Frequent flyers want more personal protective equipment, technology to improve cabin cleanliness
Phoenix | May 26, 2020–An informal Honeywell (NYSE: HON) survey taken by more than 700 frequent business and personal air travel passengers indicates the types of guidelines and health-related equipment passengers may be looking for while flying during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The anonymous online survey showed that a majority of travelers (72%) were more concerned with the environment on an airplane than in an airport (28%). Nearly 60% of respondents cited social distancing as their top priority during travel, while about half of respondents cited air quality (51%) and personal protection equipment such as masks (47%) as top priorities. Passengers’ most-desired safety items during travel were masks, hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes.
Cleanliness validation via technology was by far (60%) the most important way to provide confidence in seating-area-related cleanliness, according to the informal survey. Other considerations included providing cleaning supplies directly to the passenger (23%), followed by being informed and updated by the cabin crew (12%).
“This survey demonstrates that passengers want high-tech solutions to best validate the entire travel experience as it relates to health and safety,” said Kevin Suits, vice president, user experience, Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell offers a variety of relevant solutions today that we can bring forward to support travelers. We continue to speak with airline executives and transportation leaders about the types of new products and services that would support their efforts to further clean and monitor the cleanliness of their aircraft. We are quickly bringing to market new offerings that would be a win-win for our industry and all of us who love to fly.”
From an airport perspective, survey respondents were most concerned with the cleanliness of common areas, followed by the ability to social distance and fellow travelers’ use of protective equipment.
This informal and anonymous online survey, captured via SurveyMonkey, had 732 respondents split nearly evenly between North America and Asia, with a small number from elsewhere. The majority, 75%, were ages 25-44. Surveyed travelers fly equally for business and pleasure, mostly on domestic routes.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
Dublin | November 8, 2019–The “Air Management System Market, Size, Share, Outlook and Growth Opportunities 2019-2025” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
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SITA
More than 100 of the world’s airlines and airports gathered in Belgium this week as SITA, the air transport IT provider, celebrated its 70th anniversary. The organization, which has been at the heart of the airline industry since 1949, marked the occasion by announcing record revenues of US$1.7 billion in 2018. As SITA recorded a significant turning point in its business, it also showcased its commitment to continuous and collaborative innovation.
Upcoming Show
Aircraft Seating – On the 20 – 22nd of August, Airbus and Boeing will be joining the world’s leading Aircraft Seating Manufacturers and Airlines, at the only North American conference to focus specifically on designing and building the Aircraft Seat of the future. Join the the 4th International Innovative Aircraft Seating Conference is Seattle this August. Partner Content – Get Ready to Connect.
PARIS AIRSHOW AIRPLANE SALES SUMMARIES
AIRBUS – 383 new aircraft + 349 up-sized orders total worth $44.5 Billion (market prices). For a total of 5 different aircraft types, there were 26 customers, 82 firm orders, 236 MOU’s, 65 Options, 349 airplane model swaps.
BOEING – 292 new aircraft worth $33.9 Billion (market prices). For a total of 7 different aircraft types, there were 10 customers, 10 firm orders, 247 MOU’s/LOI’s, 25 options, and no swaps.
Editor’s Note: Remember, announced sales has 3 types: firm orders/ memorandum of understanding/ letters of intent. Please note that they are in order of expectability. If you want more data, check out ANALYSIS: Paris air show 2019 order tracker – update
AIRBUS
JETBLUE AIRWAYS
JetBlue Airways will add the A321XLR to its already large fleet of Airbus aircraft and increase its existing order for Airbus A220s. JetBlue has contracted to convert 13 existing A321neo orders into firm orders for the new A321XLR, which Airbus revealed this week at the Paris Air Show. Also, JetBlue has firmed up an order for an additional 10 A220-300 aircraft from existing options. JetBlue, a New York-based low-cost airline that differentiates itself with a high-quality passenger experience, will integrate the A321XLR and the A220-300 into its growing network of routes to a variety of key destinations. JetBlue now operates 193 A320 and A321 aircraft, has orders for 85 A321neos, and previously ordered 60 A220-300s. In April, JetBlue converted 13 A321neo aircraft in its existing order to the LR (long range) version.
FLYNAS
Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s first low-cost airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 10 A321XLR aircraft, the longest range variant of the A320. As part of the commitment, the airline will also upsize 10 of the A320neo it currently has on order to the A321neo. Flynas operates a fleet of 30 A320ceos and 2 A320neos. Since its inception in 2007, Flynas has set ambitious growth plans to continuously develop its fleet in order to carry more passengers. In 2018 the airline carried around 6.6 million passengers on 60,000 domestic and international flights.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft. This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas.
NORDIC AVIAION CAPITAL
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 A220 Family aircraft. The deal was signed at the Paris Air Show between Martin Møller, NAC Chairman and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. NAC serves over 76 well established airline customers in 51 countries. The agreement represents the first major order for the A220 from a leading regional lessor confirming the versatility of the aircraft to support mainline and regional airline network expansion. The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, will acquire 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the new longer-range version of Airbus’ hugely successful A321neo. The purchase agreement includes the conversion of 30 of American’s existing A321neo slots to A321XLRs and incremental orders for an additional 20 A321XLRs. The A321XLR will have the longest range of any single-aisle commercial jetliner. The added range of up to 4,700 nm will allow airlines to operate the aircraft from U.S. East Coast airports to medium-size European cities. As a further enhancement of the A321neo and A321LR, the A321XLR will have a maximum takeoff weight of 101 metric tonnes without sacrificing performance. The A321XLR is powered by the same engines, and has more than 90 percent commonality with the A321neo. American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is the largest Airbus operator in the world with 422 Airbus aircraft. Including today’s announcement, American has outstanding orders for 115 A321neos and A321XLRs from Airbus.
SKYWISE
Accenture, Capgemini, FPT Software, IBM, and Sopra Steria have signed agreements with Airbus to become early adopters of the Skywise Partner Programme. As part of the programme, these world-leading companies will benefit from dedicated training and certification so they develop more robust, richer applications within Skywise on behalf of an airline. Certified partners will have access to their own working space on Skywise and to additional platform features. The Partner Programme builds on the exponential growth of the Skywise platform and aims to further accelerate innovation by connecting Skywise users with a global network of leading developers. As such, the programme paves the way for an open Aerospace ‘app-store’ to speed up the industry’s digital transformation.
ACCIPTER
Dublin-based leasing company Accipiter Holdings signed a Purchase Agreement to acquire 20 A320neo aircraft. The order, which was disclosed during the Paris Air Show by Paul Sheridan, Accipiter CEO and Isabelle Floret, Head of Leasing Markets, had been completed in March 2019, and was listed in the order books as undisclosed. The new single-aisle aircraft will further expand the portfolio of Accipiter Holdings, which aims to be a leading player in the global leasing market and is wholly owned by Hong Kong’s CK Asset Holdings Ltd. Together with Vermillion, its joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation subsidiary MC Aviation Partners (MCAP), Accipiter manages a total portfolio of just under 150 owned and committed aircraft.
CHINA AIRLINES
Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for 11 A321neo aircraft and will acquire another 14 aircraft of the type on lease. CAL has selected the A321neo to meet future requirements in the single aisle category. These 25 aircraft will join the Airbus fleet at the airline currently comprising 23 A330s and 14 A350 XWBs. With the A321neo, China Airlines will be able to operate their single aisle flights with unmatched levels of efficiency and comfort, benefitting from the highest commonality of the Airbus product range. The A321neo is a member of the best-selling A320 Family incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel savings by 2020. At the end of May 2019, the A320neo Family had received more than 6,500 firm orders from over 100 customers worldwide.
INDIGO PARTNERS
Indigo Partners and three of its airlines will acquire 50 of the new Airbus A321XLR long-range, single-aisle jetliners. The Memorandum of Understanding includes new orders for 32 A321XLRs and the conversion of 18 existing A320neo family orders. Indigo Partners LLC, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is a private equity fund focused on worldwide investments in air transportation. Indigo has major ownership stakes in four low-cost airlines, including Frontier Airlines (U.S.), JetSMART (Chile), Volaris (Mexico) and Wizz Air (Hungary). The four carriers now operate a combined 295 Airbus planes and, with the new commitments, have 636 on order. Twenty of the A321XLRs will be allocated to Wizz Air, 18 to Frontier, and 12 to JetSMART.
BOEING
Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg reports that the board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of two dollars and five and one-half cents ($2.055) per share.
Boeing and Turkmenistan Airlines announced the airline’s plan to extend its long-haul operations by adding a fourth 777-200LR (Long Range) airplane to its fleet. The commitment, valued at $346.9 million at list price, will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized. The Boeing 777-200LR is the longest range commercial airplane in the world, capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world nonstop. It has a maximum range of 15,843 kilometers (8,555 nmi) and carries more passengers and revenue cargo farther than any other jetliner. The 777-200LR is equipped with the powerful GE90-110B1L commercial jet engine, and can seat up to 317 passengers in two-class configuration.
ASL
ASL Aviation Holdings DAC (ASL) and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), bringing the world’s first Next-Generation 737-800 freighter conversion to 120 orders and commitments, from eight customers. The agreement includes 10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights. Operating on six continents, ASL provides network solutions to express freight integrators, transporting more than 357,000 metric tonnes of cargo in 2018. Boeing predicts that 2,650 freighters will be delivered between 2018-2037, with more than 60 percent of these deliveries comprised of passenger-to-freighter conversions. The 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) – and flies farther – 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km) compared to 737 Classic freighters. It also offers operators improved fuel efficiency, lower operating cost, and higher reliability than previous standard-body freighters.
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers, announced a commitment to purchase five additional 777 Freighters from Boeing. The deal, valued at $1.8 billion at list prices, was unveiled at the Paris Air Show and signed in the presence of His Excellency Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Qatari Minister of Transport and Communications. Qatar Airways has rapidly grown its air cargo operations to serve more than 60 global destinations, becoming one of the top international air freight operators in the world. The latest freighter deal builds on the airline’s 777 Freighter order book as the airplane has become the backbone of Qatar Airways freighter fleet. It currently operates 23 freighters, including 16 Boeing 777 Freighters. The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. It can fly 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometers) with a payload of 224,900 lbs (102,010 kg). The airplane’s long range translates into significant savings as fewer stops mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.
CHINA AIRLINES
Boeing and China Airlines announced the airline’s intent to order up to six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. China Airlines plans to transition to the world’s largest and longest range twin-engine freighter as it launches operations from Taipei to North America and Europe – two key markets that provide higher yields for the carrier. The order will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized. The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) with a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs). The airplane will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter and superior ton-mile economics. In addition, the 777 Freighter features market-leading capacity for a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck. This allows for lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times. China Airlines operates 51 Boeing airplanes. The addition of 777 Freighters will enable the carrier to streamline maintenance and parts for its 777 fleet. The carrier uses a number of Boeing Global Services solutions to support their operations, including Boeing’s Airplane Health Maintenance and Maintenance Performance Toolbox on all of their 777, 747-400 and Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These data-driven platforms track real-time airplane information, providing maintenance data and decision support tools that allow technicians to quickly and correctly resolve issues. On the ground and in the air, China Airlines’ entire fleet uses Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Pro and access to digital navigation charts to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.
OTHER NEWS
- Artificial Intelligence is a bit confusing what with all the people and applications that fill every article – we wondered if there was a one-stop-shop that told the whole story in a simple graphical answer. Shazam, we found it – it has a timeline, Types of AI, Examples of AI Technology, AI by the Numbers (devices), Companies and Countries Winning the AI Race, Industry Impact, and The Future of AI – on one long diagram! 35+ AI Statistics & 88 Facts to Depict The AI Revolution in 2019
- You probably have not heard of Mary Meeker but she has been an incredible Internet Trend tracker for a few years now. If you need to checkout the Internet impact on, say, Advertising usage on phones, her data bank is incredible. If you need to know Internet User Data, she has it. Perhaps you need to know Internet E-Commerce Growth, it’s there. What about media advertising on Print, Radio,TV, Desktop, Mobile, she has Time spent and Ad Expenditures. So, all 330 pages are here – Bond – Page 1 – Internet Trends 2019 And, here is another summary: Mary Meeker’s most important trends on the internet – Vox
- Training data for AI is a big deal. As facial recognition becomes a bigger airplane security deal, you might want to see how it happened – How You’ve Been Secretly Training Artificial Intelligence Programs – Digg
- Here is what a NASA computer for spaceflight had in the late 60’s reports Fast Company: “It had just 73 kB of memory, and it took up exactly one cubic foot of space. But in 2,504 hours of Apollo space flight—more than 100 days in space—there was not a single recorded software error or hardware glitch. It wasn’t just the smallest, fastest, most nimble computer of its era, it was also the most reliable.”
- Get ready for coming elections and AI generated crap! A spy reportedly used an AI-generated profile picture to connect with sources on LinkedIn – The Verge Further, don’t believe a word of what Katie Jones has to say!!!
- Be sure to check out Guy Norris’s story on Boeing’s new midsize Airplane here: Boeing To Unveil First New Midsize Airplane Details In Paris | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week However, there are two graphics of current interest that include Boeing’s Market, and if you are into the plane market, they belong in your files!
- Netflix (US) offers a 1 hour movie called “The Great Boeing 787” and it is very good. It features a French plane and offers English voice-overs with a lot of the plane’s technology discussed – worth the watch.
- We have wondered about the battery backbone of future electric flight planes and this article is a good start – How Batteries Will Power the Next Evolution of Aviation – Avionics
- If you don’t see an application for this technology, well, you might try mechanical engineering! (109) Photo Wake-Up: 3D Character Animation from a Single Photo – YouTube
- Who is hacking whom? The Graphic Truth: Who’s Hacking Whom? – GZERO Media
- The folks at Avionics International focused an article on the threats of hacking to avionics systems covered at the 2019 Global Connected Aircraft Summit and shows how hackers are looking to attack connected avionics systems architectures. Curtiss Wright CTO Talks Reality of Cyber Threats to Connected Avionics Systems – Avionics
This week is the beginning of the Paris Air Show and IFExpress is covering the events, so get ready for lots of aviation news!
THALES
Thales is constantly at the forefront of innovations and technology development. Thales introduced a new state-of-the-art security and encoding technologies for its 4K inflight entertainment (IFE) systems to enable streaming of premium Ultra High Definition (UHD) content.
Thales will be the first IFE supplier to deliver 4K screens to the full cabin and its latest technologies guarantee the best 4K inflight entertainment experience on the market. As the launch customer, Emirates’ passengers traveling on their future 777X fleet starting in 2020; will enjoy an immersive 4K viewing experience.
Powered by unmatched processing capability, Thales’s new 4K passenger GUI brings an impressive cinematic intensity on every screen.
Thales’s solution complies with the Studios highest security level standards using professional grade Digital Rights Management (DRM) and hardware level encryption within each screen. This technology combines software and hardware components representing a true forward-looking investment and opening the gateway to access premium UHD content in the cabin.
Thales has worked with Hollywood movie studios to define and implement the optimum bit rates to display 4K content in an IFE environment. The solution uses Variable Bit Rates (VBR) encoding technology with bit rates up to 40+ Megabits per second (Mbps) providing exceptional video quality that is 10 times better than traditional IFE systems and streaming platforms.
Also from Thales:
The future of the secured aerospace supply chain starts now thanks to Thales technologies. Thales is launching IVEN, the first digital marketplace that connects aerospace and defense companies with suppliers of parts and spare parts. IVEN acts as a trusted third party to guarantee end-to-end transaction security and data confidentiality. The new digital marketplace simplifies purchasing and ensures complete transparency from sourcing to delivery with full traceability. To help companies operate more competitively and to streamline and optimize purchasing processes, Thales is launching IVEN, the first digital marketplace dedicated to the sale of spare parts for aerospace and defense industries. Built around Thales’s advanced security technologies, IVEN guarantees the integrity and confidentiality of data and communications.
AIRBUS
A321XLR
Airbus launches longest range single-aisle airliner: the A321XLR
- The latest evolution of the A321neo with 4,700nm range
- Bringing 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation aircraft
- Combining single-aisle economics with long-haul widebody cabin comfort
AIR LEASE CORP.
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 100 Airbus aircraft, including for the first time 50 A220-300s and 27 A321XLRs. The agreement also includes an incremental order for an additional 23 A321neos. Founded in 2010, this latest order takes ALC’s cumulative orders to 387 Airbus aircraft, making it Airbus’ third largest lessor customer.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Virgin Atlantic selected 14 A330-900s to replace its A330ceos from 2021, with options to further expand its fleet of highly efficient wide-body aircraft. The firm order for eight aircraft and six additional on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), was signed at the Paris Air Show by Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO and Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation.
MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES
Middle East Airlines (MEA), signed a firm order for four A321XLRs, making it the launch airline customer of Airbus latest evolution of the winning A321neo family.
The agreement takes Middle East Airlines’ cumulative single aisle orders with Airbus to 15 A321neo family aircraft, including 11 A321neos and 4 A321XLRs with deliveries starting in 2020. MEA will use the A321XLR to strengthen its network in Africa and Asia.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft.
FIRST A330neo FOR AIRASIA
Airbus and AirAsia unveiled the first A330neo for the AirAsia Group at the Paris Air Show. The aircraft will be delivered via lessor Avolon in the coming weeks for operation by AirAsia’s long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X Thailand. With capability to reach Europe non-stop from South-East Asia, the A330neo’s increased range and enhanced economics will bring a step-change in fuel efficiency for AirAsia’s long haul operations. The A330-900 is the larger of the two A330neo variants. The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality.
SKYWISE
Airbus Services launched the development of a new enhanced Flight Hour Service offering: “FHS Powered by Skywise”. The new service will progressively introduce applications to simplify and accelerate decision-making from identification to delivery and installation of the required parts. This will bring value to airline operations especially by improving aircraft availability while optimizing resources utilization and components’ inventory.
AVIATION SUSTAINABILITY
The Chief Technology Officers of seven of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers released today a joint statement to demonstrate how they are collaborating and sharing approaches to drive the sustainability of aviation and reach the industry-wide ATAG targets.
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific (CEB), a Low Cost Carrier based in the Philippines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 31 Airbus aircraft, comprising 16 A330neo, 10 A321XLR and 5 A320neo.
Cebu Pacific’s A330neo aircraft will be a higher capacity version of the A330-900, with 460 seats in single class configuration. The airline also becomes one of the launch airlines for the A321XLR, which will be able to fly nonstop from the Philippines to destinations as far afield as India and Australia. The A320neo aircraft announced today will be the first of the type to feature 194 seats in a single class layout. This latest agreement supports CEB’s ongoing fleet renewal program, which aims to have only new generation, environmentally efficient aircraft by 2024. The fast-growing carrier’s decision also strengthens its all-Airbus fleet status in the jet category.
AIRBUS, GROUPE ADP, and RATP GROUP
Airbus, Groupe ADP and the RATP Group, along with the Paris Ile-de-France region and the French civil aviation authority (DGAC), have announced the launch of a feasibility study to demonstrate an urban system of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This collaboration, encompassing all components of land and air mobility, marks the creation of a team of recognized experts to develop not only French technology, but also a model for urban mobility, associated services and export potential. The goal is to integrate the entire value chain: design and production; maintenance; flight operations; low-altitude air traffic management; urban integration and planning; infrastructure, both physical and digital; and passenger interfaces.
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES
Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has decided to expand its existing A320neo Family order from 35 to as many as 100 NEO aircraft including 35 options. The additional firm order takes SAUDIA’s order of A320neo Family aircraft to 65 of which 15 are A321XLRs. SAUDIA is the biggest Airbus operator in the Kingdom and currently operates a portfolio of 100 Airbus aircraft comprising A320ceo Family and A330ceo. This latest purchase is in line with the Group’s Transformation Program, which includes the establishment and growth of a dual-brand strategy of operating airlines catering to the different customer segments in the Kingdom, the region and beyond.
AIRASIA UPSIZING
AirAsia will up-size its future Airbus single aisle fleet, converting 253 orders for the A320neo to the larger A321neo version. The change will enable the airline to offer higher capacity in response to ongoing strong demand across its network. AirAsia becomes the world’s largest customer for the A321neo. In total, AirAsia has placed orders for 592 A320 Family aircraft. Following the up-sizing, AirAsia’s backlog with Airbus includes 353 A321neo. To date, the airline has taken delivery of 224 A320 Family aircraft, flying out of its bases in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand.
AIRBUS AIRSEAS, KAWASAKI KAISHA, LTD
Airseas, an Airbus’ spin-off, announces a 20-year agreement with the giant shipowner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K” Line) to install and service one ship with a Seawing, an automated kite based on parafoil technology. The Seawing will be used to tow commercial ships and reduce CO2 emissions by 20% through wind propulsion. Following an initial test on one vessel, “K” Line will acquire up to 50 Seawings. Airseas launched the development of Seawing in 2016, tested its prototype at sea at the end of 2017 and will deliver its 500 square metre Seawing by the end of 2020 onto Airbus’ 150 metre long ro-ro ship operating between Saint-Nazaire, France, and Mobile, Alabama, US. Thanks to “K” Line, Airseas extends its reach even further into the merchant marine sector. The Japanese shipowner will install the first new 1,000 sqm Seawing in 2021, and this will kick-start the Airbus spin-off’s industrial ramp-up, with the final goal of reaching hundreds of deliveries per year from 2025.
IAG
International Airlines Group (IAG) selected the A321XLR to expand its fleet of highly efficient single aisles with a firm order for 14 aircraft. Of these, eight are destined for Iberia and six for Aer Lingus. IAG, the parent company of leading airlines also including British Airways, Level and Vueling, is one of Airbus’s largest customers and this agreement will take the overall order from the group to 530 aircraft. IAG airlines combined operate one of the world’s largest Airbus fleets with over 400 aircraft. The aircraft will enable Aer Lingus to launch new routes beyond the US East Coast and Canada. For Iberia, this is a new aircraft type that will enable it to operate new transatlantic destinations and increase frequencies in key markets.
DELTA AIR LINES
Delta Air Lines ordered five additional A220-100 aircraft, bringing to 95 the total number of orders placed, including both the A220-100s and A220-300s. The airline is the first to select the new increased maximum takeoff weight option for its entire fleet from 2020. Airbus announced in May that it would increase the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) for the A220 by 2,268 kg (2.3 metric tonnes). The new MTOW will increase the respective maximum range capabilities by 450nm to 3,400 nm for the A220-100 and 3,350nm for the A220-300.
ATLANTIC AIRWAYS
Atlantic Airways, the Faroe Islands flag carrier, signed a Purchase Agreement with Airbus for two A320neo aircraft, becoming the latest A320neo customer. The engine selection will be made at a later date. With this new order, Atlantic Airways intends to further develop its European network. The airline, an Airbus customer since 2008, already operates a fleet of three A320 Family aircraft.
BOEING
IAG
One of the world’s largest airline groups announced it plans to build its future fleet with the Boeing 737 MAX with an intention to purchase 200 MAX jets. International Airlines Group (IAG) and Boeing said the two companies have been in discussions regarding the opportunity and signed a letter of intent at the Paris Air Show in a deal that would be valued at more than $24 billion, per list prices. IAG is the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL that fly more than 113 million passengers a year combined. The group has been a long-time operator of Boeing twin-aisle airplanes. Earlier this year, IAG group committed to and finalized a major order for Boeing’s newest long-haul model, the 777X, to complement its fleet of current-generation 777s and new 787 Dreamliners. In the single-aisle segment, IAG and its affiliates used to operate Classic 737 aircraft. Today, its fleet is almost exclusively Airbus A320 family aircraft. IAG CEO Willie Walsh has said the group would consider the 737 MAX as part of diversifying its future fleet to spur competition.
GECAS
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) signed an agreement with Boeing at the Paris Air Show exercising 10 purchase rights to firm orders and adding 15 more purchase rights for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The 737-800BCF, which is making its air show debut at Le Bourget this week, is Boeing’s newest freighter product. The company converts Next-Generation 737 passenger airplanes into cargo jets that are capable of carrying more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and flying farther – 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km) – than previous standard-body freighters.
IAG
Boeing and International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups, signed two agreements at the Paris Air Show that will provide key services for IAG’s British Airways, including parts for the airline’s Airbus A320 family and its Boeing 777 fleet. With the first agreement, Boeing will furnish British Airways with its Component Services Program where Boeing and its partners will own, manage, and maintain a global exchange inventory of parts for the airline’s A320 and A320neo aircraft. This agreement – the first of its kind for Boeing – will open convenient access to parts for British Airways, which operates an extensive route network. British Airways has also signed an agreement for three Landing Gear Exchanges for its 777 fleet. Through the program, operators receive an overhauled and certified landing gear from an exchange pool maintained by Boeing, with stocked components and supporting parts shipping within 24 hours.
KOREAN AIR
Korean Air and Air Lease Corporation announced at the Paris Air Show the airline plans to add 30 new 787 Dreamliner airplanes to its fleet, with a commitment to purchase 10 new 787-10s and 10 additional 787-9 airplanes valued at $6.3 billion at current list prices. As part of this agreement, Korean Air will also lease 10 787-10s from ALC. The airline, one of the largest transpacific carriers in Asia with 16 non-stop routes to North America, will introduce the larger 787-10 to complement its long-haul fleet of 787-9 and 777 airplanes. This order will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized. With this order, Korea’s flag carrier will quadruple its 787 fleet to 40 airplanes as it looks to strengthen its long-haul fleet.
AIR LEASE CORP.
Boeing and Air Lease Corporation, a leading aircraft leasing company, announced a commitment during the Paris Air Show to purchase five 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $1.5 billion at list prices.
“Demand for reliable, versatile, and fuel-efficient airplanes is at an all-time high,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “These five Boeing 787-9 aircraft are required by our airline customers to satisfy strong ALC lease placements of the 787.” The 787-9, a stretch of the 787-8, can fly 296 passengers 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km) in addition to carrying more cargo and allowing airlines to profitably grow routes first opened by the 787-8. The combination of unrivaled fuel efficiency and long range has helped airlines flying the 787 family of airplanes save more than 36 billion pounds (16 billion kilograms) of fuel and open more than 235 non-stop routes.
AVIATION FORECAST
A strong commercial aviation industry, stable defense spending and the need to service all platforms throughout their life-cycle are driving a growing aerospace and defense market, according to the Boeing Market Outlook. Released at the Paris Air Show, the outlook values the aerospace and defense market at $8.7 trillion over the next decade, up from $8.1 trillion a year ago. The Boeing Market Outlook (BMO) includes a $3.1 trillion projected demand for commercial airplanes through 2028 as operators replace older jets with more capable and fuel-efficient models, and expand their fleets to accommodate the steady rise in air travel across emerging and established markets. 20-year commercial outlook projects $16 trillion market, powered by rising requirement for 44,040 new jets and related services.
Service Agreements
Boeing and International Airlines Group (IAG) signed two agreements at the Paris Air Show that will provide key services for IAG’s British Airways, including parts for the airline’s Airbus A320 family and its Boeing 777 fleet. With the first agreement, Boeing will furnish British Airways with its Component Services Program where Boeing and its partners will own, manage, and maintain a global exchange inventory of parts for the airline’s A320 and A320neo aircraft. This agreement – the first of its kind for Boeing – will open convenient access to parts for British Airways, which operates an extensive route network.
Paris Air Show | June 18, 2019–
- Thales’s latest 4K displays include the highest security level solutions enabling streaming of premium UHD content from Hollywood Studios to passenger screens.
- Thales’s solution uses Variable Bit Rates (VBR) technology with bit rates up to 40+Mbps, providing video quality 10 times better than traditional IFE systems.
- Emirates’ passengers traveling on their future 777X fleet will be first to enjoy this immersive 4K viewing experience.
Thales will be the first IFE supplier to deliver 4K screens to the full cabin and its latest technologies guarantee the best 4K inflight entertainment experience on the market. As the launch customer, Emirates’ passengers traveling on their future 777X fleet starting in 2020; will enjoy an immersive 4K viewing experience.
Powered by unmatched processing capability, Thales’s new 4K passenger GUI brings an impressive cinematic intensity on every screen.
Thales’s solution complies with the Studios highest security level standards using professional grade Digital Rights Management (DRM) and hardware level encryption within each screen. This technology combines software and hardware components representing a true forward-looking investment and opening the gateway to access premium UHD content in the cabin.
Thales has worked with Hollywood movie studios to define and implement the optimum bit rates to display 4K content in an IFE environment. The solution uses Variable Bit Rates (VBR) encoding technology with bit rates up to 40+ Megabits per second (Mbps) providing exceptional video quality that is 10 times better than traditional IFE systems and streaming platforms. With the pairing of global Ka-band connectivity and latest IFE technologies, Thales will provide a transformational experience for passengers wherever they fly.
New service creates easy access to destinations south of the border
Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota | December 17, 2018–Beginning June 8, 2019, subject to government approval, Delta Air Lines will offer direct service between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Mexico City, Mexico.
The oldest capital city in the Americas, Mexico City also is the most populous city in North America, with nearly 9 million residents in the city proper and more than 21 million in the metropolitan area. The city stands out as a key financial center, with a larger economy than many entire nations in Latin America.
“Mexico City is just the latest in a growing string of international destinations to which we’ve landed air service with the help of GREATER MSP and the MSP Regional Air Service Partnership,” said Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Executive Director and CEO Brian Ryks, noting recent airline announcements for service to Seoul, South Korea and Dublin, Ireland. “Mexico City is the most popular destination in Latin America lacking direct air service from MSP International Airport. On average, 700 people a day travel from MSP to Mexico. This new service and the connections from Mexico City to destinations beyond will make travel between Minnesota and locations south of the border easier and more convenient.”
The oldest capital city in the Americas, Mexico City also is the most populous city in North America, with nearly 9 million residents in the city proper and more than 21 million in the metropolitan area. The city stands out as a key financial center, with a larger economy than many entire nations in Latin America.
“Mexico City is just the latest in a growing string of international destinations to which we’ve landed air service with the help of GREATER MSP and the MSP Regional Air Service Partnership,” said Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Executive Director and CEO Brian Ryks, noting recent airline announcements for service to Seoul, South Korea and Dublin, Ireland. “Mexico City is the most popular destination in Latin America lacking direct air service from MSP International Airport. On average, 700 people a day travel from MSP to Mexico. This new service and the connections from Mexico City to destinations beyond will make travel between Minnesota and locations south of the border easier and more convenient.”
The MSP Regional Air Service Partnership (RASP) is a collaborative air service development initiative launched in 2017 by the MAC and GREATER MSP. The RASP helps identify air service needs of businesses in the region and supports MAC efforts to engage airlines that could potentially serve those markets. The RASP is chaired by Thomson Reuters Executive Vice President-Operations Rick King and former U.S. Bank Chief Executive Officer Richard Davis.
“High-quality air service options are a top priority for businesses in our region. The addition of Delta’s non-stop service into Mexico City is another enhancement to the growing access and international reach available to our corporate community. We are excited about the decision to add Mexico City service and believe this will be a very successful route for Delta,” said Michael Langley, CEO, GREATER MSP.
Delta Air Lines will operate the Mexico City service daily using 124-seat Airbus A319 aircraft. Flight DL451 will depart MSP at 8:50 a.m. daily and arrive in Mexico City at 1:01 p.m. Delta Flight DL452 will depart Mexico City daily at 2 p.m. and arrive at MSP at 6:14 p.m.
Through Delta’s agreement with AeroMexico, from Mexico City travelers can connect to 41 other destinations in Mexico and Latin America.
MSP set a new passenger record in 2017, with more than 38 million people traveling through the nation’s 17th busiest airport. The airport is Delta Air Lines’ second largest hub, and the home base of Sun Country Airlines. Since January 2016, 11 airlines have added 52 new routes at MSP. In both 2016 and 2017, MSP was named Best Airport in North America in its size category by Airports Council International, based on traveler feedback. The airport was also named Most Efficiently Managed Airport of its size in North America for the past two years by the Air Transport Research Society.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission is a public corporation of the state of Minnesota. The MAC owns and operates seven airports in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. All together MAC airports generate nearly $17 billion a year for the area economy and support more than 87,000 jobs. The MAC is funded through rents and user fees generated from airport users, not from income or property taxes.
GREATER MSP is a private-public partnership with the mission to accelerate job growth and capital investment in the Greater MSP Region. It partners with economic development organizations throughout the region to develop strategy, brand and market the region, and serve as coordinator for business retention, expansion, and recruitment projects.
Panama City | November 20, 2018– Latin American air travel is expected to double in the next two decades thanks to anticipated growth of the region’s middle class from 350 million people to 520 million by 2037, and evolving airline business models making travel more accessible.
Passenger traffic in the region has more than doubled since 2002 and is expected to continue growing over the next two decades — increasing from 0.4 trips per capita in 2017 to nearly 0.9 trips per capita in 2037. Historically, domestic traffic was the fastest growing segment, but in 2017 intra-regional traffic grew faster. Less than half of the region’s top 20 cities are connected by one daily flight, creating a great potential for the region’s airlines to build intra-regional traffic.
According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin America and the Caribbean region will need 2,720 new passenger and freighter aircraft to meet this rising demand. Valued at US$349 billion, this forecast accounts for 2,420 small and 300 medium, large and extra-large aircraft. This implies that the region’s in-service fleet will almost double from the 1,420 aircraft in-service today to 3,200 in the next two decades. Of these aircraft, 940 will be for replacement of older-generation aircraft, 1,780 will be accounted for growth, and 480 are expected to remain in service.
“We continue to see growth in the region’s air transport sector, despite some economic challenges. With two of the world’s top 13 traffic flows expected to involve Latin America, and traffic expected to double, we are very optimistic that the region will continue to be resilient. Also, with intra and inter-continental demand rising, Latin American carriers will be in a very strong position to increase their footprint in the global long haul market segment.” said Arturo Barreira, President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, at the ALTA Airline Leaders Forum.
In 2017 Panama City joined Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Santiago and Sao Paulo in the list of aviation megacities in Latin America. By 2037 Cancun and Rio de Janeiro are expected to be added to the list. These aviation megacities will account for 150,000 long-haul passengers daily.
Airbus has sold 1,200 aircraft, has a backlog of nearly 600 and nearly 700 in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, representing a 56 percent market share of the in-service fleet. Since 1994, Airbus has secured nearly 70 percent of net orders in the region.
Luxembourg | July 17, 2018–Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite solutions, announced that it has joined the Seamless Air Alliance, a consortium dedicated to the development and promotion of standards to facilitate a better, more seamless, inflight connectivity experience for passengers.
The standards would eliminate the immense costs and hurdles commonly associated with acquisition, installation, and operation of data access infrastructure by streamlining system integration and certification, providing open specifications for interoperability. More importantly, it would empower mobile operators to extend their services into airline cabins and airline passengers to board any flight on any airline anywhere in the world and use their own devices to automatically connect to the Internet, with no complicated login process and no paywall to scramble over.
“When boarding a plane for business or leisure, passengers want fast and easy access to high-quality, reliable broadband connectivity,” said Mark Rasmussen, Vice President and General Manager, Mobility. “That is why Intelsat continues to build a strong ecosystem of partners that will leverage 3GPP standards to create a seamless, global broadband infrastructure that offers airlines and passengers a consistent, uninterrupted experience. By joining the Seamless Air Alliance, Intelsat continues to take a leading role in shaping a global network that leverages different technologies and constellations. As the exclusive channel partner for OneWeb’s mobility applications, Intelsat looks forward to collaborating with OneWeb, existing partners such as Gogo and other network operators, to develop the standards needed to provide a seamless operational and passenger experience in the skies.”
With satellite serving as the primary means to connecting aircraft, Intelsat will contribute in the integration of geostationary and low-Earth orbit satellite solutions into the hybrid network and help define standards, test equipment and develop service packages focused on the aeronautical market.
“We are very pleased to have Intelsat join and contribute its breadth of experience to creating a better passenger experience for airline customers everywhere,” said Jack Mandala, Chief Executive Officer of the Seamless Air Alliance. “Over the next 90 days our Working Groups will develop and draft deliverables that will shape the future of in-flight connectivity, and having Intelsat participate in that process is incredibly valuable.”