The board of Ryanair has approved plans to launch transatlantic flights, as part of its five-year growth strategy outlined by the airline. The low-cost carrier said it was already in talks with manufacturers about purchasing long-haul aircraft but couldn’t comment further. “European consumers want lower-cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe. We see it as a logical development in the European market,” the airline said. Chicago, Boston, New … [Read more...] about Ryanair steps up plans for transatlantic airline
Airbus
Turkish Airlines orders four additional A330-200 freighters
Turkish Airlines has signed a firm order for the purchase of four A330-200F freighter aircraft. Operated by Turkish Cargo, the additional aircraft will help to further boost the company’s expansion in the cargo market. Turkish Airlines already operates five A330-200F, and the additional order will enable them to quickly meet the growing cargo market demand. “The A330-200F freighter aircraft have demonstrated outstanding operational reliability and performance for our cargo transport … [Read more...] about Turkish Airlines orders four additional A330-200 freighters
Vietnam Airlines reveals livery of its first A350 XWB
The first A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines has been rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse on Friday 6th March, featuring the airline’s updated blue and gold lotus livery. The aircraft, which will be leased from AerCap, is now entering the advanced stage of production. This will include installation of the engines, completion of cabin furnishing, and cockpit fitting, followed by ground and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. Vietnam … [Read more...] about Vietnam Airlines reveals livery of its first A350 XWB
Airbus increases A320 build rates
Airbus has further increased the production rate for its A320 Family to 50 aircraft per month from Q1 2017, matching market demand. Additionally, Airbus is adjusting the A330 production rate to six a month from Q1 2016 as it transitions towards the A330neo. “As an aircraft manufacturer, it is our role, for our employees, partners, customers and investors to anticipate market demands whilst delivering on orders and managing revenues,” said Didier Evrard, executive vice president … [Read more...] about Airbus increases A320 build rates
Jet Airways forays into air cargo biz
Mumbai-based Jet Airways is planning to enter its air cargo business by leasing up to three Airbus A330-200F freighter aircraft from Etihad, its Abu Dhabi-based partner airline. The plan is to start with the wet lease of one A330-200F in the next few months and later expand. As the business grows, the aircraft would be converted into dry leases. The move will help the company tackle Dubai-based Emirates, which carried the highest amount of inbound and outbound air freight in 2013-14. Jet … [Read more...] about Jet Airways forays into air cargo biz
Asiana orders 25 A321neo aircraft
Asiana Airlines has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A321neo single aisle aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. The new aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s regional services, as well as on selected domestic routes. The A321neo will join an existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft operated by Asiana Airlines and its low cost subsidiary Air Busan. "The A320 Family is a proven success with Asiana Airlines and Air Busan, … [Read more...] about Asiana orders 25 A321neo aircraft