Singapore Airshow Day 1 Orders and Announcements

Boeing has commenced the Singapore Airshow with substantial orders from Thai Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines for the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. COMAC has also secured significant orders for 40 C919 and 10 ARJ21 aircraft on the inaugural day of the bi-annual Airshow. Here's the rundown of orders and announcements from Day 1 of the biennial Singapore Airshow. Thai Airways Orders 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners Thai Airways is set to modernize and expand its widebody fleet and international network with an order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This long-awaited order, finalized in December 2023, includes options for 35 aircraft and is scheduled for deliveries from 2027 to 2037. The decision to equip these aircraft with GEnx engines underscores a shift from Rolls-Royce engines and aims to align with the carrier's long-term plan. [caption id="attachment_81535" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Thai Airways Boeing 787[/caption] Insider information reveals that discussions regarding engine specifications extended to impact the selection of the aircraft model itself. Thai Airways' preference for the Boeing 787 over the A350 was partially driven by challenges related to negotiations on engine maintenance costs with Rolls-Royce. Furthermore, the shift from Rolls-Royce to GE engines underscores the significance of pricing considerations in airline procurement decisions and highlights the competitive dynamics within the aerospace engine market. Royal Brunei Airlines Orders 4 Boeing 787 Dreamliners Royal Brunei Airlines has ordered four Boeing 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet. These aircraft will complement the airline's fleet of five 787-8s, continuing its commitment to delivering innovation and excellence in passenger experience. Royal Brunei Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to operate the 787 Dreamliner over a decade ago. [caption id="attachment_81545" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing 787[/caption] The selection of the larger 787-9 variant builds upon the airline's successful history with the Dreamliner family and underscores the aircraft's versatility and performance attributes. Tibet Airlines Finalizes Order for 50 COMAC Aircraft Tibet Airlines finalized an order for 40 COMAC C919 and 10 ARJ21 jets, becoming the launch customer for a new high-altitude variant of the C919 designed for operation in challenging environments like the Tibetan Plateau. This agreement follows a cooperation agreement signed in December 2023 between Tibet Airlines and COMAC to develop a shortened C919 variant optimized for high-altitude airports. [caption id="attachment_81547" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Signing Ceremony between COMAC and Tibet Airlines. Image: Reuters[/caption] Tibet Airlines' order signifies the emergence of Chinese aircraft manufacturers in the global aviation market. The focus on developing a high-altitude variant of the C919 tailored for operation in challenging environments like the Tibetan Plateau demonstrates COMAC's commitment to addressing unique market requirements and expanding its product offerings. Additionally, the collaboration between Tibet Airlines and COMAC underscores the importance of partnerships between airlines and manufacturers in driving innovation and customizing solutions to meet specific operational needs. Airbus Increases A350F Maximum Payload Airbus has announced an increase in the maximum payload of the A350F, enhancing its cargo-carrying capacity without compromising range. This announcement comes amid growing demand for widebody cargo aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region. Airbus has already secured 50 firm orders for the A350F from nine customers globally. The enhanced cargo capacity of the A350F is well-aligned with the growing need for efficient and versatile widebody freighter aircraft, particularly in regions experiencing robust economic growth and expanding e-commerce activity. [caption id="attachment_60923" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Airbus A350F[/caption] Over the next two decades, the European manufacturer predicts that the Asia-Pacific region will account for 25% of global demand for 1,490 widebody cargo aircraft above the 40-tonne segment, whether new freighters or converted ones. Maldivian Orders 2 ATR 42 Turboprops Maldivian Aero confirmed an order for 2 ATR 42-600 aircraft, expanding its fleet to 7 ATRs. These additions will enhance connectivity in the Maldivian aviation market, offering passengers reliable, low-emission, comfortable, and affordable transportation options. The selection of ATR turboprops underscores the leading turboprop's suitability for operating in short-haul routes with limited infrastructure, leveraging their fuel efficiency and operational flexibility. [caption id="attachment_81546" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Maldivian ATR[/caption] Additionally, Maldivian Aero's continued investment in the ATR fleet highlights the aircraft's proven track record and ability to support regional airlines' growth aspirations while minimizing environmental impact. Engine Deals In addition to the above aircraft orders and announcements, Pratt & Whitney and CFM International logged engine orders at the Singapore Airshow. Pratt & Whitney has secured an order from Cebu Pacific Air to provide engines for the 10 Airbus A321XLRs, and 5 A320neos initially ordered at the 2019 Paris Air Show. CFM International (CFM) has also revealed an order from lessor CALC for LEAP-1A engines to power 20 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. This order was originally placed in 2020 and is now revealed at the Singapore Airshow.

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