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SpeedNews - December 8, 2023

December 08, 2023

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Aerospace

HAMBURG AIRPORT

Dec 01, 2023

HAMBURG AIRPORT joined 'Hydrogen Hub at Airport' network as 12th member to research/develop/expand the infrastructure for use of hydrogen.

EMBRAER

Dec 01, 2023

EMBRAER rolled out its converted E190F prototype; aircraft can handle payload of 23,600 lb (10,700 kg).

ATR and NORDIC AVIATION CAPITAL

Dec 05, 2023

ATR and NORDIC AVIATION CAPITAL signed agreement to new initiative to use blend of 30% SAF for delivery flights.

COLLINS

Dec 05, 2023

COLLINS was selected by easyJet to provide GlobalConnect connected aircraft services for >330 A320s to enable already-installed Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger system (FOMAX), jointly developed with Airbus, to provide valuable insights into its fleet operations, enabling proactive decision-making and more efficient airline operations.

AIRBUS

Dec 06, 2023

AIRBUS completed first flight of EcoPulse hybrid-electric demonstrator in partnership with SAFRAN and DAHER; aircraft is based on Daher TBM aircraft platform and equipped with six integrated electric thrusters or e-Propellers (supplied by Safran), distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates two power sources: a turbogenerator, i.e. an electric generator driven by a gas turbine (supplied by Safran), and high-energy density battery pack (supplied by Airbus).

VIASAT

Dec 06, 2023

VIASAT was selected to supply secure broadband Ku-/Ka-band SATCOM for Airbus C295 MSA aircraft for Irish Air Corps.

AIRBUS

Dec 06, 2023

AIRBUS delivered 64 aircraft (seven A220s; 48 A320s; three A330s; six A350s) in November 2023 vs 68 (six A220s; 53 A320s; four A330s; five A350s) in Nov 2022. It has delivered only 623 (76 widebodies) of the planned 720 aircraft in 2023.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

Dec 07, 2023

AIR NEW ZEALAND agreed to acquire one BETA ALIA all-electric CTOL aircraft as commercial demonstrator (deal includes two options/20 purchase rights); it will initially operate as cargo in partnership with New Zealand Post from '26.

AIRBUS and BMW GROUP

Dec 07, 2023

AIRBUS and BMW GROUP launched global Quantum Computing Challenge to tackle pressing challenges in aviation and automotive that have remained insurmountable for classical computers; submissions are due by end April.

HORIZON AIRCRAFT

Dec 08, 2023

HORIZON AIRCRAFT, Canada secured C$6.7m strategic investment from CANSO to support eVTOL development.

LUFTHANSA and LILIUM

Dec 08, 2023

LUFTHANSA and LILIUM signed MOU to explore partnership for eVTOL operations in Europe by reviewing infrastructure, airspace, maintenance, flight operations and further requirements to support demand for 9,200 eVTOLs through 2035.

AERSALE

Dec 08, 2023

AERSALE has FAA STC for its AerAware enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) for 737NG. It collaborated with UNIVERSAL AVIONICS on program.

SONEVA HOLDINGS

Dec 08, 2023

SONEVA HOLDINGS, Maldives secured financing from MONTE for a second DHC-6-200 HG as part of agreement to identify the most suitable low/zero-emission propulsion technology for its operations to support decarbonization goals.

LILIUM

Dec 08, 2023

LILIUM began production of the Lilium Jet with arrival of first fuselage on final assembly line at Wessling, Germany.

PROTON-PM

Dec 08, 2023

PROTON-PM, Russia created an automated test control system for the PD-8 aircraft engine reversing device used on the Sukhoi SSJ-New.

Air Transport

FLYDUBAI

Dec 01, 2023

FLYDUBAI sold new 737-8 (61016) to Clover Aviation Capital for leaseback under multi-aircraft deal.

JEJU AIR

Dec 01, 2023

JEJU AIR, South Korea leased ex-Mavi Gök 737-800 (32625) from Aviator Capital.

AIRBALTIC

Dec 01, 2023

AIRBALTIC launched seasonal base in Gran Canaria with two A220-300s serving 10 direct routes; it has four main bases.

TURKISH AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

TURKISH AIRLINES and RIYADH AIR (to launch operations in mid-2025) signed strategic cooperation agreement.

CATHAY GROUP

Dec 05, 2023

CATHAY GROUP bought back 50% (HK$9.75b) of the HK$19.5b in preference shares issued to the Hong Kong SAR Government as part of its recapitalization financing in 2020; it plans to buy back the remainder by end of July 2024.

ALASKA AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

ALASKA AIRLINES agreed to acquire HAWAIIAN AIRLINES for $18 per share in cash in $1.9b deal expected to close in 12-18 months; combined airline will be based in Seattle and operate 365 narrow/widebody aircraft to 138 destinations.

PEGASUS AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

PEGASUS AIRLINES plans December 19 to begin three-times-weekly Istanbul SAW-Dortmund (A321neo).

FRONTIER

Dec 05, 2023

FRONTIER sold third GTF-powered A321neo (11731) to Fuyo for leaseback (ALM will manage), completing deal for three.

US DOT

Dec 05, 2023

US DOT says US airlines operated 597,223 flights in Sept 2023, up 4.5% vs Sept 2022; on-time arrival rate was 80.3%.

ARAJET

Dec 05, 2023

ARAJET, Dominican Republic took delivery of new 737-8 (61814) on lease from BOC Aviation.

VIETJET and NOVUS AVIATION CAPITAL

Dec 05, 2023

VIETJET and NOVUS AVIATION CAPITAL signed MOUs to explore establishment of an aircraft financing and leasing vehicle as well as collaborating on the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Vietnam alongside SAF ONE.

ALLIED MARKET RESEARCH

Dec 05, 2023

ALLIED MARKET RESEARCH forecasts low-cost carrier market to grow to $595.1b by 2032 from $196.1b in 2022.

US DOT

Dec 05, 2023

US DOT reports US airline fuel cost was $3.12/gallon in October vs $3.14 in Sept 2023; y-o-y consumption rose 11.2%.

PORTER

Dec 05, 2023

PORTER plans to begin Montreal-Vancouver on April 11; -Edmonton on May 1; and -Calgary on May 28 (E195-E2).

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

AMERICAN AIRLINES is planning a record summer schedule at DFW in 2024, offering service to >230 destinations.

JETSMART

Dec 05, 2023

JETSMART, Chile leased second A321neo (11671) with GTFs from SMBC Aviation Capital (SPNWS; June 30).

SMEA

Dec 05, 2023

SMEA, San Marino acquired ex-VIM Airlines A330-200 (655) with CF6s, presumably for Preighter operations.

UNITED AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

UNITED AIRLINES sold sixth/seventh 737-8 (67573/67580) to SMBC Aviation Capital for leaseback as part of deal for 20.

WESTERN GLOBAL AIRLINES

Dec 06, 2023

WESTERN GLOBAL AIRLINES, FL completed its financial restructuring, emerging from Chapter 11 with

AIRASIA

Dec 06, 2023

AIRASIA plans March 4 to begin daily Kota Kinabalu-Seoul Incheon (A320).

UPS

Dec 06, 2023

UPS is building new 20,000 sq meter air hub at Hong Kong International Airport for completion by 2028 to handle close to 1m tons annually.

AERGO CAPITAL

Dec 06, 2023

AERGO CAPITAL purchased two 737-800s (39834; leased to BATIK AIR/39868; leased to LION AIR) from Altavair.

IATA

Dec 06, 2023

IATA reports y-o-y global pax traffic was up 31.2% in October on 29.4% higher capacity; cargo rose 3.8% on 13.1% higher capacity. It says global pax traffic is now at 98.2% of pre-COVID levels (international 94.4%/domestic 105%).

JFK

Dec 06, 2023

JFK handled 5.3m pax in October, up 4% vs Oct 2022; NEWARK LIBERTY INTL handled 4.3m pax, up 7.6%; LAGUARDIA handled 2.9m pax, up 6.8%.

CEBU PACIFIC

Dec 06, 2023

CEBU PACIFIC, Philippines leased ex-Avion Express Malta A320-200 (4820) with CFM56s from Avation for four years.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Dec 06, 2023

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES re-leased A330-300 (1559) with Trent 700s from DVB Bank.

AIRBUS

Dec 06, 2023

AIRBUS booked new orders in November from AER LINGUS for two A320neos, BRITISH AIRWAYS for two A320neos and two A321neos, AIR MAURITIUS for one A350-900 and ALC for one A330-900. It now has 1,512 orders for 2023.

SAS

Dec 07, 2023

SAS sold LEAP-powered A320neo (11796) to Aviation Capital Group for leaseback as part of multi-aircraft deal.

AVOLON

Dec 07, 2023

AVOLON priced private offering of $400m in senior unsecured notes due 2028; proceeds will be used to repay debt.

IATA

Dec 07, 2023

IATA now projects net airline industry profit of $23.3b in 2023 (2.6% net profit margin) and $25.7b in 2024 (2.7%); total revenues are expected to increase 7.6% y-o-y to record $964b ($717b pax revenues, up 12%) in 2024, when enplanements will reach record 4.7b pax (82.6% load factor) and cargo volumes will hit 61m tonnes vs 58m in 2023.

BEOND

Dec 07, 2023

BEOND, Dubai completed US$13m Pre-Series A funding round from group of new and existing investors, following US$17m seed round in August 2023. It also launched US$25m Series A round for increasing fleet to 32 aircraft by 2028.

ITA AIRWAYS

Dec 07, 2023

ITA AIRWAYS, Italy took delivery of new A220-300 (55248) on lease from Air Lease Corporation.

LUFTHANSA CARGO

Dec 07, 2023

LUFTHANSA CARGO took delivery of its fourth A321P2F (5133); it is serving 18 destinations with A321P2Fs this winter.

PORTER AIRLINES

Dec 07, 2023

PORTER AIRLINES plans May 16 to begin daily Ottawa-Winnipeg (E195-E2).

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Dec 08, 2023

ETIHAD AIRWAYS plans April 23 to begin four-times-weekly Abu Dhabi-Bali, Indonesia (787-9).

JAPAN AIRLINES

Dec 08, 2023

JAPAN AIRLINES took delivery of first of three converted 767-300ERFs under plan to launch freighter ops in Feb '24.

AERFIN

Dec 08, 2023

AERFIN, UK has acquired a fourth ex-Scoot A320-200 (4469), presumably for part out, in deal arranged by Skytech-AIC.

AIR FRANCE

Dec 08, 2023

AIR FRANCE sold a sixth A220-300 to ABL Aviation for leaseback under JOL structure.

CDB AVIATION

Dec 08, 2023

CDB AVIATION entered into its inaugural Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL) for $625m; loan parameters comprise reducing carbon footprint of fleet, adding new-gen aircraft, and increasing DEI-related training for workforce.

THAI AIRWAYS

Dec 08, 2023

THAI AIRWAYS is expected to order up to 80 787s, according to unconfirmed media reports, for fleet renewal program.

Business Aviation

FOREFLIGHT (Boeing)

Dec 01, 2023

FOREFLIGHT (Boeing) was selected by Honda Aircraft for Runway Analysis solution for planning takeoffs/landings.

EMBRAER

Dec 01, 2023

EMBRAER delivered a Praetor 600 to South Korea’s Flight Inspection Services Center, the first Praetor 600 in the country.

VOLATO

Dec 05, 2023

VOLATO completed business combination with PROOF ACQUISITION and closed additional $12m (now >$60m) in private equity to fund business operations and increase its fleet. It currently provides HondaJet fractional programs.

SHELTAIR

Dec 05, 2023

SHELTAIR is adding 25,000 sq ft of hangar space (nine oversized t-hangars and 10 box hangars) at Kissimmee, FL.

JETS MRO

Dec 05, 2023

JETS MRO was launched for business jet maintenance at Dallas Executive Airport, TX in partnership with JET ACCESS, which is adding 80,000 sq ft for early 2024, of which Jets MRO will lease 40,000 sq ft of new 60,000 sq ft hangar space.

EXECUJET HAITE

Dec 07, 2023

EXECUJET HAITE agreed to lease new 5,000 sq meter MRO facility at Beijing Daxing International, China.

DASSAULT AVIATION

Dec 08, 2023

DASSAULT AVIATION announced that the first PW812D-powered Falcon 6X entered service; it was certified in August.

ATP FLIGHT SCHOOL

Dec 08, 2023

ATP FLIGHT SCHOOL agreed to order 40 more Cessna Skyhawk trainers for delivery starting in 2026; it already has 225.

Defense

SOUTH KOREA

Dec 05, 2023

SOUTH KOREA selected the Embraer C-390 as its new military transport (will acquire an undisclosed number of aircraft), the seventh nation to do so.

RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES

Dec 05, 2023

RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES was selected by US DOD develop a robust modeling and simulation tool that uses historical and behavioral survey data to predict impact of and develop mitigations for shocks to the supply chain.

FOKKER

Dec 06, 2023

FOKKER has EASA STC to convert G550 to maritime sureveillance aircraft for operation by the JAPAN COAST GUARD.

HENSOLDT GROUP

Dec 07, 2023

HENSOLDT GROUP agreed to acquire ESG ELEKTRONIKSYSTEM- UND LOGISTIK in deal valued at €675m to accelerate its sensor solutions strategy by building on ESG’s software engineering and systems integration expertise.

MRO

LUFTHANSA GROUP

Dec 01, 2023

LUFTHANSA GROUP has shelved idea of selling stake in LUFTHANSA TECHNIK, which launched 'Ambition 2030' growth program to expand its core business with focus on engines and aircraft components, stepping up activities in the US.

FTAI AVIATION

Dec 01, 2023

FTAI AVIATION acquired Miami-based QUICKTURN ENGINE CENTER (CFM56 engine maintenance).

FL TECHNICS INDONESIA

Dec 05, 2023

FL TECHNICS INDONESIA is building 14,013 sq meter heavy maintenance facility at Bali for completion in 2H24.

SWISS-AS

Dec 05, 2023

SWISS-AS was selected by Binter Technic to provide AMOSeTL electronic Techlog solution to reduce turnaround times and reduce costs for 34 ATRs.

AVIAN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Dec 05, 2023

AVIAN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT, FL acquired two ex-HOP! E170-100 LRs (008/032) from Azorra for part out.

STAECO

Dec 05, 2023

STAECO begin first freighter conversion at its new facility in Shandong on ex-Shandong Airlines 737-800 (39935).

FLIGHTSUPPORT

Dec 06, 2023

FLIGHTSUPPORT launched operations in Barbados to provide above-/below-wing support, mainly for InterCaribbean.

SWISS-AS

Dec 06, 2023

SWISS-AS was selected by Asiana to provide AMOS MRO software.

AERFIN

Dec 07, 2023

AERFIN says it has now acquired 250 engines for teardown since 2013.

TDA

Dec 07, 2023

TDA acquired ex-Ethiopian 737-700 (30710) for part out by ECUBE in St. Athan, Wales; it has now acquired eight -700s.

AAR

Dec 08, 2023

AAR extended its 737 heavy maintenance agreement with Alaska Airlines through 2030 and announced plan to add 3-bay, 85,000 sq ft hangar at Oklahoma City to support expansion of the program to provide minimum of six lines.

ASIA DIGITAL ENGINEERING (ADE)

Dec 08, 2023

ASIA DIGITAL ENGINEERING (ADE) completed its 100th C-Check since 3Q20. It is adding new hangar at Kuala Lumpur for 3Q24 to bolster its base maintenance capacity to handle 14 narrowbodies simultaneously.

Who’sNews

WHO'SNEWS: FAA AND MIDWAY AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

David Hinson, former Administrator of the FAA and Head of Midway Airlines, passed away; he was 90.

WHO'SNEWS: AZAL AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES

Dec 05, 2023

Aykut Alpa to Chief Operating Officer of AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines.

WHO'SNEWS: SR TECHNICS

Dec 05, 2023

Vincent Metz to Vice President of Business Development-Europe of SR Technics, Zurich.

WHO'SNEWS: AVIATION TECHNICAL SERVICES

Dec 05, 2023

Robert Cords to Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Technical Services (ATS), Everett, WA.

WHO'SNEWS: Sam Millikin

Dec 06, 2023

Sam Millikin to Vice President-Aerospace Coatings of PPG, PA (effective January 2024).

WHO'SNEWS: John McKirdy

Dec 06, 2023

John McKirdy to Chief Commercial Officer of Kellstrom Aerospace Group, FL.

WHO'SNEWS: Alexander "AJ" Issenman

Dec 06, 2023

Alexander "AJ" Issenman to Director of Capital Markets of AELF, Chicago.

WHO'SNEWS: Nadia Coetzee

Dec 06, 2023

Nadia Coetzee to General Manager of ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium, Brussels.

WHO'SNEWS: Henok Teferra

Dec 07, 2023

Henok Teferra Shawl to Managing Director for Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, of Boeing.

WHO'SNEWS: John Sapp

Dec 07, 2023

John Sapp to President of Eaton Aerospace, CA; Nanda Kumar is retiring.

WHO'SNEWS: Earl Scott

Dec 07, 2023

Earl Scott to Vice President-Maintenance and Engineering of Horizon Air, Seattle.

WHO'SNEWS: Kevin L. Schemm

Dec 08, 2023

Kevin L. Schemm to Operating Advisor of Liberty Hall Capital Partners, SC, and Lead Director of Accurus Aerospace.

WHO'SNEWS: William Carrigan

Dec 08, 2023

William Carrigan to General Manager of Allfast Fastening Systems, City of Industry, CA.

WHO'SNEWS: Haley Gallagher

Dec 08, 2023

Haley Gallagher to Vice President-Security and Facilitation of Airlines for America, Washington, DC.

WHO'SNEWS: David Greenwell

Dec 08, 2023

David Greenwell to Senior Vice President-Supply Chain, based in Miami, of AerFin.

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