Air Berlin (AB) on Thursday completed its first successful satellite-based landing at Bremen Airport, following the accreditation of Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) as a primary landing system. According to AB, the new satellite-based landing system is much more precise than the instrument-based landing system (ILS) formerly used. GBAS landings reduce noise pollution on the ground because approach angles can be varied. It will eventually be possible to use the system in mountainous areas.
An unidentified airline has signed a firm order for six CRJ1000 NextGen regional jets and has taken options on another 18, Bombardier announced Friday.
Bombardier and the Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an expanded cooperation to support the financing of commercial aircraft sales in China and globally. “Bombardier’s portfolio of commercial aircraft is well positioned to meet China’s rapidly growing air transport infrastructure, and AVIC Leasing will use this MOU to work with airlines and develop solutions to their varied business requirements,” said AVIC president Zhao Hong Wei.
Estonian Air (OV) will lease four Embraer E-170s from Finnair and is in talks with the manufacturer and leasing companies over the delivery schedule and conditions for eight more aircraft, a mix of E-175s and E-190s, which are scheduled to enter the fleet in 2013-2015.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its order for inspections of Airbus A380s for potential wing cracks to all in-service aircraft.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft has been granted its type certificate A-176 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for meeting airworthiness and environmental requirements. The certificate will be presented to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. (SCAC) Feb. 24, the manufacturer said in a statement. The European validation program comprised several flights and ground tests.
Korean Air (KE) took delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 and 777 freighters, making KE the first airline to operate both the 747-8 and 777 freighters ( ATW Daily News, March 21, 2011). KE chairman Yang Ho Cho said the carrier’s cargo fleet “is being improved by these fuel-saving planes. They can help reduce carbon emissions by 17% and this supports our goal to be a responsible citizen of the world.”
Windhoek-based Air Namibia (SW) has ordered two Airbus A319 aircraft. The aircraft, which will seat 112 passengers in a two-class layout and replace two Boeing 737-500s, will operate on the airline’s regional routes from Windhoek to other major African cities, according to Airbus.
Kazakhstan-based Air Astana (KC) is purchasing four Boeing 767-300ERs and three 787-8s in an order worth $1.3 billion at list prices. It is the largest ever in Kazakhstan’s civil aviation history.
Lufthansa Cargo (LHC) is considering replacing its fleet of 18 Boeing MD-11Fs and will decide by 2014 which aircraft to go with, LHC chairman and CEO Karl-Ulrich Garnadt told ATW in Seoul, South Korea.
International Aero Engines manages the development, production and aftermarket services of the V2500 engine family providing 22,000 and 33,000 lbs of thrust required by 150 seat-passenger aircraft -- the fastest growing market sector in the commercial aviation industry, as well as the new military KC-390 aircraft.
AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has taken delivery of the first of five Boeing 747-8 freighters, making the carrier the first customer of the type in Russia.
The good news continued Thursday for the US airline industry as United Continental Holdings (UCH), parent of merger partners United Airlines (UA) and Continental Airlines (CO), reported 2011 net income of $840 million.
Bombardier delivered 245 aircraft in FY 2011, down 11 aircraft compared to FY 2010 (Feb. 1, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2011). According to the manufacturer, this delivery total is “essentially in line with the 240 aircraft delivery guidance that was provided in February 2011 although with a different mix of aircraft.”
With an eye toward the Asia/Pacific region's growing importance for the commercial aircraft leasing business, International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) said it will establish offices in Beijing and Singapore this year. It also named head of transactions David Nixon to the newly created post of senior VP and head of Asia/Pacific.
CFM International closed out 2011 as a record year, logging orders for a total 1,500 commercial, military and spare CFM56 engines, plus commitments for 3,056 Leap engines, including for the Airbus A320neo, the Boeing 737 MAX and the COMAC C919. The 4,556 engines have a total combined value of approximately $51.7 billion at list prices. The company said in “the next couple of months” it expects additional A320neo, 737 MAX and C919 announcements.
Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) has expanded its fleet with a Boeing 737-300, which offers 136 business- and economy-class cabin seats. This is the carrier’s 20 th 737, it said in a statement. According to UIA, its fleet expansion program became more urgent after adopting the new strategic model of a network carrier based at Kiev Boryspil. The airline’s fleet includes a mix of 20 737-300/400/500/800s, one Fokker 50 and two Antonov An-148 aircraft.
Russian UTair airline (UT) has signed a leasing agreement with Sberbank Leasing Co., for two Boeing 737-800s and five 737-500s for five years, in a deal estimated to be worth $100 million. According to a UT statement, the aircraft were delivered at the end of 2011. Sberbank Leasing said one of its main company strategies is to strengthen positions in the aviation market. After the first nine months of 2011, the company had a backlog worth more than RUB202 billion ($6.5 billion).
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) has ordered six more AirbusA350-900s for delivery between 2016 and 2017. The order builds on the airline’s original commitment to the A350-900 for 30 aircraft placed in September 2010 ( ATW Daily News, Sept. 17, 2010). CX announced an additional order for two A350-900s in August last year. The A350s will replace the airline’s A340s and eventually its A330 fleet.
Vueling Airlines (VY) will add five Airbus A320s and one A319 this year to support its organic growth as it launches 44 new routes and at least three new bases, CEO Alex Cruz said.
