China Eastern orders 50 A320 family jets

After some silent holidays finally some news again.

According to www.flightglobal.com the Chinese airline China Eastern has announced an order for 50 new Airbus A320 jets. The new aircraft will be delivered from 2012 to 2015.

At the moment it is still unknown what type of engine has been chosen and if the aircraft will be equiped with the new "Sharklets".

LAN Airlines Firms Up Order for 50 Airbus A320-Family Jets

LAN Airlines of Chile firmed up it's memorandum of understanding for the order of 50 Airbus A320 family jets which the airline had announced at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow.

The order includes both the A320 and A321 a new aircraft in the LAN fleet, the aircraft will be fitted with the new large wingtip devices for the A320 family called Sharklets.

These Sharklets will enhance the eco-efficiency and payload/range performance and are part of the continuous improvement program for the A320, the Sharklets are expected to enter service with Air New Zealand at the end of 2012.

LAN will start receiving the Sharklet equiped A320s in 2013.

Airbus confident in A350 schedule

Looking at the lessons learned from the setbacks from the A380 and B787 Airbus strives to address any development issues before the start of the A350 final assembly scheduled for late 2011.

Airbus says it will succeed in carrying it's next generation long-haul aircraft, the A350XWB by avoiding the problems repeatedly encountered by Boeing with the B787 Dreamliner, now late by nearly three years.

The Airbus management at the headquarters in Toulouse displays it's confidence in the program.

"There are situations in a program of this type with a totally new aircraft with many new technological firsts" said Fabrice Bregier, CEO of Airbus. "We can not rule out everything, but we do everything to solve any development problems before the plane goes into production."

Airbus has delayed the pace of the program by two months to perform all possible tests on the wing junction with the fuselage to ensure it was strong enough. Unlike Boeing where this problem was discovered on the assembly line in Everett in the United States where many manufactured parts (the wing-fuselage junction in particular) produced in Japan and Italy did not meet the specifications set by Boeing.

"The A350 has made a great leap forward," said Tom Enders, Airbus President, despite the schedule slip of delivery by six months, from first to second half of 2013. According to the management, "the problem is not to lose a few months but to ensure that at each stage the maturity is there."

Airbus says it has learned from the disappointments of the A380 program and wants to avoid the sam mistakes for the A350. "We switched teams because we want to know the truth, they must inform us of problems so we can anticipate, react and adjust as they are identified and not when it's too late."

Airbus has started the pre-assembly of pieces that will then be delivered to Nantes Saint-Nazaire and Hamburg where the pre assembly of entire sections is planned from spring 2011 or later. Final assembly of the first aircraft is expected to begin late 2011 in Toulouse.

The target of Airbus is to deliver the first aircraft of more than 550 total ordered to launch customer Qatar Airways in the second half of 2013.

Source: www.lefigaro.fr

Airbus signs MoU with Chinese authorities on cooperation in ATM

Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese air traffic management authorities on air traffic management cooperation.

According to the MoU signed by Airbus and the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Airbus will assist ATMB with the introduction and implementation of new ATM technologies and best practices in China, and will share its experience in Europe with ATMB for the development of future ATM systems in China. The MoU is signed by Wang Liya, Director General of CAAC ATMB and Eric Stefanello, Senior Vice President of Airbus in charge of air traffic management.

Within the MoU framework, Airbus will support ATMB in advanced R&D, the validation and deployment of new ATM technologies, and training. Airbus will also act as a coordinator in terms of extended expertise from some of the ATM players, including Quovadis, Cassidian and German air navigation service provider Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS).

Airbus will support ATMB in 16 potential areas of cooperation identified by ATMB, including R&D, concept and technology validation, support to deployment, airspace design and training. As the first step, five concrete projects have been selected and agreed by both parties to be implemented for the 2010-2012 period, which will pave the way for the long-term cooperation between the two sides.

“CAAC is making efforts to build modernised ATM systems, which will help to improve air transport efficiency in China and contribute to the global air transport industry. The cooperation between CAAC ATMB and Airbus will help us draw on the experience of other regions to develop our future ATM systems, which will be more integrated with global systems,” said WANG Liya, Director General of CAAC ATMB.

“With the MoU, Airbus has expanded its cooperation with China’s civil aviation into a new area. Global interoperability of air traffic management systems, in particular between the future ATM system in China and SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) is key for the air transport industry, and strengthening cooperation between Europe and China will support global interoperability,” said Laurence Barron, President of Airbus China.

A modernised ATM system will bring benefits in terms of operational efficiency and eco-efficiency by reducing flight delays, saving aircraft fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions .

Source: www.airbus.com

Avalon announces order for eight A320s

Avolon, the aircraft leasing group, today announces a firm order for eight A320 aircraft from Airbus. The eight A320 aircraft will be equipped with the new fuel-saving Sharklets option. Avolon will make an engine selection for the aircraft in the near future.

Airbus launched its new “Sharklet” large wingtip devices, specially designed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family. Offered as a forward-fit option, Sharklets are expected to result in at least 3.5 percent lower fuel burn over longer sectors. The A320 will be the first model fitted with Sharklets, which will be delivered around the end of 2012, to be followed by the other A320 Family models from 2013.

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.
The A320 Family is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With over 6,700 aircraft sold, and more than 4,400 aircraft delivered to some 310 customers and operators worldwide, it is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft.

Source: www.airbus.com

The production-line #3

In the absence of big Airbus news I decided to post another Production topic.
Big thanks to www.scramble.nl member Shunn31!

Hainan Airlines - A330-300 - F-WWKE - MSN 1178

Air Arabia - A320-200 - F-WWDK - MSN 4524

Lufthansa - A380-800 - F-WWSG - MSN 070
First Flight

Airbus foresees demand for nearly 26,000 aircraft in the next 20 years

Almost 26,000 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at US$3.2 trillion will be needed between 2010 and 2029, to satisfy demand according to Airbus’ Global Market Forecast (GMF). This demand is primarily driven by replacement of aircraft for newer more eco-efficient models in mature markets, dynamic growth in new emerging markets, low-cost carriers particularly in Asia, further market liberalisation and capacity growth on existing routes.

The 2010 GMF forecasts 900 additional new passenger aircraft deliveries over the 2009 GMF reflecting a slightly higher growth rate of 4.8% compared to 4.7% in 2009. These aircraft will mainly be in the single aisle sector in which the A320 Family competes.

Out of the almost 26,000 additional passenger and freighter aircraft needed, around 25,000 will be passenger aircraft valued at over US$2.9 trillion. Of these additional passenger aircraft, 10,000 will replace older less eco-efficient aircraft and some 15,000 will be for growth. Taking into account today’s passenger fleet of over 14,000 aircraft, the world passenger fleet will rise to some 29,000 aircraft by 2029.

“The recovery is stronger than predicted and reinforces both the resilience of the sector to downturns and that people want and need to fly,” says John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “The single aisle sector is particularly strong, and our A320neo meets this future demand by providing our customers with the latest innovations and technologies whilst maintaining maximum commonality. Our entire product range is very well positioned to meet the economic and environmental needs for sustainable growth for the decades ahead.”

In passenger traffic volume, domestic US leads the world in total RPK’s (11.3%) followed by domestic China (8.4%), Intra European (7.2%), then US to Western European routes (5.9%).

In passenger traffic growth terms, emerging economies are leading the recovery. Domestic Indian traffic growth (9.2%) is the fastest of any major market and the third fastest growth overall, after traffic between the Middle East and South America, and between North Africa and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Seven out of the top 20 fastest growth flows connect China (PRC) to the rest of the world.

“Airlines in Asia Pacific including China and India will carry one third (33%) of the passenger traffic by 2029, making it the largest region, overtaking Europe (25%) and North America (20%),” said Chris Emerson, Head of Product Strategy and Market Forecast.

Aircraft are getting bigger as airlines capitalise on the benefits of larger aircraft to absorb traffic growth, minimize airport congestion, reduce costs and to increase eco-efficiency.

Freight traffic is recovering at an even faster rate (5.9%) than passenger traffic growth. In 2010, freight traffic is expected to rebound closer to 18% before leveling off at more typical growth levels by the end of 2011. Combined with fleet renewal, this translates to a demand for around 2,980 freighters. While some 870 will be new aircraft valued at US$211 billion, 2,110 will be converted from passenger aircraft.

Demand for Very Large Aircraft (VLA) passenger and freighter aircraft like the A380, is more than 1,700 valued at over US$570 billion (this represents 18% by value and 7% by units). Of these, some 1,320 will connect the world’s increasing number of ‘mega’ cities.

In the twin-aisle aircraft segment (seating from 250 to 400 passengers), some 6,240 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be delivered in the next 20 years, valued at some US$1,340 billion (representing 42% by value and 24% by units). Of these, 4,330 aircraft will be small twin-aisle (250 to 300 seater) and about 1,910 intermediate twin aisles (350 to 400 seats). These segments are covered by the A330/A340 family. From 2013, the A350XWB family will cover the entire spectrum of twin aisle market requirements.

In the single-aisle segment, almost 17,900 aircraft worth some US$1,274 billion (40% by value, or 69% units), will be delivered in the next 20 years. This is an increase over previous forecasts due to the accelerating demand for single aisle aircraft particularly in Asia Pacific, the emergence of low-cost carriers and increased route liberalisation.

Airbus presentation in PDF:

Airbus’ Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029

Source: www.airbus.com

The production-line #2

Thanks to Scramble.nl member Shunn31 again some pictures:

Capital Airlines Beijing - A320 - F-WWBM - MSN 4513
Delivered December 10, 2010

Qantas - A330-200 - F-WWKS - MSN 1174
To be delivered (date unk)

Swiss International Airlines - A330-300 - F-WWYQ - MSN 1188
To be deliverd (date unk)

HongKong Airlines - A330-200 - F-WJKF - MSN 1059

Dear Santa,

DEAR SANTA,

Word is, you keep a running list of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. We salute you for undertaking what is surely a huge and thankless task.

In fact, it’s such a big job that we fear you might overlook certain particularly naughty and nice people. That’s why we’re offering this amicus curiae — an editorial “friend of the court” brief, as it were.

You see, there’s a company known as EADS — the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. — whose folks have been very nice this year, and we’re hoping you’ll reward them accordingly.

Here’s the story. Back in 2008, when they were in partnership with Northrop Grumman, they won a big fat contract to build aerial tankers for the U.S. Air Force. We’re talking $40 billion worth of airplanes.

People on the central Gulf Coast were beyond excited, Santa. The tankers would’ve been assembled in Mobile at a $600 million plant that would have employed about 1,500 people.

But speaking of naughty, along came EADS’ arch rival, the Boeing Co., which convinced the government to cancel the award and hold another round of bidding.

Northrop threw up its corporate hands and pulled out of the competition. Not EADS, though. Armed with the confidence that it has the better plane — remember, the Air Force picked its tanker two years ago — EADS went head to head with Boeing in the new round of bidding.

Now everybody’s waiting nervously to see who wins.

You might think coastal residents would be encouraged by a noted defense analyst’s recent prediction that EADS will get the contract, but the agony and ecstasy of winning and losing in 2008 has kept folks pretty skittish. Plus, they don’t — and shouldn’t — discount the fact that Boeing wields an enormous amount of political influence in Washington.

That’s where you come into the picture, Santa. Now that you know how nice EADS has been this year, and that Boeing has been its usual naughty self, know this, too: EADS’ refueling tanker is bigger than Boeing’s, it holds more fuel, it can fly farther, and pilots rave about its performance.

So when you load your sleigh later this month, how about including a big, brightly wrapped gift-tagged “Merry Christmas to EADS and the Gulf Coast”?

Trust us, Santa. It’s the right thing to do.

Source / copied from: http://blog.al.com/press-register-commentary/2010/12/editorial_its_clear_santa_boei.html

Brazil seeks deal for A330 tankers

Despite earlier messages saying that there would be at least three bidders for the replacement of the current KC-137 (B707) tanker/transport aircraft, but some Brazilian sources are saying that the choice for the A330MRTT could me made before years end.

An A330MRTT being refueled by another A330MRTT

The air force originally expected Airbus to offer a proposal based on its A330-200-based MRTT design, with Boeing and Israel Aerospace Industries - the latter teamed with Brazil's VEM - to submit offers based on modified 767s. However, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has indicated that a selection will be finalised later this month

Analyst: Airbus tanker bid beats Boeing's

According to an article in the Seattle Times from December 6th there is at least one analyst that thinks that EADS (Airbus) wins the long awaited USAF tanker order.

A330MRTT, the Airbus bid.

The article sais that in the accidentally leaked documents earlier this month the A330MRTT scored well ahead of the Boeing 767 regarding the mission-effectiveness rating.

The effectiveness rating is one of three measures used by the Air Force to adjust the bid price for the airplanes. The two others are assumed to favor Boeing's smaller aircraft being military infrastructure construction costs and fuel burn over the entire life-cycle of the program.

But Thompson said the way the Air Force measured those criteria gave Boeing very little advantage over its rival.

The mission-effectiveness rating scores each airplane's capabilities as a tanker: how much fuel it delivers, how far it flies, how long it can stay on station. It was always clear that the larger A330 would score better than the 767 by this measure.

The KC-767, The Boeing bid

Earlier this month the two outcomes from this rating were mixed up and Boeing received the A330 outcome and EADS (Airbus) received the 767 scores.

Whilst EADS opened the score data, Boeing had discovered the mistake earlier and sent the data back to the Air Force without reading it, because EADS had read the information already the Air Force decided to send both sides the scores for their own plane and that of their competitor.

The decision for the order has been postponed to Q1-2011.

The production-line

Thanks to scramble.nl member Shunn31 I am able to post some production pictures every once in a while.

A320-200 - Saudi Arabian Airlines - F-WWDE - MSN4519

A320-200 - Shenzhen Airlines - F-WWDQ - MSN4531

A380-800 - Qantas - F-WWAD - MSN047
Scheduled to be delivered Wed 08 December 2010

Once again, thanks to www.scramble.nl member Shunn31 for the pictures.

Fuselage production A350XWB

Airbus starts production of first fuselage barrel for the A350 XWB.

Picture: Airbus SAS

The section being produced in the picture is the tailcone, on this piece the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer will be mounted, as well as the Auxilarary Power Unit (APU) which will be all the way at the end of the tail.

Take a cabin tour

Airbus has launched a new part on her website, from now on you can take virtual tours of the various Airbus cabins.

Check it out yourself on:
http://www.airbus.com/en/aircraftfamilies/cabin_showroom

Airbus re-assigns engineers to A320neo

Airbus will re-assign some of the engineers working on the A380 and A400M projects to it's December launched A320neo project according to Mr. Tom Enders CEO of Airbus it will be a normal ramp down on both projects since both are on track and making great progress in the past months.

He emphasized that they will not take the engineers off the A350XWB program since a on time launch of the deliveries will compete with the delay-plagued Boeing 787. The A350XWB is scheduled to fly around mid-2012 and enter service with Qatar Airways in the second half of 2013.

Airbus launches A320neo

To start this blog I want to start with the news that Airbus has launched it's A320 re-engining program called "new engine option" or "neo".

The neo will feature two new engine types, the PurePower PW1100G Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) by Pratt & Whitney or the Leap-X by CFMI, a joint venture of GE Aviation of the United States and Snecma of France.

The A320neo with the P&W engines.

In adition to the new engines the neo will be delivered with the new large wingtip devices for the A320 called 'Sharklets' bringing the total fuel savings up to 15% compared to the current A320 aircraft.

It's expected that the first neo will be delivered in the spring of 2016 starting with the A320neo, about six months later the A321neo will be introduced and thereafter the A319neo. About the A318neo little is know besides a quote by Mr. John Leahy, COO of Airbus saying that Airbus has decided to focus the program on the A320, A321 and A319 being the "core market" of the A320 family but the A318neo is still a possibility.
The airframe of the neo will be about 95% the same as the current A320 with most of the changes focussed on the wings and pylon structures.

Airbus expects that the neo will attract about 4000 orders in the coming 15 years and although there aren't any orders yet the company is confident that those orders will come quickly and says that major airlines like  Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and AirAsia are amongst the interested customers, all of whom are very interested in the new aircraft.

To conclude this first blogmessage the interview with Mr. John Leahy on the launch day of the A320neo: