GE Aviation’s GEnx-1B engine, which powers the Boeing 787, has been given FAA 330-minute extended-range, twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approval. The FAA approval confirms the engine has demonstrated the reliability to conduct ETOPS flights up to 330 minutes flying time from a primary or alternate airport, GE said. The approval process included a 3,000-cycle ground endurance test in April. The first GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8 was delivered to Cargolux in October. Five more GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8s have since been delivered.
Airbus has completed the first flight of its fuel-saving sharklet wing-tip devices on the company’s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001). The flight marks the start of flight testing to capture data for fine-tuning the flight laws, as well as for certification and performance validation.
Finnair (AY) will return four Airbus A320s at the end of their lease periods in the fall of 2012 as part of its €140 million ($186.6 million) cost-savings program, to be completed by 2014 ( ATW Daily News, Oct. 10). As a result of this move, AY said it “expects to realize a boost in narrowbody aircraft utilization.” The move will not impact personnel.
Airbus has completed installation of the first set of sharklet wing-tip devices on the company’s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001), preparing for the flight-test campaign in the coming weeks.
China’s Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co, a subsidiary of China’s Bank of Communications, has placed a firm order for 30 Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) C919s.
Air Lease Corp. (ALC) has signed lease agreements for 13 additional aircraft. ALC said it placed two Embraer 175s, leased to Belavia (Belarus); four ATR 72-600s, leased to Passaredo (Brazil); and two Airbus A320-200s, leased to S7 Airlines, from its order book. ALC leased one Boeing 737-800, leased to Caribbean Airlines; one 737-800, leased to Transaero; and one 737-800, leased to Sun Country, from its fleet. ALC acquired on lease one 737-800, leased to Spicejet, and one A320-200, leased to Interjet.
American Airlines (AA) said Monday that the 130 Airbus A320 family aircraft included in its huge narrowbody order announced over the summer will be comprised of A319s and A321s, though it didn't specify how many of each it will take.
Indonesian carrier Lion Air (JT) has signed an intent to buy 201 Boeing 737 Maxs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERS in a $21.7 billion deal that is Boeing’s largest ever in dollar value.
New York-based Bernstein Research said Airbus may experience more A350 delays. In a client report, Bernstein said the Emirates order for 50 Boeing 777s at Dubai highlights concern about the A350 schedule.
Boeing has begun assembling the 1,000th 777, a 777-300ER, which will be delivered to Emirates Airline in March 2012. ATR delivered one 72-600 to Air Lease Corp. ALC willpurchase 12 -600s with options for an additional eight.
In a drive to expand ancillary revenue, easyJet (U2) will trial allocated seating on selected routes from spring 2012. The low-cost carrier (LCC) said it D expects demand for certain seats, such as the front-row seats and seats with extra leg room, like those on the over-wing exit rows.
Hawaiian Airlines A330. Courtesy, Airbus Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines (HA) has grown its Airbus A330-200 order by five aircraft ( ATW Daily News, Nov. 30, 2010). HA now has a commitment of 22 A330 aircraft, including four that are leased. The airline operates five A330-200s.
TAM Airlines 777-300ER. Courtesy, Boeing Brazil’s TAM Airlines will revamp its Boeing 777 aircraft by installing an all-new cabin configuration with the delivery of its fifth 777-300ER next year ( ATW Daily News, Aug. 30, 2007).
Bombardier’s CSeries family is still on Qatar Airways' (QR) radar, according to CEO Akbar Al Baker. Addressing media at the Dubai Airshow, Al Baker said the CSeries was “still of great interest” to the airline but that it had finite resources to work through a variety of projects. “We will get to the CSeries,” Al Baker said.
Emirates (EK) president Tim Clark confirmed to ATW that its order for up to 70 Boeing777-300ERs was an insurance against late deliveries of the Airbus A350 ( ATW Daily News, Nov. 15). “We do not want to be caught out with a capacity shortfall,” he said.
Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris (Y4) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for 44 A320 aircraft, comprising 30 A320neos and 14 A320 family aircraft.
Russian manufacturer Irkut told reporters at the Dubai Airshow that its short- to mid-range MC-21 has reached a backlog of 235 orders. The aircraft, Irkut claimed, will provide 10% more fuel burn reduction than the A320neo, without the use of winglets, which it dismissed as a detriment to the aerodynamics of the plane.
