Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the ninth airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin engine widebody airliner. Altogether CAL has ordered 14 A350-900s. After an initial period flying on regional services between Taipei and Hong-Kong, the aircraft will be deployed on long haul flights, starting with Amsterdam, followed by Vienna and Rome. To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 810 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers … [Read more...] about China Airlines becomes latest operator of the A350 XWB
Airbus
EU failed to remedy 40 years of Airbus subsidies: WTO
A World Trade Organisation (WTO) compliance panel ruled on 22 September that the European Union has failed to comply with its obligation to remedy the massive subsidies European governments have provided to create and sustain Airbus for more than 40 years. Rather than comply with their WTO obligations to remedy the US$17 billion in past subsidies provided to Airbus, the WTO found that EU Member States provided Airbus with new launch aid – reportedly almost $5 billion – so they could launch … [Read more...] about EU failed to remedy 40 years of Airbus subsidies: WTO
Singapore Airlines not extending first A380 lease
Singapore Airlines (SIA), which has 19 A380s in its fleet, has decided not to extend the lease contract for its first A380 which was the first of five A380s delivered from 2007. Decisions about keeping them - which are on 10-year leases - are due between this month—for the initial aircraft—and April 2017. The first Singapore Airlines A380, and the first-ever A380 delivered to an airline, will be returned to its owner, German investment fund Dr. Peters Group, in October 2017. The decision will … [Read more...] about Singapore Airlines not extending first A380 lease
Cathay Pacific Airways becomes new operator of the A350 XWB
Cathay Pacific Airways has become the sixth airline to operate the world’s latest and most efficient twin engine widebody aircraft. The airline’s first A350-900 featuring the carrier’s new livery has arrived at its home base in Hong Kong. After an initial period flying on regional routes, Cathay Pacific’s A350-900 will begin long haul operations later this year. Altogether Cathay Pacific has 48 A350 XWB on order, including 22 A350-900s and 26 of the larger A350-1000s. The A350 XWB … [Read more...] about Cathay Pacific Airways becomes new operator of the A350 XWB
Thai Airways to stick to delivery plan for 12 new A350s
Thai Airways International (THAI) has opted not to postpone the delivery of a fleet of 12 A350-900s, after the military government’s State Enterprises Policy Commission had earlier advocated THAI delay the new aircraft over the next three years to relieve financial burdens weighing on the company's turnaround plan. Airline sources told The Bangkok Post that as per its original agreement with Airbus, THAI will receive its first two A350s over the coming months to be followed by five in 2017 … [Read more...] about Thai Airways to stick to delivery plan for 12 new A350s
FAA approves A350 XWB for ‘beyond 180 minutes’ ETOPS
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the A350-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time. This approval means that when the first FAA-affiliated operators start to take delivery of their A350s in 2017 they will be able to serve new direct non-limiting routings, compared with a standard 180 minute ETOPS diversion time. It also means that now the A350 XWB is approved by both EASA and the FAA for beyond 180 minutes … [Read more...] about FAA approves A350 XWB for ‘beyond 180 minutes’ ETOPS