ON THE BOEING FRONT

                    Boeing Takes New Role to Help Cut Aviation Emissions Faster

Boeing will represent the aviation sector in a global alliance, jointly established by the US Government and World Economic Forum to accelerate clean technologies and reduce carbon emissions.

The First Movers Coalition(FMC) was created in late 2021 to leverage the purchasing power of major companies to speed up the pace of decarbonizing industrial sectors such as shipping, chemicals and trucking.   Boeing, a founding member of the coalition, will serve as the ‘champion’ for the aviation sector.

As part of its new role, Boeing commits to supporting greater commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels and advancing other low-carbon technologies.  Scaling up sustainable solutions is critical to the aviation sector’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and the broader goal of holding global temperatures to 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels, the so-called ‘1.5 °C pathway’.

Boeing said it will leverage current technologies and increase industry partnerships in expanding sustainable aviation fuel supplies, while shaping strategies for developing new solutions.

Boeing has recruited one of the leading experts in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to work with more than 50 companies in the First Movers Coalition and industry partners.   Robert Boyd will join Boeing from the International Air Transport Association(IATA) where he led decarbonization efforts, including advancing the commercial deployment of SAF and addressing policy, economic, sustainability and logistic challenges.

“We are honored to service as ‘champion’ for our sector and committed to partnering with FMC members and others on scaling SAF and accelerating low-carbon technologies to decarbonise aviation,” said Brian Moran, Boeing Vice President of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships.

“ Boeing has been a pioneer in making SAF a reality and having Robert join our team is further proof that we are 100% committed to working together to meet the industry’s net-zero emissions commitment by 2050,” said Moran.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Boeing Orders & Deliveries for July

Boeing landed new orders for 130 aircraft in July, most of which were 737 airframes.  The 130 new orders included 127 737 Max aircraft — 100 of which will go to Delta Air Lines, 25 to Qatar Airways and 2 to American Airlines.

In addition, the company landed orders for three 777F freighter aircraft: one for Fedex and 2 for Air Canada.

Deliveries in July included 23 737 Max and three widebody jets which included one 767-300 F for FedEx, one 767-300F for Maersk and one 777F went to CES leasing Corporation.

Source: Boeing 

                                    ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Invests in World’s Largest Clean Hydrogen Infrastructure Managed by Hy24

Airbus has joined the world’s largest clean hydrogen infrastructure investment fund, managed by Hy24-a joint venture between Ardian, a world-leading private investment house and FiveTHydrogen, an investment manager specializing in clean hydrogen investments.

Hy24’s investment fund will provide capital to back credible, large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure projects world-wide.  Airbus’ involvement assures its commitment to the scaling up of a global hydrogen economy, prerequisite for the successful entry-into-service of its zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035.

“We are delighted that Airbus has joined the fund along with other key industrial and financial investors,” said Pierre-Etienne Franc, the CEO of Hy24.

“Since 2020, Airbus has partnered with numerous airlines, airports, energy providers and industry partners to develop a stepped approach to global hydrogen availability,” said Karine Guenan,  VP ZEROe Ecosystem, Airbus.

Source: Airbus

                                              Airbus Orders & Deliveries in July

Airbus has added nearly 400 net orders to its total for the year, following a strong July, and includes the large agreement from four Chinese carriers.

The Chinese operators are collectively taking 196 A321neos, plus 82 A320neos and 14 A319neos.

Airbus also recorded 39 A321neo orders from LATAM, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Jet2 and an undisclosed customer.

Cancellation of 4 A350-900s from Aeroflot’s total of 20 meant net twin-aisle orders declined.

Source: Airbus           

                                 REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

                                Thrive Aviation Earns Argus’ Top Safety Rating

Argus has awarded Thrive Aviation its Platinum safety rating, following an on-site audit of the Las Vegas-based charter operator and jet card provider. The audit was an in-depth historical safety analysis of Thrive’s aircraft, pilots, and procedures, as well as a validation of its safety management system and emergency response plans.

“This is not just a stamp of approval in process, but a reflection of our team’s hard work and commitment to superior culture of safety before anything else,” said Thrive director of safety Brian Harlan.

The awarding of safety rating comes as Thrive prepares to put its first ultra-long- range jet into services Gulfstream G600, as well as earning IS_BAO stage I certification.  Over the past two years, Thrive has also taken delivery of several CitationLongitude and Sovereign+ twinsets, adding to its fleet of XLS+, CJ3 and M2 aircraft.

“We have always been a safety-first organization, but with our rapid growth over the past few years, we know that we needed to invest heavily in scaling that culture,” said Thrive co-founder Stuart Edenfield.

Source: ainonline.com, Picture Thrive Aviation                                                                    

                                  OTHER AVIATION NEWS

              ST Engineering Expands Leap-1B MRO Capabilities with New Test Cell

ST Engineering will expand its MRO support for CFM International’s Leap-1B turbofan with new test cell capabilities in its Singapore facility.  The facility is expected to be ready by the end of 2023, the company states.

ST Engineering’s commercial aerospace division will work with testing and technology development provider Calspan Aero System Engineering in setting up the test cell facility.

“Calspan Aero System Engineering is very proud to continue our long relationship with ST Engineering by adding test-enabling hardware and updating control systems to allow testing of the LEAP-1B engine in Singapore”, said David Meier, President of Catspan ASE.

The move follows the setting up of Leap-1B engine quick-turn services in February, as well as regulatory approvals from the EU,USA and China.  The Leap-1B is the exclusive power plant for the Boeing Max family aircraft.

Source : ST Engineering

Delta to Add Split Scimitar Winglets for its 737-800, 737-900ERS & up to 70 757-200s

Aviation Partners Boeing and Delta Air lines announced on August 16th an agreement to purchase Split Scimitar Winglets for its 737-800 fleet and a number of recently acquired 737-900 ER aircraft and up to 70 of Delta’s 757-200 aircraft.

Delta has, once again, turned to APB’s winglet products across its fleets to deliver savings in jet fuel consumption and gains in fuel efficiency.

“The recent challenges for the industry have forced many airlines to focus on efforts other than emissions reduction and operational efficiency” said Craig McCallum, Aviation Partners Boeing senior director of sales and marketing.

“We could not be more excited and honored to continue our partnership with Delta Air Lines to reduce aircraft fuel consumption and carbon emissions.  We are inspired by Delta’s ambitious sustainability goals and extremely grateful for their continued endorsement of APB products,” says Aviation Partners Boeing chief commercial officer, Patrick LaMoria.

APB estimates that its products have reduced aircraft fuel consumption worldwide by over 13.4 billion gallons to-date, thereby saving over 141 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Source: Aviation Partners Boeing

                           CAE, Qantas to Set Up New Pilot Training Center in Sydney

CAE and Qantas have signed an agreement for a new pilot training center in Sydney, Australia.  The new center will be located near Sydney airport and provide training for up to 4,500 new and current Qantas and Jetstar pilots from early 2024, says Qantas.

The center will be operated by CAE under a 15-year agreement.  The center will have up to eight full motion simulators for four Airbus and two Boeing types covering the A320, A330, A350, A380, 737-800, and 787.  In addition, it will have flight training devices for the A330, A380 and 787.

Qantas and Jetstar captains will provide training at the center, while CAE will maintain the simulators and manage day-to-day operations.

CAE will provide training for other carriers at the facility.  The training provider will deploy a new A320 simulator at the center, and purchase Qantas’s 737, 787, and A330 full motion simulators.

“Qantas has trained its pilots and crew in Sydney for more than half a century and we look forward to bringing this critical function back to New South Wales with this custom-built facility,” says Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce.

Source: CAE, Artist impression of the new Sydney training center   

  

LATEST NEWS

• Copa Airlines on August 12th, the flag carrier of Panama, took delivery of one new Boeing 737 Max 9.  The aircraft is under a long-term lease from Aviation Capital Group LLC.

• IAG British Airways and Iberia owner IAG has converted a loan to parent company Air Europa into a 20% stake in the airline.

•   ALC announced a long-term lease placements for 19 new Airbus aircraft with Condor of Germany; including 17 Airbus A321neos and 2 A320neos.

•   Malaysia Airlines has selected the Airbus A330neo for the carrier’s widebody fleet Renewal Program.  The initial agreements cover the acquisition of 20 A330-900 aircraft, with 10 to be repurchased from Airbus and 10 to be leased from Dublin-based Avolon. 

• Russian Airlines, according to Reuters, including Aeroflot, are being forced to strip western leased Airbus and Boeing aircraft parts from grounded aircraft to keep others flying.
•  Qanot Sharq Uzbek carrier to introduce a pair of Airbus A321 jets through US lessor Air Lease. Qanot Sharq, whose name means ‘eastern wings’, is a privately-owned operator and has a small fleet of A320s.

•   Air Greenland new Airbus A330neo exits the paint shop.  Airbus has issued the first photos of the aircraft named “Tuukkaq”.

• Boeing is to open a second surge line for the 737-800 freighter conversions at its facility near London Gatwick airport.

Sources: Airbus, Boeing, Reuters, Air Lease, Copa Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, IAG.

                                                      Air Cargo

          Apolo-led Investor Group to Acquire Atlas Air Worldwide for $5.2 bn

US freight and passenger Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has agreed to be acquired by an investor group led by Apollo Global Management in an all-cash deal worth $5.2 billion.  The investor consortium includes J.F.Lehman & Company and Hill City Capital, the logistics specialist said on August 4.

Under the terms of the agreement, Atlas’ shareholders will receive $102,50 per share in Cassia 57% premium on the company’s current 30-day average trading price.

Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to close in the final quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023, Atlas will become a privately-held company.

Chief executive Jon Dietrich and his management team will remain in place, the purchase, New-York headquartered company says.

Source: Atlas Air

                           SIA Inducts First 777 Freighter Under DHL Partnership

Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of its first DHL Express Boeing 777 Freighter, which it will operate on flights to the USA under a commercial partnership with the logistics giant.  The aircraft (9v-DHA) features a dual SIA-DHL livery and is the first of five 777Fs to be operated by the flag carrier.

In March, SIA and DHL entered into a four-year “crew and maintenance agreement”, which sees SIA operate and maintain the fleet of five 777Fs.

SIA says it expects to take delivery of its second 777F in November, with the remaining three examples delivered across 2023.

The Carrier expects to operate the type on flights between the USA and Singapore via North Asian and Australian points.  Its first pair of freighters will be deployed on Singapore- Incheon- Los Angeles-Honolulu- Singapore route six times weekly.

DHL Express executive vice-president for aviation Robert Hyslop says:  “The new Boeing 777 Freighter demonstrates our on going effort to strengthen our network and adjust flight routes, as well as lower our carbon emissions to achieve greener logistics.

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, SIA, said: ”SIA’s longstanding partnership with DHL reinforces Singapore’s position as key air cargo and -commerce logistics hub, and highlights our firm commitment to our cargo business”

Ms Christy Reese, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing,Asia PacificBoeing said: “ We are thrilled that the partnership between DHL and Singapore Airlines will be predicated on the strength of Boeing 777 Freighters.

The versatile 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, most capable twin-engine freighter and can fly long-range trans-pacific missions in excess of 6,000 nautical miles with 20 percent more payload than other large freighters like the 747-400F”.

Source: Singapore Airlines,Picture Singapore Airlines

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

ON THE BOEING FRONT

                       Boeing Plans P-8 Deliveries to New Zealand, Germany & South Korea

Boeing says it will complete deliveries of the company’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to New Zealand, Germany and South Korea over the next two years.  Boeing says on July 7, that the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will receive its P-8s this year, while South Korea’s will arrive in 2023.  Aircraft destined for Germany will be ready in 2024.

New Zealand committed to purchasing four P-8s to replace the RNZF’s aging fleet of six Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion patrol aircraft.  Across the Tasman Sea, neighboring Australia already operates 12 Poseidons.

Germany plans to buy five P-8s, while south Korea will acquire six; both nations will use the Poseidon to phase out fleets of older P-3 Orions.

On July 7 the newest P-8 took to the skies over Puget Sound, bringing the total number of P-8s delivered to 150.  “There are now 150 P-8s around the world delivering an unmatched capability to our global Customers,” said Stu Voboril, vice president and program manager, P-8 Programs.

Amassing more than 450,000 mishap-free flight hours, the global P-8 fleet includes 112 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Navy, 12 to Australia, 12 to India, 9 to the United Kingdom and 5 to Norway.

Boeing P-8 Program senior manager Perry Yaw said the P-8 production line currently has a backlog stretching until 2025, with a program total of 183 aircraft ordered.

Yaw adds that Canada is Boeing’s next major focus for overseas sales.  In February, the company officially responded to a bid from the Canadian armed forces for a long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

Dubbed the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA), the program aims to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force(RCAF) fleet of Lockheed CP-140 Aurora turboprops.  The CP-140 is based on a P-3 Airframe.  The RCAF operates 15 Auroras, according to the FlightGlobal 2022 World Air Forces guide.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing.

Boeing Orders & Deliveries for June

Boeing won orders for 50 airplanes in June, including 49 MAX, of which 48 were sold to customers not immediately disclosed. The one public purchaser was American Airlines.

On the delivery side Boeing delivered 51 airplanes in June to bring its first-half tally to 216 jets, up 38% from the same period last year.  The deliveries included six wide-body commercial freighters; for the 12th consecutive month, there were no 787 deliveries.

Source: Boeing                  

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

                             Airbus & CFM Collaborate on Open Fan Engine Architecture

The Flight Test Demonstrator aims to mature and accelerate the development of advanced propulsion technologies, as part of CFM’s Revolutionary innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) demonstration program, on board an Airbus A380.  The test campaign will be performed in the second half of this decade from the Airbus Flight Test facility in Toulouse, France.  Ahead of the A380 test flights, CFM will perform engine ground tests, along with flight test validation at GE Aviation’s Flight Test Operations center in Victorville, CA,USA.

The flight test program will achieve several objectives that could contribute to future engine and aircraft efficiency improvements, including: enhanced understanding of engine/wing integration and aerodynamic performance as well as propulsive system efficiency gains; validating performance benefits, including better fuel efficiency that would provide a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s most efficient engines; evaluating acoustic models; and ensuring compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuels(SAF).

“ New propulsion technologies will play an important role in achieving aviation’s net aero objectives, along with new aircraft designs and sustainable energy sources,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus chief technical officer.  ”By evaluating, maturing and validating open fan engine architecture using dedicated flight test demonstrator, we are collaboratively making yet another significant contribution to the advancement of technology bricks that enable us to reach our industry-wide decarbonization targets”.

“The CFM RISE Program is all about pushing the technology envelope, redefining the art of the possible, and helping to achieve more sustainable long-term growth for our industry,” said Gael Meheust, President and CEO of CFM International.

Source: Airbus, CFM International, Image Airbus

Airbus Orders& Deliveries For June

Qantas Airways has firmed its order for a dozen Airbus A350-1000s & secured an agreement for another seven A350 freighters, from an undisclosed customer.  In addition two A350 freighters were recently identified for Silk Way Airline, and a single A330-900 for Delta Air Lines.

As part of its fleet modernization, The Australian flag -carrier has also signed for 20 A321neos and 20 A220-300s.

Airbus recorded firm net orders for 259 aircraft over the first half of the year, with 314 single-aisle jets and 25 A350s.

It delivered a total of 297 aircraft in the six-month period to June 30, among them 29 A350s and 13 A330s plus 230 A320neo-family jets and 25 A220s.

Source: Airbus             

        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Pratt & Whitney and Embraer have completed the first flight test on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with an E195-E2 regional jet.

The aircraft performed a 70 minute flight from Vero Beach airport, in Florida, with one  PW1900G engine running on 100% SAF.  It follows two days of ground testing at Fort Lauderdale airport, says P&W.

For the test flight, both companies made use of 100% vegetable ail-based HEFA-SPK (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffin kerosene)fuel acquired from USA-based World Energy.

P&W engines and Embraer aircraft can operate with SAF blended up to 50%.  Work is ongoing to allow PW1100G-family engines to be able to operate at 100% SAF.  P&W, in March, announced it was teaming up with Air BP on the use of 100% SAF for engine testing and research.  Under the agreement, both parties intend to work together to explore a “viable supply” of full-SAF for engine and propulsion tests through 2024.

Sources: Embraer, P&W, Picture P&W

                        RoyalJet expands Its Five-Star Fleet with a Premium BBJ

RoyalJet Abu Dhabi has added yet another Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) to its fleet taking total number of BBJs to 12.

This makes RoyalJet the largest BBJ Operator in the World. The aircraft was acquired by the group in early 2022 and is now ready for charter after undergoing upgrades and technology enhancements in Basel, Switzerland over the past few months.

This BBJ boasts 23 passengers VVIP interior with forward crew rest area, master bedroom with private lavatory and shoer, and a mid-cabin open-plan lounge.

Source:  RoyalJet                                           

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

  Air Arabia JVs Set for Take-Off

Sharjah-based low-cost carrier (LCC) Air Arabia aims to have its two joint venture (JV) airlines in Armenia and Pakistan flying by the middle of this year.

The company has now allocated two newly leased Airbus A320neos to Fly Arna, while three will go to Pakistan-based Fly Jinnah.

Air Arabia is setting up the new Armenian national carrier, Fly Arna in conjunction with the Armenian National Interests Fund.  While in Pakistan, it is creating Fly Jinnah, with Karachi-based conglomerate Lakson Group.

Air Arabia’s CEO, Adel Ali, said that he hopes Fly Arna will be in the air by May and Fly Jinnah in June of next year.

Armenia has not had a national airline for several years.  Fly Arna has not yet announced its initial destinations, but these are likely to concentrate initially on Central Asia.

Pakistan has shortage of airlines serving its 200 million-strong population; domestic routes will be Karachi-based Fly Jinnah’s first priority before the airline expands internationally.

Air Arabia is looking at acquiring more A321 in the next batch; the airline has a small number of A321LRs at present.

Source: Air Arabia, Picture Fly Arna

                                           Qatar Airways Wins ‘Airline of The Year’

Qatar Airways has won ‘Airline of the Year’ at the AirlineRatings Awards.  It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and took home the “Best Business Class’ award.

This is the second year running that Qatar Airways has scooped the top prize and the fourth year in a row to take home the ‘Best Business Class’ award.

The AirlineRatings ‘Airline of the year” award acknowledges the best that aviation has to offer, with focus on product innovations strong route network and overall safety.  All AirlineRatings awards are given based on strict assessment criteria put together by industry professionals with extensive expertise and experience in the aviation field.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said:  “ Winning these awards are another ringing endorsement of everything that we stand for as an airline, Qatar Airways is fully committed to providing an unrivaled customer experience.  Our goal is to deliver excellence and once again securing the ‘Airline of the year’,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘Best Business Class’ demonstrates that we continue to lead the industry as passengers return to the skies.  As we increase our global network to over 150 destinations, we also recently reported our most successful financial results ever with profit of $1.54 billion, confirming the airline as an all-round strong performer that is hugely popular with our passengers.”

Source: Qatar Airways, Picture Qatar Airways

                                  Greater Bay Airlines Gets Airborne in Low-Key Launch

Hong Kong start-up Greater Bay Airlines has officially taken to the skies, though its long-awaited launch was made with little fanfare.

On July 23rd, the carrier operated its inaugural flight to Bangkok, operated by a Boeing 737-800. Greater Bay, which did not issue a media statement to mark its launch, intends to operate twice-weekly flights to the Thai capital, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The launch comes as travel restrictions still persist in Hong Kong, though the city’s government is slowly easing curbs

It also comes nearly half a year after it clinched its operation license, which paved the way for it to start commercial flights.   In October 2021 the carrier clinched its AOC, and stated its intensions to operate to Bangkok, Phuket as well as Singapore.

It had applied and received regulatory approval to operate more than 100 routes across Asia-Pacific, with the majority of them to mainland China.  Other countries include Japan,Thailand and South Korea. Greater Bay currently has two 737s in its fleet and will take a third example this year.

Source:  ch-aviation, Picture Wikimedia Commons

                                Bonza Set For Launch As First MAX Takes Flight

Australia’s newest airline Bonza is step closer to launch, after its first Boeing 737 MAX jet was spotted sporting freshly-painted Bonza livery in Seattle.  Bonza is a new airline based by 777 Partners of Miami that is preparing to launch operations this month to underserved markets in Australia.

Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost airlines has thrown out the rule book as they reveal their first-ever uniform.  The ‘wear it your way’ range, featuring Australian aviation’s first-ever-on trend white custom sneakers and cotton t-shirts, allows Bonza legends to let their individual personalities shine with various “mix and match” options.

“ Our brief was clear.  Create a uniform that Bonza legends will wear with pride.  We know airline uniforms are the land that time forgot and we wanted to change that with our partners at total Image Group,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

The airline took delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8 in July registration number VH-UJT.  Bonza is gearing up to begin flying on 27 routes to 17 destinations as soon as September.

Sources: 777 Partners, Boeing, Australian Aviation, Picture Boeing      

LATEST NEWS

• Saltchuk Aviation Boeing and Saltchuk Aviation have announced the airline group placed an order for up to four more 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters.

• BBAM Limited Partnership have announced the lessor is growing its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) fleet with a firm order for nine more 737-800BCF.

• Armenian & Georgian Airlines Armenia airline and its partner Georgian Airlines from Georgia, have placed an order for three Boeing 737-800BSF as part of the group’s plan to add more dedicated cargo airplanes to its operations in the Caucasus region.

• Alaska Airlines has accelerated the retirement of its remaining A320s in the fourth quarter.  Chief Financial Officer Shane Tackett said it during the quarter earning call.

• ANA Holdings Japan’s largest airline finalized an order for 20 737Max 8 and took an option for ten more and selected the 777-8 Freighter.

• Boeing has opened its largest Asia-Pacific distribution center in Brisbane, Australia to support key business areas.  The center is located in Murarrie near Brisbane Airport.

• New Zealand’s first 737NG P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has emerged from the paint shop at Boeing’s Renton facility in Washington.

• Icelandair has entered a pact with Singapore-based lessor BOC Aviation to lease two 737Max 8s.

• Ethiopian Airlines has switched four A350-900 orders to A50-1000; thus becoming the first African operator for the -1000 type.

• Jetstar Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo featuring the airline’s refreshed livery.

Sources: Boeing, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Icelandair,

                                              AIR CARGO

                      Cargolux Commits to Order 777-8 Freighters        

   

Boeing has secured a commitment from freight airline Cargolux to order 777-8 freighters, which the Luxembourg-based carrier intends to use as 747-400 replacements.

Boeing disclosed the deal, which falls short of a firm order, on July 21 during the Farnborough air show.

Boeing senior vice-President of commercial sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir says he hopes to convert the commitment into a firm order in the coming weeks.  “We will be working over the next several weeks to do the documentation for the commitment, and wrap it up,” Mounir says.

Boeing says Cargolux “selected the 777-8 Freighter as a preferred solution to replace its 747-400 fleet”. Neither company has disclosed how many of Boeing’s in-development 777-8F Cargolux might purchase.

“We will work with them to define how many, and when,” Mounir says.  ”I expect in the next several weeks we will firm that up.”

Boeing launched the freighter 777-8F development program in January, with first delivery scheduled for 2027.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

OTHER NOTEWORTHY NEWS

                         Lion Air Group ‘still committed’ to 737 MAX: Chairman

Lion Air Group chairman Rusdi Kirana has reiterated the airline group’ commitment to the Boeing 737 Max, with is Batik Air Malaysia unit set to take its first 737Max9 aircraft in early 2023.

Kirana was speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, announcing the rebranding of the airline unit Milando Air to Batik Air Malaysia, as well as the official re-entry of Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft into its fleet.

Indonesia-based Lion Air Group, which also includes Lion Air, Super Air Jet and Batik Air of Indonesia, as well as Thai Lion Air, has more than 200 Max aircraft – a mix of Max 8s and Max 9s on order.  Kirana, who was responding to a question from FlightGlobal, says the airline group is looking to continue operations of the type, some of which have already returned to service in Indonesia.

“Boeing did a lot of work to make sure that the 737 Max is safe for travel…we have more than 200 aircraft on order with Boeing, and we will still take delivery of them because…we will need more aircraft as demand comes back…to reduce ticket prices,” Kirana says.

His comments come as Batik Air Malaysia looks to have 17 Max 8s in its fleet by year-end.  The Airline has four in operation now, operating them to destinations farther afield, including Pakistan and Australia.

Indonesia was among the last few countries around the world to re-certify the aircraft following the grounding.

According to Kirana, Indonesia’s Lion Air has about 100 aircraft or about 80% of its operational fleet flying now, including 737 Max aircraft.

Source: Lion Air, FlightGlobalPicture Alfred Chua/FlightGlobal

                      

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian