Well, it’s been a busy day in Dubai with the Dubai Air Show, with a lot of orders in the book – with Boeing pulling in the customers and filling its order books.
Let us dive in to see who’s ordered what.
Boeing
SunExpress
Boeing kicked off the day with a commitment from Turkish carrier SunExpress (a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa). The agreement includes 28 737-8 and 17 737-10 models, with the opportunity for up to 45 additional 737 MAX airplanes.
This new commitment from SunExpress will build on the airline’s previous order for 42 737-8s, nine of which have been delivered.
In Quotes
Max Kownatzki, SunExpress CEO, said:
“Building on the resounding success of our strategy in the post-pandemic period, SunExpress is now poised for next-level growth to meet market demand and achieve a greater international footprint,”
“Over the next decade, we will more than double our fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. Also, the addition of the 737-10, the newest 737 MAX plane with up to 230 seats, to our fleet will allow us to strengthen our capacity further. SunExpress is well-positioned for the future and will expand its network with a more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable aircraft fleet, while continuing to fulfill its role as Türkiye’s tourism ambassador.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added:
“SunExpress’s continued commitment to the 737 MAX reflects its confidence in the airplane’s capability to meet demand from travelers to popular destinations across Türkiye and beyond,”
“The 737 MAX is a proven airplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability.”
flyDubai prepares to go widebody
flyDubai is planning big, with the airline scaling up from its existing Boeing 737 fleet to introduce the Boeing 787-9
The airline will purchase 30 787-9 Dreamliners as the airline diversifies its fleet with the introduction of widebody jets. In a signing ceremony at the Dubai Airshow, the Dubai-based carrier said it plans to use the efficient 787 to open new routes and grow capacity on existing routes.
flydubai currently operates an all-737 fleet of 79 airplanes. The airline has an order backlog of 137 737s.
In Quotes
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said:
“In 2008 when we placed our first-ever order for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft, we were confident of the vital role flydubai would play in supporting Dubai’s aviation hub,”
“I am proud today to see flydubai evolve further, surpassing labels and challenging the traditional conventions around travel. Today’s order reaffirms flydubai’s commitment to enabling more people to travel across its expanding network. The highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow flydubai to expand its horizon and cater to the growing demand on existing routes.”
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, added:
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at flydubai. We are committed to offering the right product at the right time to cater to the changing market and customer needs,”
“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers a perfect combination of operational excellence, fuel efficiency as well as passenger appeal.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes concluded:
“The 787-9 is perfectly suited for the needs of flydubai as it looks to open up longer-range routes and add capacity across its network,”
“flydubai passengers will enjoy the Dreamliner effect, an experience like no other in the air, flying with more comfort and arriving at their destinations feeling more refreshed.”
Emirates adds to its Boeing backlog
Onto the big news from Emirates, who have signed on for further Boeing 777X family aircraft. The airline will take 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets.
In addition, Emirates updated its 787 Dreamliner order book to better align future capacity to demand. The airline is buying five more 787 jets – growing its 787 backlog to 35 – while converting 30 787-9s to 20 787-8 and 10 787-10 airplanes.
In Quotes
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said:
“Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements thatt position,”
“We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added:
“This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel,”
“The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability along the way.”
Royal Jordanian upscales its Boeing 787-9 fleet
Royal Jordaning announced today an order for four 787-9 Dreamliner jets as the airline expands and modernizes its widebody fleet. The carrier also reconfirmed at the Dubai Airshow a previous order for two 787-9s, bringing its total 787-9 backlog to six.
Boeing Global Services will also provide modification services for Royal Jordanian’s in-service 787s that will enhance in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew. As part of the agreement, Boeing will perform the engineering work, while supplying kits for the modification
In Quotes
Samer Majali, vice chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian at the signing said:
“Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience,”
“This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the Dreamliner’s cutting-edge technology will play a pivotal role in elevating our operational capabilities.”
He adds:
“Royal Jordanian, having been the first in the Middle East to order the 787 over 16 years ago, continues to lead in adopting advancements in aviation,”
“The airline’s current fleet of seven 787-8 Dreamliners has proven successful in connecting Amman to major global destinations. The additional order underscores Royal Jordanian’s forward-looking approach and commitment to meeting the growing demand for long-haul travel.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added:
“This order for additional 787s is a testament to Royal Jordanian’s longstanding commitment to the market-leading capabilities of the Dreamliner,”
“We are confident Royal Jordanian will profitably expand its network and operate a more sustainable fleet with these new fuel-efficient jets.”
Royal Air Maroc reconfirms its Boeing 787-9 order
Royal Air Maroc announced they have placed a repeat order for the 787 Dreamliner, confirming two 787-9s in its order book as the airline grows its widebody fleet. The carrie currently operates nine Dreamliners.
Royal Air Maroc has added to its widebody airplane count with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s over the last nine years. This order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.
In Quotes
Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Air Maroc said:
“The two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable Royal Air Maroc to expand in the short-term its long-haul network in response to the highly favorable market conditions in 2023,” s
“Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing a significant tender to quadruple the fleet before 2037.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said
“The 787 Dreamliner is perfectly suited to support Royal Air Maroc’s growth and modernization plans,”
“Boeing’s relationship with the airline spans more than five decades, and we look forward to more opportunities to strengthen our partnership with Royal Air Maroc.”
EgyptAir to take Boeing 737 MAXs on a lease.
Air Lease Corporation has placed new Boeing 737-8 aircraft with EGYPTAIR. These new Boeing aircraft are confirmed to deliver to the airline beginning in 2025 through 2026 from ALC’s order book with Boeing. The move marks the first deal between ALC and the Egyptian flag carrier.
In Quotes
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation said:
“We are pleased to announce this deal for 18 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft with ALC’s new customer, EGYPTAIR, and be the first to lease the 737-8 to the airline,”
“As a leading carrier in North Africa, EGYPTAIR will continue to excel in the market with these 18 new generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft that will replace EGYPTAIR’s aging narrowbody fleet with the most advanced, fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and will significantly enhance the airline’s fleet operations and competitiveness.”
Yehia Zakaria, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR HOLDING added:
“This major deal with ALC for 18 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft demonstrates EGYPTAIR’s commitment to fleet modernization, environment sustainability and future growth plans. The 737-8 will greatly benefit EGYPTAIR’s operating efficiency and our passenger experience far into the future,”
“We are thrilled to partner with a pioneering lessor such as Air Lease Corporation on this strategic initiative to support EGYPTAIR’s fleet renewal and growth plans.”
Airbus
airBaltic goes all-in with A220-300
Things are a little quieter in the Airbus chalet, as they work on their big deals. One deal did escape today, with airBaltic set to become the largest A220-300 operator.
airBaltic has made an incremental order for an additional 30 A220-300s. This new order will take the airline’s total firm order book to 80 aircraft.
Already operating a 44-strong fleet of A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220-300 operator in the world. The airline’s history with the Airbus A220-300 dates back to 2016 when it was the launch customer, and in 2020, it refreshed its fleet to solely operate this aircraft type.
In Quotes
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said
“This day marks a significant milestone in the history of airBaltic – our plans for the first time ever to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. For almost seven years already, the Airbus A220-300 has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic”,
“Being the global launch customer of the Airbus A220-300, we continue to be a proud ambassador of it. We are grateful to our partners at Airbus for the incredible support, trust, and collaboration over these years.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International responded:
“Thank you to airBaltic for being such an ambassador for the A220 with this repeat order. The A220 has been the instrument for airBaltic in its success and growth thus far and we are particularly proud to be extending this partnership well into the future with this latest order”,
“The A220 offers a unique capability in terms of range, performance, and not to forget, passenger appeal. It is a gamechanger for our customers in this important market segment, which we are serving with less fuel-burn, lower emissions and noise, making the A220 a global citizen of choice.”
Other headlines
Thales Group will be supplying its Avant UP! IFE system for Emirates and its upcoming Boeing 777X aircraft, with the Optic 4K display screens, building on previous orders. It expands the previous order for Boeing 777X to expand for the new fleet, as well the A350s that are due.
Rolls Royce has two big headlines – the first is that they have successfully completed compatibility testing of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on all its in-production civil aero engine types.
A ground test on a BR710 business jet engine at the company’s facility in Canada completed the test regime. Other engines tested as part of the programme were: Trent 700, Trent 800, Trent 900, Trent 1000, Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, Trent 7000, BR725, Pearl 700, Pearl 15 and Pearl 10X – covering the in-service fleet around the world.
The testing has involved a variety of ground and flight tests to replicate in-service conditions, confirming the use of 100% SAF does not affect engine performance.
In other headlines, Rolls Royce has completed its Maximum power test of its next-generation UltraFan engine demonstrator unit in Derby, United Kingdom.
This is an important milestone for the UltraFan demonstrator, which was successfully tested for the first time earlier this year. Testing has continued, with power ramping up during the testing, with its scalable design creating between ~25,000-110,000lb thrust, offering the ability to power both narrow and widebody aircraft.
And that’s it for Day 1
At the time of writing, we’re still awaiting the big order from Turkish Airlines, which is expected to be for a lot of Airbus A350 aircraft.
Although – if we’re honest, Boeing has run away with the orders today, racking them up from carriers in the region.
We’ll have to see what else lies in store tomorrow.
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