May 28, 2020 by kaplanianreport

Kaplanian Report – June 2020

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Boeing to Model Potential Spread of Pathogens Inside Aircraft Cabin

Boeing appointed an executive on Thursday, May 14, to lead the company’s Confident Travel Initiative, the plan that intended to help people get back on planes.

Boeing named Mike Delany, currently vice president of digital transformation at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, to the role, which aims to “minimize air travel health risks” in a Covid-19 world.

“As air travel slowly begins to resume and restrictions ease around the globe, health and safety remain our top priorities,” said Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun in the company’s news release. ”Mike’s deep technical expertise, leadership skills, industry knowledge and great passion for our customers make him uniquely qualified to lead this effort.”

Delany will work with Boeing customers to design and implement policies regarding facial coverings, plane cleaning, and temperature checks. The checks will have to be completed before boarding, adding another level of complexity for travelers and airlines.

Boeing also referenced its commitment to air quality when announcing the new role. All Boeing planes are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air, also known as HEPA, filters, ”similar to those used in hospitals and industrial clean room.” The company says HEPA filters are better than 99.9% effective at removing particulates including viruses.

Air filtration helps, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of disease transmission. Bacteria and viruses are viable on surfaces—such as seat-back pockets—for some time after being deposited by a cough or sneeze.

Boeing hopes modeling will predict how the virus might spread through aircraft with differing seating configurations.The company hopes to determine how variables such as coughing (with or without masks) and use of hand sanitizer might affect potential contagion.

“We are using science as opposed to anecdote…and emotionally-driven responses,” says Delany, who is also Boeing’s vice-president of digital transformation.

Source: Boeing/Barron’s/Picture Shtterstock

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Opens A220 Hanger in Mobile, Alabama

Airbus celebrated a pair of milestones at its commercial aircraft production in Mobile, Alabama; announcing the official inauguration of production activities in its newly built final assembly line hanger and the start of the first U.S.-built A220 for JetBlue.

The new 270,000-sq-ft hanger, capable of accommodating assembly of both A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft, has officially opened for business after an 18-month construction project. It houses five primary assembly stations where workers attach major airframe component assemblies for a completed aircraft in a flow line process. Airbus began producing A220 aircraft in Mobile in August 2019, using space in an existing A320 final assembly line hanger, and newly built support hangers. With the completion of the new hanger, the Airbus production site in Alabama has doubled in size.

Airbus recently welcomed the first component assemblies destined to become an A220 for JetBlue into the new hanger. JetBlue will become the second customer that takes an A220 from Mobile, following Delta Air Lines. JetBlue expects to take delivery of the first U.S.-made A220 during this year’s fourth quarter.

“The team is excited to start working in their new facility and welcome a new customer,” said Airbus president of A220 USA Paul Gaskell. “It’s a strong endorsement from JetBlue in this challenging time,” said Paul Gaskell, president of A220 USA and head of A220 Program in Mobile.

Source: Airbus/Airbus Photo

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Cessna SkyCourier Completes First Flight

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-turboprop prototype lifted off on its first flight Sunday morning May 17 from Beech Field at Textron Aviation’s east campus in Wichita. Piloted by senior test pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot Aaron Tobias, the utility twin flew for two hours and 15 minutes.

“We were very pleased with how the Cessna SkyCourier performed throughout its first flight,” Eckhart said.”It was particularly impressive to see how stable the aircraft handled on takeoff and landing. The Cessna SkyCourier already displays a high level of maturity in its flight characteristics, especially for a first flight.”

“We were able to accomplish everything we wanted on this flight, and that’s an excellent start to the flight test program.”

With an initial order from FedEx for 50 copies of the high-wing airplane and options for 50 more, the SkyCourier is capable of flying 200 ktas powered by two 1,100-shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines driving 110-inch McCauley propellers. It also features a Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck.

Configurable for both cage and commuter operations, the high-wing turboprop is designed to carry a payload of up to 6,000 pounds. It is equipped with an 87-inch cargo door, a flat floor, and a nearly 70-inch tall and wide cabin to accept three standard LD3 air cargo containers. In passenger configuration, it will have seating for up to 19 passengers, with a netted cabin area for luggage and equipment. It also will be available in a mixed passenger/cargo combination.

Source: Textron Aviation

Boeing Business Jets New Aircraft Development Continues

As the 737 Max crisis rumbles on, Boeing says it is “staying close to VIP customers” on the re-engines narrow body.

Two examples of the BBJ Max 8 have been delivered green to date, and while Boeing is continuing to work on the -9 and -7 variants, it will not give a delivery timeframe for either model.

The pair were originally scheduled for certification and customer handover in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Boeing records 14 orders for the CFM international Leap-1B-powered BBJ Max, most of them -8s- though Boeing Business Jet expects the shorter Max 7 to be the eventual favorite, owing to its 7,000nm(13000km)-range:360nm longer than the -8 and 675nm longer than the -9.

Boeing has also expanded its VIP wide body offering with the introduction in late 2018 of the BBJ777X. The twin-aisle airliner is the updated version of the BBJ 777, of which Boeing has sold 13 examples to date.

Boeing describes the 777X as a “far superior offering”, with GE Aviation GE9X engines and a new, more advanced composite wing.

As of this month two Boeing BBJ Max 8s have been delivered.

Source: Boeing Business Jets/Picture Boeing

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Air France Terminates A380 Fleet with Immediate Effect

Air France has accelerated plans to phase out its Airbus A380 fleet and will retire the aircraft immediately rather than in 2022 as previously scheduled.

Air France grounded its A380s on March 16 as the coronavirus pandemic began to take a toll on operations, before ultimately suspending the majority of its scheduled passenger flights. Air France-KLM announced on May 20 the “definitive end” of the French carrier’s Airbus A380 operations.

“Initially scheduled by the end of 2022, the phase-out of Airbus A380 fleet fits in the Air France-KLM Group fleet simplification strategy of making the fleet more competitive, by continuing its transformation with more modern, high-performance aircraft with significantly reduced environmental footprint,” the group says.

Five of the Airbus A380 aircraft in the current fleet are owned by Air France or on finance lease. A further four are on operating lease. Air France-KLM says the impact of the A380 phase-out write down is estimated at $547 million dollars and will be booked in the second quarter of 2020 as a non-current cost/expenses. The fleet is powered by Engine Alliance GP7200s.

In December Air France-KLM Group said it was ordering another 10 Airbus A350-900s, which would be used to replace the company’s A380s.

Source: Air France/Picture Air France

Delta to Retire Its 777 Fleet

Delta Air Lines will retire its Boeing 777 fleet by the end of 2020 as the coronavirus crisis continues to disrupt global travel, creating openings for airlines to permanently streamline fleets and save money by shifting to more-efficient aircraft. The move will leave Delta with a single type of ultra-long aircraft: Airbus A350s.

The Atlanta-based airline has 18 777s, including 10 of the long-range 777-200LR variant, according to Cirium fleets data. Nine of these are currently operating and nine are in storage.

Delta’s first 777s joined the fleet 21 years ago, and the airline says it will replace them with its next-generation A350-900s; which burn 21% less fuel than the Boeing jets. Delta has nine A350s in service, four in storage and 12 on order, according to Cirium.

In past weeks the airline used 777s for cargo and repatriation flights between North American and cities in Asia,Europe and Australia.

Source: Delta Air Lines/Picture Delta Air Lines 777-200LR

Airbus and Rolls-Royce Have Axed the E-Fan X Project

Airbus and Rolls-Royce axed the e-FanX demonstrator programs year before the experimental hybrid-electric engine airliner was supposed to fly. The E-Fan X program was launched to explore electric aviation and involved equipping a BAE Systems Avro RJ100 with a hybrid powertrain. But Airbus chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini says the airframer is having to “ navigate the realities” of a world impacted by the corona virus crisis, and concentrate on priorities.

She says Airbus and Rolls-Royce have as a result “jointly decided” to “bring the E-Fan X demonstrator to an end”. “As with all ground-breaking research projects, it’s our duty to constantly evaluate and reprioritize them to ensure alignment with our ambitions,” she adds.

“These decisions are not always easy. But they are undoubtedly necessary to stay the course.” Vittadini points out that the effort to decarbonize the aviation industry is “no small feat”, adding: “to achieve this, we need to re-focus all our efforts on technology bricks that will take us there.” The E-Fan X, launched in 2017, was due to carry out its maiden flight in 2021.

Source: Flightglobal

Mitsubishi Aircraft to Close all Non-Japan Locations, Shelves M100

Mitsubishi Aircraft is closing all non-Japan locations and moving all Spacejet activities back to its headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, above coming in response to cost pressure amid the coronavirus aerospace downturn.

As part of the consolidation to Japan, the company will halt flight testing of its 90-seat SpaceJet M100 regional jet and suspend development of its 76-seat M100, Mitsubishi Aircraft says.

Most effected outside Japan is its operations in the US Northwest. The Mitsubishi Aircraft U.S. headquarters in Renton will close, and flight test operations in Moses Lake will cease operations.

Mitsubishi Aircraft has not announced any change to a plan under which its parent Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will acquire Bombardiers’s CRJ program for $550 million.

Source: Mitsubishi Aircraft/Picture Mitsubishi Aircraft

LATEST NEWS

BOC Aviation has signed a purchase-and-leaseback agreement with Southwest Airlines for 10 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.

Emirates largest operator of the Airbus A380 axes the aircraft and seen cutting deliveries.

Boeing the U.S. Navy received its 100th P-8A aircraft from Boeing on May 14 as the global fleet, which also includes the Indian navy and the Australian and the U.K. airfares approaches 300,000 flight hours.

Lauda subsidiary of Ryanair plans to cancel all Airbus deliveries and replace them with ones from Boeing.

American Airlines is parking its fleet of Airbus A330-200s in storage until at least 2022, part of the airline’s broader effort to downsize in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Air Lease Corp said it would reduce capital expenditure on new jets in a move likely to restrict its-near-term growth; but still support liquidity’s it faces demands from airlines for rental relief seen as crucial to their survival.

United Aircraft of Russia is set to begin mating the tail and engine pylons for the first llyushin ll-96-400M, which is undergoing assembly at the Voronezh-based VSO plant.

Saab Aircraft has secured an SKr1.6 billion ($ 165 million) order for an undisclosed number of its Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning control (AEW&C) system aircraft.

Source: Air Lease, Emirates,Saab Aircraft,American Airlines, Ryanair, United Aircraft,Boeing

AIR CARGO

Alaska Airlines Transports First Copper River Salmon to Seattle

Alaska Airlines teamed with partners to fly the first catch of salmon from Copper River to Seattle on May 15th. The first to enjoy the fish will be over 200 healthcare workers from the Swedish Medical Center-Ballard.

The first catch of fresh, sustainable Copper River salmon arrived in Seattle on an Alaska Airlines plane. This is not new for the airline. Some Alaskan communities rely on Salmon exports for economic success. In Cordova, Alaska, over 50% of local residents work in the fishing industry. Thanks to air travel, the fish can end up in markets less than 24 hours after being pulled from the water.

Managing director of cargo for the airline, Torque Zubeck, said the following: “ Alaska Air Cargo has been a partner of the Alaska seafood industry. Now more than ever we provide a critical service that directly impacts the economic vitality of the region. In Cordova alone, more than half of residents are directly involved in the fishing industry or related business.”

Chef Douglas will feature the salmon donated by seafood processors and Copper River Marketing Association to create over 200 meals for Seattle-area medical professionals. Alaska Airlines will send pilots, flight attendants, and management employees to be part of the efforts after carrying the fish on its planes.

Source: Alaska Airlines/Picture Alaska Airlines

OTHER NOTEWORTHY NEWS

The Planes in Spain Parked Neatly on the Plain

Dozens of passenger aircraft belonging to European carriers stand idled in neat lines in what has become a giant airplane parking lot amid the flat farmlands of eastern Spain.

Teruel Airport specializes in the storage and maintenance of aircraft, and business has boomed since coronaviris lockdowns globally forced airlines across Europe to ground fleets for several weeks. There is no end in sight for many.

Planes showing the markings of commercial airlines including: British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France stand parked, buffeted by spring wind blowing across the plain.

“Teruel’s climate is dry-semi-desert with more than 250 days of sun per year,” said airport manager Alejandro Ibrahim.

“Also there is very little air traffic congestion which makes it the ideal place for plane preservation and maintenance.”

The airport currently hosts 95 wide-body aircraft, including eight of the world’s largest passenger airliners-the Airbus A380. The number of planes arriving per week to be parked in the airport has doubled since the start of the pandemic. The airport, owned by the local government, has not increased its rates since the beginning of the crisis, Ibrahim said.

The sudden stop to air travel has led airlines struggling to find space to store their planes. In Europe, some airlines have grounded their entire fleets and are storing their aircraft by parking them in airports, including on now-unused runways.

Source: Reuters/Picture spainsnews.com

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

Editor: Lee Kaplanian

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

December 4, 2016 by kaplanianreport

Volume 3 Issue 11 Kaplanian Report

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Boeing Plans Performance Upgrade for 737 Max After 2021

Boeing has quietly developed plans to roll-out a performance improvement package for the 737 Max family, five years after the first member of the type enters service.

The undisclosed package will improve maximum range values between 1.69-2.7%, depending on the variant of the 737 Max.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 737 Max 8 to Southwest Airlines in the first half of next year with 3,515nm range. An “improvement performance level” available after 2021 will improve range by 2.7% to 3,610nm.

The 737 Max 9 will enter service a year later with 3.510nm range, but will improve by 2.56% after 2021 to 3,605nm.

Finally, the 737 Max 7 enters service in 2019 with 3,850nm range, including an extra 500nm boost by a 1.83m(6ft) extension of the fuselage unveiled last July.

Its range will improve by 1.69% on the 737 Max 7 after 2021.

More recently, the performance improvement package was cited as part of Boeing’s roll-out of the Boeing Business Jet version of the 737 Max 7 at the NBAA convention in Orlando on October 30th.

Boeing officials decline to elaborate on the details of the performance improvements.

Source : Flightglobal

My United 787-8 Adventure

In spite of all the challenges and bad press Boeing faced in building the 787 Dreamliner, the aircraft has surpassed its gestation period and proved its worth to the airlines who fly it.

Visiting family in Jerusalem the week of October 8th, I made sure to fly United’s new route from San Francisco to Tel Aviv on their 787-8 Dreamliner.

The aircraft was powered by GEnx engines and the flight duration to Tel Aviv took 13 hours at a cruising speed of 0.84 mach; the altitude on our route varied between 37,000 ft to 40,000 ft. Boeing’s decision to have the cabin pressure equivalent to that of an altitude of 6000 feet worked as advertised.

When I disembarked in Tel Aviv the following evening, I did not feel the jet lag.

During take off and landing, the aircraft was surprisingly quiet and smooth, due to the technology Boeing incorporated in the aircraft. Technology allows it to sense turbulence and adjusts control surfaces for the smoother ride.

Those of you who are aircraft enthusiasts, I highly recommend flying this aircraft whenever you have the chance. I have to tip my hat to all the people at Boeing involved in building this aircraft.

(1st in a series)

Ed Kaplanian

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Aims to Fly the A350-1000 This Month

Airbus is aiming to conduct the first flight of the new A350-1000 as early as this month.

The airframer has not disclosed a date for the maiden flight of the stretched aircraft, they are maintaining only that the twin jet is scheduled to fly in the fourth quarter.

But a source with knowledge of progress on the program says the manufacturer’s test flight team is “shooting for November”.

Airbus has recently installed the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines on the first -1000 in the three-aircraft test fleet.

It is carrying out cabin-fit on the second aircraft and finalizing the production of the third. Airbus has secured orders for 195 A350-1000s, with the first due to enter service in the second half of 2017.

Source : Flightglobal/Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Jet Aviation Basel Takes Delivery of 777-300ER for VIP Fit-Out

Jet Aviation’s Basel completions center has taken delivery of the first of two Boeing Business Jet 777-300ERs for interior fit-out. t was commissioned by Boeing on behalf of a government client in Asia.

The wide body twin jet, which arrived at the Swiss site in October, is the first BBJ 777 VVIP completion for Jet Aviation.

“We know Jet Aviation’s commitment to quality matches our own,” says David Longridge, president of Boeing Business Jets. ”They have a demonstrated capability to fit exceptional wide body interiors that combine beautiful design and craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering and technology.”

Neil Boyle, senior vice-president and general manager of Jet Aviation’s Basel facility, says: “We have a long history of working together with Boeing Business Jets and are delighted to partner with them on our first BBJ 777-300ER interior completions.”

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing Business Jets

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Lufthansa Bids 737 Farewell After Near Half-Century

Lufthansa ended scheduled passenger operations of the Boeing 737 on 29 October, some 48 years after it gave the short-haul twin jet its world debut.

The German carrier, which launched the 737 in its original -100 form in February 1965, with an order for 21 aircraft. It was Lufthansa that persuaded Boeing to build the 737 because it matched the fuselage diameter of the 707 and the 727. It launched the twin jet in February 1968.

The airline’s final 737 services were flown as the 2016 summer schedule drew to a close. Lufthansa’s very last 737 revenue sector, flown by 737-300 D-ABEF Classic, touched down at 19:53 on October 29th at Frankfurt, with 131 passengers on board. After a flight from Nuremberg. Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr was on hand to greet the final arrival.

A final Lufthansa 737 farewell flight was flown on October 31st to Frankfurt from Hamburg.

When Boeing decided to put the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-powered 737 into production on February 19, 1965, following an order from Lufthansa, it was the first time that a US manufacturer had launched a new airliner on the strength of an export order. However, United Airlines quickly followed Lufthansa, but ordered the slightly larger 737-200 variant. This Version entered service with the US airline in April 1968.

The Original 737-100 variant launched by Lufthansa proved relatively unpopular, with just 30 being built. After receiving its first -100 in December 1967, Lufthansa became a major operator of the later 737 variants, operating the -200 as well as the CFM International CFM56-powered-300, -400 and -500 Classic versions.

Lufthansa’s fleet peaked in 1992-93 when it operated 110 737s.

Source : Lufthansa/Boeing Pictures/Ed’s Research

P&W Adding Capacity to Accelerate Engine Deliveries

Pratt & Whitney executives say they will open two new factories over the next six months to get delayed geared turbofan engine deliveries back on track. But they also appeared to lower the bottom range for planned deliveries in 2017.

Production capacity and early manufacturing mistakes have plagued shipments of titanium-aluminium fan blades for the PW1100G, for the Airbus A320neo and PW1500G engines for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft family.

As a result, P&W now expects to deliver 150 engines in 2016 or 12.5% fewer than planned. Meanwhile, a lack of engines has forced Bombardier to slash CSeries deliveries by more than half to seven aircraft in 2016.

In September, P&W identified the manufacturing of the hybrid-metalic fan blades as the most critical of five parts causing delivery delays for geared turbofan engines. The unique blades are produced now at a P&W factory in Lansing, Michigan, says Greg Hayes, chief executive of P&W parent United Technologies. In January, P&W’s japan based supplier IHI plans to open a third fan blade factory for the geared turbofan engine, besides the one which produces the same blades in Singapore.

“You’re going to see step-changes in fan blade deliveries through the first half next year,” Hayes says.

Source : Pratt and Whitney

Kuwait Airways Unveils New Livery

Kuwait Airways unveiled its new livery on the first of ten new Boeing 777-300ERs that will enter commercial service with the airline over the next 12 months. At an official launch event held at Boeing Commercial Airplanes,’ a “once in a generation” revision, follows Kuwait Airways’ recent announcement of its new five-year business plan made earlier in September of this year.

The new livery and delivery of the Boeing 777-300ERs mark the airline’s first major steps towards achieving the goals it set out in its “Transformation Strategy”.

Source: China Aviation Daily/Boeing photo

LATEST NEWS

Air France first 787 Dreamliner takes to the skies in Everett, on November 9th. This will be Boeing’s 500th Dreamliner. It is a 787-9.

BOC Aviation Limited has taken delivery of a Boeing 777-300ER, the first of five new aircraft to be leased to Air China under a purchase-and-lease back arrangement.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire up to 12 Bombardier Q400 regional turboprops.

United Airlines first United Boeing 777-300ER rolls out of the paint hanger in Everett.The new 777-300ER will feature the new Polaris cabin.

Sibir Airlines of Russia, working under the S7 Airlines brand,has approved the lease of 17 Embraer E170LRs.

Avolon, Ireland-based lessor has delivered one Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Malaysia-based Malindo Air.

Emirates Airlines will equip its upcoming fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft with Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment (IFE) system. Deliveries of the 777X aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2020.

Uzbekistan Airways will order three additional Boeing 787s, the Carrier said on November 5th. The new order is for 787-9s.

China Aerospace Leasing ordered up to 40 COMAC ARJ21-700s, 20 firm and 20 options at the Zhuhai Air Show

Air Lease Corp. placed 12 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long term lease to Vietnam Airlines.

AIR CARGO

AirBridgeCargo Airlines Launch Freighter Services to Oslo Targeting Salmon Demand

ABCCargo Airlines is the second airline to launch a freighter services from Oslo to capitalize on the seafood market.

The scheduled all-cargo airline will offer two services a week between the Norwegian city and Moscow Sheremetyevo, utilizing a Boeing 747 freighter, which can carry more than 100 tons per week. The service will also cater for the country’s oil and gas industry.

“Global demand for Norwegian seafood, especially salmon, continues to make a significant and growing contribution to the country’s economy,” the airline said. Norway now exports 220,000 tons of seafood a year, 600 tons a day, using air cargo services to Asia and North America.

“The fast connections and on-time performance ABC offers via its Moscow Sheremetyevo hub, as well as the temperature-control capabilities of ABCCargo

“Boeing 747-8F fleet means we can offer exporters the network and service options they need to continue to grow their business all over the world.” said Georges Biwer, vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa at AirBridgeCargo.

Source : aircargonews

MILITARY NEWS

Singapore Selects H225M and Chinook Helicopters

Singapore is to acquire an undisclosed number of Airbus Helicopters H225M and Boeing CH-47F rotorcraft as part of a fleet modernization program.

The two types will respectively replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF’s) existing AS332 Super Puma and CH-47SD helicopters. These have been in service since 1983 and 1994, says the nation’s defense ministry and are “facing obsolescence”.

“The H225M and the CH-47F possess better lift and reach capabilities, They will enable the RSAF to meet the Singapore Armed Forces’ lift requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower,” it says.

Flight Fleets Analyzer lists the service as operating a total of 32 AS332M/ULs, along with 16 Ch-47SDs.

Source : Defense News

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com

August 25, 2015 by kaplanianreport

Volume 2 Issue 8

ON THE BOEING FRONT

The Roof is Almost Complete on the 777X Composite Wing Center in Everett.

The progress over the past few weeks on the Composite Wing Center in Everett for the 777X has been phenomenal.

The roof over the massive 1.3 million square foot building is nearly complete, and the walls are also going up at a rapid pace.

A milestone was also reached, after completing the area where the autoclave vendor can start installation. The first of three giant autoclaves – some of the largest in the world – is also nearly completed.

The Composite Wing Center is on track to be finished in May of 2016. (see attached photos courtesy of Boeing)

Source : Boeing/Boeing Photos

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) Certified by EASA on A330 Family

Airbus has achieved EASA certification of Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) technology on A330 Family aircraft. This on-board cockpit technology, which Airbus pioneered over several years, is now certified and available on all Airbus Families. ROPS is an alerting system which reduces exposure to runway overrun risk, and if necessary, provides active protection. Korean will become the first A330 operator to implement ROPS on its A330s in service in the coming months.

Runway excursion-meaning either an aircraft veering off the side of the runway, or overrunning the very end-remains the primary cause of civil airliner hull losses, particularly as other formerly prevalent categories of aircraft accidents have now largely been eliminated. Furthermore, various industry bodies including the EASA, NTSB, Eurocontrol and FAA recognize this and are fully behind the introduction of effective measures by commercial aviation stakeholders to eliminate the risk of runway excursions.

Source : Airbus/Airbus picture

BUSINESS/REGIONAL NEWS

CS100 Performs Minimum-unstick Test.

Bombardier has disclosed details of the minimum-unstick testing on the initial CSeries variant which it conducted at a regional airport in Kansas. One of the CS100 prototypes, FTV4, performed the tests at Saline airport during May.

The twin jet was fitted with a projecting bumper underneath the aft fuselage for the tests, which explore the minimum speed at which the CS100 can lift off at high nose altitude.

Minimum-unstick testing typically involves rapid acceleration to a threshold speed then reducing power while applying maximum pitch.

FTV4 has been fitted with cameras underneath the fuselage to monitor the bumper and the exercise also required simulation and modeling before being carried out.

Source: Bombardier/Flightglobal/Bombardier Photo.

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Boeing 787’s Improved Reliability Is Giving a Supplier Headaches

After early hiccups, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is turning into a stellar performer for airlines. That is creating an unexpected headache for the company that makes the plan’s cockpit displays.

The problem: Rockwell Collins Inc. finds itself with a bulge of unsold spare parts because the monitors used by pilots to track the jet’s radar and performance are proving more reliable than expected, Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg said on July 24th.

Dreamliner operators are stocking fewer replacements, contributing to a 4 percent drop in aftermarket sales in the quarter ended June 30, Rockwell Collins said.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based company is tweaking forecasts for other new jets using the gear, such as Boeing’s 737 Max and the 777X, Ortberg said.

“I am not going to feel bad about building and designing a really good piece of equipment,” Ortberg said in a telephone interview. ”We’ll go adjust the reliability that we had originally predicted to more of what we’re actually seeing in the marketplace.”

The Dreamliner entered service in 2011 after more than three years of delays. With the plane’s all-new technology, Rockwell Collins had no track record on which to project a replacement rate for its spare parts, Ortberg said.

Now, the company will use the improved reliability to persuade operators of Boeing’s 757s and 767s to upgrade to new equipment. Jet kerosene at close to a six-year low is a lure for airlines to retrofit older planes they otherwise would have retired, Ortberg said.

Source : Bloomberg

SWISS Unveils the Cabin Product and Route Network for Its New Flagship Boeing 777-300ER

SWISS will be ushering-in a new era in the history of its long-haul aircraft fleet next January with the arrival of the first of its nine new Boeing 777-300ERs.

In SWISS configuration the new twin jets will seat 340 passengers. They will also offer a state-of-the-art cabin product in all three seating classes, including wireless internet connectivity. The 777 will be deployed on routes to and from Asia, South America and the US West Coast from the 2016 summer schedules onwards.

In SWISS configuration the Boeing 777-300ER will offer 340 seats: eight in First Class,62 in Business Class and 270 in Economy. The totally redesigned cabin interior of the new SWISS flagship will provide comfort and aesthetics to meet the most discerning of demands in all three seating classes.

The SWISS First seat will be transformable into the occupant’s own private suite that includes a 32-inch screen, the largest in the industry. SWISS First guests will also enjoy electrically-adjustable window blinds and their own personal wardrobe.

SWISS Business travelers will enjoy an in-flight product that has been further enhanced and refined on the basis of customer feedback. The seating arrangement offers optimum privacy and freedom of movement, while the seat cushion’s firmness can be individually regulated. All the seats in the SWISS Business cabin can also be quickly and easily converted into a lie-flat bed .

The 777 will deliver 23% lower unit costs compared to the Airbus A340,” which especially helps on routes to Asia where we face tough competition mainly from Gulf carriers,” SWISS CEO Harry Hohmeister said.

Source : Swiss/Swiss Photos

CFM Delivers First Leap-1C to COMAC

CFM international has delivered the first Leap-1C engine to Comac for its in-development C919 narrow body program.

The engine, sent to the Chinese manufacturer’s first assembly center near Shanghai Pudong International airport, will be installed on the first C919 flight test aircraft. This pushes the first aircraft toward a roll-out by the end of the year, and a first flight in 2016.

The first Leap-1C engine completed a flight test program in late 2014 on a modified 747 flying testbed at Ge’s facilities in Victorville, California. The test program includes a comprehensive test schedule that looked at various functions including engine operability, stall margin and performance, and also validated advanced technologies incorporated in the engine, says CFM.

The engine maker adds that there are currently more than 30 Leap engines on test or in final assembly, and that the program has logged more than 4,730 certification ground and flight test hours totaling 7,900 cycles.

Comac has so far received commitments for 507 C919s, mostly from Chinese airlines and leasing companies.

Source: Flightglobal/Photo CFM International

LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF

Eva Air have finalized an order for five 777 Freighters. The order, valued at more than $1.5 billion at list prices.

Vietnam Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing to collaborate on renewing its wide body fleet which could see the carrier adding eight 777-8X and eight 787-10 aircraft.

Airbus has resumed flying the PW1100G-powered A320neo flight test aircraft in Toulouse, France after three-month grounding.

Transaero Russian carrier has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321, which is being supplied under a leasing deal with Chinese finance firm ICBC.

GKN Aerospace is to acquire the Dutch aerospace firm Fokker Technologies in a deal worth more than $775 million.

Vietjet the Vietnamese low-cost carrier (LCC) has taken delivery of the first 230-seat Airbus A321 cabin, the delivery marks the 9000 Airbus aircraft.

Lufthansa Technik the Puerto Rico MRO facility at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla started operations on July 21 with its first overhaul line.

Xiamen Airlines has committed to purchase another four Boeing 787 Dreamliners to further expand its long-range fleet. Xiamen Airlines started its first ever European service to Amsterdam on July 26th using one of its 787-8s.

FedEx place a firm order with Boeing for 50 firm orders for 767 freighters and took options for 50 more.

GOL Brazilian carrier has unveiled a new livery bearing its new logo.

Airbus has contracted Saab Aerostructures to manufacture and assemble composite wing trailing edge falsework extension for the A330neo.

Air Lease Corp. announced a long-term lease agreement with Far Eastern Air Transport based in Taipei, Taiwan for one new Boeing 737-800.

Scoot has unveiled a special livery to mark Singapore’s 50th year of independence.

AIR CARGO

Atlas Air Brings Plane Out of Storage, Showing Confidence in Air Cargo Market

Atlas Air Worldwide has echoed Boeing’s optimism about the air Cargo market, saying it will bring a 747-400 out of desert storage and buy two 767 passenger aircraft to convert to freighters to go along with the 10th 747-8 freighter the operator will add to its fleet in November.

Cowen analysts say the decision to put the parked 747-400 back into service is the result of extra work created by the U.S. military bolstering its forces in eastern Europe.

Atlas Air’s additions also back up Boeing’s increasingly bullish view of the air cargo market, having announced several freighter deals at the recent Paris Air Show.

Source : seeking alpha/Atlas Air Worldwide Holding

MILITARY

Boeing Rolls Out First Australian Growler

Boeing has unveiled the first of 12 Australian EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft at a ceremony in St.Louis, Missouri, and the company officials the second example is already in flight testing.

Once the second aircraft delivers this month, the two examples will be delivered to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake where Australian pilots are currently training with their US Navy counterparts. Those aircraft will also visit the US Navy’s home of airborne electronic warfare at Naval Air Station Whidbey in 2016 before moving to Australia in 2017.

Delivery of the first aircraft, tail number A46-301, is a significant milestone for the Royal Australian Air Force(RAAF),which will soon be able to shut down enemy surface-to-air missile, radars, electronic transmissions, communications equipment across a wide area.

Daniel Gillian, Boeing Defense, Space and Security’s vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18G programs, says the Aussie Growler entered flight testing on July 13th and the second aircraft is fully assembled and flying. He says it is the 116th Growler delivered to date out of a165-aircraft program of record for the Navy and the RAAF.

Source : Flightglobal/Picture Boeing

Marines Retire Sea Knight after 51 Years In Service

After 51 years of service with the US Marines Cops, the Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight flew for the last time on August 1st at a retirement ceremony in Chantilly, Virginia.

The Sea Knight which, made its combat debut in Vietnam, is being put on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, but will eventually move to a new annex at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

The twin-engined, tandem-rotor aircraft flew in August 1962, and the first production examples was delivered in 1964 as a medium assault transport helicopter.

The CH-46 was replaced by the V-22 Osprey.

Source : Flightglobal

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

May 9, 2015 by kaplanianreport

Volume 2 Issue 5 May 2015

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Boeing Just Patented a “Cuddle Chair” that Could Revolutionize How People Sleep on Airplanes

You know that moment when you are deep into a long distance journey and you just cannot get comfortable enough to sleep? And you’d do just about, or pay just anything for some sort of bed, or sleep support for even a few hours.

Getting quality sleep on a plane can be a great challenge especially when you are stuck in the cramped quarters of economy class. But now upright sleeping seat patented by Boeing may just change things.

Though officially known as the “transport vehicle seat back with integrated upright sleep seat the “cuddle Chair”. The chair features a cushion, headrest, and strap system that could be a crucial development for forward-leaning sleepers, who would no longer have to suffer the indignity of snoozing on their tray table.

As airlines seek to fit as many people as possible into planes, manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have had to explore some truly unorthodox seating mechanisms.

Source : Business Insider

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Airbus Upbeat on Jet Market, Still Studying A380 Upgrade

Airbus sees continued strength in the aircraft market and may increase production of its most popular jets above planned rates if the trend continues, the head of the European plane maker said On Friday April 17th.

Fabrice Bregier, chief executive of Airbus Group’s passenger jet division, predicated that Airbus would recapture the global crown from Boeing as deliveries of its new A350 model pick up while adding that market share was secondary to profitable growth.

Airbus expects to deliver 15 of the A350 planes this year told a group of journalists in Paris.

He reiterated that Airbus would not abandon the A380 after a period of weak orders, but would take careful look at the business case for the A380neo upgrade requested by the model’s biggest airline customer Emirates.

Airbus continues to expect more orders than deliveries in 2015, he also told members of the French AJPAE aerospace press association.

Source : Airbus/Yahoo Finance

BUSINESS/REGIONAL NEWS

MRJ First Flight Delayed Again

Mitsubishi Aircraft says the latest slip in the first flight schedule of its MRJ regional jet does not represent “major trouble” in the program.

In response to queries from Flightglobal, the Japanese manufacturer explains that in ground tests conducted thus far, ”a bug” has occurred in a portion of its software. Design changes also had to be made to some system parts.

As a result Mitsubishi has pushed back the first flight of its regional jet to September or October of 2015, from the second quarter.

In January, Mitsubishi started full-scale tests and also performed a first engine run on MSN 10001. It has since performed various ground tests including functional and performance tests for devices of its avionics, hydraulics, air conditioning, lighting and landing gear systems. It has also conducted vibration tests, electromagnetic tests, safety tests and taxi tests.

Source: Flightglobal/ Mistubishi Aircraft

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) to Buy More than 100 Aircraft

The board of the Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has decided to increase the operations of the company under its five year plan from 2015-2020 by purchasing more than 100 new aircraft.

The airline is Saudi’s national flag carrier and director general Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said the plan is meant to strengthen operational efficiency as part of the continuous modernization of the fleet.

The airline previously ordered 90 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus and all but 12 have not been delivered according to a senior official under the condition of anonymity.

Jasser said the arrival of the aircraft within its growing domestic passenger requirements and expand the airline’s international operations.

The five-year plan includes the empowerment of the airline staffs and modernization of the airline infrastructures and strategic units.

The board noted that one of the challenges facing the company is the disruptions of its operations by sandstorms. Airlines have been obliged to delay or postpone their scheduled flights when airports are hit by it due to passenger and aircraft safety.

Many airports are affected by it in Saudi Arabia. Measures to reduce the effects of weather changes were discussed by the board.

Source: Middle East Confidential

Spain’s Air Europa Details Boeing 787 Plans

Spanish carrier Air Europa has launched scheduled flights between Madrid and Miami with its first Boeing 787 as it prepares to take 22 of the new twin jets.

Privately owned Air Europa is bringing in 22 787-8s and 787-9s to completely replace its Airbus A330 long-haul fleet. The airline has acquired the aircraft through two commitments, one for eight aircraft and a follow-on order for further 14, which was announced in January of this year.

Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Air Europa parent company Globalia corp., previously said

the aircraft will grow the business by around 50%.

Air Europa’s first four 787s will arrive by the end of 2016, doubling to eight aircraft by 2018. ”The airline will have a total of 22 Dreamliners all operational by 2022, completely replacing its long-haul fleet of A330s,” Air Europa said in a statement.

It has been configured with 252 seats, including 18 in business and 21 in Air Europa’s newly introduced premium economy cabin. Air Europia, which has a hub at Madrid Barajas, serves 36 destinations in Europe and the Americas.

Source : ATW/picture Boeing

GTF Leads Pratt to Shift Business Model to Aftermarket Focus

With 80% of the more than 6300 geared turbofan (GTF) engines sold by Pratt and Whitney covered by a long-term maintenance service contract with the engine manufacturer, Pratt is shifting its commercial business model.

The PW1100G powering the Airbus A320neo will launch the GTF family of engines into the market when the re-engined narrow body enters service later this year.

But the transition to the GTF is about much more for East Hartford, Connecticut-based Pratt than the engine’s geared architecture that promises to provide a significant fuel burn improvement. ”We’re transitioning from a purely transitional market to a service market”. Pratt

president-aftermarket Mathew Bromberg told reporters during a briefing in East Hartford.

The sale of the engine is merely the starting point. Pratt now has long-term service agreements on about half of its in-service commercial aircraft engines, but in the future the vast majority of its engines-particularly in the GTF family- will be under such contracts. Pratt will collect “a staggering amount of data” from in-service GTF engines and use this information to manage engine performance for its airline customers, Bromberg said.

Source : ATW/Pratt&Whitney

ANA Reveals Star Wars Livery on Boeing 787-9

All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has unveiled a new “ Star Wars” livery on its latest Boeing 787-9 that marks the start of a five-year tie up with The Walt Disney Company (Japan).

Painted with the iconic R2-D2 character, the plane’s design was unveiled to fans of the popular science fiction franchise in the United States on April 16th.

ANA says the “Star Wars” painted aircraft will take to the skies in the third quarter of 2015, but the routes it will operate on have not yet been determined.

“We’re proud of the innovative R2-D2 design, and we look forward to witnessing the first-ever flight of a passenger aircraft featuring “Star Wars” character. We’re confident that “Star Wars” fans around the world will absolutely love the design,” says Kayleen Walters, vice president of marketing at Lucasfilm Ltd.

The launch of “Star Wars” livery also follows ANA’s earlier announcement that it will launch a Tokyo Narita-Houston service from june 12th, making the carrier’s tenth North American destination.

Source : Flightglobal/ANA Photo.

LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF

United Airlines has converted 10 firm orders for the Boeing 787 to the 777-300ER. The 777-300ER order is valued at $3.3 billion at list prices.

LAN CHILE has inaugurated its Boeing 787 service from Chilean capital Santiago to Auckland in New Zealand.

Boeing Business Jets announced that the company is studying offer ability of a BBJ Combi, allowing customers to have a split configuration of both passengers and cargo at the same time.

Azul Brazilian Airlines has renewed a maintenance agreement under which ATR will provide full aftermarket support to Axul’s fleet of nearly 60 ATR aircraft.

QantusLink will create a Boeing 717 heavy maintenance base in Canberra, creating up to 40 engineering jobs in the Australian capital.
Airbus has selected Korean Air Aerospace Division to supply the new Sharklet wingtip for the A330neo.

EasyJet took delivery of its 250th Airbus A320 family aircraft.

Airbus announced that it has surpassed 1,500 A330 orders with recent orders from Turkish Airlines for four A330-200Fs and ALC for 25 A330-900neos.

KLM has taken delivery of its 24th Boeing 777-300ER at Amsterdam Airport from Everett, Washington.

UTC Aerospace Systems was selected by Qatar Airways to supply wheels and Duracarb carbon brakes for 43 Airbus A350-900s.

Emirates Airlines announced a $9.2 billion order for Rolls- Royce engines as power plant to equip 50 Airbus A380s.

Air Tahiti Nui (ATN), the major carrier of French Polynesia, has confined its order for two 787-9s.

Air Lease Corp. announced a long-term agreement with Aeromexico for one new Boeing 787-9.This aircraft is from ALC’s order book with Boeing is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2016.

GE Aviation announced the GE90 engine, which was the first jet engine to utilize composite fiber polymeric material on the front fan blades 20 years ago.

AIR CARGO

Cathay Pacific Issues Latest Ban on Lithium Batteries

Cathay Pacific joined Qantas, Delta, United and Virgin Australia in banning the shipment of lithium-ion batteries on either freighters or in the bellies of passenger aircraft. The rule only applies to batteries being shipped in bulk, not those that are being used in laptop computers, mobile phones or similar devices.

747-400 BCF First Flight Takeoff

Cathay’s cargo director, James Woodrow, made the announcement to his staff in the carrier’s monthly newsletter. Woodrow is also the chair of IATA’s cargo committee, where lithium batteries, and their safe transport, were discussed in March at the World Cargo Symposium in Shanghai, and viewed as an industry challenge. The international Coordination Council of Aerospace industry Associations, which represents Boeing and Airbus, called for stronger packaging and handling regulations for batteries being shipped on freighters.

Tests performed by the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) concluded that lithium batteries consistently discharge explosive gases when they overheat or short-circuit. The build-up of gases, mostly hydrogen, can lead to explosions or fire. It’s common for tens of thousands of batteries to be packaged into one shipping container.

Source: Air Cargo World/Cathay Pacific

Atlas Air’s First Quarter Figures Soar From Extra Charters

That which did not sail by sea was sent by air in the first quarter of 2015, and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings was there to reap the benefits. The Purchase, New York based charter airline and aircraft lessor reported net income of US$29 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $7.9 million during the same period in 2014. This is almost quadruple year-over-year results.

Atlas Air 747-8F Artwork

While commercial cargo demand was clearly boosted by the long-running port congestion problems on the West Coast of the United States in January and February, which led to spike on charter activity. Atlas also said it benefited from a major automobile recall and “better-than expected military cargo and passenger demand.”

The company reported free cash flow of $80.2 million in the first quarter, compared with $36.9 million in 2014.Operating income for the quarter also more than doubled to $57 million, year-on-year. ”We are off to a very good start in 2015 and look forward to a strong year,” said William J.Flynn, president and CEO.”As a result, we now expect our full-year results to increase significantly compared with 2014.”

Atlas said it expected airfreight demand to continue at between 4 and 5 percent, per year, through 2016,and commented that its customers are also performing at above market levels.

Source: Air Cargo World/Atlas Air/Atlas Air Picture

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com