Airbus has begun final assembly of the first A350-900 for Singapore Airlines at its facilities in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of 70 A350 XWBs ordered by the airline and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2016. The A350 XWB will form a major part of the future Singapore Airlines fleet and will be operated on the carrier’s medium and long-haul routes. The aircraft is now in the initial fuselage section joining phase. Following this, it will move in … [Read more...] about SIA’s first A350 XWB takes shape
Airbus
KAL-ASD to manufacture wingtips for A330neo
Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), the aerospace manufacturing division of the Korean Air Group, has been selected by Airbus to supply new Sharklet wingtip devices including a wingspan extension for the A330neo – the new variant of the A330 Family of widebody aircraft. Under the terms of the agreement, KAL-ASD will manufacture the new composite wingtip devices at its Busan facility in South Korea, and supply them to the A330 Family final assembly line in Toulouse. Inspired by the … [Read more...] about KAL-ASD to manufacture wingtips for A330neo
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
EASA certifies 242t MTOW A330 version
The latest variant of Airbus' A330 – the new 242 tonne MTOW A330-300 – has achieved certification from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) following a 100 hour flight-test campaign. Certification from the US authorities (FAA) is also expected soon. Airbus said that in the near future, the smaller A330-200 model will follow the -300 by benefiting from the 242t take-off weight capability. To date 11 customers have selected their new A330s to have a 242t capability. Eric … [Read more...] about EASA certifies 242t MTOW A330 version
Oman Air orders 20 B737s
Oman Air has ordered 20 B737 aircraft as part of a plan to double its fleet to 70 by 2020, chief executive Paul Gregorowitsch said. The order includes both the current generation of 737s, which will be delivered from 2017, as well as the re-engined 737 Max aircraft that will come from 2019. The airline has 36 aircraft, including 10 A330s and 21 B737s. This year, it will also receive the first two of nine B787s it has on order as well as six more B737s. It also plans to choose between … [Read more...] about Oman Air orders 20 B737s