Day 1 of the Singapore Air Show has flown by, so it’s time to see who’s been attracting orders and have got their celebratory bits of paper out.
ATR Aircraft
ATR Aircraft kicked off the pre-show with a delivery of an ATR72-600 via Nordic Aviation Captial to Silk Avia of Ubzebistan, making them the first Central Asia ATR operator.
In addition, Maldivian Airways has signed an order for two ATR42-600s – expanding their fleet to a total of 7 ATRs.
Airbus
All quiet over the Airbus Chalet, with no big announcements directly from them other than the planned launch of a sustainable fuel hub
Boeing
The big winners of the day appear to be The Boeing Company and its Dreamliner family.
Thai Airways signs for 45 Dreamliners
This was teased pre-event, but it seems Boeing has got Thai Airways to put their signature on the dotted line for an order for 45 787 Dreamliners as the airline looks to modernize and grow its widebody fleet and international network, with them selecting the Boeing 787-9.
The order, which was finalized in December 2023, was listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.
In Quotes
Chai Eamsiri, Thai Airways CEO said
“To accomplish our company’s and the national carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact,”
“Furthermore, we are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country’s economy.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing added
“Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline’s commitment to operate a modern, efficient and flexible fleet,”
“This order will support Thai Airways’ ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier.”
Royal Brunei adds four 787-9s
Royal Brunei Airlines today announced the airline’s purchase of four 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet. Currently, the airline operates the Boeing 787-8 on its long-haul fleet. It seems they wish to renew their fleet with the larger Boeing 787-9.
Royal Brunei Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to fly the 787 Dreamliner over a decade ago. With this 787-9 order, which was finalised in February and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries, the airline can fly more passengers and cargo farther while operating more efficiently.
In Quotes
Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines said:
“The forthcoming arrival of the 787-9 Dreamliner symbolizes a bold step forward in our ongoing journey toward innovation and excellence,”
“Royal Brunei Airlines has been operating the 787-8 for the last 10 years and this order will ensure we continue with a product that our customers have come to enjoy. In our constant effort to offer unparalleled service matched with the highest safety standards to our guests, the new fleet will allow us the potential to tap into new growth areas, strengthening our market appeal and enabling us to provide a superior travel experience to our guests.”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
“By renewing its investment in the 787 Dreamliner, Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to connect Brunei with the world while offering the carrier’s signature service and comfort to passengers,”
“The 787-9 will deliver the versatility, efficiency and range that Royal Brunei Airlines desires to pursue increasing air travel and tourism opportunities.”
COMAC
China’s Tibet Airlines on Tuesday finalised an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China). This ties in with the COMAC C919 making its first display outside China at the Singapore Air Show.
In addition, Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group also signed an agreement with COMAC for six models derived from the smaller ARJ21 regional jet for firefighting, medical services and emergency management.
So far, so good
With the Singapore Air Show early in the aviation news cycle, the mega-orders that we see at some more established shows don’t tend to show up.
It’s interesting so far that Boeing and its partner airliens have chosen to unveil all their pre-orders, with no new orders just yet.
COMAC is getting a few orders in the book for publicity purposes, whilst Airbus is content on the sidelines for now.
We’ll see as the week goes on to see if anyone else wishes to open their wallet for commercial aviation orders.
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I’d never thought of the ARJ-21 having a market in firefighting, but it makes sense, there are DC-9s and MD-80s used for that here in the US (and IIRC, Australia too), and the fuselage of the ARJ-21 is at least somewhat based on the DC-9. (How much depends on who you talk to.)
In the US, at least, the BAe 146/Avro RJ are more popular for firefighting, there are apparently advantages to the high wing and the four hair dryers…I mean engines give an additional safety margin in ashy conditions.
I miss the BAe 146, loved that plane, at least with the 5-abreast cabin the carries I flew on one with (PSA, United Express/Air Wisconsin, and Qantaslink) used. I’ve read some carriers in Europe used them at 6=abreast, which sounds uncomfortable.