141 Economy seats of which 12 are dedicated to Comfort Economy.

ITA Airways' A321neo aircraft features Airbus' Airspace cabin design, which includes new XL overhead bins and customised interior lighting based on the latest full-LED technologies to help reduce jet lag. In addition, to enhance the passenger experience, each seat is equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment system with individual screens and on-demand content.

The A321neo is the largest aircraft in Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. Having the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the aircraft is the perfect contender for maximising comfort.

To date, more than 5,500 A321neos have been ordered by customers across the globe.

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SunExpress to buy up to 90 Boeing 737 MAX jets

The agreement includes 45 737-8 and 737-10 models with the opportunity for up to 45 more jets

 Boeing and SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, announced today the airline has again selected the 737 MAX to continue its robust growth. With a commitment to purchase up to 90 fuel-efficient single-aisle Boeing jets, announced at the Dubai Airshow, Türkiye's leading leisure carrier will more than double its fleet into the next decade. The agreement includes 28 737- MAX 8 and 17 737- MAX 10 models, with the opportunity for up to 45 additional 737 MAX airplanes.

"Building on the resounding success of our strategy in the post-pandemic period, SunExpress is now poised for next-level growth to meet market demand and achieve a greater international footprint," said Max Kownatzki, SunExpress CEO. "Over the next decade, we will more than double our fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. Also, the addition of the 737- MAX 10, the newest 737 MAX plane with up to 230 seats, to our fleet will allow us to strengthen our capacity further. SunExpress is well-positioned for the future and will expand its network with a more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable aircraft fleet, while continuing to fulfill its role as Türkiye's tourism ambassador."

This new commitment from SunExpress will build on the airline's previous order for 42 737- MAX 8s, nine of which have been delivered.

"SunExpress's continued commitment to the 737 MAX reflects its confidence in the aeroplane's capability to meet demand from travellers to popular destinations across Türkiye and beyond," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX is a proven aeroplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability."

airBaltic orders 30 more A220 jets......

airBaltic will become the largest A220 customer in Europe after confirming an incremental order for an additional 30 A220-300s. This new order will take the airline’s total firm orderbook to 80 aircraft.

Already operating a 44 strong fleet of A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220-300 operator in the world. 

The airline’s history with the Airbus A220-300 dates back to 2016 where it was the launch customer, and in 2020, it refreshed its fleet to solely operate this aircraft type.

"This day marks a significant milestone in the history of airBaltic – our plans for the first time ever to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. For almost seven years already, the Airbus A220-300 has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic”, said Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic. “Being the global launch customer of the Airbus A220-300, we continue to be a proud ambassador of it. We are grateful to our partners at Airbus for the incredible support, trust, and collaboration over these years.”

Pegasus Airlines is launching a three-times-a-week route between Birmingham Airport and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines is to start flying three times a week between Birmingham Airport and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport with one-way fares from Birmingham Airport starting at £39.99. 

From December 21 Pegasus will offer the flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Pegasus serves more than 130 destinations in 49 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe from its SAW hub. 

Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Pegasus Airlines into the BHX fold. Pegasus is a very impressive low-cost carrier whose commitment to sustainable long-term growth is matched by our own here at Birmingham. 

“I have no doubt these new services to SAW will be very popular with sunseekers, pilgrims, business travellers and people going to see family both in Türkiye and across the vast array of destinations offered by Pegasus’s strong onwards network covering Asia, Europe and Africa.” 

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada (Egypt), Beirut (Lebanon), Karachi (Pakistan), Tbilisi and Batumi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia), Baghdad, Erbil and Basra (Iraq), Tehran and Tabriz (Iran), Medina and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Almaty, Astana and Shymkent (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Amman (Jordan), Bahrain and Kuwait are among the destinations served by Pegasus from its SAW hub. 

Global Airlines working with JETMS on aircraft refurbishment and overhaul programme

JETMS to carry out refurbishment & overhaul of all cabins on Global's A380's

Project will be JETMS Completions first with the superjumbo, and is a multi-aircraft deal

Return to service maintenance work underway on aircraft one

9H-GLOBL expected to arrive in Europe before the end of the year

JETMS Completions (part of Avia Solutions Group) has been selected to bring to life Global's onboard hard product, with work planned to commence on the first aircraft in January 2024.

JETMS is synonymous with providing world-class, quality interior and exterior refurbishment for a range of private aircraft. The project with Global will be their largest to date, and their first on the king of the skies.

To begin, JETMS will refurbish the first aircraft interiors to the highest standard, ahead of them taking to the skies for the first passenger flights. Later aircraft will see their interiors completely overhauled, exactly to the high specification of the new airline.

Global's commitment to passengers is to provide an elevated product across First, Business and Economy cabins. And, ahead of a full release on new look interiors, the airline can confirm that leading aircraft interiors outfit, Factorydesign has created new concepts for both the version one and version two aircraft in the Global fleet.

Speaking on the deal with JETMS and plans for the rest of the year, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines James Asquith, said:  "We have deliberately cast the net wide when looking for partners. JETMS Completions are known throughout the private aviation world for the amazing work they do on a range of aircraft. And after speaking with Gegams and his team, it was clear that JETMS believed they could introduce standards and finishes from private into commercial aviation.

I have no doubt at all that the combination of JETMS working with Factorydesign will bring to life our own onboard product on all of our A380's, and I'm looking forward to sharing images and videos of the transformation with passengers to demonstrate the progress we are making as we build towards bringing our first aircraft into service.

The next few weeks promise to be really exciting for Global. We have a number of partnerships ready to announce that will demonstrate the enormous progress we've made and I am looking forward to our first repositioning flight happening before the end of the year."

Gegams Hanamirjans, CEO of JETMS Holdings, said:   "The opportunity to grow with Global, and to work on bringing more A380's back into the sky was a project everyone in the company wanted to get involved in.

It's also testament to the amazing progress we have made as a company this year, and follows hot on the heels of moving to our new state of the art facility at Biggin Hill airport along with other investments in new equipment.

Now our priority is to get everything in place across the supply chain so we can start progressing at pace early next year on the refurbishment of the first aircraft.

With our recent acquisition of Waypoint Aerotec, JETMS Completions now possess UK CAA Part 21J Approval. This certification is a valuable add-on to its existing design and production capabilities and qualifies the company to provide innovative design solutions."

U.S. Army awards Textron Aviation contract for three Beechcraft King Air turboprops

The award is part of $100 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for special missions Cessna SkyCouriers, Cessna Caravans and Beechcraft King Air turboprops.

Textron Aviation announced this week that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, for Cessna SkyCourier, Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Beechcraft King Air 360 and Beechcraft King Air 260 turboprop aircraft in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract allows up to $100 million U.S. dollars for the acquisition of Textron Aviation aircraft over a five-year period.

The initial award is for three King Air 360 Extended Range (KA360ER) aircraft, of which two are destined for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force (Fuerza de Aviación Naval) and one for the Ecuadorian Naval Aviation (Aviación Naval Ecuatoriana).

CDB Aviation leases fleet of six Boeing and Airbus aircraft to Hainan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has announced on the sidelines of Airline Economics’ Growth Frontiers 2023 Singapore conference the signing of lease agreements for a fleet of three new Boeing 737 MAX 8 and three Airbus A320neo aircraft with its existing Chinese airline customer, Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd.

“We are very pleased to be building on our long-standing relationship with Hainan Airlines as they position their airlines to expand into the coming decade, aiming to operate a 1,000-strong fleet by 2029,” said Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “CDB Aviation is confident that Asia will experience a robust rebound in air travel between now and the end of 2024. We are geared up to meet the demand for aircraft from Chinese and Asian carriers, with ongoing campaigns for both placements and SLBs in the region.”

“CDB Aviation has long been an important business partner to Hainan Airlines. The placement of six new generation aircraft demonstrates the confidence and determination of both parties to further our strategic cooperation,” stated Zhu Tao, President and CEO, Hainan Airlines.

The three MAX aircraft will be delivered to the carrier between August and November of next year, while the three NEO aircraft will arrive between October and November.

Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One A320neo to FlyArystan

Aviation Capital Group announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to FlyArystan. Powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the third of three aircraft to be delivered to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus.

“ACG is thrilled to deliver another A320neo to Air Astana and FlyArystan,” said Claudio Cheinquer, ACG Vice President Marketing for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle East. “This is the third new A320neo on lease from ACG to Central Asian low-cost carrier, FlyArystan, a sustainable and very cost-effective platform that will help the airline maintain its growth trajectory.”

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of June 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. 

Brussels Airlines takes delivery of its first A320neo

Brussels Airlines takes delivery of its first A320neo

Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s national airline and member of the Lufthansa Group, has taken delivery of its first out of five new A320neo aircraft.

The A320neo is part of the airline's fleet renewal strategy to operate the latest state of the art, efficient aircraft in order to meet Brussels Airlines’ ambitious sustainability targets.

The A320neo incorporates the latest technologies, including new-generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines for more efficiency and Sharklets for improved aerodynamics, which together reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by at least 20 per cent. The aircraft is also a good neighbour at airports with a 50 per cent lower noise footprint compared to  previous generation aircraft.

The Brussels Airlines A320neo features a single class layout with 180 seats.

Equipped with the Airbus Airspace cabin, the A320neo will take the passenger experience to new highs in comfort, ambience and service. Unique and customisable lighting sets the mood for all phases of the flight, maximising passenger relaxation in the widest and quietest cabin in its class.

The new A320neo will join Brussels Airlines' all Airbus fleet of 43 aircraft, including 34 A320 Family aircraft and nine A330-300s. Perfectly sized for the European market, the new aircraft will enter into service on the carrier’s short- to medium-haul network.

With over 9,700 orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.