Remember that magical memorandum of understanding between Airbus and Emirates for more A380s? Well, good news - they've been converted into a firm order. Emirates A380 taking off from London Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The order is confirmed as: 20 Airbus A380 aircraft as firm orders 16 Airbus A380 aircraft as options The options can be taken … [Read more...]

Time for some news from the Singapore Air show, where it seems we have a rare thing that sneaks out of it. That's right - an order for commercial aircraft. Bangkok Airways has signed a contract with ATR for an additional four ATR72-600 aircraft. Bangkok Airways ATR72-600 - Image, ATR.  The airline currently operates 15 ATR aircraft - 9 ATR72-600 and 6 ATR72-500. The … [Read more...]

Boeing is proceeding growing its fleet of test planes with the roll out of the Boeing 737 MAX 7. The plane was unveiled yesterday at the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington State. The Boeing 737 MAX 7 rolled out of the Paint Hangar - Image, The Boeing Company This is third version of the Boeing 737 MAX that has rolled out (with the MAX 8 and MAX 9 rolled … [Read more...]

I normally don't talk much about cargo aircraft - as passengers - we have little interest in them. However, this order is worth nothing, as it throws a lifeline to the Boeing 747-8 programme. UPS today has excised an option it had in its original order for 14 more Boeing 747-8F aircraft to be added to their fleet. This will bring the UPS 747-8F fleet to 28 of the … [Read more...]

A development of the Airbus A321neo family took flight for the first time today - the Airbus A321LR took off for its maiden flight. Airbus A321LR taking off on its first flight - Image, Airbus.   The A321LR (a development of the A321neo), can hold up to 240 passengers in a single class - and is designed for missions of 4000nm - or put another way that could be easier to … [Read more...]

ATR is returning to the US market, with 20 of its Turboprop aircraft to join Silver Airways Silver Airways ATR42-600 - Rendering, ATR Silver Airways will lease the aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). 15 of the turboprops are assigned to a new order, whilst 5 are from an existing order. The order will be split into 16 ATR42-600 aircraft and 4 … [Read more...]

After noises earlier this week, Emirates have been persuaded to sign on the dotted line for more Airbus A380 aicraft. Emirates Airbus A380 departing London Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Emirates and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding for 20 firm orders and 16 options - a total of 36 aircraft. The MoU was signed by  Sheikh Ahmed bin … [Read more...]

It's the last business day of the year - so airframers have been firming up some of those orders that have been floating around during the year, and putting them on the books before they head off to pop some champagne corks. Airbus Indigo Partners (who fly Frontier, Wizz Air, Volaris and Jetsmart) have concluded their order for 430 A320neo family aircraft, with the order … [Read more...]

Editors note: I'm still catching up with some of the headlines that hit before Christmas as this cold and flu has been my better friend than I wanted it to be.  Last Friday, Bombardier delivered the first C Series aircraft to an Asian customer - Korean Air. The manufacturer delivered a CS300 frame with Pratt & Whitney turbofans, in a ceremony at Mirabel in … [Read more...]

It seems Delta is following through with its intent, and will be adding 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet. Delta A321neo with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofans - Rendering, Airbus The cabins will feature IFE at seat, streaming IFE to devices , ass well as 2Ku WiFi provisioned by Gogo.  The cabins will also have larger overhead bins installed too, and … [Read more...]