Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) took delivery of its first B777-F, HZ-AK71 (msn 60337), in Jeddah on 2 April, following a delivery flight from Everett. The carrier has four of the type on order from Boeing, with the remaining three due to be delivered by the end of December. The move is in line with Saudi Arabian regulations set to outlaw the operation of aircraft older than 20 years of age. At present, Saudia's freighter fleet consists of eleven B747-400(F)s (eight leased from Air Atlanta … [Read more...] about Saudia takes delivery of B777 freighter
Aircraft Manufacturers
FedEx set to buy TNT for €4.4 billion
FedEx Corp's €4.4 billion bid Tuesday for TNT Express took the world's last large potential integrator acquisition target off the table, marking a victory in FedEx's battle to gain market share from rival United Parcel Service Inc. In 2013, European regulators blocked a $6.9 billion bid from Atlanta-based UPS, the world's largest package delivery company, for TNT on grounds that the combined companies would have more than 30 per cent of the European market. The transaction would … [Read more...] about FedEx set to buy TNT for €4.4 billion
Cebu Pacific bags EDTO approval
Philippines-based, Cebu Pacific has received certification for Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) of up to 120 minutes. EDTO refers to a set of rules introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for airlines operating twin-engine aircraft on routes beyond 60 minutes flying time from the nearest airport. The time refers to flight times between diversion airfields. To secure the certification, CEB submitted to a comprehensive review of systems by the … [Read more...] about Cebu Pacific bags EDTO approval
VietJet in talks over joint ventures
Vietnam-based low-cost carrier (LCC) VietJet Air is looking to expand its north Asian reach using alliances and joint ventures (JV) with other airlines, rather than extend its existing route network. The airline said it initially wants to establish JVs with other carriers in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Speaking to Reuters, VietJet managing director Luu Duc Khanh said the north Asian market holds more appeal for the Vietnamese budget carrier as it is relatively less competitive. … [Read more...] about VietJet in talks over joint ventures
ANA firms up A321 order
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has firmed up an order it placed in January for seven A321 aircraft. The order, worth US$830 million based on current list prices, includes three A321neos and four current generation A321 aircraft fitted with sharklets. The new deal brings the Japanese carrier total orders for A320 family aircraft to 37, comprising 26 A321neos, four A321s and seven A320neos. … [Read more...] about ANA firms up A321 order
Boeing, Air India celebrate 20th 787 Dreamliner
Boeing and Air India celebrated the airline’s milestone delivery of its 20th 787 Dreamliner from Boeing's final assembly facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. “Taking delivery of our 20th 787 Dreamliner marks an important day for Air India," said Rohit Nandan, chairman and managing director, Air India. "With this [aircraft] we are building on the success of our other 787s, which are providing an exceptional experience to our passengers while allowing us to expand our … [Read more...] about Boeing, Air India celebrate 20th 787 Dreamliner