Iran Air

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Volume 5 Issue 9 Sept 2018

On the Boeing Front

                    Boeing Making Steady Progress With 777X (Part 1)

Engineers have attached the first fuselage barrels for the first Boeing 777-9s—the static test airframe and the first flight test example—and moved them into systems installation, Boeing reported in late June, and the first pair of wings have emerged from the horizontal build line at the company’s wide body plant in Everett, Washington. 

Scheduled to complete the static test airframe by the end of the year, Boeing has moved the wings for the larger of the two 777X variants into letdown and systems installation, while at the 1.3-million-sq-ft composite wing center(CWC), the company has begun fabricating wings for the fifth airplane. So far, Boeing has sent four sets of wings out of the CWC and into spar assembly.

Boeing has now completed 98 percent of its engineering releases, leaving “very few left to do”, according to a company spokeswoman, who reported the remainder involves mainly systems. In the factory, Boeing has completed the static test rig in Everett, and now is loading it with all its test equipment, while the fatigue test rig has reached the halfway point of construction.

Meanwhile, the airplane’s folding wingtips have arrived from their production site in St. Louis for the static airplane and the first-test article. One of the airplane’s most visually distinguishing characteristics, the 12-foot-long folding wingtip will allow regulators to classify both airplanes as Code E, meaning they will fit the same size parking space the 777-300ER now uses.

The Airbus A380, conversely, operates as a Code F airplane, significantly limiting the number of airports it can use.

See more about this subject in my October report.

Source : ainonline/Boeing/Boeing pictures

 

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

           Airbus BelugaXL Completes First Flight in Toulouse 

Airbus’s first BelugaXL has completed its first flight, paving the way for a 10-month long test certification campaign and a planned entry into service next year.

The BelugaXL, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, took off from Blagnac in Toulouse, southwest France, where Airbus is based ,on July 19 and landed four hours and 11 min. later, Airbus said.

The aircraft, with its livery designed to look like a smiling beluga whale, the result of a vote by Airbus’s 20,000 employees, is the first of five BelugaXL’s that will enter service in 2019, gradually replacing the existing five BelugaST transporters Airbus uses to carry complete sections of its aircraft from production sites across Europe to final assembly. 

Airbus launched the BelugaXL, in November 2014 to address transport and ramp-up capacity requirements beyond 2019.The new oversize air transporters are based on the A330-200 freighter, with a large re-use of existing components and equipment. It has a payload lifting capacity of four tons greater than the current Beluga A300-600ST.  

Source : Airbus/Airbus Picture         

                                   

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Transport Canada Certifies 90-Seat Cabin for Bombardier’s Q400 Aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced on August 1 that its 90-passenger Q400 aircraft certification has received its certification from Transport Canada, becoming the first in-production commercial turboprop in the world to reach that capacity.  

Todd Young, head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, said “This milestone certification showcases the unique versatility of the Q400 turboprop and continued commitment to the evolution of the program”. 

The 90-seat configuration represents another step in Bombardier’s continuous improvement of its Q400 aircraft. Other improvements under development    

includes a 2,000 lb- increase in payload capacity and an escalation of the A-Check and C-Check intervals from 600/6000 to 800/8000 flight hours.  

Launch customer for this aircraft is SpiceJet of India.

Source : Bombardier Commercial Aircraft

            

       Rockwell Collins Signs Contracts with AVIC For MA700 

Rockwell Collins has signed master contracts with China’s AVIC Aircraft to supply its Pro Line Fusion avionics suite and air data systems for the MA700 twin-engine turboprop. AVIC Aircraft also has designated the Rockwell Collins HGS 3500 Head-up guidance System as an option.

AVIC Aircraft plans to fly the first MA700, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150C engines in November 2019 and to obtain certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in late 2021.

Pro Line Fusion on the MA700 features four, 14-in. widescreen primary and multifunction flight displays and Multifunction weather radar with predictive windshear capability.

Avionics work will take place at Rockwell Collins facilities in the U.S. and Hyderabad, India as well as at the company’s Rockwell Collins CETC Avionics Co. joint venture in Chengdu, China.

Source : ATW/Picture Rockwell Collins

                                                                 

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

  Canadian North, First Air Will Merge to Serve Canadian Arctic  

Calgary-based Canadian North and Ottawa-based First Air airlines have announced plans to merge—the latest step in the carriers’ efforts to combine air services to best meet the needs of the communities in the Canadian arctic.

The two carriers plan to operate under the Canadian North name with an administrative headquarters in Ottawa. The deal, which requires regulatory approvals is expected to close this year.

The two carriers provide key passenger and cargo connections between communities in Canada’s northern region as well as links to the country’s major metropolitan areas down south.

The two carriers said combining forces ”is the only viable way” to meet air service demands in the Canadian north. A 2017 investigation by Canada’s Competition Bureau concluded that a merger’s benefits would outweigh its drawbacks. 

First Air operates a fleet of 20 aircraft, including 13 ATR 42s, five Boeing 737-400s and two 737-200s, Canadian North has 16 aircraft, including 10 737-300s, three 737-200s, and three de Havilland Twin Otters. 

Source : ATW/Picture Canadian North

 

   Cathay Pacific Announces New Seattle to Hong Kong Direct Service  

Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s best-known airlines, announced plans to debut nonstop service between Hong Kong and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in April 2019.

The four-times weekly service will see Seattle-Tacoma become the airline’s eighth passenger gateway in the United States, and its 10th in North America.

Cathay Pacific currently serves Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York(JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. A new Cathay Pacific service to Washington, DC will commence on the 16th of this month.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg said the Seattle route, which will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, underscores the airlines expansion strategy to connect new destinations not otherwise served from Hong Kong.

CX857 will depart Seattle on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:25 a.m. This early morning arrival allows passengers to connect with every Cathay Pacific flight across Asia—including, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and over 20 gateways in mainland China—without a lengthy layover in Hong Kong. The return flight, CX858, will depart Hong Kong at 11:55 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday arriving Seattle at 9:00 p.m.(same day).

Source : World Airline News/Cathay Pacific Picture

 

 Iran Air Receives Five ATR 72-600s Before Return of US Sanctions  

European turboprop manufacturer ATR delivered five ATR 72-600 aircraft to Iranian flag carrier Iran Air just before US sanctions came back into force. The carrier has now received 13 out of an order of 20 aircraft, the Toulouse-based manufacturer said.

The aircraft took off from Toulouse on Aug.4, arriving in Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport after refueling stop for a welcome ceremony that took place Aug.5. 

“This is an important decision for ATR,” the manufacturer’s CEO Christian Scherer said. “The next step will consist of working on getting an appropriate authorization from the US administration to ensure a reasonable level of maintenance.”  

The company now faces “challenges” over the remaining aircraft Iran Air ordered for which ATR received a first US license in 2017, before the revocation, Scherer said.

Source : ATW/Picture ATR    

      

LATEST NEWS

  • El Al took delivery of its latest 787-9 featuring a retro livery of the Israeli flag -carrier. El Al adopted the livery on 707s, the carriers first jets, from 1961. 

  • Turkish Airlines has taken delivery in mid-July of the first higher capacity A321neo ACF(Airbus Cabin Flex) that can accommodate up to 240 seats in a single-class layout, in combination with a space-saving aft galley. 
  • Boeing plans to establish 100,000 sqft autonomous aircraft research and development facility at MIT in Cambridge, MA; facility will house engineering teams from Aurora Flight Sciences.
  • Cebu Air has agreed to lease five A320neos from Avolon for delivery starting in 2019.
  • Pobeda Russian airlines wholly owned subsidiary of Aeroflot, has agreed with Boeing for the order of 15 737 MAX8 aircraft, with delivery from autumn of 2019.
  • British Airways announced on July 19th a commitment for three 777-300ER.The airline will take the 777s on an operating lease with a leasing company.
  • Jeju Air becomes first low-cost carrier in Korea to own and operate 737-800. The delivery marks the first of three new 737-800 NGs the airline has on order with Boeing. 

  • Air China has become the first mainland Chinese carrier to take delivery of an Airbus A350, after the airframe secured Chinese validation of the type’s certificate in mid-jury.
  • CDB Aviation Lease Finance will convert its order for eight Boeing 787-9s into one for 22 additional 737 Max 8s.
  • China Airlines has revealed a special carbon fiber livery for its 14th and final A350-900. 

 

AIR CARGO

                Expanding Freight Firms Deliver Big Deals to Boeing

A raft of cargo deals were announced during the Farnborough Air show for a mix of new and converted aircraft. The biggest deal came at the start of the of the show, when DHL Express announced an order for 14 Boeing 777-200LRFs worth $4.7 billion.

The German express shipper expects the first four of the aircraft to be delivered in 2019, and has also taken purchase rights and options on a total of seven more.

Volga-Dnepr placed a firm order for five 747-8F Freighters and a commitment of 29 777-200LRFs. The Russian cargo airline is also in discussion with Boeing about further orders of new and converted 767 freighters and converted 737-800 BCFs.

Qatar Airways finalized an order for five 777-200LRFs, confirming a deal announced as a commitment in April.

Lessor GECAS is to take up to 35 more 737-800 BCFs, building on its current commitment for 15. The deal comprises firm orders for 20 conversions and options on 15 more.

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing 

                   Ethiopian Airlines, DHL Form Logistics Joint Venture

Ethiopian Airlines and DHL have agreed to form a joint-venture company to create what they call the leading cargo logistics provider in Africa. Named DHL-Ethiopian Logistics services, the company will base its operations in Ethiopia and do business throughout A, thereby improving Ethiopia’s logistics infrastructure and connections.

Under the terms of the contract, Ethiopian Airlines takes majority stake in the joint venture and has agreed to provide regulatory and operational support, while DHL establishes air, ocean, and road freight connections between Ethiopia’s main trade hubs and the rest of the world.

The joint venture builds on an extended partnership between Ethiopian and DHL Global Forwarding, which since 2010 has supported the maintenance, repair, and overhaul(MRO) operations of Ethiopian Airlines’ commercial segment, providing logistics services for aircraft parts, engines, and mechanical modules to textiles, utensils, food. and beverages via air and ocean freight between Europe and Asia.

Source: Ain International 

 

 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul News

                    SR Technics to Expand in Malta 

Having signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in May 2017 to expand its aircraft maintenance facility in Malta, SR Technics furthered its plans on Monday August 6 by penning a contract with national economic development agency Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks which oversees the management of government-owned properties.

The new 322,000 square foot facility located at Malta International Airport will accommodate wide body and narrow body aircraft and will hold greater workshop space which will enable increased capacity for heavy maintenance work, C-checks and cabin modifications or retrofits to up to six narrow body aircraft at a time. The investment will stand at a reported $40.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin this year with four bays scheduled to be completed by November 2019.Initial focus will be on Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737NG aircraft.

Source : SR Technics/Picture SR Technics

 

 

                      LATEST MRO NEWS

  • AJW Group secured a 5-year power-by-the-hour Airbus A320 contract with Cambodia Airways, which is scheduled to begin operations later this year.
  • Turkish Technic was selected by Russia Nordwind Airlines to replace the landing gear on a Boeing 777.
  • Monarch has an Air Transat contract for Airbus A310/A330 line maintenance at Glasgow.
  • EFW(Elbe Flugzeugwerke) delivered its first converted Airbus A330-200P2F to EgyptAir.  EFW says EgyptAir ordered Three A330-200 PSFs.

  • S7 Technics opened a new line maintenance station at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.

 

                      

 

Researched and Compiled by : 

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor  

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian  

by

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

by

Volume 4 Issue 5 The Kaplanian Report

ON THE BOEING FRONT

      Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN Powers Boeing 787 for the First Time 

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN has powered a Boeing Dreamliner flight for the first time.  The flight, which took off and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle, marks the latest phase in the engine’s development program.

The Trent 1000 TEN has also been selected to power the first test flight of the Boeing 787-10 version of the Dreamliner, slated for the end of March, 2017.  This means the Trent 1000 will have powered the first flight of every version of the 787.

Tent 1000 Program Director Gary Moore said: “ Our first Trent 1000 TEN flight on the Dreamliner is another great milestone for our program.  I want to thank everyone at Boeing and Rolls-Royce who have worked hard to make this flight happen.  In addition, our selection to power the first flight of the 787-10 is a great honor, and reflects our commitment to supporting this aircraft as it continues to evolve.”

The Trent 1000 TEN has already powered tests earlier this year on the Rolls-Royce Flying Test Bed aircraft, a Boeing 747, at Tucson, Arizona.

The Trent 1000 TEN (Thrust,Efficiency and New Technology) will power all variants of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family.  The engine draws on technologies from Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine and advance engine program, delivering thrust and efficiency improvements.

Source : Rolls-Royce/Rolls-Royce Picture

                      

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

A350 1000 Wraps Up High- Elevation Tests 

Airbus has wrapped up high-elevation airport testing of the A350-1000 following a 10-day campaign in South America.   Aircraft MSN71 undertook initial tests in Bolivia, operating to Cochabamba and La Paz.

MSN71 carried out several departures and landings at each airport for data-collection, says the airframe, operating at elevations of 7,546 ft – 13,123 ft.

The twin jet also carried out tests at the sea-level Colombian airport of Barranquilla.

“Early test results confirm the good performance and behavior of both the aircraft and its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines,” adds Airbus.

“This is a major successful milestone in the aircraft certification flight-test campaign.”

The airframe typically carries out hot-weather tests in the Middle East, using Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

Airbus is aiming to deliver the A350-1000 for airline service later this year.  Three of the variant are involved in the certification effort.

Source : Flightglobal/Airbus

             

        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

               CSeries Completes London City Airport Validation Flights 

On March 23rd Bombardier completed CSeries validation tests at London City airport and expects to receive certification to operate commercial flights to the facility in as little as six to eight weeks.

“The aircraft flew flawlessly.  There were no issues,” Bombardier’s vice president of the CSeries program, Robert Dewar, told FlightGlobal.

Aircraft operating to London City require special certification largely due to the airport’s steep approach requirement.

Bombardier began London City certification tests for the CSeries months ago at other airports, performing approaches as steep as 7.5 degrees, says Dewar.  That’s steeper than London City’s %.5 degrees approach, he adds.

Following those trials, the Canadian airframe flew its second flight-test vehicle (C-GWYD), a CS100 variant to London Stansted airport on March 21st.

The aircraft landed for the first time at London City on March 22nd, completing four validation and demonstration tests that day and four on March 23rd, the company says.

Next, Authorities will review Bombardier’s test data, Dewar says.  The Company needs approvals from Transport Canada, The European Aviation Safety Agency and Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation, according to Dewar.  Pilots must also complete London City specific training.

Bombardier designed the CSeries specifically for operation at London City, Dewar says.  For instance, engineers tailored the aircraft’s wing and flight control laws with London City’s operating requirements in mind, he adds

Source : Flightglobal/Bombardier

                                                                       

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

            “More comfortable” Economy Middle Seats To be Unveiled

Molon Labe has teamed up with BMW’s Designworks and Panasonic Avionics to create an economy-cabin design that would make the middle seat wider and more attractive.

A concept model of the novel design was unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, April 4-6.

The Stagger Seat, or S2, is a variation of Molon Labe Seating’s Side-Slip Seat, which is aimed at faster boarding and quicker turnarounds for time-sensitive short-haul flights.

The Colorado company is launching this new variation on the concept with quite a different goal – to improve economy class passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

The Stagger Seat takes the ergonomic features of the Side-Slip Seat and translates them into a reclining economy seat”like no other,” the company claims.  In the Side-Slip seat, the middle seat is offset, or staggered, downward and backward relative to the seats either side.  This allows the aisle seat to be slid over the middle seat during boarding, to increase aisle width and allow passengers to get past.

Faster turnarounds are not the main aim for long-haul airline, Molon Labe CEO Hank Scott said, so the stagger Seat does not slide, but it will recline.The offset is used primarily to increase space for the middle-seat passenger-and potentially generate more revenue for the airline.

By staggering the middle seat vertically and fore/aft, the arms, thighs and elbows of passengers are no longer adjacent.”The Stagger Seat offers more living space for all occupants,” Scott said. ”The middle seat is also 3inches wider, while the other seats maintain their standard width.”

Source : ATW/ Molon Labe

 

               Avolon Becomes World’s Third Largest Aircraft Lessor 

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announced the completion of the acquisition of the aircraft leasing business of CIT Group.

Avolon is now the world’s third largest aircraft leasing company, with a combined fleet as of December 31,2016, of 808 aircraft valued at over US$43 billion.

Transaction doubles Avolon’s size and creates the world’s third largest aircraft leasing platform; serves 149 customers in 62 countries with approximately one third of in-service aircraft leased into each of the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, providing balanced geographic exposure.

The combined business had an owned fleet of 551 aircraft with an average age of 4.7 years: the youngest owned, in service fleet among the world’s top three aircraft leasing companies.

Total orders and commitments for 301 aircraft include new technology aircraft comprising of 196 Airbus Aircraft (A320neo family,A330neo and A350); 61Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 25 Boeing 787 aircraft.

Source : China Aviation Daily/Picture Airbus

     

LATEST NEWS

  • Iran Air has taken delivery of a second Airbus 330-200, two weeks after its first of the type arrived in Tehran.
  • China Aircraft Leasing Group has completed the deliveries of one Airbus A320 each to Air Asia Berhad and Thai Air Asia.
  • Porter Airlines Toronto City-based airport took delivery of its 29th Bombardier  Q400.
  • Airbus the first Airbus A319neo performed its maiden flight on March 31, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
  • MIAT Mongolian Airlines plans to lease two Boeing 737 MAXs from Irish lessor Avolon as it looks to bolster its single-aisle fleet.
  • Boeing Commercial Airplanes after a one-year pricing freeze, Boeing Commercial has raised list prices by a range between 2.16-2.23% across the product portfolio.
  • The Government of Poland announced an order for three Next-Generation 737s.  The order includes two new BBJ2 airplanes and one 737-800, which will be operated by the Government of Poland as head-of-state aircraft for the  president and top government officials.
  • Air Bridge Cargo(ABC) Airlines has taken delivery of the first two Boeing 747-8Fs under a long-term lease agreement with US-based lessor Intrepid Aviation.
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA) will lease four Boeing 737-800 aircraft while it awaited delayed deliveries of the country’s first commercial aircraft in 50 years, the 90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ)
  • Aseman Airlines of Iran signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for 30 737 MAX aircraft, with a list price value of $3 billion.  The deal includes rights  purchase rights for 30 additional MAXs.

 

AIR CARGO

       Qatar Airways Cargo Takes Delivery of Its Twelfth B777 Freighter

Qatar Airways Cargo received its latest Boeing 777 Freighter in Doha recently, taking its total freighter fleet count to 21.   The addition marks the cargo carrier’s commitment to building its young and modern air cargo fleet to strengthen its growth trajectory.

Ulrich Ogiermann Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo said, ”The arrival of our newest Boeing 777 freighter comes at a time when we are consciously strategizing our freighter network expansion this year; above and beyond the unprecedented demand and growth in our charter services.”

The Boeing 777 freighter has the longest range of any twin-engined freighter and is based around the 777-200 LR aircraft operating on the ultra long haul routes.  It has a payload capacity of 102 metric tons.

The airplane’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times. The capacity of the Boeing freighters is unrivaled and the plane’s economics make it an attractive addition to the fleet.

Qatar Airways Cargo operates the Boeing 777 freighters on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe, the Far East, Asia and some destinations in Africa.

The airline will receive another Boeing 777 freighter later this year, increasing its freighter fleet to a total of 22 aircraft by the end of 2017.

Source : Qatar Airways Cargo Press Release

Polar Express Delivery 

 

An Antonov Airlines An-124 and Air Charter Service delivered a GE90 jet engine for Swiss International Air Lines 777-300 that was forced to make an emergency landing on February 1 in the Canadian Arctic town of Iqaluit  after one of its engines shut down in mid-flight.

The GE90 arrived less than 48 hours later after the Swiss jet landed in Canada; the An-124 remained in Iqaluit for a toTal of five days, while the new engine was installed on the 777 and the unserviceable engine could be retrieved.

Fortunately,the 216 passengers on the Zurich-to-Los Angeles flight only had to wait half a day as the plane sat on the tundra until a replacement jet resumed the journey to Los Angeles.

Source : Air Cargo World

 

 MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, OVERHAUL

           Asia’s MRO Surge Could Outstrip Demand

The rapid growth of aircraft maintenance sector in the Asia-Pacific region is creating a significant risk of aver supply, according to some industry executives,  said speakers at Aviation Week’s MRO East Asia conference.

The MRO market is “reshaping itself” and has been “shifting to Asia”, saId Vehbi Ozer, Turkish Technic’s strategy planning and projects manager.  He predicts that in the near future, the Asia-Pacific region will represent the biggest MRO market.

This region now accounts for 28% of the global MRO market value of $64 billion, said Francois Dubrulle, president of asset management company The

Green Airliner Singapore, Asia has essentially caught up to Europe and North America in terms of market share.  The global total is projected to rise to $96 billion by 2025, with Asia-Pacific growth likely to exceed that of the more developed regions.

Rapid expansion is both a challenge and a danger for the MRO industry, said Daniel Stromski, Haeco’s GM for inventory technical management.  He likens the current situation to a “gold rush,” with a wide range of companies looking to set up new operations or joint ventures in Southest Asia and China.

Stromski said this is causing worries about the supply and demand balance.  While Asia represents a great opportunity for MRO providers, the “industry should be careful where it invests,” so it does not “create oversupply of MRO capabilities.”

Source : MRO Network

Latest MRO News

  • ASCO has a Boeing contract to supply had metal/aluminum structural components through 2024.
  • Fokker Services(GKN Aerospace) was named authorized service provider by Bombardier to provide Q400 component repair management under its Smart Parts program.
  • Astronics acquired operating assets of Pacific Northwest-based Custom Controls Concepts,which supplies cabin management and IFE systems for Airbus/Boeing VIP aircraft.
  • Pemco has an Air Incheon contract to convert one Boeing 747-400 to freighter.
  •  Aeromet  has a Boeing contract to supply 777X parts using its A20X aluminum alloy.

 

 

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com





by

Volume 4 Issue 4 April 2017 The Kaplanian Report

ON THE BOEING FRONT 

The Boeing 777 Flies Seven of the World’s Ten Longest Routes

A new list of the world’s ten longest commercial airline routes shows the Boeing 777 maintains its strong position as the world’s favorite long distance aircraft.

The 777 flies seven of the routes and the Airbus A380 flies two. Two newer aircraft, the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350, both fly the 10th route between San Francisco and Singapore. United began service in June 2016 and Singapore followed in October. (this is according to OAG)

Looking ahead, Singapore Airlines has said it will begin a 9,534-mile, eighteen-and-a-half hour Singapore-Newark flight in 2018, using an Airbus A350-900ULR. Singapore previously operated the route with a four engine-A340, but discontinued it in 2013.  Also, in 2018, Qantas plans to operate a 9,009 mile, 17-hour Perth-London flight with a Boeing 787-900.

John Grant, OAG senior analyst, said the two new aircraft types will allow airlines to open more ultra-long-distance routes because the lightweight planes are smaller than their wide body predecessors, but still carry sufficient fuel for trips.

“As more extended range-second generation A350s and 787s come to production and are delivered in the next few years, it will allow airlines to operate more flights in these sectors,” Grant said.

Grant foresees that as airlines begin to operate more ultra-long flights, they may add more first class and business class seating, not simply to boost per-seat revenue, but also reduce the number of passengers and weight of aircraft.

Source : Forbes

        ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

 Airbus A350-1000 Undergoes Low-Speed Take-off  Tests 

Airbus has been carrying out low-speed take-off tests with one of the A350-1000 development aircraft as it heads towards certification later this year.

The first of three A350-1000 test aircraft (MSN59) has a tail bumper installed, enabling its rear fuselage to be dragged along the runway in trials to establish VMU minimum unstick speeds. The tests, which took place in early March at Istres in Southern France, help to verify slat and flap settings and performance criteria.

Airbus is working towards certification of the A350-1000 this year, to clear the way for deliveries of the stretched A350 derivative to begin in the second half of this year with Qatar as the first recipient.

The flight-test trials involve a trio of Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 powered A350-1000s. The third test aircraft (MSN71) recently returned from cold-weather trains in Iqaluit, Canada, where it was exposed to temperatures as low as -37 degrees Centigrade during an overnight soak. The aircraft subsequently undertook high-altitude take-off and landing tests at LaPaz airport in Bolivia.

Source : Flightglobal/Airbus/Airbus Picture

                   

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Third and Final Pilatus PC-24 Enters Flight Testing

Pilatus Aircraft’s PC-24 business jet has entered the final stages of its certification program, following the maiden sortie of its third and final test aircraft.

Pilatus describes the debut flight as another important milestone in the PC-24’s development. It comes 22 months after the arrival of the first prototype kick started the validation program. Aircraft PO2 joined the campaign in November 2015, and the pair have since logged more than 1,350 flying hours, the airframer says.

Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk calls the results of the flight-test campaign ”very encouraging” and says the data collected so far indicates that the jet, the company’s first, exceeds published performance figures. These include a maximum cruise speed of 425kt (790m/h), a maximum range with six passengers of 1,800 nm (3,330km), and maximum take-off weight of 8,850kg (17,650lb).

Pilatus has secured 84 orders for the PC-24, equivalent to three years of production and is planning to reopen the order book following certification. PO3 will make its public debut in May at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva. The PC24 was unveiled at the industry gathering in 2013.

Source : Pilatus Aircraft/Pilatus Picture

 

Embraer Rolls Out E195-E2 its Largest Jet Aircraft

Embraer’s second E-Jet E2 variant, the E195-E2, was rolled out on March 7, 2017, marking the unveiling of the largest jet aircraft ever produced in Brazil.

According to CEO John Slattery, he believes the aircraft will be strongly considered as a replacement by mainline airlines flying the Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s and low-cost carriers(LCC) seeking a cost-efficient option.

“The first prototype E195-E2 will be used for aerodynamic and performance tests”, Slattery said. The aircraft’s first flight is officially scheduled for the second half of 2017, but rollout is occurring ahead of schedule. “I would not be surprised if the E-195-E2 does enter into flight testing in the first half of 2017,” Slattery said.

Source : Embraer/Embraer Picture

                                                         

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Argentine ULCC Startup Flybondi to Launch with Boeing 737-800s


Argentine ultra-low-cost carrier, (ULCC) startup Flybondi, has selected the Boeing 737-800 as its launch aircraft and ready to begin negotiations for up to 50 737 MAX 200s.

Giving a March 15 update, Flybondi said it had chosen the 737-800 over the Airbus A320 and honed its launch schedule to September.

The Startup had previously announced a start date in the second half of 2017.

“We are convinced the Boeing 737-800 is the right aircraft to develop the ULCC model in Argentina. We are very pleased with the level of support that Boeing has provided us with.” Flybondi CEO Julian Cook said.

The 737-800s, configured with 189 seats, were selected for their low operating cost. Flybondi also finalized the details of entry into service support agreement with Boeing.

No numbers were specified for the 737-800 acquisition, but Flybondi previously announced plans to operate four aircraft this year, adding six every year after that, to hit 30 aircraft by year five. Cook also said Flybondi will start negotiations for an order of up to 50 Boeing 737MAX 200s very soon.

Flybondi attracted seed funding from a series of well know veterans, including Ryanair board member and ex-COO Michael Cawley, ex-Air Canada CEO Montie Brewer and British Airways City Flyer Express founder Robert Wright alongside a group of Argentinian investors.

Source : ATW

 Southwest Unveils First 737 Max Routes

Southwest Airlines has unveiled its first Boeing 737 Max routes, as it prepares to take delivery of the re-engined jet that it was the launch customer.

The Dallas-based carrier will operate the 737 Max from October, with the inaugural flight departing Dallas Love Field at 7:00 for Houston Hobby. It will then continue to San Antonio before returning to Dallas.

The flight routing is similar to Southwest’s first flight back on June 18, 1971, – except the airline operated the 737-200 then and flown to Houston Intercontinental instead of Hobby. Southwest, along with United Airlines, were the first to operate the 737-200. However, in the case of Southwest, it continued to operate the 737 in all its variants.

Southwest says it will launch nine 737 Max 8 aircraft into operations on October, followed by the tenth about a week later. It will end 2017 with 14 737 Max 8 aircraft in its fleet.

The carrier will retire its remaining 737-300s from service before the 737 Max enters operations.

Source : Flightglobal/Southwest/Southwest Picture

 

 ANA Unveils Special Livery for its First A380

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has unveiled the livery that will adorn its first Airbus A380.

The ‘ Flying Honu ‘ livery , by Tokyo resident Chihiro Masuoka, was picked from an open design competition. It features the Hawaiian green sea turtle, which the airline says is a sign of prosperity and good luck.

The Star Alliance carrier says that it is moving ahead with the interior design of its A380s, which will offer new passenger services when it starts operation on the Tokyo-Honolulu route from the spring of 2019.

ANA has three A380s on order, which are due for delivery in May, June and September 2019 according to Flight Fleets Analyzer.

Source : ANA/ANA Picture      

LATEST NEWS

  • International Airlines Group(IAG) launched its long anticipated low-cost, long-haul carrier on March 17, naming it LEVEL. 
  • CDB Aviation Lease Finance Aviation announced an order for 30 737 MAX 8 airplanes, valued at $3.3 billion at current list prices.
  • Iran Air receives its first new A330-200, the first of 45 A330 family order, which was placed on December 2016.

  • KAIR Airlines New South Korean low-cost carrier has placed a firm order for 8 Airbus A320s and is aiming to launch operations in 2018.
  • Azul Airlines Brazil’s largest operator of the Embraer operator of the current generation Embraer 195, will be the launch operator of the re-engined E195-E2.
  • Aeromexico agreed to lease a second 787-9 from Air Lease Corp. for delivery in June 2018.
  • BOC Aviation took delivery of its 200th Boeing aircraft, a 737-800 for Malaysia’s Malindo Air.
  • Air Lingus will lease seven Airbus A321neos with 97-ton maximum take-off weight from Air Lease Corp.(ALC), with deliveries starting in 2019.
  • GreenPoint Technologies has secured a contract from an unnamed customer for the completion of a Boeing Business JET 787-9. The contract marks the first 787-9 completion project for the Kirkland, Washington-based company.
  • Gulfstream sells a G550 to Beijing 999 the Chinese medical evacuation provider Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center (Beijing 999)
  • BOC Aviation Singapore-headquartered lessor has placed an order for 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

 

AIR CARGO

   Amazon Sends Cargo Started Operations to Lehigh Valley Airport 

Air Cargo traffic at an American airport once classed as an airfreight no-hoper, has since soared since Amazon’s new cargo airline Prime Air began operating flights out of Allentown, PA . (LVIA)

The significant increase in air cargo business resulted in handling of some 57,000 tons of cargo last year, dramatically raising the cargo status of the east coast airport.

The rise in volumes at LVIA is quite remarkable, given it was formerly dubbed as a non-hub by the Federal Aviation Administration.  It managed less than 0.5 percent of the annual passenger boardings of all commercial service in the USA.

Currently, Prime Air operates 40 freighters, including 767-300s, after entering into two separate leasing deals in 2016.  One with cargo lease firm Air Transport Services Group – the parent company of freight airlines ABX Air; the other with Air Transport International – and Atlas Air Holdings.

Atlas Air Worldwide will acquire an additional Boeing 767 passenger aircraft for freighter conversion as part of a contract with Amazon, bringing to 21 the number of aircraft earmarked for service with the online retailer.

Speaking on a full-year earnings call on February 23rd, Atlas chief executive William Flynn said the carrier has signed contracts with Boeing and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to modify the 767s.

Source : Air Cargo Eye/Ed’s Research

 

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL NEWS

GE CF6-80’s Engine MRO Outlook Strong for a Few Years

The CF6-80’s longevity offers an interesting MRO lessons. Two of the big questions in commercial aviation today are “How long will low fuel prices continue?” and “What effect will they have on the longevity of mature equipment?”.  Only OPEC can answer the first question, but an analysis of the General Electric CF6-80 engine’s situation can provide a great deal of insight into the second.

This is because the GE engine first entered service in 1982, and is still flying on a wide array of senior and mid-life aircraft types. The 52,500-63,500-lb.- thrust CF6-80C2, for instance, is certified for the Boeing 747, 767 and MD-11; as well as the Airbus A300 and A310. Meanwhile, the 67,500-72,000-lb thrust CF6-80E1 has powered current engine options of the Airbus A330 family since 1994.

After a steady decline, the CF6-80C2 fleet stabilized in 2016,and 2,410 CF6-80C2 engines are in service, according to Aviation Week’s 2017 Commercial Aviation Fleet and MRO Forecast.

Most of the CF6-80C2s are flying on Boeing 767 and 747-400 wide bodies, which might offer a dim prognosis because some airlines are phasing out those types. Yet Aviation Week’s forecast data tells a different story, with usage of the CF6-80C2 projected to hold firm at least a couple of years. Subsequently, a slow decline is predicted, with the global CF6-80C2 fleet forecast to shrink by 8% by 2021.

MTU Maintenance is the biggest player in the CF^-80C2 aftermarket behind the engine’s manufacturers,GE Aviation.The German company completed 80 shop visits in 2016,up from 60 in each of the two previous years,and it expects demand to remain at least as strong in 2017.

Source : MRO-Network.com

 

MRO Latest News

  • UTC Aerospace Systems was selected by Lufthansa Technik to provide its Aircraft Interface Device (AID).  Lufthansa German Airlines has initially ordered AID for its Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
  • Ameco  plans to expand its component/landing gear maintenance business at Beijing/Chengdu.
  • GE Aviation selected Nantgarw, Wales, as its MRO facility for the GE9X jet engine.
  • Icelandair signed a TrueChoice Transitions agreement with GE Aviation for its custom-ordered CF6-80C2 spare engine.  This agreement follows a TrueChoice Transition agreement between Icelandair and GE, signed last year for the maintenance of CF6-80C2 engines that power the airline’s four Boeing 767s.
  • AFI KLM E&M has signed an Airbus A320 component support contract with Cambodia Angkor Air.

                      

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com

                       

by

Volume 3 Issue 3 March 2016

ON THE BOEING FRONT

 Boeing Launches 737-800 BCF Program

Boeing has launched the 737-800 converted freighter program, with orders and commitments for up to 55 conversions. In a statement, Boeing says the modifications will be done at selected facilities near conversion demand, including Boeing Shanghai.

Modifications required include the installation of a large main-deck cargo door, a cargo-handling system and accommodation for non-flying crew or passengers. The first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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The aircraft will have the capacity to carry up to 52,800 pounds of cargo, and a range of about 2,000nm. Boeing says 12 pallet positions, comprising 11 standard pallets and one half-pallet, will provide 5,000 cubic feet of cargo space on the main deck. There will also be two lower-lobe compartments, which will provide a further 1,540 cubic feet of cargo space.

GECAS will provide the initial aircraft for conversion, and has also ordered five conversions. Hangzhou-based YTO Airlines and Beijing-based China Postal Airlines have meanwhile signed for 10 conversions each. YTO has also committed to 10 additional conversions. An unannounced customer meanwhile has signed for five conversions with two commitments.

Boeing adds that it has also secured a further 13 commitments from China’s SF Airlines, Bulgaria’s Cargo Air, and an unannounced customer. The 737-800 BCF will primarily be used to carry express cargo on domestic routes.

“While the recovery of the global cargo market has been slow, we see demand for freighters, such as the 737-800 BCF, that will carry express cargo on domestic routes,” says Stan Deal, senior vice president, commercial aviation services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing/Photo Boeing

 

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT 

Airbus Group Lifts A330 Output Goal As Profits Meet Expectations                                                         

Airbus Group performed a partial U-turn on plans to cut production of its profitable A330 aircraft on Wednesday February 24th, easing the delicate transition to newer models.

The European plane maker said it now plans to build seven A330 wide body jets per month  from 2017; partially unwinding recent staggered cuts in output to six from 10 a month as it prepares for its new A350 jetliner and an A330 upgrade (the A330neo) .

Demand for the current generation of jets such as the 250-to 300-seat A330 faces a broad decline as a new generation of fuel-saving airplanes enters the market.

The move to reconsider the decline of one of its two main sources of cash and profits came weeks after Iran provisionally agreed to buy 45 A330 jets as part of a $27 billion deal following the lifting of sanctions. Airbus said it would have gone ahead anyway because of other deals.

“That should be enough to put a floor under production until a revamped version of the A330 enters service at the end of 2017”, Chief Executive Tom Enders said.

Source : New York Times.90

 

BUSINESS/REGIONAL NEWS

Embraer Rolls Out E190-E2 Aircraft

Embraer has rolled out its first next-generation E-Jet, an E190-E2, at its factory in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The E-190-E2’s first flight is slated for the second half of 2016 with first deliveries expected to take place in 2018. The E2s are exclusively powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G geared turbofan engines.

Before a crowd of several thousand Embraer employees and invited guests – following flyovers from aircraft from Embraer’s three aviation divisions (commercial jets, executive jets and defense systems) and a welcome greeting from Embraer president and CEO, commercial aviation Paulo Cesar Silva – the doors of hanger F-300 slowly opened to reveal the first assembled prototype of the E190-E2jet, which gradually rolled out onto the tarmac before stopping, its nose several meters away from the gathered crowd.

“The rollout on February 25th marks the completion of the assembly of the first E190-E2 and paves the way for the start of the tests that will lead to first flight,”  Embraer SVP operations and COO-commercial aviation Luis Carlos Affonso said.

Four prototypes of the E-190-E2 will be created for the aircraft’s certification process. Assembly of the second prototype is underway; it recently had its wing junction completed, Affonso said.

To date, the E2 program has 640 commitments, comprising 267 firm orders and 373 options and purchase rights.

Source : ATW/Embraer Photo

 

    Gulfstream Starts G600 Systems Testing on Iron Bird

Gulfstream has begun simulated flight tests on the G600 Iron Bird ground rig preparation for the first large-cabin, long-range business.

During the 30 minute “flight”, the Iron Bird-housed at the airframe’s Savannah, Georgia headquarters-simulated taxi, take-off and landing, says Gulfstream. It also performed simulated maneuvers and transitions at different altitudes and airspeeds.

“This first flight sets in motion the testing and validation required for the G600’s actual first flight,” says Dan Nale, Gulfstream’s senior vice-president for programs, engineering and test. ”With the Iron Bird, we can confirm the characteristics of the system components, improve the integration maturity, make modifications and provide those benefits in a lab environment, all while on the ground and still in design stage, to the benefit of the flight-test aircraft.”

Gulfstream says the first G600 flight-test model and structural test vehicle are in production in Savannah.The 6,200nm (11,500km) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815Ga- powered twin is scheduled to enter service in 2019 – a year behind its shorter-range stablemate, the G500.

Source : Flightglobal/Gulfstream

 

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

GE Aviation Finishes the Assembly of the First GE9X Test Engine

GE Aviation has completed the assembly of the first GE9X test engine at its Peebles, Ohio facility. It will shortly begin ground runs of the 100,000 kb-thrust (445kN)-class power plant for the 777X.

“The engine is assembled, it is just a matter of adding lots of instrumentation,” says GE9X program manager Bill Millhaem. Tests will begin “soon” he says, although declines to offer a precise date.

The GE9X features a basket of advanced technologies as GE strives to reduce weight and improve engine performance to deliver a 10% reduction in specific fuel burn over the  current-generation GE90.

These include use of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) on the inner and outer combusted liners, plus stage 1 and 2 nozzles and stage 1 shroud in the high pressure turbine.

“The first engine to test (FETT) wraps up the extensive technology maturation program for the GE9X engine program. It began five years ago and has included component-level, system-level and core demo testing to validate the advanced technologies and materials in the new engine,” GE said in a statement.  The CMC parts have so far performed “phenomenally”,said Millhaem.

The maiden sortie of the GE9X, using a company owned 747-400 flying testbed, is due to take place in mid-2017.  Engine certification is scheduled for October 2018.

Source : Flightglobal/GE Aviation

 

 Ryanair to Offer All Business 737-700 for Charter

Budget carrier Ryanair is to offer a Boeing 737-700 for corporate charter services, the aircraft configured with just 60 business class seats.

Ryanair – which acquired a 737-700 last year, indicating it would serve as a back-up and training jet – says that it is offering charter with the type.  The carrier’s regular mainline fleet comprises the larger 737-800.

The aircraft will be operated on routes up to 6 hours and the passengers will be offered a cabin fitted with leather seats, at a pitch of 48in, and fine dining on-board catering.

The airline will provide the cockpit and cabin crew.  Its a charter for hire division says the aircraft will be made available on a “cost per hour” basis, with overall quotes depending on the departure and arrival airport. “We offer the most competitive rate in Europe,” it said.

Source : Flightglobal/RyanairPhotos

 

Emirates Tim Clark Blasts Airbus for Confused Strategy On Wide Body Jets                                             

Emirates President Tim Clark faulted Airbus for lacking a coherent strategy on its biggest airliners; saying the plane maker should focus on an upgrade of its A380 super jumbo rather than spend resources on yet another variant of its new A350.

“Airbus’s thinking has become increasingly hard to read and talk further extending the stretched A350-1000 makes little sense”, Clark said on Thursday, March 10th at the ITB travel fair in Berlin. He added that he is not sure the manufacturer could afford to fund the project along the upgraded A380 he is keen to buy.

“There seems to be a certain amount of cloudiness,” Clark said. “They’ve got the A380 and then bingo, out pops the new A350-1000. I am not quite sure how that’s going to pan out.”

As the world’s leading wide body operator, Emirates exerts influence over the models that Airbus and The Boeing Co. develop.  The Dubai based carrier has made the A380 the centerpiece of its fleet, adding flourishes such as bars and showers. Emirates is eager to buy as many as 200 upgraded planes, even as a lack of orders from other carriers puts the model’s future in doubt.

Clark is evidently running out of patience after John Leahy, Airbus’s sales chief, said on March 1st, that there’s “nothing imminent” about the A380 re-engining plan and that even if the  Neo were available, Emirates is “not in a position to go ahead” until the mid-2020s because of lack of airport space.

Clark said that’s wrong and the Gulf carrier would be happy to take the aircraft from 2021 if Airbus builds it. Airbus said it could not immediately comment.

Airbus’s increasing focus on a double-stretch A350 is of less interest to Emirates because the plane would compete with the largest version of Boeing’s revamped 777X – an aircraft it’s already taking. Clark said a bigger A350 would add weight and create issues at airports from the extra length.

Source : Bloomberg/Emirates

 

LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF  

  • Air Canada on February 17th Air Canada announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent with Bombardier Inc. to acquire up to 75 Bombardier CS300 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500 G engines.
  • Etihad Cargo has taken delivery of a new Boeing 777-200 LRF freighter that will enable the freight arm of Etihad Airways to continue its expansion plans into 2016.

  • Boeing gets U.S. license to talk deals with Iranian airlines about buying jetliners; but it would need additional U.S. approval to make sales.
  • British Airways jet that caught fire in Las Vegas airport last year is being repaired and will reenter service. A team from Boeing carried the repair and the aircraft has flown to Victorville, California for painting.

  • Oman Air  has agreed to a three year wet leasing deal for two Kenya Airways Boeing 787-8s.
  • Ukraine International Airlines will replace its 737 Classic fleet with newer types through the end of 2018. The carrier took delivery of a 737-800 on January 22nd and announced plans to expand the fleet with six of the type this year.
  • Iran Air placed a firm order for 20 ATR 72-600s and took options on a further 20, valued at $1.1 billion at list prices.

  • Travel Service Czech leisure carrier is aiming to operate 40 Boeing 737-MAX 8s by 2025 and has just leased a further 16 aircraft, increasing its commitment to 25 of the type.
  • Air Niugini ordered four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The previously unidentified order adds to the Papua New Guinea national carrier’s fleet of Next Generation 737s and 767-300ERs.

  • Philippine Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to purchase six A350-900s. The Order is valued at $1.8 billion at list prices.
  • Airbus the first Airbus A321neo equipped with CFM International Leap-1A engines completed its maiden flight on February 9th from Hamburg, Germany.

 

AIR CARGO

     Kalitta Air to Diversify with 767 Freighters 

Kalitta Air relies on a fleet of 747 freighters for the long-haul flights it is known for carrying large payloads, including heavy machinery, delicate medical equipment, perishable foods, even livestock. So what’s with 767s the cargo carrier is now purchasing? 767s may be the go-to freighters for the integrators, but they’re rare in general freight world.

The answer is a combination of fleet maintenance requirements and a strategy shift at the Michigan-based carrier.  “The time is right for Kalitta to develop in the domestic market”, said Pete Sanderlin, the vice president and general manager, and the number two guy behind CEO and owner Conrad “Connie” Kalitta. Right now, Kalitta Air operates thirteen 747 freighters, three of which are 30 years old 747-200s.Sanderlin said it’s getting difficult to secure parts for the -200s,and since five of the 747-400s are tied up in DHL operations,Kalitta Air does not have many freighters available for other business.

The Airline recently purchased four 767-300 passenger aircraft, two of which are being converted to freighters by Bedek in Tel Aviv.  ”We got them because we want to diversify,” Sanderlin said, adding that most of Kallita’s work is on the international stage.  “We do little in the U.S. domestic market,” he said.  But the plan is to test the waters with the new freighters.

Of course, bringing in new freighter type does not mean abandoning the old. In addition to acquiring the 767s, Kallitta Air also plans to expand its fleet with more 747s. In fact, Sanderlin said they are in negotiations right now to purchase another 747-400 freighter.

Kalitta Air is not a huge airline, but with 1,500 employees and almost 20 freighters, it’s not small by any means.  In addition to the airplanes, Kallitta Air has its own engine shop, airframe maintenance facility and training facility with three simulators, which Sanderlin said is unmatched by carriers of its size.

Perhaps one reason Kallita Air has continued to thrive is because it does so much in house. Another reason is leadership. ”Connie is very close to the business, very hands on,” Sanderlin said. He added that he and Kalitta make most of the decisions together.

Source : Air Cargo World /Picture Kallitta

 

MILITARY

                        Boeing’s Second KC-46A Achieves First Flight 

Boeing’s second functional KC-46A has joined the fledgling pegasus fleet as the US Air Force’s next-generation tanker program advances towards a production decision by the Pentagon in April or May.

The fourth engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) aircraft took flight from Boeing’s Paine Field in Washington state on the second of this month and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle.

The company announced the flight in a statement and confirmed that the second 767-2c aircraft (EMD-3) used for FAA and military type certification will join the tanker program in April.

“Adding a second tanker to the flight test program is very important as we move into the next phase of testing,” US Air Force KC-46 system program manager Col. John Newberry says.  ”The team will initially use the aircraft to test mission system avionics and exterior lighting. Later, it will share the air refueling effort with the first KC-46.”

Adding the second fully configured tanker will help Boeing move through “receiver certification” for 18 aircraft types.  KC-46 has already demonstrated functionality with the Locheed Martin F-16, Boeing F/A-18 and refueling from a Boeing KC-10.

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing

  

Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian

Commercial Aviation Advisor

Contact – ed@kaplanianreport.com