Air Astana takes delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A320

First in the region to benefit from more fuel savings

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Airbus’ Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. The airline becomes the first in the region to benefit from the new wing-tip devices. Air Astana’s A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 148 passengers with 16 in business class and 132 in economy.

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. Sharklets are an option on A320 Family aircraft. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

“We are delighted to receive our first A320 Sharklet equipped aircraft which will optimize our operating costs significantly, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO Air Astana.

“With the delivery of their first Sharklet equipped A320, Air Astana will benefit from lower operating costs and extended range. Further A320 Family aircraft that will be delivered later this year will contribute to the airline’s expansion and growth plans,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Air Astana started commercial service with its first Airbus aircraft, an A320, in 2006, and is currently operating one A319, seven A320s and four A321s.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,500 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.

Austrian Technik receives City of Vienna’s Environmental Prize for revolutionary method of cleaning aircraft toilet systems

Austrian Technik receives City of Vienna’s Environmental Prize for revolutionary method of cleaning aircraft toilet systems

Innovation and research are a top priority at the Lufthansa Group. The latest example is a revolutionary method for cleaning vacuum waste line systems that was developed by technicians at Austrian Technik, the aircraft maintenance arm of Austrian Airlines, and is now also being tested by Lufthansa Technik. The innovative system is not only kind to the environment but also saves time and money. For this invention, the MRO division of Austrian Airlines has now been awarded the Environmental Prize of the City of Vienna.
Waliclean, as the new cleaning system is called, is based on a simple principle: a solution of regular citric acid and warm water is circulated through the aircraft’s waste line system by means of regulated negative pressure. Once the system has been successfully cleaned, it is rinsed with clear water and emptied. The rinse water can be disposed of easily via the sewage system. In the past, three different maintenance methods had to be employed several times a year to keep the waste line system functioning, and the acid bath used had to be specially disposed of. Thanks to Waliclean, Austrian Airlines, which has been using the method since 2012, will save about 7,165 litres of chemicals per year. Today, 2,100 kg of environmentally compatible citric acid is used instead of chemicals. This conserves the environment, protects staff and significantly improves storage, transport and disposal requirements.
The weight saving after using Waliclean is about 75 kg in the case of an Austrian Airlines Boeing 777, which amounts to an annual saving of 44 tonnes of kerosene per aircraft. That is equivalent to about 138 tonnes of  CO2.  Using the new cleansing method will also generate substantial financial savings, as Austrian Airlines will be able to reduce the man-hours required by more than 4,000 per year.
Lufthansa Technik aims to put the Waliclean system into operation this summer. The necessary preparations are already underway at Lufthansa Technik’s Frankfurt base. 
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Media Relations Lufthansa Group

EADS and Airbus donate four million RMB to earthquake hit Ya’an city in South western China

Eurocopter, another EADS subsidiary also contributes to disaster relief operations

24 April 2013

Airbus and its parent company EADS have donated a total of RMB 4 million (about US$647,200) to the earthquake hit area of Ya’an, Sichuan province, in south west of China via the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC).

Eurocopter, another subsidy of EADS has also contributed to the disaster relief operations. Since 21^st April, two Eurocopter helicopters, EC120 and EC135, have been deployed on the earthquake site. Moreover, Eurocopter China will provide special technical and financial support to its Sichuan based private operator, Sichuan Xilin Fengteng General Aviation Cmpany from Guanghan, for the operation of the two helicopters, on request of the Authorities, to participate to the disaster relief air rescue missions.

Airbus China has expressed its intention to contribute to the after-quake reconstruction of Ya’an through supporting students in need in the area.

A quake measured at magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck Ya’an on Saturday morning, leaving more than 200 people dead missing and more than 11,000 injured. The number of casualties is expected increase as the rescue efforts continue.

LAN and TAM take delivery of first Airbus A320s with Sharklets

LAN and TAM Airlines, two of Latin America’s leading airlines and part of the LATAM Airlines Group -- one of Airbus largest customers in terms of orders, in-service aircraft and backlog -- took delivery of their first Airbus A320s equipped with Sharklets. Powered by CFM, the LAN and TAM aircraft were delivered this week and will begin operating domestic routes within Chile and Brazil. The two airlines combined have ordered 380 aircraft and have more than 240 aircraft in operation. Their joint Airbus backlog totals nearly 180 aircraft.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn up to four percent over longer sectors and reduce approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year. Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Airbus delivered its first A320 equipped with Sharklets to TAM Airlines for operation on domestic routes in Brazil

Airbus’ 2.4-metre tall Sharklets wingtip devices reduce aerodynamic drag and will provide increased efficiency to operators LAN and TAM Airlines

LAN Airlines took delivery this week of its first Sharklets-equipped Airbus A320 for operation on domestic routes in Chile

Boeing Winnipeg Announces Site Expansion and 737 MAX Work

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 23, 2013 /-- Boeing (NYSE: BA) Canada Winnipeg today announced plans to increase its Murray Park Road manufacturing site by more than 22 percent, primarily to house new composites work for Boeing's 737 MAX airplane.
The building will be expanded by 14,000 square meters (150,000 square feet) to a total of 62,000 square meters (665,000 square feet) of manufacturing space. It will be used mainly to construct the one-piece composite acoustic inner barrel on the newly designed engine nacelle inlet for the 737 MAX.
The inner barrel is one of the latest quiet engine technologies that will be employed on the 737 MAX to help reduce the operational noise of the airplane by up to 40 percent.
"Boeing Canada Winnipeg has a great future ahead in support of unprecedented production rates," said Kevin Bartelson, general manager, Boeing Canada Winnipeg. "Earlier this year, we negotiated a successful contract extension with our local Canadian Auto Workers union. This contract ensures we have the stable workforce, skills and now the manufacturing space we need to take on exciting new production for the 737 MAX."
The expanded building, which includes two bays about the size of 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools, will house the 737 MAX and some 787 Dreamliner production. Construction will begin immediately on the west side of the existing Murray Park facility, with an estimated completion by the fourth quarter of 2014. Today's event was held in conjunction with Stantec and Graham Construction, the design-builders of the facility.
"I am very pleased with how our Winnipeg team has actively taken steps to be globally competitive and a reliable supplier to Boeing," said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager, Boeing Fabrication, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We value the Canadian aerospace industry by consistently placing work with our Boeing Canadian facilities and supplier partners."
This site investment and contract award supports Boeing's continued presence in Winnipeg and enduring relationship with Canadian industry. These investments are aligned to the Industrial & Regional Benefits policy.
Canada is one of the largest international supplier bases for Boeing. Today, Boeing has 1,900 employees across Canada and partners with more than 200 major suppliers across the country. Combined with the Boeing facilities, this supply network significantly contributes to the Canadian economy by generating approximately $1 billion in business annually in Canada. Boeing Winnipeg is the largest aerospace composite manufacturing centre in Canada and manufactures complex composite parts for the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 airplanes.
Contact:
Terry Trupp
Boeing Canada Winnipeg Communications
1-204-294-9080
terry.trupp@boeing.com
Cris McHugh
Boeing Fabrication Communications
+1 206-851-9884 (mobile)
cristina.a.mchugh@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing

Airbus and IBM to help aircraft operators optimize fleet management and operations

Airbus and IBM are working together to transform Airbus’ fleet solution offerings, which will provide airlines and operators with advanced IT services for maintenance, engineering and flight operations. These fleet service offerings will enhance operational efficiencies, help airlines to manage their aircraft more effectively and improve customer service by smarter use of ‘big-data’.

“Airbus Smarter Fleet Solutions” (ASFS) will initially focus on two activities: Firstly, it will integrate and also further develop Airbus’ current portfolio of software products (“e-solutions”). Presently, the latter comprise an extensive range of standalone applications, which are accessed via a variety of online and offline media, and are used by about 200 operators today. Secondly, ASFS will provide tailored fleet data management using an open, modular and flexible platform. This service will give customers visibility to plan ahead for smooth operations. It will also enable them to easily integrate existing and new services and solutions – a level of value-added service, which is increasingly being sought. This trend is being driven by today’s growing volumes and complexities of operational ‘big-data’ from multiple resources, new technological opportunities, and by the economic environment which increases the ‘value-for-money” expectations from IT solutions.

 “Today’s aircraft can generate up to a half terabyte of data per flight, an unprecedented volume and variety of data seen in few other industries,” said Timothy J. Wholey, Global Leader, Aerospace & Defense Industry, IBM Global Business Services. “IBM is pleased to provide technology and services that will provide Airbus and its customers a smart way to extract real-time data, identify patterns and act on insights to help improve efficiency and enhance the passengers’ travel experience.”

Didier Lux, EVP Customer Services, Airbus says: “This agreement with IBM is a major step in the implementation of Airbus’ aim to provide airlines with strong added-value innovative services for their long-term business development.” He adds: “Our customers will soon benefit from the most advanced information management solutions to address their engineering, operational and maintenance needs.”

The Smarter Fleet Solutions bring together Airbus’ aircraft manufacturer expertise with IBM’s expertise in managing ‘big-data’, advanced analytics and asset optimization needed in today’s commercial aircraft operations.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Airbus is an EADS company.

Vueling Shareholders accept IAG offer

Vueling, the Spanish low cost carrier based in Barcelona, is to become part of International Airlines Group (IAG) after the majority of its shareholders accepted IAG's cash tender offer for the airline, following recommendation by the Vueling board.
IAG's subsidiary Iberia already owns 45.85 per cent of Vueling's shares and Iberia's board agreed not to tender them in the offer. The Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) has announced today that 82.48 per cent of the remaining shareholders have accepted IAG's offer of €9.25 per share. Therefore, the IAG group will own 90.51 per cent of Vueling.
The cost of purchasing the Vueling shares is €123.5 million.
Vueling will be a standalone company within IAG with its chief executive Alex Cruz reporting into IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "Vueling is a great airline and will be a welcome addition to IAG where it will benefit from the group's financial strength. We plan to retain Vueling's current business model and management structure and its strong base in Barcelona".
The acquisition will be completed on April 26, 2013.

Barbara Valcuende de Almada appointed as Commercial Aircraft Solutions Program Manager in Brazil

Strengthening Customer Support in Brazil

 

In this position, Valcuende de Almada provides Embraer onsite support, supply chain collaboration, and aftermarket support and facilitation with the overall goal of enhancing BAE Systems’ capability and engagement in Brazil, an emerging aircraft market cluster.
“Embraer is a key customer for BAE Systems,” said Todd Rash, vice president and deputy general manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions at BAE Systems. “Barbara’s on-site presence will facilitate the relationship between the two companies and enable us to better serve Embraer.”

Valcuende de Almada joined the company in 2008, working in the UK for BAE Systems’ shared services organization. She received a master’s degree in management and finance from the University of Bath, and is originally from Vitoria, Brazil.
BAE Systems’ Commercial Aircraft Solutions has more than four decades of experience in manufacturing high-integrity avionics, flight and engine controls, and a broad range of cabin and flight-deck electronics. The company has had a presence in Brazil dating back to 1998, and its current involvement spans both commercial avionics and military systems such as Naval guns, radars and armored vehicles. It is seeking to establish mutually beneficial industrial partnerships with the Brazilian defense, aerospace and security industry. In 2011, BAE Systems was selected by aircraft manufacturer Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to provide flight control electronics for KC-390 transport.
Issued by:
Shelby Cohen, BAE Systems
+1 607 658 6687
shelby.cohen@baesystems.com

International Airlines Group (IAG) is ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group's longhaul fleet.

International Airlines Group (IAG) is ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group's longhaul fleet.
For British Airways, there are 18 A350-1000 firm orders, plus 18 options. These are in addition to 18 Boeing 787 options which IAG announced previously that it plans to convert into firm orders.

The A350 and Boeing 787 firm orders will be used to replace 30 Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2023 while the options can be used to replace aircraft or provide opportunities for growth.
For Iberia, IAG has also reached agreement with Airbus as well as Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for A350s and/or Boeing 787s. Firm orders will only be made when Iberia is in a position to grow profitably, having restructured and reduced its cost base.
The A350 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The order includes a comprehensive maintenance package with total care agreement.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet. Its size and range will be an excellent fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there is an opportunity to operate a new range of destinations profitably. This will not only bring greater flexibility to our network but also more choice for our customers.
"Both aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of more than 20 per cent.
"This order will also secure jobs in Britain and Spain. The A350's wings are made in Britain while its horizontal tail plane, horizontal tail plane boxes and lower wing covers are made in Spain. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are assembled in Britain".
The fleet order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.

Tail section for Qatar Airways’ first A380 rolls out of paint shop

The vertical tail section for the first A380 for Qatar Airways has been painted with the airline’s trademark oryx logo at Airbus facilities in Hamburg. The painting was completed earlier this week and the assembly of the airline’s first A380 is set to begin this month, for delivery in early 2014. 

The distinctive Qatar Airways logo is comprised of a violet oryx with silver streaks and the paint was applied over a period of 10 days.

Qatar Airways will become the eleventh operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in 2014. The airline has firm orders for ten A380s and will operate the aircraft on its most premier routes.

Lufthansa: Near-normal operations to resume on Tuesday

Early shift will be on duty at German airports – Only minimal disruption expected over the next few days following today’s strike action

After today’s flight cancellations due to the widespread warning strike called by the ver.di trade union, Lufthansa expects to return to a near-normal schedule tomorrow, Tuesday 23 April 2013. Since isolated flight irregularities may still occur, Lufthansa advises all passengers, as a precautionary measure, to check the status of their flight in good time before setting off for the airport on the www.lufthansa.com website under the heading “Current flight information”  or “My bookings”. 

Today’s warning strike by the ver.di trade union at German airports served by Lufthansa Group airlines caused severe disruption to flight operations. Virtually all domestic German and intra-European flights had to be cancelled. The twelve long-haul and about 30 medium-haul flights that were published in a special timetable were, however, operated as planned.

In all, about 150,000 passengers were affected by the strike action. Over the weekend, Lufthansa managed to contact 95,000 passengers, who had registered their contact details with Lufthansa, by SMS and inform them about cancellations and rebooking options. Passengers affected by cancellations were able to rebook their flight or cancel their ticket,  free of charge. Many passengers opted instead to travel by train with Deutsche Bahn. 

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Media Relations Lufthansa Group

UK Government and industry today pledged an ambitious long-term partnership and £2 billion of investment to retain the UK’s position at the forefront of world aerospace manufacturing.

Multi billion pound UK commitment to long-term industrial strategy

18 March 2013
Government and industry today pledged an ambitious long-term partnership and £2 billion of investment to retain the UK’s position at the forefront of world aerospace manufacturing.

The industrial strategy for aerospace has been developed by government and industry. Launched today by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during a visit to Airbus in Filton, it sets out how they will ensure the UK continues to thrive in the face of increasing global competition and is able to exploit rapid changes in technology.

Ministers also confirmed an additional £500 million of funding for other key sectors in its industrial strategy where the UK has a comparative global advantage, such as agricultural technology and automotive. Life Sciences One Year On was published in December 2012 and strategies in all eleven key sectors will be published in the coming months to help secure sustainable future growth in the economy. The government aims to at least double the £500 million with industry funding by working in partnership with business.

Airbus ACJ318 brings comfort and elegance to ABACE

ACJ318 cabin Comlux Airbus

Airbus is exhibiting an ACJ318 corporate jet at ABACE in Shanghai, bringing more than a touch of comfort and elegance to what is widely recognised as the world’s fastest growing bizjet market.

The Airbus ACJ318 on display is operated by Comlux on VVIP charters, and features lounge areas, a private room that doubles as an office and a bedroom, plus beautiful bathrooms. It seats up to 19 passengers in unprecedented comfort and space, putting it in a league above traditional top-end business jets.