Day 2 of the Dubai Air Show has been and gone, so it is time to see who moving and shaking today in the order books.
Airbus
There are signs of life over at the Airbus chalet, as another order trickles in
EgyptAir goes Xtra Wide Body
The Egyptian flag carrier kicked off the orders today, with an order for 10 Airbus A350-900s.
In Quotes
EGYPTAIR Chairman and CEO Yehia Zakaria said:
“EGYPTAIR is a key partner of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. We take immense pride in this partnership aimed at furthering the aviation industry. Our focus lies in the enhancement of our fleet to embrace some of the most contemporary aircraft available,”
Zakaria added:
“EGYPTAIR has firmed up an agreement with Airbus to procure 10 A350-900 aircraft, each boasting a capacity of 340 seats. These aircraft come equipped with cutting-edge technologies and Rolls-Royce XWB Trent engines, known for their modern design and reduced fuel emissions and consumption. As we tackle growing demand across our network, this aircraft is the optimal choice.
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International concluded:
“Once delivered the A350-900 will be EGYPTAIR’s flagship aircraft. Adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to the airline’s fleet will be instrumental in expanding its offering, opening new opportunities particularly in Western US and the far East,”
ATR Aircraft
Abelo adds aircraft to its lease backlog
Abelo has signed a Heads of Agreement for a firm order of 10 ATR 72-600, along with options for an additional 10
Notably, in July 2022, Abelo placed an order for 10 ATR 72-600 and confirmed a deal for 10 ATR 42-600S – Short Take-Off and Landing version. These additional aircraft will allow the lessor to meet the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective and dependable regional air travel connections worldwide, all while promoting the transition towards responsible aviation.
While Abelo will take delivery of its first brand-new ATR before year-end as part of the 2022 order, deliveries of these additional aircraft are scheduled for 2026 through 2028.
In Quotes
Steve Gorman, the Chief Executive Officer of Abelo, expressed:
“In ATR aircraft, we have discovered the ideal solution to support Abelo’s mission of connecting communities and businesses in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. Our aim is to expedite the transition from older aircraft to the most advanced, low-emission technologies, and ATR turboprops have emerged as the top choice for achieving this objective. Having already introduced our initial batch of new aircraft, we have great confidence that our investment will greatly enhance our portfolio and play a vital role in the success of our airline partners seeking outstanding performance, reduced emissions and enhanced passenger comfort.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, added:
“With a total of 30 ATRs ordered, Abelo’s continued commitment to ATR is a testament to the strong market demand for fuel-efficient and cost-effective turboprops. Through their versatility, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions, they serve as the backbone of numerous regional airlines worldwide. Our strong relationship with Abelo relies on common purposes and visions, as well as on our joint recognition of turboprops’ great value proposition today and tomorrow. We will remain committed to providing Abelo with the most innovative solutions long into the future.”
Boeing
SCAT Airlines to expand its 737 fleet
SCAT Airlines announced an order for seven 737-8 airplanes to expand its 737 MAX fleet. The latest order will nearly double SCAT’s 737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations.
Based in Şhymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT serves a network of domestic and international destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central Asia. SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates three 737-8 and five 737-9 airplanes.
In Quotes
Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines said
“Today, SCAT Airlines is the most dynamically developing airline in Kazakhstan, and it has the largest aircraft fleet in the country,”
“Replenishing the fleet with seven more Boeing 737-8 will increase the airline’s carrying capacity. It will also positively affect the timely execution of flight schedules. The company will get an opportunity to expand its route network and offer passengers even more travel destinations.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing adds
“This repeat order is a testament to SCAT’s confidence in the value, performance and reliability of the 737 MAX family,”
“We look forward to supporting their network expansion and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success.”
Ethiopian Airlines to order Boeing 737 MAX, as well as 787s
Ethiopian Airlines is to order 11 787-9 Dreamliner and 20 737-8 MAX airplanes with options for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. It marks a recommitment to the type after the accident which grounded the 737 programme for reworking.
The new 737 MAX order, which will grow the airline’s backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50, will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website when finalised.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also agreed to work together to provide cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners. The retrofits will enhance the passenger experience with advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing joint venture Adient Aerospace.
In Quotes
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.
“We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets,”
“This order will enable us to modernize and increase our fleet in support of Ethiopian Airlines’ growth plan and our Vision 2035 Strategy. Through this deal, we have solidified our decades-old exemplary business partnership with Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines’ environmentally conscious decisions and its commitment to serve passengers with the latest technologically advanced airplanes.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing added:
“Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets,” said
“Ethiopian was the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its long-haul fleet. With their decades of experience operating our single-aisle and widebody jets, we appreciate Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence in our products and the strength of our relationship after more than 75 years of collaboration.”
Oman Air ordered and had its first Boeing 737-800BCF Freighter delivered
Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).
The order is the first dedicated cargo aircraft for the Muscat-based carrier.
The aircraft can carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight at a range of 3,750 km, the 737-800BCF will contribute to continued capacity growth.
In Quotes
A spokesperson for Oman Air said:
“The freighter will contribute to the growth of the air cargo logistics sector in Oman and beyond, will be based at our strategically located Muscat hub and will enhance our ability to connect East and West”
Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing Commercial Modifications added:
“The 737-800BCF brings the right payload and range to complement Oman Air’s passenger fleet with dedicated cargo capacity,”
“We are honored to partner with Oman Air Cargo to support their operation with a proven and reliable freighter.
Other headlines
Bits of news from Safran, with Air Arabia signing for 240 engines to power 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft, and a US$1.2 billion deal with Emirates for Business, Premium Economy and Economy class seats for the Airbus A350, and Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class seats for the Boeing 777X-9, the RAVE AeroConnect Ka solution Emiratesfor, A350 Galley shipsets and high-performance wheels and carbon brakes for the Emirates A350 fleet, along with a plethora of other items.
As day 2 closes… where’s that Turkish Airlines order?
And that’s the big question – in the run-up to the show, there was a lot of chatter about a big Turkish Airlines order. That hasn’t exactly materialised at the time of writing, with every editor and aviation watcher keeping a close eye.
Either there’s been a few bumps in the road – or Airbus is saving this for the last day of the Air Show.
We’ll just have to see.
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