August 31, 2017 by kaplanianreport

Volume 4 Issue 9 The Kaplanian Report September 2017

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Urals Boeing Plant to Triple Partners’ Titanium Capacity

Shipments of Russian-made aerospace parts will exceed $1billion after the new Urals Boeing Manufacturing (UBM) plant begins operations next summer. Sergei Kravchenko, Boeing president for Russia and CIS, told reporters during a briefing in Moscow a day ahead of the July 18th to 23rd MAKS 2017 airshow.

UBM, a joint venture between the U.S. airframes and Russia’s Roster Corporation officially launched operations in 2009, but the demand for more titanium parts prompted the partners to invest in a second plant to triple the capacity.

The new plant opens “just in time”, said Kravchenko, considering the 18 to 24 month lead time for major 777X parts.

Russian output grew quickly as Boeing 787 production rose from an initial two to 12 per month. Each Dreamliner coming off the production line uses 56 parts made of Russian titanium, weighing a total weight of 22 tons, including heavily machined components from UBM and raw material supplied directly by Rostec’s VSMPO-Avisma company.

Financial restrictions have proved most damaging, because they make it harder for Russian airlines to buy Boeing aircraft. ”We continue materializing all we had agreed before, but the political instability restricts our ability to launch larger economic projects that would benefit both sides,” he said. ”I want to see sanctions removed.”

Nevertheless, Kravchenko expressed optimism about the potential of Boeing Global Services(GBS).” Kravchenko said “Stan Deal, GBS president and CEO, asked for my assistance…and I shall be working for him while keeping the current position,” he added.

Kravchenko said he sees the recent achievements of Russian airlines – most notably Aeroflot – in the area of digitization as a major contribution to the new division to provide round-the-clock support for airlines. Boeing plans to take advantage of the time zone difference between Moscow and Seattle, employing engineers in those respective cities “as though in two shifts”.

“This way, we can get airline’s requests for services fulfilled quicker and in a more efficient manner,” concluded Kravchenko.

Source : Air Transport

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Delivers Its 100th A350 XWB

Airbus has delivered its 100th A350 XWB, just some 30 months after the first delivery in December 2014. The 100th aircraft delivered is an A350-900 for China Airlines.

“The 100th A350 XWB milestone comes as we reach our fastest wide body production ramp-up on track to meet the target of 10 A350 deliveries per month by the end of 2018,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft.

“China Airlines is happy to be receiving the 100th A350XWb,” said Nuan-Shuan Ho, Chairman of China Airlines. To date, the A350 has been delivered to 14 airlines worldwide and is flying with an outstanding operational reliability rate of 99%. ”This is a remarkable statistic at this early stage of the program,” Fabrice Bregier adds.

The A350-1000 is the new member of the A350 XWB family and benefits from its high level of commonality with the A350-900. Scheduled for Type Certification and first Customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2017, the A350-1000 is currently performing an intensive flight test campaign.

As of July 26, Airbus has recorded a total of 847 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide.

Source : Airbus/Airbus Picture

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Embraer Lauds Services In Q2 Results

Embraer saw a 30% increase in second-quarter sales, due in part to improved revenue from services – an increasingly important business line for the world’s major aircraft manufacturers.

The Brazilian company’s second-quarter revenue rose to $1.77 billion, on factors including higher services sales and increased commercial deliveries.

Embraer delivered 35 commercial aircraft during the quarter, versus 26 in last year’s equivalent period. It also delivered 24 business aircraft, and noted that its executive jets division had recorded a double-digit growth in services revenue.

Boeing is also pushing its aftermarket product: First-half earnings for its services division unit were up 11% to $674 million and Boeing expects the unit’s operating margin for the full year to breach 13.5%, up from a previous forecast of 12.5%-plus.

And while Embraer’s 2Q trading statement is unclear about services’ contribution to higher revenues within its commercial aircraft division, the manufacturer does offer a full suite of services, including maintenance, modifications, field support, training and materials.

In the first half of 2017, Embraer had invested almost $24 million in parts for its pooling program. The company also invested in its E2 aircraft program, which is currently running four E190-Es and one E195-E2 prototypes. The E190-E2, which has 83 firm orders, completed its wing bending test in May and is now more than halfway through its test campaign.

(It is interesting how airframers are now putting more emphasis on the services side of their businesses. As a former spares executive in the car industry and heavy duty Truck industry, I am elated to see the expansion of this business, which handled correctly can generate more profit for airframes)

Source : Embraer/ Embraer Picture

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

ALC Looks to Accelerate Boeing Deliveries As Airbus Delays Mount

Air Lease is looking to accelerate some of its Boeing deliveries to offset delays to certain Airbus aircraft in 2018, as it questions the stability of both airframers’ supply chains.

Delivery delays of Pratt &Whitney powered A320neo family aircraft and Rolls Royce- powered A330-900neos continue and are

“sliding right” month-by-month in 2018, says John Plueger, chief executive of the Los Angeles-based lessor, during a second quarter earnings call on August 3rd.

Steven Udar-Hazy, chairman of All, calls the delays to the A330neos the “Rolls Royce Situation”, during the call. He adds that the aircraft has not even begun flight tests.

As a result of the delays, the lessor is looking to accelerate some of its Boeing deliveries into 2018 and may temper its aircraft sales program, says Plueger.

The lessor has yet to determine the full impact of the delays on deliveries from its order book and to its sales program, says Plueger when asked by Wall Street analysts. He adds that it is receiving updates from Airbus on a weekly basis and hopes to have some clarity by the end of summer. ALC attributes the delays to supply chain issues, particularly with engines, that are impacting Airbus and, to a lesser extent, Boeing.

“We don’t have the production delay problems with Boeing that we have with Airbus,” says Udvar-Hazy, when asked about possible acceleration of Boeing deliveries.” It just seems Boeing has its programs under control,” he adds.

Source : Flightglobal/ALC

Norwegian Has Performed Its First Commercial Transatlantic 737 MAX

Low-cost carrier (LCC) Norwegian Shuttle has performed its first commercial transatlantic flights using the Boeing 737 MAX, with two aircraft now in revenue service.

The first Norwegian 737 MAX transatlantic sector was operated July 15 by aircraft named “Sir Freddie Laker,” who is widely recognized as long a long-haul, low-cost pioneer. The Skytrain executive started long-haul, low-cost flights between London Gatwick and New York in 1977, with fares starting at $77.

Norwegian’s 189-seat 737 MAX operated between Edinburgh and Hartford, Connecticut; followed by a second rotation from Edinburgh to Stewart International in New York.

The 737 MAX offers longer range compared with older narrow bodies, opening up smaller transatlantic city pairs at an affordable cost and fare price.

Norwegian will take delivery of six 737 MAXs this summer, joining the two it already has in service.

Source : Flightglobal/Norwegian/NorwegianPicture

LOT Polish Airlines Completes Initial Phase of Long-Haul Renewal

LOT Polish Airlines has taken delivery of the final aircraft of its batch of eight Boeing 787-8s, as the Polish national carrier eyes the arrival of the larger-9 model next year. CEO Rafal Milczarski credits the twin-aisle aircraft as being a factor in the airlines financial turnaround.

The eighth 787-8 will largely be used to increase frequencies on LOT’s Asian routes, notably to Tokyo (from 3X-to 4X-weekly) and Seoul (from 3X-to %X-weekly) beginning this month. The enlarged fleet will also begin %X-weekly services from Warsaw to Newark Newark, replacing a Boeing 767-300 leased from Portuguese leasing and charter specialist EuroAtlantic Airways.

The final 787-8 will also allow for potential new long-haul services to be launched, even before the arrival of a batch of four 787-9s next year. That will be used to inaugurate the recently announced Budapest-New York JFK and Chicago O’Hare routes from May.

On the short-haul front, July also saw the deliveries go four 737-800NG completed, while in November, LOT will be one of the early operators of the 737 MAX 8.

Source : ATW/Picture Norwegian

LATEST NEWS

Air Lease Corp has finalized an order with Boeing for 12 737 MAX aircraft previously announced at the Paris Air Show. The agreement also includes two new orders for the 787-9 Dreamliner.

Avolon Irish lessor delivered one Boeing 737 Max 8 to Indonesia’s Lion Air. This is the fourth Avolon aircraft on lease to Lion Air.

ICBC, Chinese lessor, has been identified as the customer behind an order for 20 Airbus A320neo placed at the end of 2014.

ALAFCO secured a loan from Stellwagen Finance for the first Airbus A320neo for lease to Air India.

GE Aviation earned $1.49 billion on $6.53 billion sales in 2Q17 vs $1.35 billion on $6.51 billion in 2Q16.

Meggitt aviation component and systems maker has landed a deal with Boeing to provide the airframe with integrated standby flight displays (ISFD) for the 777X.

Flydubai Dubai based low-cost carrier (LCC) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate the type.

Singapore Airlines has dropped its short-haul low-cost carrier (LCC) brand Tingerair, merging the airline into mid-to long-haul LCC Scoot.

Saudi Aramco has taken delivery of three new Boeing 737-800s in as many months.

New England Patriots has acquired two former American Airlines Boeing 767-300ERs for travel to out-of-town games. The 767s are owned by a company called Team 125 Inc, operated by New England Patriots LLC and financed by Kraft Group, a company let by Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The aircraft will be configured in an all-first class configuration and will operate out of TF Green airport near Providence, Rhode Island.
BOC Aviation firmed its commitment to order 10 737 Max 10s made at the Paris Air Show in June.

AIR CARGO

Volga-Dnepr Weighs in With Vision for a Larger An-124

Volga-Dnepr Group has outlined its principal requirements for a future freighter to replace the Antonov An-124-100.

During the MAKS air show in Moscow in July, it outlined its vision of a successor to the Ukrainian outsize-cargo aircraft, developed in the 1970s as a military transport.

“In our view, a new freighter should be 35% to 40% more efficient economically and capable to carry a payload of up to 170t for at least 8,000km to 10,000km (4,300-5,400nm)”, say technical director Viktor Tolmachev. “This would enable the operator to transport even bulkier cargos on longer-haul routes across the oceans and continents.”

The cargo variant of the An-124 entered commercial service with Volga-Dnepr Airlines in October 1991. Since then the freighter has undergone several enhancements and modifications, the latest is the-100M-150, fitted with Western avionics and capable of flying 2,430nm with a payload of 150t.

Volga-Dnepr currently uses a dozen An-124s, of which 10 were built 22-27 years ago.

Source : Flightglobal/ Volga-Dnepr Picture

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul News

One-Stop OEM Shopping?

The aviation aftermarket is being jolted by some bold moves from OEMs that could challenge conventional business models. Or is this simply part of the next wave of consolidation?

Take Boeing Avionics. The OEM announced on July 31, that it is setting up the avionics unit to develop avionics for both commercial and military platforms. That means it will compete against some of its Tier 1 suppliers – such as Honeywell, United Technologies Corp. and Rockwell Collins. The latter “saw its share price whacked on the Boeing Avionics news,” says Robert Stallard, an analyst at Vertical Research Partners, who points out Rockwell Collins stock “has since rallied.”

A few days later, on Aug. 4, reports started swirling that United Technologies might purchase Rockwell Collins. Keep in mind Rockwell Collins just finished acquiring B/E Aerospace, the cabin interior product and services company, on April 13th. It had expanded its interiors portfolio and established natural synergies and complementary services in areas such as cabin management, connectivity and communication.

Now that some OEMs aim for more aftermarket revenue, it’s not surprising that they seek greater in-house capabilities for an expanding market, which Aviation Week forecasts to reach $74.3 billion this year.

Expect the market to continue expanding through the year. In Vertical Research Partners’ assessment of the global aerospace and defense market’s second quarter, released Aug. 7, it says the aerospace market grew about 7% slightly higher than the 5% in the first quarter.

While all this is emerging, Stallard also sees “a potential shift in the balance of power between the aircraft OEMs and their suppliers,” some of which “are struggling to keep up with the relentless price and efficiency demands of Boeing and Airbus.”

Source : MRO-Network

MRO Short News

Jet Yard was selected by Delta Material Services to perform part outs in Marana, Arizona.

ATR extended its global maintenance agreement with Stobart Air for 17 Air aircraft.

Czech Airlines Technics was selected by KLM low-cost carrier Transavia for Boeing 737NG maintenance.

Zodiac Seats US was selected by Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair to supply Z110 economy seats for Boeing 737 MAXs.

Ducommun has a Boeing contract to supply aluminum fuselage skins for the Boeing 737-800BCF.

September Puzzler

August Puzzler Answer : Allegiant Air the fleet is so old that its most numerous airplanes are McDonnell Douglas MD-80s and -90s, which ceased production 17 years ago. Allegiant also operates a pair of Boeing 757s (out of production since 2004) and about somewhat younger dozen Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com

July 8, 2017 by kaplanianreport

July 2017 The Kaplanian Report

ON THE BOEING FRONT

GE Starts 18-month GE9X Certification Program

GE Aviation has started the 18-month certification program for the GE9X engine that will power the Boeing 777X.

The first round of certification tests will take place in Peebles, Ohio. The certification testing is beginning on the second GE9X engine GE has built; ultimately, there will be eight certification test engines. The next two GE9X engines are currently being built. One of those two engines will be tested in flight on GE’s 747 flying testbed based in Victorville, California, in the second half of 2017.

GE aims to complete the certification program by the end of 2018. The 777X is slated to enter service in 2020.

The start of certification program follows more than a year of testing with the GE9X first engine to test (FETT).

“Historically, the first to test is not separated by the second engine by a year-plus,”

GE9X program general Manager Ted Ingling told ATW. ”That was the intention, that we moved that first engine forward to allow us as a design team to validate the architecture of this new engine, learn, and adapt those learnings into the certification baseline.”

The second engine to test (SETT), which started for the first time on May 16, is the first GE9X certification engine and the first of a series to build to the full-up finalized production standard.

SETT, also known as GE9X test engine 002/1, is the first to incorporate all the design changes from lessons learned during the validation runs of the first engine. In addition, GE will build an engine for ETOPS extended-range certification testing that will be configured with a Boeing-provided nacelle and other external hardware.

From early 2018, GE will also deliver eight compliance engines, plus a pair of spares to Boeing for the four 777-9 flight-test aircraft. The Engine is now officially named the GE9X-105B1.

Source : ATW/GE Aviation/PicturesGE Aviation

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Beluga XL Begins to Take Shape

The first of Airbus’ five new Beluga XL air lifters began to take shape, initiating the creation of a new jetliner fleet to transport complete sections of the company’s aircraft from production sites around Europe to final assembly lines in France, Germany and Spain.

Beluga XL’s lower fuselage will be the same as the freighter version of the Airbus’ A330-200 jetliner and is to be built on the A330 final assembly line adjacent to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southwestern France.

Airbus has taken delivery of the nose section for its first Beluga XL transport aircraft. The nose and cockpit have been constructed by Stelia Aerospace at a French facility in Meaulte. Stelia says several of its production sites, including its Tunisian facility, contributed to the manufacture.

Airbus five Beluga XL twin jets will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.

The airframer is to introduce a series of individual paint schemes for its forthcoming fleet of the five Beluga XL transports, with the lead example featuring an aquatic design based on the white whale the aircraft is named after.

The first flight of the A330-200-based jet is due in 2018, Airbus confirms that each will bear a unique livery. The initial scheme was voted by employees, the airframe says. The Beluga XL will replace its fleet of A300-600ST outsized freighters from 2019.

Source : Air soc/Airbus/Flightglobal

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Deer Jet to Add Second Boeing 787 Dream Jet to its Fleet

Deer Jet announced the building of world’s largest Dream Jet fleet by adding a second one to its managed fleet and brings to Seattle, the birthplace of Boeing, the world’s first 787 Dream Jet for its first display in the US.

The showcase was held at the Museum of Flight. This was the sixth stop for the world’s first Dream Jet after Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, Dublin and Doha; part of the series of exhibitions “Dreams Encounter the World.”

Exclusively for the Seattle exhibition, A collection of Sculptures from artist Dale Chihuly, including its famous Cylinders, created from glass-thread drawings on vessels inspired by Native American textiles, added local style to the 787 Dream Jet cabin.

During the press conference which was held at the end of the display, Mr. Adam Tan, CEO of HNA Group, Deer Jet’s parent company, said:

“Along its 24 years of history, HNA Group has built many milestones for the aviation industry, once a regional airliner, now the 353th of the Global Fortune 500 list and the goal to become one of the top 10 largest enterprises in the world. The first 787 Dream Jet is a masterpiece, after its global success we are very pleased to add a second one as we decided to build the largest Dream Jet fleet in the world. It will also be managed by Deer Jet, the top private jet company in Asia. I believe this will provide the highest quality of premium business travel services to our worldwide high-end customers.”

During his speech at the press conference, Mr Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added :

“Deer Jet is setting the standard for private charter travel, and Boeing is excited to be part of it with the 787, the most technologically advanced and ecologically efficient business jet on the market.”

Source : China Aviation Daily/Deer Jet/Deer Jet Picture

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Boeing Deal with Italian Export Finance Agency

SACE (CDP Group) and Boeing have entered into an important agreement that will support Italian exports in the aeronautical sector in the form of new aircraft delivery financing.

The agreement creates a shared platform for facilitating the financing of aircraft purchases of mutual interest each year, SACE will consider guaranteeing credit lines from third parties for the sale go Boeing aircraft (this year, up to 1.25 billion US dollars), in order to support Boeing’s contracts and subcontracts with Italian firms specialized in precision aeronautical components. SACE’s commitment will be evaluated every year and adjusted accordingly to the supplies that Boeing will allocate to Italian companies.

“The agreement we are announcing strengthens our relationship with an international aerospace giant that has chosen Italy as one of its principal partners. Aeronautics has always been a strategic sector for our economy, where we can be even more incisive and more competitive in the international market”, said Alessandro Decio, CEO of Sace CDP Group.

SACE said it will consider guaranteeing credit lines for airlines or leasing companies that buy Boeing aircraft. From 2015 to 2016, Boeing purchased 2.5 billion dollars of goods and services from Italian companies and, with a solid tie to the national economy, it has helped generate 12,000 jobs along the supply chain.

Source : SACE CDP Group

United Airlines to Offer LAX-Singapore 787-9 Service

United Airlines plans to introduce daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Singapore’s Changi Airport, effective October 27, subject to government approval.

According to the Chicago-based carrier, the service will set the distance record for any airline operating a flight to or from the US, at 8,700 miles. (yet another milestone for the 787) Ed Kaplanian commented.

United’s existing service between San Francisco and Singapore started one year ago, June 1, 2016, and “holds the current record of the longest scheduled flight operated by any US carrier, at 8,446 miles,” the airline said in a statement.

Both routes will use 252-seat Boeing 787-9s with 48 Polaris business class seats and 204 economy seats, including 88 economy plus seats.

Flight UA 37 will depart Los Angeles at 8:55 p.m. daily, arriving in Singapore at 6:50 a.m. two days later (all times local). The return flight, UA 38, will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 11:00 a.m. daily, arriving at Los Angeles at 10:15 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately 17 hours, 55 minutes westbound and 15 hours,15 minutes eastbound.

Source : United Airlines/ATW

Hainan Airlines to Add 13 787-9s and Six 737 MAX 8s

HNA Group subsidiary, Hainan Airlines, is raising funds to acquire 13 Boeing 787-9s and six 738 MAX 8s.

China’s Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed Hainan Airlines’ five year plan, paving the way for additional 19 aircraft.

Under the strategy, the Haikou-based carrier will add seven Boeing 787-9s in 2018, followed by another six 787-9s and six 737 MAX 8s between January and August 2019. It currently has 10 787-8s and nine 787-9s in its fleet.

Hainan Airlines valued the order at about $4.19 billion and detailed plans to raise the money through a bonds issue.

The aircraft will be used to strategically grow its fleet and network, in a bid to boost profitability and competitiveness.

According to the carrier’s website, its current fleet of 179 aircraft includes Airbus A330s, Boeing 737s, 767s, 787-8s and -9s.

Source : Hainan Airlines/Boeing picture/ATW

LATEST NEWS

Iran Air has taken delivery of its first four ATR 72-600 turboprops. Earlier this year the carrier finalized a deal spanning 20 firm ATR 72-600s, plus options on another 20.

Arkia Israeli leisure carrier has unveiled a vibrant new livery as it prepares to modernize its fleet.

EgyptAir has taken delivery of the fourth of nine Boeing 737-800 NGs, as part of a fleet modernization plan and expansion strategy.

Delta Air Lines placed an incremental order for 30 firm Airbus A321ceo aircraft.

EasyJet UK budget carrier EasyJet has opted to take the Airbus A321neo,by converting orders for 30 of the smaller A320neo which the airline has on order.

Kalitta Air took delivery of the first of two leased Boeing 747-400Fs from GECAS, adding capacity to Kalitta Air’s fleet of more than 15 wide body freighters.

Scoot Singapore-based low-cost carrier received its 14th Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center on May 12.

Airbus’ is nearing a major change in its sales organization as its current head of sales, John Leahy, has indicated he will retire soon.

Ruili Airlines China’s low-cost (LCC) Ruili Airlines has agreed to lease three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from AVIC International Leasing Co. in an effort to facilitate its international expansion.

AIR CARGO

Lockheed Martin’s LM-100J Commercial Freighter Makes First Flight

The first Lockheed Martin LM-100J commercial freighter aircraft achieved a critical milestone with the completion of its first flight in Marietta, Georgia.

“I was proud to fly the first flight of our LM-100J. It performed flawlessly, as is typical of our military C-130J new production aircraft,” said Wayne Roberts, chief test pilot for the LM-100J program. ”This new model will perform many commercial roles in the decades to come, like humanitarian service following natural disasters and others like nuclear accident response, oil spill containment, and firefighting. This aircraft will also enable remote area development such as mining, oil and gas exploration. This day marks the beginning of a tremendous commercial capability that only the LM-100J can deliver.”

This flight followed the same test flight route over North Georgia and Alabama that is used for all C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The LM-100J will complete initial production flight tests and then begin Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certificate update test requirements.

Bravo Industries LLC, a Brazil-based firm, has agreed to buy 10 LM-100Js. Bravos Logistica division, which consists of Bravo Cargas and MRO, plans to operate the turboprop LM-100J for air cargo operations in Brazil.(Ed)

Source: Lockheed Martin/Picture Lockheed Martin

Russia’s AirBridgeCargo (ABC) Volume Up 17% In First Quarter

Russia’s Airbridge Cargo carried 158.000 tons in 1Q 2017, up 17% year-over-Year, as a result of market growth and special products. Load factor increased to 70% during the first months of the year, the carrier said in a statement on June 1.

The largest Russian cargo airline, which is part of Volga-Dnepr Group, continued to develop its network in Asia, launching a new route to Taipei in April. ABC provides Boeing 747F services to and from Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhengzhou.

According to ABC, high demand for exports from Europe enabled the airline to grow its tonnage from the region by 22% in Q1 2017; with growth on all its routes, notably to Asia, which recorded a 24% rise in tonnage over the same three months of 2016.

ABC’s services from North America also continued to grow, the airline said, and now operates up to 30 flights a week on its routes serving Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle.

The arrival of the airline’s 10th new Boeing 747-8 F in March increased its total 747 fleet to 17 aircraft, contributed a 7% increase in frequencies network-wide.

Source : ATW/Boeing ABC Cargo picture

MAINTENANCE, OVERHAUL, REPAIR NEWS

Qantas, Jetstar Sign Up for Boeing 787 Parts Support

Australia’s Qantas Airways and its Jetstar Airways low-cost subsidiary have entered into a long-term component services agreement with AFI KLM E&M to cover its Boeing 787 fleet.

The contract covers pool access, repairs and applies to eight future Qantas-operated 787-9s. They are expected to start entering its fleet late this year and eleven 787-8 currently in service with Jetstar.

AFI KLM E&M said the program aims to achieve maximum availability for supported fleet. It will see both airlines gain direct access to the aftermarket provider’s spare pool in Kuala Lumpur, with support from its global inventories and component repair shops.

AFI KLM E&M said the total number of 787s under its parts coverage program now stands at 193 across 15 different airlines.

Fabrice Defrance, senior vice president commercial AFI KLM E&M, said the new contract further strengthens its position in the Asia-Pacific region. It also grows ties with Qantas, as AFI KLM E&M already provides component support on its fleet of Airbus A330s and, through its Spairliners Subsidiary, coverage of its A380 fleet.

Source: mro-network.com/Qantas Picture

MRO Latest News

Lufthansa Technik was selected by Madrid-based leisure carrier Wamos Air to provide Airbus A330 and Boeing component support.

StandardAero was selected to maintain PW 125Bs for six Fokker 50s for Belgium carrier VLM Airlines.

F&E Aircraft Maintenance expanded its GoldCare agreement with Boeing to provide 787 and 737 MAX line maintenance at Denver and Seattle.

Aeronautical Engineers finalized contract with Mexico-based Aeronaves for sixth/Seventh MD-80 freighter conversions for late this year; Commercial Jet will modify one each at Miami and Dothan.

SR Technics expanded its CFM56 component repair agreement with AerFin ,to include-5Bs and -7Bs in addition to -5Cs out of facilities in Zurich, Switzerland and Cork Ireland.

HAECO was selected by Panasonic as an authorized IFEC repair center in China.

Ameco delivered a converted Boeing 757 aircraft to China Postal Airlines. This is the sixth Boeing 757 aircraft delivered by Ameco Chengdu Branch since 2014, while another three 757s are in progress in its facility.

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com

March 9, 2017 by kaplanianreport

Volume 4 Issue 3 March 2017

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Boeing Launches New Nacelle & Flight-Control Surface Exchange Program

On February 8th, Boeing announced the launch of a new Nacelle and Flight-control Surface Exchange Program. It provides airlines an integrated and economical solution, while building on Boeing’s successful history of exchange programs.

Under the program, customers can exchange nacelle and flight-control surface parts that need repair or overhaul from a certified pool that Boeing maintains throughout its global network. This eliminates the need for customers to contract, schedule, manage and own or lease these parts.

Parts distributed through the program represent all Boeing models and are updated to the latest configurations, incorporating all applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives.

Another benefit of an exchange is that customers only need to take an airplane out of service once, reducing maintenance needs. When a similar part is leased, the plane must be taken out of service for both removal and installation.

Boeing is a leader in providing 24/7 support and service to the global aviation industry. Boeing’s parts portfolio is the most complete in the industry, with total stock of over 400,000 part numbers and over 10,000 parts shipped daily.

Source : Boeing Commercial Services

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

A330neo First Flight Date is Still Not Set

Rolls-Royce is progressing with the assembly of the initial flight-test Trent 7000 engines for the Airbus A330neo, although a maiden flight date has yet to become clear.

The engine manufacturer, in its full-year financial presentation, gave the entry-into-service date for the aircraft as the first half of 2018. TAP Portugal, the initial operator, has previously indicated that it expects to receive the first A330neo in the first quarter of that year.

Rolls-Royce has not clarified whether the difference in phrasing is indicative of a further slip to the schedule, but its use of “first half” for the entry-into-service timeframe is similar to that voiced by Airbus commercial aircraft chief Fabrice Bregier in January.

Bregier had mentioned that TAP planned services in “Spring 2018” and that the A330neo development effort was “compatible” with this.

Rolls Royce has already conducted ground tests of the power plant and says assembly of the first flight-test engines is continuing.

Chief Warren East stated, during a briefing on the company’s full-year results, that the Trent 1000-TEN for the Boeing 787 was on schedule for service entry in the second half of this year, as was the Trent XWB-97 engine on the Airbus A350-1000. As to the new A330neo with the Trent 7000 engine, that it is about six months behind.

The engine will not be installed on a testbed aircraft but fitted straight to an A330neo certification airframe.

Source : Airbus/Rolls-Royce/Picture Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

G500 & G600 Flight Test Campaigns Progress As G650/ER Gets Chinese Approval

The flight-test campaigns for Gulfstream’s clean-sheet G500 and G600 are progressing well, with both models on course to meet their certification and entry-into-service targets.

The five aircraft in the G500 program have flown more than 2,000h across 500 flights, Gulfstream says. Customer deliveries of the large-cabin, long-range aircraft are scheduled to begin shortly after airworthiness certification, which is slated for the fourth quarter.

The larger and longer-range G600 is pegged for service entry about 12 months later. Since making its maiden sortie in December 2016, the first, and so far only, flight-test aircraft has accumulated more than 100h. It will be joined in the next weeks by two additional prototypes.

Announced in 2014, the G500 and G600 designed with Gulfstream’s widest-ever cabin, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines, fly-by-wire controls and an industry-first application of active control sidesticks in commercial aircraft.

Meanwhile, Gulfstream has secured certification for its flagship G650 and G650ER from the Civil Administration of China (CAAC), allowing the US framer to start delivering B-registered versions of the ultra-long range business jets.

Source : Flightglobal/Gulfstream/Gulfstream Photo

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

JetBlue Introduces Special Embraer E190 Livery

JetBlue Airways has rolled out a special Embraer E190 livery and new tail fin design that will appear on multiple aircraft this year. The New York-based airline said is introducing the new paint schemes as it celebrates its 17th anniversary last month.

According to a JetBlue statement, the carrier “has a long tradition of adding unique, special liveries to its Airbus A320 fleet and that tradition is expanding to the E190 fleet.” The paint scheme showcases the so-called “bones” of the 100-seat aircraft.

“Drawing upon the styles of various aviation, nautical and space exploration vehicle cutaway diagrams, the Jet Blue design team created a mechanical x-ray of sorts infused with some JetBlue fun,” the carrier said in a statement.

Source : JetBlue/JetBlue Embraer E190

CFM International Bookings up 25% in 2016

CFM International booked orders for 2,677 engines in 2016, a 25.4% increase over 2,135 engines ordered in 2015.

Total value for CFM’s 2016 orders neared $36 billion at list prices, a 33.3% rise over 2015.

In 2016, CFM reported orders for 1,801 LEAP engines, including commitments and spares, up 28.7% from 1,399 orders of the engine type in 2015.Orders for CFM56 engines from Commercial, military and spare parts customers totaled 876, up 19% from 2015.

The Ohio-based manufacturer said it produced 1,665 CFM56 engines and 77 LEAP engines in 2016, with the Leap-1A making its entry into commercial service on an A320neo with Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines in August 2016.

CFM’s LEAP-1A is an engine option for Airbus A320neo family aircraft: the LEAP-1B is the sole engine behind Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft: and the LEAP-1C is the sole Western engine for the COMAC C919.

To date, CFM is reporting more than 12,200 LEAP engine orders and commitments (excluding options), valued at over $170 billion at list prices.

Source : CFM International/Flightglobal

Air Lease Corp. 2016 Net Profit Up 48% to $375 million

Los Angeles-based commercial aircraft lessor Air Lease Corp.(ALC) posted a 2016 net profit of $374.9 million, up 48% from $253.4 million net income in 2015. ALC’s total revenues for the year were $1.4 billion, up over $1.2 billion in 2015.

The company’s expenses totaled $838.8 million, up 1.1%; operating income was $580.2 million, up 47.7% over $393 million in 2015.

In 2016, ALC signed lease agreements for 122 aircraft with 39 customers, ending the year with a net book value of $12 billion in aircraft with a weighted average age of 3.8 years and weighted average lease term remaining of 6.9 years.

As of December 31, 2016, ALC’s fleet totaled 237 owned aircraft(three less than 2015), and 30 managed aircraft (up one from 2015). During the year, ALC took delivery of 43 aircraft from its order book and sold 46 aircraft from its operating lease portfolio.

By the end of the year, ALC had sold all 19 of its remaining ATR 42/72-600 aircraft, plus 15 Embraer E190s and five E175s, to Danish regional lessor Nordic Aviation Capital(NAC) for $1.2 billion. The remaining five E175s will be sold to NAC during the first quarter of this year.

Source : ATW

LATEST NEWS

Korean Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, making it the first airline in the country to operate the type.

Qantas has unveiled the new premium economy seat that will fitted on its Boeing 787-9s, which it says offers more recline and width over its current product.

China Eastern Airlines will add four Boeing 777-300ERs and seven Airbus A330-300s to its fleet this year.

China Southern has agreed to lease five Boeing 787-9s from Air Lease Corp.(ALC), the Los Angeles -based Lessor said.

Boeing Rolls Out First 787-10 February 23rd was a momentus day for Boeing. It has rolled out its first 787-10 from the paint hanger at Boeing South Carolina. The Dreamliner has booked 1,207 from 67 customers around the world taking only 13 years to do it. Over 140.2 million have flown the aircraft and opened 120 routes.

Juneyao Airlines has finalized its order for five 787-9 Dreamliners valued at about $1.32 billion at current list prices.The order also includes options for five more 787-9s.

CFM International named Gael Meheust president and CEO, from Feb.1. The Ohio-based commercial engine manufacturer is co-owned by GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Singapore Airlines has announced its commitment to purchase 20 777-9s and 19 787-10 Dreamliners.

Airbus A380 two of Airbus’s A380 test aircraft are to be transferred to museums along with two other testbeds including the first A320.

AIR CARGO

Asia-Pacific Air Cargo Markets Start 2017 on Strong Footing

Preliminary January traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed strong traffic volumes in both international air passengers and air cargo markets. International air cargo demand, measured in freight ton kilometers (FTK), grew by 4.7 percent. Offered freight capacity expanded by 3.8 percent, resulting in a 0.5 percentage-point rise in the international load factor to 59.4 percent for the month.

That said, January cargo traffic is an unreliable indicator of larger trends, the combined January/February results will be better indicative of underlying demand.

Andrew Herdman, AAPA’s director general said, ”The year started on an encouraging note for Asian carriers, with both international air passenger and cargo markets growing strongly, boosted by the timing of the lunar New Year holidays.”

Herdman also noted that the outlook for the rest of the year looks “broadly positive, against a backdrop of renewed optimism”.

Source : Air Cargo World

Lockheed Rolls out First LM-100J Super Hercules Commercial Freighter

On February 9, 2017, Lockheed Martin officially the world to the latest member of the C-130J Super Hercules family: the LM-100J commercial freighter.

Employees who designed and built the aircraft celebrated this new Super Hercules with a traditional “rollout” ceremony held at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility located in Marietta, Ga. Team members walked the LM-100J out of the building that is the home to the Super Hercules production line. The next stop for this milestone Super Hercules is the flightline, where it will prepare for its first flight this spring.

Lockheed Martin announced its intent to manufacture and market the LM-100J in February 2014. Lockheed Martin has filed for an FAA civil type certificate update and this first LM-100J will participate in flight test activity to support this process.

The LM-100J is the updated version of the L-100 Hercules, which was built by Lockheed Martin from 1964-1992. More than 100 L-100s were delivered to both commercial and government operators, supporting cargo delivery requirements in almost every operating environment in the world. At the Farnborough Airshow in 2014, ASL Aviation Group signed a letter of Intent with Lockheed Martin to order up to 10 LM100J Super Hercules commercial freighters.

Source : Lockheed Martin/Lockheed Martin Photo

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, OVERHAUL

A European First For Icelandair

Icelandair has become the first airline in Europe to install and operate Aviation Partners Boeing’s Scimitar Blended Winglets (SBWs) on Boeing 757-200s.

Icelandair is retrofitting the SBWs to its 757-200s as an enhancement to the 757-200 blended winglets which are already installed on its aircraft.

The Carrier expects the new winglets to increase savings in block fuel, to reduce engine maintenance, to improve take-off performance and reduce engine emissions, as well as to provide other benefits, according to Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), which is the Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners Inc. and The Boeing Company.

Icelandair is now working on its fourth Scimitar Blended Winglet modification and plans to have a total of 17 aircraft in service with the new mods retrofitted before the 2017 summer season.

Source : MRO Network/Icelandair Photo

Safran Nacelles Establishes MRO Center of Excellence

Safran subsidiary, Safran Nacelles, has established an MRO Center of Excellence at its Pont-Audemer facility in the Normandy region of France. It will strengthen its expertise in and capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of complete nacelle systems and nacelle components.

The New Center of Excellence will be responsible for managing Safran Nacelles’ global network of MRO facilities. It will serve as the company’s operational reference for repair procedures and MRO industrialization for all of Safran Nacelles’ facilities.

The MRO Center of Excellence’s expertise will cover complete engine nacelle systems, including complex structural repairs, line replaceable units, engine sub-assemblies, outlet guide vanes and on-site support, according to Safran Nacelles.

Behind UTC Aerospace Systems, Safran Nacelles is the world’s second largest supplier of aircraft engine nacelles, boasting more than 17,000 nacelle systems in service, which accumulate more than 100,000 flight-hours each day.

Source : Avweek.com

MRO Short News

STS Repair and Modification was formed by STS Aviation Group and Cannon aviation to provide aircraft structural repair and modification services.

Lufthansa Technik and MTU Aero Engines finalized a previously announced deal to set up a joint venture for PW1000G(GTF) maintenance, repair and overhaul starting in 2020, at a yet-to-be announced location.

Magnetic MRO acquired an AirBaltic contract to provide Bombardier Q400/CS300 wheel and brake maintenance.

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

October 21, 2014 by kaplanianreport

Volume 1 Issue 3 October 2014

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Two Boeing Airplanes that Keep Creating History

Boeing has more than 12,000 commercial planes in service carrying passengers and cargo. Its strong portfolio includes the 737 family, 747 family, 767 models, 777, and the 787 Dreamliner.

The following are Boeing’s top two aircraft that played and continue to play a huge role in making the Boeing Company what it is today.

*The Narrow-Body 737

The fact that the 737 family is Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ highest-selling plane should come as no surprise.

But not so many know that the 737 is the first commercial jetliner to exceed the 10,000-order mark achievement in 2012.

The first 737-100 was delivered to Lufthansa in 1967, and it entered full service in 1968.

Boeing is currently working on the 737MAX, the reengineered version of the 737, which has firm orders for more than 2,294 as of September 20th, (not counting the commitments). The MAX is due to enter service in 2017. Last year 69% of total Boeing orders and deliveries where 737s.

Boeing’s backlog on the 737 ending June 30th stood at 5,237 aircraft according to Boeing’s website.

*The Wide-Body 777

The 777, Boeing’s second highest selling airliner in the past 12 years, is extremely popular among airlines all around the world.

The 777 program’s roots go back to 1990, the year of its launch. The jet entered service in 1995,with United Airlines, the launch customer for the 777.

At present Boeing is developing the 777’s successor, dubbed the 777X, which would consume 12% less fuel compared with competing planes, with first delivery slated for 2020.

In terms of deliveries 2013 was the best in terms of volume, with 89 deliveries. As of June 30 Boeing has a firm backlog of 339 777s. The company’s website shows that Boeing received net orders for 219 777s in 2014 through July 22, which includes Emirates order for 150 777-9Xs.

Source : Various Sources / Ed’s Research

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

A320neo Makes Maiden Flight

On Sept. 25, 2014 the Airbus A320neo made its maiden flight, taking off from Toulouse at just past noon central European time.

Pratt&Whitney PW 1100G-JM powered MSN6101 carried a crew of five. The type also to be available with CFM International’s new Leap engine, promises to cut fuel burn by 20% compared to standard A320s, owing to the new generation engines and aerodynamic improvements including Airbus’s sharklet wingtip extensions according to Airbus.

Airbus aims to complete the flight-test program in about 2,800 flight hours, says A320neo program senior vice president Klaus Roewe. Around 1,600 are flown with A320neos, split evenly between PW1100G and Leap powered aircraft with the remainder being accounted for by the A319neo and A321neo derivatives.

“During the flight, which took the aircraft around southern France, the crew explored the aircraft’s flight envelope and systems operation, while the progress was monitored by experts on the ground in real time via a direct telemetry link,” adds the air framer.

The sortie kick-started a 3,000hr flight-test campaign which will involve eight aircraft variously powered by the PW1100G & CFM International Leap-1A turbofans.

Source : Airbus/Airbus Photos

BUSINESS/REGIONAL NEWS

Dassault Falcon7X Set to Operate from World’s Highest Commercial Airport

Dassault Falcon 7X is poised to become the first traditional business jet to be granted approval to operate from the world’s highest commercial airport, following completion early in September of a two week flight test campaign at China’s Daocheng Yading airport in Sichuan province.

The airframer is hoping to receive Chinese civil aviation authority (CAAC) approval next year to operate from the airport in western China, which is located at an altitude of 14,500ft.

Daocheng opened one year ago and could become a popular destination, Dassault believes, for its critical customer base.

“In recent years China has emerged as one of the biggest aviation markets, and the Falcon line, led by the 7X, has seized a commanding share of this market,” the airframer says, ”Nearly 30 Falcon 7Xs are flying in the country, making China the second-largest market for the long range trijet after the USA.”

The approval will also pave the way for the 7X to take-off and land at elevations up to 15,000ft.

Source: Flightglobal/Dassault

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Etihad Unveils First 787-9 With New Livery

On September 28th Etihad Airways unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 in its new livery, and will deploy the aircraft on revenue service from December 1.

The aircraft, registered A6-BLA,will be formally delivered to Etihad in December. The airline had earlier the same week showed off the new livery on its first Airbus A380 in Hamburg, but Etihad says the 787-9 will be the first to operate with the new livery on revenue flights.

Dusseldorf and Doha will be the first Etihad destinations to be served with the 787-9 from Abu Dhabi followed by Washington Dulles and Mumbai in the first quarter 2015. From June, , Etihad will operate the 787-9 to Brisbane and Moscow.

“With the economics of the aircraft, the 787-9 will be one that will be very, central to our flying and future expansion,” says Etihad chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner at the 787-9 livery unveiling at Boeing’s facilities in Everett, Washington.

Source: Flightglobal

TUI,TUI Travel Agree to Merge

Europe’s biggest tour operator, TUI Travel, and majority owner TUI have agreed to the terms of a merger, creating the world’s largest leisure and tourism group with a combined value of 6.5 billion Euros (USD $8.42 billion).

The deal is in line with details announced in June with TUI Travel shareholders receiving 0.399 new TUI shares for each TUI Travel share.

Investors have long expected a tie-up between the two since TUI Travel was created in 2007 from the merger of Britain’s First Choice and TUI’s travel business, which now owns around 55 percent of the London-listed firm.

The two confirmed that the deal would result in potential cost savings as they cut overlapping functions and delist shares from Germany, plus a tax benefit.

Source : Reuters/Photo Boeing

Structure Assembly of First C919 Aircraft Started

Airframe butt joint of the first C919 aircraft was officially started at the newly established Manufacturing and Final Assembly Center of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd (COMAC) on September 19th, and butt joint of forward fuselage and mid fuselage was started in accordance with defined assembly process and flow. This indicates a milestone in the research and development of the C919 program.

It is reported that the airframe structure of the C919 aircraft mainly includes the sections and associated components of nose, forward fuselage, mid fuselage-center wing, outer wing, aileron, mid-aft fuselage, aft fuselage, vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer and movable surfaces, which are designed by the Research And Development Center of COMAC, manufactured respectively by AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Co.,Ltd (CAC),AVIC Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry (Group) Co.,Ltd.(HIG), Aerospace Research Institute of Special Materials and Processing Technology, and Zhejiang Xizi Aviation Industry Co., Ltd , and assembled by COMAC Manufacturing and Final Assembly Center.

As of this writing, the forward fuselage, mid fuselage-center wing, mid-aft fuselage and aileron of the C919 aircraft have already passed the airworthiness inspection of the Civil Aviation Administration Of China(CAAC)

Source : COMAC

KLM Celebrates 95th Anniversary in Amsterdam Style

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrated its 95th anniversary on October 7th with the unveiling of a special “KLM 95 Years” logo on one of its MD-11 aircraft (pictured) and laying of the first stone for a new KLM lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

The “95” logo will also, for the duration of KLM’s anniversary, appear on one aircraft of each type in the carrier’s intercontinental fleet, where passengers flying business class during the anniversary year will receive an exclusive on-board gift of a new KLM Delftware miniature house created for the occasion.

Chief executive Camiel Eurlings, who was joined by his Schiphol group counterpart Jos Nijhuis for the ceremonies, said: “Thanks to the efforts, expertise, and energy of our 33,000 employees, KLM is now the world’s oldest still operation under its original name, and it is important that we celebrate this landmark.

Source : Flightglobal/Picture KLM

CFM Starts Flight Tests of LEAP Engine

CFM International’s LEAP engine took to the skies for the first time on October 6 on a modified 747 flying test-bed at GE Aviation Flight Test Operations in Victorville, California, launching the next phase of testing for the advanced engine program.

The engine behaved well and completed multiple aeromechnical test points at various altitudes during the nearly three-hour first flight. Over the next several weeks, the engine will complete a comprehensive test schedule that will gauge engine operability, stall margin, performance, and acoustics. The LEAP 1A/-!C variants are on track for engine certification in 2015.

CFM is currently executing the most extensive ground and flight test certification program in its history. The total program, which encompasses all three LEAP engine variants, includes 28 ground and CFM flight test engines, along with a total of 32 flight test engines for Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC.

Source : Reuters/Picture GE Aviation

LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF

Eastern Air Lines has firmed up an order for 20 Mitsubishi Regional Jets(MRJ), following its

signing of a memorandum of understanding at July’s Farnborough air show.

Vietnam Airlines’ first A350-900 aircraft enters final assembly. It is slated for delivery in 2015.

EasyJet UK budget carrier exercises purchase rights on 27 more A320ceos.

Bombardier is confident the CSeries is back on track for service entry next year, following its

return to the air earlier in September.

Thomson Airways TUI Travel intends to boost to 10 the number of Boeing 787s it has

allocated to UK arm Thomson Airways, having raised its overall Dreamliner order by two to 15

Macquarie the leasing arm of Macquarie AirFinance has signed a firm order for 40 Bombardier

CS300 aircraft for delivery between 2017 and 2019.

Okay Airways has taken delivery of its 12th and final Xian Aircraft MA60 under a lease

agreement with AVIC International Leasing and the airframer.

Spring Airlines has become the first Chinese carrier to commit to retrofitting sharklet wingtips

on its fleet of Airbus A320s.

Garuda Indonesia announced an order for 50 737MAX 8s, valued at $4.9 billion at current list

prices.The order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries Web site,

attributed to an unidentified customer.

Embraer has just completed delivery of the first Legacy 500 business jet to an undisclosed

Brazilian launch customer. It concludes a six year-long process to introduce the first fly-by-wire

aircraft in the midsize category.

Chinese State Holding Firm signs for 70 Airbus A320s. The agreement coincides with a visit

to Berlin by Chinese premier Li Keqiang.

Air Cargo

Cargolux Completes Heavy Haul

Cargolux Airlines International recently arranged the transportation of its heaviest piece ever out of Switzerland: a 48-ton-rotor intended to equip a generator in South Korea. The massive shipment took 12 aircraft positions and required the dedicated attention of a full team of outsize specialists, including the airline’s dedicated Ground Engineering department as well as loadmasters, crane operators, truck drivers, handling agent LuxairCARGO in Luxenbourg and handling agent Asiana at the destination in Seoul.

“Carrying heavy, dense cargo is closed packages such as containers or crates requires extraordinary efforts to ensure safe on-aircraft tie-down: in forward, aft, left, right and up direction. We can only secure the outer package and have no influnence on what happens to content when exposed to dynamic accelerations,” said Okan Akpinar, Cargolux’ countery manager, Switzerland.

“While it would have been easier for us to lash the rotor directly, we were happy to accommodate the customer’s preference for flying this huge shipment as one single piece, including the lid of the rotor. Together with the customer, we were able to assess an adequate form-fit and force-fit inside the container; with the lashing applied to specifically designed tie-down lugs dedicated, reinforced outside locations.”

Cargolux uses a self-developed IT application to plan and calculate the correct loading and tie-down of heavy shipments, Akpinar said.

Source: Air Cargo World/Picture Cargolux

Researched and Compiled by:

Ed Kaplanian Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact Ed at ed@kaplanianreport.com

September 22, 2014 by kaplanianreport

Volume 1 Issue 2 September 2014

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Solid Long Term Demand for Commercial Airplanes Will Help Long Term Prospects for Boeing

Contrary to the doomsayers and financial analysts, who keep knocking the company and its stock down, steadily growing global economy, increasing trade and expanding labor force are growing demand for air travel.

Boeing forecasts global airline passenger traffic to rise by around 5% per year through the next 20 years. Boeing anticipates the global airline fleet to rise from around 21,000 airplanes currently to over 42,000 by 2033.

After accounting for airplanes that will retire during this period, the company forecasts that airplane makers will deliver 36,770 airplanes to airlines worldwide. Boeing commercial airplane product portfolio is more extensive and better positioned, than Airbus. Together these two companies control the majority of the global commercial airplane market.

The difference in the portfolios of these two airplane makers stands out most in the wide-body segment, which includes airplanes that seat more than approximately 230 passengers.

In this segment, Boeing offers more airplanes than Airbus. Starting with the 787-8 Dreamliner, it seats 240 passengers in a typical three-class seating arrangement. Boeing offers three variant models of its 787 Dreamliner, three variant models of the 777 and two 747 variants that comprehensively cover the entire wide-body segment.

In comparison, Airbus with its A330, A350 and A380 models, does not cover the entire wide-body segment comprehensively.

The A330 and A350 models from Airbus provide strong competition to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and the smallest 777-8X model. However, Airbus is yet to produce a competitor to Boeing’s 777-9X which seats approximately 410 passengers in a three-class cabin.

Source : Forbes/Ed’s Research

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

The First A320 neo is Getting Ready for its First Flight

The A320 neo is another step closer to taking flight. The first aircraft is designated MSN6101 in the company’s numbering system is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100-JM engines and is the first in Airbus A320 neo family developmental fleet.

It is equipped with extensive flight test instrumentation for handling quantities, performance and engine tests, along with high-altitude and hot-and-cold-weather campaigns.

In total, Airbus’ NEO flight test fleet will comprise eight aircraft. This includes two A320 neos, one A319 neo and one A321 neo for each of the new engine choices: Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100-JM and the CFM International LEAP-1A.

Source : Airbus/Airbus Photo

BUSINESS/REGIONAL NEWS

Bombardier CSeries customer declines Launch Operator Spot

Swedish company Braathens Aviation has told Bombardier it no longer wants to be the launch operator of the CSeries 100s .

Bratthens’ domestic unit, Malmo Aviation, said it was the planned launch operator. But in its second quarter/first half financial results statement, Braathens said “increased uncertainty” about the CSeries program and the possibility of a further delay of entry into service has prompted it to reconsider.

“An engine-related incident on one of the CSeries test aircraft was reported by Bombardier in late May. It has subsequently emerged that this may cause another delay to the CSeries introduction. We have informed Bombardier that we will not assume the role of formal launch operator of the aircraft type. Due to increased uncertainty, we are discussing other possible changes to the aircraft delivery schedule with Bombardier,” Braathens said.

Finally Bombardier returned the aircraft into the air on September 7th after a 100-day grounding with FTV-2.

Source: ATW

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Turning to New Design and Material for the GE9X Fan Blade

The GE9X engine for the Boeing 777X aircraft will feature fewer and thinner composite fan blades than any GE wide-body engine in service. To do this, GE is designing a new composite fan blade using next generation carbon fiber composite material.

“It has been a decade since GE designed a new composite fan blade for the GEnx engine,” said Bill Millhaem, general manager of the GE90/GE9x engine programs. “Carbon fiber composite material has advanced in those 10 years, and advancements enable GE engineers to design a thinner GE9X blade, which is just as strong as our current composite blades. Fewer, thinner blades will enhance the airflow and make for a lighter, more efficient fan that will help with the GE9X engine’s overall performance and fuel burn.”

The new material incorporates a higher stiffness carbon fiber and new epoxy resin. The leading material will also be modified from titanium to steel alloy to further enhance the blade’s strength.

Last year GE engineers received positive results from material testing on full-sized GEnx blades. Testing of the new material continues in preparation for next year’s testing on the new GE9x blade design.

The first full core test is scheduled for 2015. The first engine will test in 2016 with flight testing on GE’s flying testbed anticipated in 2017. Engine certification is scheduled for 2018.

Source: GE Aviation/ Speednews

Southwest Airlines Unveils New Look for Its Planes

Southwest Airlines put a new paint job on its planes, adding a splash of bright color as it enters middle age and faces many changes.

The airline introduced its new livery on Monday September 8th, during an event in a hanger at its headquarters next to Dallas Love Field.

Blue is still the dominant color, but the planes will also have red, yellow and blue swooshes on the tail and wing tips. Southwest calls it ”Heart One”.

The change comes in a year during which 43-year-old Southwest has begun international flights, expanded in New York and Washington, D.C. and is freed from longtime government limits on its Dallas Schedule.

Source : keranews/Photo Southwest

British Airways to Revamp Its 747s

British Airways is rolling out cabin upgrades across 18 of its Boeing 747-400s, which will be equipped with improved inflight entertainment and modern interiors.

The cabin refresh, which will be performed by British Airways’ engineers in Cardiff, will bring the aircraft more in line with its A380s and 787s.

“Our customers love our new aircraft and we wanted to refresh the 747s in line with them,” British Airways aircraft cabin interiors manager Kathryn Doyle said. ”These improvements will be really noticeable to our frequent flyers.”

Universal power sockets and USB points will be installed throughout the World Traveller Plus cabin, plus the curtains and carpets will be replaced in both World Traveller and World Traveller Plus.

Source: ATW

San Miguel To Sell PAL Stake back To Tan

Philippines conglomerate San Miguel is reported to have signed a USD$1 billion deal to sell its stake in Philippine Airlines (PAL) back to Tan, the group from which it bought the stake more than two years ago.

San Miguel and a group owned by billionaire Lucio Tan have signed an agreement of intent to complete the sale, Reuters news agency reported a person with knowledge of the matter as saying. The deal covers the conglomerate’s industry held shares in the airline,equal to nearly half of the carrier, plus loans and advances.

The agreement is subject to conditions set by San Miguel, including delivery of the total payment amount of USD$1 billion in a week, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

San Miguel owns 49 percent of the parent of listed holding company, PAL Holdings,that in turn controls around 90 percent of the airline, which has a market value of about USD$3.4 billion .

Source : Reuters

China Eastern Airlines Introduces New Livery, Logo

China Eastern Airlines has unveiled a new look after 25 years, which includes a new logo featuring the shape of a swallow consisting of two capital letters, C and E, the initial of the carrier’s name. The design retains the red and blue colors on the carrier’s original logo.

Chief designer Liu Tao said the new logo uses more curves and circles compared to the old one, giving a more international flair.

The Shanghai-based carrier said the new logo and paint job will be applied to a Boeing 777-300 ER to be delivered during this month.

China Eastern is scheduled to take delivery of four 777-300ERs this year and will introduce 10 more between 2015 and 2016. By 2018, it is expected to have 20 of the type,more than any other carrier in China.

The carrier will operate the 777-300ERs on transpacific routes between China and North America, which will be a major market for China Eastern over the next three years.

Source : flightglobal/Photos China Eastern

LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF

Intrepid Aviation and KfW IPEX- Bank have closed a commercial financing transaction for one Airbus A330-300.The aircraft was delivered on Aug.30th and was leased to Cebu Pacific.

Ryanair has taken delivery of the first of 180 new Boeing 737-800 Next Generations on order.

Nok Air takes delivery of the first high-capacity Q400.Nok has firm orders for six Q400s.

Jiuyuan Airlines Chinese low-cost start-up Jiuyuan Airlines has taken delivery of its first two aircraft as it gears towards launching operations.

Irkut MC-21 Russian deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has announced the Irkut MC-21 will begin flight tests in April 2016.

Ryanair European low-cost carrier commits to order 100 737 MAX200 that can accommodate 200 seats.

Air New Zealand on September 12th, AirNew Zealand retired its last 747 with a flight from San Francisco to Auckland.

Air Cargo

Atlas Air Reports Improved Cargo Demand

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced adjusted net income of US$15.9 million (11.8 million euros) for the second quarter, compared with US$20.4 (15.2 million euros) for the second quarter of 2013.

“We are off to a good start in 2014. Airfreight demand is improving, and we are encouraged about our full year outlook,” William j. Flynn,president and CEO, said. “Atlas is an entrepreneurial company. Our second quarter results illustrate the positive contributions being generated by the investments we’ve made and the initiatives we’ve undertaken. In the face of an uncertain airfreight market and anticipated decline in military cargo demand, we have diversified our business mix.”

Freighters have played a part on the results of Atlas Air, a provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. ”Results within ACMI segment are benefiting from modern 747-8 freighters,” Flynn said. “in Dry Leasing, the investments we’ve made since early 2013 in attractive

777 freighters on long-term leases with strong customers are driving a significant increase in contribution from highly predictable revenue and earning streams.”

Profitability in Atlas Air’s ACMI business reflected an increase in 747-8F revenue, but revenues were affected by a decline in block-hour volumes related to the return of three 747-8Fs from IAG cargo in April and early May. This decline was partially offset by the placement of two of the 8F’s with DHL Express in May, the Start-up of ACMI -8F flying for BST Logistics in February 2014 and Etihad in May 2013, as well as the start-up of ACCMI 747-400 flying for Astral Aviation in September2013.

In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew following the addition of three 777F aircraft in January of this year and two in July 2013, which raised Atlas Air’s 777F fleet count to six. Each of these aircraft are leased to customers on long-term basis. Atlas Air said air freight volumes continue to improve.

Source: Air Cargo World/Picture Atlas Air

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact Ed at ed@kaplanianreport.com