Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest airline, signed a MoU with Airbus for four A380s. Transaero is the launch customer for the A380 in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow. The aircraft will feature a three class cabin layout, seating ~700. Transaero has yet to announce an engine selection. [Read more...]
Another new A380 customer
October 28, 2011 By 1 Comment
Taking a bite out of Ryanair
October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
(Photo – Virginia Mayo/AP)
Earlier this week Ryanair’s CEO was his usual loquacious self. Mr O’Leary has been at this growth phase for a long time and has a successful track record to show for it. But every bubble must burst and we suspect that Mr O’Leary’s growth bubble is about to do just that. [Read more...]
KC-390 Update
October 25, 2011 By 1 Comment
This morning Embraer made an interesting announcement, “The Brazilian company AEL Sistemas, based in Porto Alegre, was selected by Embraer Defense and Security to supply three more components to the KC-390 military airlifter and tanker jet: the Self-Protection System (SPS); the Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM); and the Head-Up Display (HUD).” [Read more...]
RIP Piper Jet?
October 24, 2011 By 7 Comments
Another very light jet – the Piper Altaire – has hit financial turbulence before coming to market, and the development program has been suspended, despite the first aircraft flying and certification less than 2 years away. A single engine jet with higher speed and a larger cabin than the twin engine Eclipse or Citation Mustang, the Altair should have competed well with those two programs and with single engine Diamond D-Jet and Cirrus SF-50 Vision programs under development. [Read more...]
A350 tail assembly starts
October 24, 2011 By 1 Comment
Airbus started assembly of the first A350 XWB’s horizontal tailplane (HTP) in Getafe. The joining of the two lateral boxes will produce the 17 meter span primary structure of the HTP. Structural assembly will continue over the coming weeks, followed by the installation of the unit’s electric and hydraulic systems. Once the assembly and equipping work is finished, the HTP will be flown by Airbus’ Beluga transport aircraft to the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. [Read more...]
Rolls to Remain Involved in V2500 Program
October 19, 2011 By 4 Comments
While Pratt & Whitney last week purchased Rolls-Royce’s equity share of the V2500 program, it does not mean that Rolls-Royce is abandoning its involvement with the program.
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Even more taxes?
October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Yes its true. The Obama Administration’s proposed tripling of the passenger security tax is on the table. Will Congress go along? After all there is a real need to cut the deficit. As one can imagine this new tax is not going over well – the ATA is reacting by speaking to one and all. As ATA VP Communications Steve Lott explains, ATA is busy with an education process. He shares some simple numbers that are very interesting. Many would be surprised to find out how much of an airline ticket is taxation. And it is going to get worse. Government has learned over the years that they can keep taxing air travel and it keeps growing. But the airlines are truly burdened at this stage and consumers are running into sticker shock. [Read more...]
How come the lessors and valuation firms are warming to NEO and MAX?
October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Our conversation with Gueric Dechavanne (VP at Collateral Verifications) covers the views from leasing firms and valuation firms of the next generation of single-aisle airplanes. As re-engine programs have gained momentum, we hear fewer complaints about current fleet values. Gueric explains how he sees this change and discusses long term values. We cover a lot of the issues and dwell some on the 757. [Read more...]
