Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al Baker has threatened to reconsider his airline's outstanding Airbus orders should the Abu Dhabi-based carrier fail to obtain requested slots at European airports. “If they (European airport slots) are limited further, we will stop buying European aircraft. We have 186 orders at Airbus. What impact would that have on German jobs?” al Baker told the German daily, Handelsblatt. The Qatari carrier currently has 50 orders for A320/321neo … [Read more...] about Qatar CEO threatens Airbus orders over slots
Airbus
Airbus launches the A330neo
Airbus has announced the launch of the A330-800neo and A330-900neo, two new members of its Widebody Family, which will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. According to Airbus the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14 per cent per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market, the European aircraft manufacturer said. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will … [Read more...] about Airbus launches the A330neo
Kuwait Airlines orders 25 Airbus aircraft
Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, has ordered 25 aircraft including ten A350-900 and 15 A320neo Family aircraft as part of the airlines’ fleet renewal strategy. Kuwait Airlines already operates three A320, three A310, five A300 and four A340 Family aircraft . “We are pleased to sign this deal with Airbus at this juncture of our sixty years journey” said Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways chairperson. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long haul route development … [Read more...] about Kuwait Airlines orders 25 Airbus aircraft
Airbus, China sign ATM modernisation agreement
Airbus and China’s Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on modernising the country’s Air Traffic Management System and to implement the latest Air Traffic Management (ATM) technologies. The MoU signed by Airbus and the ATMB under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) focuses on improving air transportation, capacity and efficiency, while contributing to a sustainable future. It will also help in harmonising … [Read more...] about Airbus, China sign ATM modernisation agreement
SIA places US$17 billion Airbus/Boeing order
Singapore Airlines has placed an order for 30 more A350-900s and 30 B787-10Xs in deals valued at more than US$17 billion. The agreement with Airbus comprises 30 firm-ordered A350-900s for deliveryfrom the 2016/17 financial year, plus options for 20 more. The options may be converted into firm orders for larger A350-1000s, the carrier added. The agreement with Boeing comprises 30 firm-ordered B787-10Xs for delivery from the 2018/19 financial year, but is conditional upon Boeing formally launching … [Read more...] about SIA places US$17 billion Airbus/Boeing order
Boeing should replace 777 not 737: Analyst
Boeing’s top priority should be replacing its 777 widebody jet, not the 737 narrowbody, according to J.P. Morgan analyst Joseph Nadol who warned that Airbus’s new A350XWB widebody family, which is scheduled to enter service in 2015, already is eating into 777 sales. Nadol notes that 777 backlog peaked more than two years ago and now totals just 3.2 years' worth of production, compared with nearly five years' worth of production in the 737 backlog. “Boeing still needs … [Read more...] about Boeing should replace 777 not 737: Analyst

