UK Ministry of Defence orders more H145 helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered a further six Airbus H145 helicopters as the next step in renewing its rotary fleet and cutting the number of different types in service.

The new aircraft will be deployed to Cyprus primarily for emergency response duties and to Brunei to support UK military training in jungle warfare and will replace Airbus Pumas currently performing those roles.

Airbus Helicopters in the UK Managing Director Lenny Brown said: “We congratulate the MoD on this smart acquisition which simultaneously provides the right-sized helicopter for the Cyprus and Brunei requirements, represents excellent value for the UK taxpayer, and is another key step in the rationalisation of types in the transport helicopter fleet.”

“The H145 Jupiter, and its sister H135 Juno, continue to demonstrate exceptional reliability and versatility in the training role in the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) and will bring these crucial attributes to their new tasks.”

The new helicopters will be delivered next year and will serve in parallel with 29 H135s and seven H145s in the Defence Helicopter Flying School which trains all UK military pilots as part of MFTS at RAF Shawbury. The enlarged H145 fleet brings economies of support costs and substantially reduces pilot conversion training time.

The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Worldwide there are more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, with a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors.

The Helionix avionics generate significant savings in pilot training due to commonality between different Airbus types including the H135 and H175M.

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Delivery of a new Airbus A320neo for SAS

Aviation Capital Group LLC, the premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the tenth aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs

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Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, taking its total H225 fleet up to 18. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 for its growing fleet. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“The Japan Coast Guard has been an active operator of the Super Puma family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support to their fleet,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We believe the H225 is the perfect choice for JCG’s critical missions for law enforcement, as well as coastal and island protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. We are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”

Airbus shareholders approve all resolutions at 2024 AGM

Airbus SE shareholders approved all resolutions at the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 10 April in Amsterdam.

Resolutions included the renewal of the three-year Board mandate of Chairman René Obermann and those of fellow non-executive directors Victor Chu, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu and Amparo Moraleda. Mr. Obermann was formally reappointed Chairman of the Board at a Board meeting held after the AGM.

Dr. Feiyu Xu was appointed as a non-executive director following approval at the shareholder meeting. She replaces Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., who resigned with effect of the date of the AGM having served on the Board since 2013. Dr. Xu was appointed for a term of two years, corresponding to the remainder of Mr. Crosby’s mandate.

Spirit Airlines to hold off on Airbus deliveries as cash becomes tight.....

Low-cost air carrier Spirit Airlines said yesterday morning that it will defer deliveries of new Airbus aircraft and furlough 260 pilots in the interest of saving cash - specifically, $340 million over the next two years, according to The New York Times.

All aircraft on order that are scheduled to be delivered in 2Q2025 through the end of 2026 will be deferred to 2030 - 2031, The Fly Report states. 

The furlough of 260 pilots starting September 1, 2024 comes as a result of the grounding of aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine availability issues, along with the 2025 and 2026 aircraft deferrals, per Spirit’s press release.

As recently announced, Spirit entered into a compensation agreement Pratt & Whitney regarding its GTF engines, which is said to improve the budget carrier's by $150 million to $200 million over the term of that agreement. Additionally, Spirit will continue to evaluate the use of its current financeable asset base to add additional liquidity over the coming months, according to the press release.

"This amendment to our agreement with Airbus is an important part of Spirit's comprehensive plan to bolster profitability and strengthen our balance sheet," said Ted Christie, Spirit's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Deferring these aircraft gives us the opportunity to reset the business and focus on the core airline while we adjust to changes in the competitive environment. In addition, enhancing our liquidity provides us additional financial stability as we position the Company for a return to profitability. We would like to thank our partners at Airbus for their continued support and commitment to the long-term success of Spirit."

Spirit also defers by two years the dates for the optional aircraft included in Spirit's purchase agreement.  Apparently, there is no change to the total number of aircraft on order or Spirit options for additional aircraft, but this may change in later announcements. 

Some commentators have placed a time limit on Spirit's survival in its current state.  There is little doubt since the JetBlue takeover was halted by authorities the budget airline's future was precarious, to say the least. It had been looking around for another suitor that isn't as big as JetBlue, but has a large enough bank balance, yet the search has not proved fruitful.  Sun Country had been offered around as a good tie-up partner, but that isn't looking promising given the current market conditions. 

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Avolon and Cebu Pacific agree sale and lease back deal on four Airbus A330neo jets....

This deal supports Cebu’s expansion and transition to a new fleet

Widebody delivery slots expected to be sold out to 2030 by year-end

 

One of the leading global aviation finance companies, Avolon confirmed this week that it has done a sale and leaseback deal with the Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific for four new Airbus A330neo aircraft.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2024 with the final delivery planned in 2026. The new aircraft will support Cebu’s expansion of its route network in Asia and the Middle East and its goal to transition to a fuel-efficient, new technology fleet with lower carbon emissions. Compared to the previous generation A330ceo, the A330neo has an increased range of range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Cebu has been an Avolon customer since 2012 and Avolon already has 11 aircraft on lease to the airline: five A320ceos, three A320neos, and three A330neos.

Avolon continues to experience strong customer demand for its aircraft and orderbook given the undersupply of new aircraft. The widebody production recovery is lagging behind narrowbodies resulting in a tighter market and longer wait times for twin-aisle aircraft. Avolon’s 2024 Outlook: New Horizons paper forecasted that the remaining delivery slots from manufacturers for widebody aircraft will be sold out to 2030 by the end of this year.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “The Cebu team is doing a fantastic job expanding the airline’s operations and we are delighted to use our balance sheet to support the addition of four new A330neos to their fleet. With the continuing recovery of air travel in Asia we look forward to further opportunities to support customers on sale and leaseback transactions, or through our order book, as the availability of widebodies out to 2030 continues to tighten.”

Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer, Cebu Pacific commented: “These new A330neos support our goal of transitioning to a more fuel-efficient fleet and will support our continued expansion of routes both in and to the Middle East. We appreciate Avolon’s continued support of our growth strategy as we further strengthen our position as one of Asia Pacific’s leading low-cost carriers.”

 

Korean Air completes order for 33 Airbus A350s

                                                        Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 Family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. 

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long haul destinations. 

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air. “We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus said: “This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products, and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”

The A350 Family is the world’s most modern widebody product line and is firmly established as the world’s long range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop. Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

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Airbus to acquire INFODAS and strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio

Airbus to acquire INFODAS and strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio

Airbus Defence and Space has entered into an agreement to acquire INFODAS, a Cologne-based, German company that provides cybersecurity and IT solutions in the public sector including for defence and critical infrastructures. The transaction is subject to the customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalised before the end of 2024.

This acquisition supports Airbus’ strategic ambition to strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio for the benefit of its European and global customers. With exponential cyber threats, along with the increasing digitalisation and connectivity of its products and systems, cybersecurity is a pivotal component of Airbus’ development. Over the last years, the group has continuously developed its cybersecurity capabilities and expertise, ensuring the best possible protection for its products, operations, customers, and ecosystem, including major programmes such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

INFODAS is a company with around 250 employees and annual revenues of about 50 million euros. Besides its headquarters in Cologne, INFODAS has additional offices in Germany in Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg, Munich and Mainz. The company has been certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) as an IT security service provider in the areas of information system auditing, consulting and penetration tests. The INFODAS’ SDoT Security Gateway product family is approved for classification levels up to secret. The products are also certified in accordance with Common Criteria and have other country-specific certificates.

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Aireon Signs Expanded Data Distribution Deal with Airbus for Space-Based ADS-B

 Aireon, the leader in space-based air traffic management data products and services, has signed an expanded distribution agreement with Airbus to enable more users access to Aireon's space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data.

Under the terms of the multi-year contract, Airbus will integrate Aireon's global ADS-B data feed into its advanced flight analytics products, as well as the advanced digital solutions that the company offers to its customers. Multi-sourced real-time flight position data is one of the pillars to provide airlines, aircraft lessors and lessees and other aviation stakeholders advanced digital solutions, which will allow them to excel in their mission. Skywise Core users can leverage these solutions covering their fleet right from their private spaces where they can include it in their custom reports and analysis supporting them in operating Airbus products more efficiently and sustainably. Securing the provision of Aireon's global ADS-B data feed confirms Airbus' commitment to its customers to provide advanced real-time solutions to boost their operations and business.

This agreement, signed today at the Airspace World exhibition in Geneva, marks the expansion of an agreement signed between the two companies in 2018. Since that time, Aireon has seen tremendous uptick in its data around the world.

"Aireon's data holds a great deal of potential for Airbus and its customer base," said Peter Cabooter, Aireon Vice President of Customer Affairs. "The power of, not only of Aireon's real-time data, but also the historical information powers valuable analytic and situational awareness tools for Airbus. We look forward to the next phase of this outstanding partnership."

HIA Milestone Delivery Report lists critical next steps for UK to be leader in global hydrogen aviation race

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance is calling for a comprehensive industrial strategy for aviation to ensure the UK is a global leader in the development of  hydrogen aviation

The report sets out how to ensure the country has the right conditions for the technological development, regulation, infrastructure, financial framework and hydrogen supply that will be needed for hydrogen aviation

HIA’s ultimate goal is to ensure hydrogen-powered flights become a reality to help preserve the huge social and economic benefits that aviation brings

The Alliance, formed of major players across the aviation, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, see hydrogen as one of the key tools for the decarbonisation of aviation, and key to creating new jobs and supporting the sector’s long term sustainable future

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance (HIA), formed of easyJet, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Ørsted, GKN Aerospace, Bristol Airport and ZeroAvia, has today released its Milestone Delivery Report – outlining the steps and timeline the UK Government and industry needs to follow to secure its position as a global leader in hydrogen-powered aviation.

The UK is home to many world-first advances in hydrogen-powered aircraft technology, from hydrogen engine testing to the first flights of hydrogen-fuelled planes – making it well placed to be a leader in hydrogen aviation. This would secure substantial economic, employment and sustainability benefits. To realise these benefits we need an industrial strategy for the sector focussed on these long term opportunities.

The UK will need to secure massive increases in hydrogen supply. This will involve the accelerated deployment of renewable and low carbon energy generation and significant investment in hydrogen infrastructure and skills.

In order to achieve this, HIA’s new Milestone Delivery Report – which has been shaped by accurate aviation demand figures and other critical industry data – outlines specific steps that need to be taken by industry, government and regulators to equip the UK with everything it needs to be a leader in the field of hydrogen-powered aviation.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet and first Chair of HIA, said:  “It’s without doubt that the UK is well placed to be a global leader in hydrogen – but the opportunity will be gone if we do not act now to build on all the great work that has already been done.

“The breakthroughs in hydrogen-powered technology happening across the UK are truly astonishing but these advances will be inconsequential if we fail to complement them with the appropriate skills, infrastructure, investment and regulation needed to support hydrogen aviation.

“HIA’s Milestone Delivery Report outlines the critical steps and the timeframe needed to do this and if followed, not only will it create significant wealth, jobs and prosperity across industry and across the UK, it will be a vital component in decarbonising the aviation sector.”

Mark Bentall, Head of Research & Technology at Airbus, said:  “Technology is already unlocking the potential of hydrogen as a new fuel and Airbus is firmly focused on getting a hydrogen powered aircraft in the air by 2035. Beyond the aircraft, we have to prepare people, policy and infrastructure to build a world-leading hydrogen aviation economy in the UK. This report gives us the blueprint for making it happen, so now is the time to follow through.”

Airbus continues to collaborate with NASA to monitor climate change from Space

GRACE-C contract for two spacecraft awarded to Airbus

NASA and DLR mission will continue measurements of Earth’s gravity field

Airbus has been awarded a contract to design and build the GRACE-C twin spacecraft by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL (Pasadena, California). This new mission of NASA and the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will strengthen the more than 20 year long partnership between the USA and Germany to ensure uninterrupted measurement of the Earth's gravity field, which started in 2002 with GRACE and continues with GRACE Follow-On, launched in 2018.

During its five year nominal mission lifetime, the GRACE-C Mission (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment-Continuity) will continue the series of measurements observing how Earth’s groundwater, oceans, ice sheets, and land shift, month-to-month, by measuring changes in the planet’s gravity field. 

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said: “It is amazing to think that, without looking down at Earth, two satellites more than 200 km away from each other, can tell us how quickly our ice sheets are melting. In environmental monitoring, continuity is key. The valuable data provided by the previous GRACE missions is testament to their success and it is great news that Airbus continues to be part of this international mission providing the tools to measure how our climate is evolving.”

GRACE-C consists of two identical satellites flying around 200 km apart at an orbit altitude of 500 km with an inclination of 89 degrees. Each satellite will measure approximately 3 x 2 x 1 metres and weigh around 600 kg. Launch is planned no earlier than late 2028 from the USA.

Corsair gets a new Airbus A330neo on lease from AerCap

Leasing giant AerCap has confirmed the delivery of the first of four new Airbus A330neo aircraft to Corsair.  The remaining three aircraft are scheduled to deliver through 2024.

"We are delighted to deliver the first of four A330neo aircraft to Corsair," said Peter Anderson, the Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. "The A330neo is one of the most desirable and in-demand aircraft in the world and will not only support Corsair's widebody fleet modernization but will bolster their sustainability commitments by reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. We wish Pascal de Izaguirre and all the team at Corsair every success and look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver."

"With the delivery of this new A330neo aircraft, Corsair is entering the second and final phase of its fleet renewal plan. By the end of 2024, we will have added a further four new A330neos to our fleet, the first of which will be deployed to service destinations in the French West Indies, commencing March 19. Subsequently, the second aircraft is scheduled to operate between France and the Ivory Coast, commencing in April. By the end of this year, all Corsair routes will be operated by A330neo aircraft. Our fleet will be among the youngest fleet in the world, lowering the impact on the environment while enhancing our customers' travel experience," said Pascal de Izaguirre, the CEO of Corsair.

Enea Fracassi, Board Member, Chief Operating Officer of Corsair International, Fleet Director, Accountable Manager said "I can only thank the Aercap team for the professionalism and support they provide. Looking forward to receiving the next ones!"

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Airbus establishes an OpenCargoLab with leading airfreight industry partners

Airbus has launched the OpenCargoLab, a collaborative initiative with leading partners from the airline, logistics and handling sectors, focusing on the entire airfreight ecosystem. The collaboration involves a team of experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel and Swissport. Together, the partners will work to drive digital, resource-saving concepts, contributing to more resilient and efficient airfreight processes.

Announced at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong taking place from 12 to 14 March, the OpenCargoLab supports Airbus’ forecast, which expects the global freight market to grow by 50% by 2042. Specifically for Asia-Pacific, the region’s continued rapid economic growth means this market remains highly promising for modern airfreight business with digital-savvy hubs. Airbus anticipates demand for around 400 widebody freighters, including new builds and conversions, in Asia-Pacific over the next 20 years. This represents more than 25% of global demand for 1,490 cargo aircraft in the above 40 tonne segment.

As part of the OpenCargoLab initiative, Airbus will also evaluate digital solutions such as augmented reality and robotics in order to optimise data connectivity in general and, for example, the transport of dangerous goods in particular.

"With the OpenCargoLab, we benefit from a holistic think tank for the dynamically growing cargo market and thus an agile environment for developing innovations connecting the airfreight market of today and tomorrow,” says Marvin Ehrmann, Head of Airbus’ OpenCargoLab. “We are very excited to have established a thought leadership platform where experienced partners can drive the airfreight sector to become even more efficient, sustainable and connected.”

In addition, the OpenCargoLab will contribute to the A350F’s further design and application development. Just two-and-a-half years after launch, the order book for this all-new, next-generation freighter stands at 50 firm orders from nine customers as Airbus steadily expands its market share in this highly competitive segment.

In order to test the findings developed at the OpenCargoLab, an innovative test field for validating these new technology concepts is currently established at Airbus’ Cargo competence site in Bremen, Germany, e.g. known for the development of the cargo loading systems or the cargo door actuation systems.  Among others, a replica of the A350F fuselage with the large cargo door included will be installed at the sites’ new Cargo Test Center by the end of 2024.

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Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D satellite shipped inside the BelugaST to its launch site

22nd Airbus-built satellite for EUTELSAT

Fourth Airbus Eurostar Neo satellite delivered

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D geostationary telecommunications satellite has been shipped from Toulouse, France to Sanford, Florida, USA, on board an Airbus BelugaST (A300-600ST). Its next step is the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, where it will be launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 later this month. With the advent of the new BelugaXL, based on the larger A330-200 platform, the A300-600 based BelugaST fleet is now fully available for outsized freight transport services globally.

EUTELSAT 36D is based on the latest generation Eurostar Neo geostationary telecommunications satellite and will provide TV broadcasting (DTH) and government services over Africa, Europe and eastern countries and has a planned lifetime of more than 15 years.

Philippe Pham, Head of Telecommunications & Navigation Systems at Airbus, said: “EUTELSAT 36D is the latest milestone of our longstanding partnership with Eutelsat stretching back more than 30 years. It is the 22nd geo satellite we have built for them and will provide extended capacity over Africa and Eurasia.”

With 70 physical Ku-band transponders, the all-electric EUTELSAT 36D will assure all the main legacy missions of EUTELSAT 36B, with enhancements to coverage and performance.

It is the fourth Eurostar Neo in orbit. Eurostar Neo satellites combine increased payload capacity and more efficient power and thermal control systems with reduced production time and optimised costs as part of a fully digitalised production process. EUTELSAT 36D combines 18 kW of electric power with a reduced launch mass of approximately five metric tonnes, enabled by Airbus’ EOR (Electric Orbit Raising) capability, reinforcing Airbus’ position as the world leader in electric propulsion.

The Eurostar Neo family of Airbus telecommunications satellites is based on a next-generation platform and technologies, developed with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), and others, including the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

This is the third time that a Beluga transport aircraft is delivering an Airbus geostationary satellite to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Previous missions include HOTBIRD 13G on 17 October 2022 and Inmarsat 6-F2 on 30 January 2023. Airbus' ability to offer an autonomous European solution is demonstrated by the transport of the Airbus satellites on the unique Beluga aircraft, a true example of pan-Airbus synergies.

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Airbus Helicopters and SKYCO Leasing sign for six H175 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters and SKYCO International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise belonging to China's Guangdong Province, have signed a contract for six H175 helicopters.

Entrusted by the Guangdong Provincial Government, SKYCO Leasing is in charge of leading the aviation industry development in the province. The versatile H175 helicopters acquired by SKYCO Leasing will be deployed by the Guangdong Government for search and rescue, emergency medical services, disaster relief and other public services missions in China.

“This cooperation goes far beyond the purchase of helicopters. It is an unmistakable sign of Guangdong Province's willingness to lead the development of the helicopter market in the southern region of China. We are proud that the Guangdong Provincial Government has chosen Airbus Helicopters to carry out this ambitious cooperation project together,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

On top of the helicopter purchase, the parties have agreed on the reinforcement of Airbus Helicopters’ footprint in China Guangdong Province and the Greater Bay Area in close collaboration with SKYCO Leasing. This includes the joint development of support and services activities and an industrial cooperation setup to lay a solid foundation for the development of general aviation by promoting the reform to open low-altitude airspace. The partnership will also explore an effective business model adapted to the Chinese aviation market that will contribute to regional economic growth.

In service since 2015, Airbus' H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search & rescue and other public services, as well as crew change and private and business aviation. The 55 H175s currently in service have accumulated more than 210,000 flight hours, of which 184,000 in the energy sector.

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EarthCARE goes west for launch..........climate monitoring satellite leaves Europe

The Airbus-built EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) spacecraft has left Munich, Germany, and is now on its way aboard an aircraft to its launch site in Vandenberg, California. EarthCARE is planned to be launched in May on a Falcon 9 rocket.

EarthCARE is the most complex Earth Explorer mission in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) FutureEO programme. This new satellite mission will quantify and reduce the uncertainty about the role that clouds and aerosols (tiny atmospheric particles) play in heating and cooling Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to our better understanding of climate change. The spacecraft was developed, built and tested with the involvement of experts from 15 European countries as well as Japan and Canada.

Marc Steckling, Head of Earth Observation, Science and Exploration at Airbus said: “As the world’s climate continues to change at a faster and faster rate, scientists need ever more sophisticated space assets to enable better analysis. EarthCARE will help fill in the gaps by providing unprecedented measurements so that meteorologists and climatologists can better understand how energy is transmitted within the atmosphere.”

A joint undertaking between ESA and the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA), EarthCARE will examine the role clouds and aerosols play in reflecting solar radiation back into space and also in trapping infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface.

CityAirbus NextGen makes its debut

                                           Airbus has presented its full electric CityAirbus NextGen prototype to the public, ahead of its maiden flight later this year. The two-tonne class CityAirbus, with a wing span of approximately 12 metres, is being developed to fly with a 80 km range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it perfectly suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions. 

The unveiling coincided with the opening of the new CityAirbus test centre in Donauwörth, which will be dedicated to testing systems for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). The centre, which is part of Airbus’ ongoing and long-term investment in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), began its operations with the CityAirbus NextGen’s power-on in December 2023 and it will be now used for the remaining tests required before the prototype’s maiden flight later in the year. These tests cover the electric motors with their eight rotors as well as the aircraft’s other systems such as flight controls and avionics.

American Airlines to retrofit Airbus jets to add more seats...

For the past decade, the A321 and A321neo aircraft have flown American’s customers across the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations. American continues to be the largest single-carrier operator in the world of A320 family aircraft.

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single-aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

The carrier will start retrofitting its A319 and A320 aircraft beginning in 2025. The retrofit will refresh the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish.

American’s A319 fleet will be outfitted with more premium seats for a total of 12 domestic first-class seats. The A320 fleet retrofits will increase the aircraft’s domestic first-class seat count to 16.

With the planned refresh of existing aircraft and the expected deliveries of new aircraft, premium seating in American’s fleet is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2026.

Another big Airbus order from American Airlines.

American Airlines orders 85 additional A321neo aircraft

The U.S. mega carrier American Airlines, has signed a big firm order with Airbus for an additional 85 A321neo aircraft, this new order will mean the carrier has commitments for 219 of the type. 

“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernise and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “ For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 Family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

American Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 have been delivered as of January 31, 2024. The airline is the world's largest operator of A320 Family aircraft, the world’s largest A321 operator (CEO and NEO) and the largest customer for the A321neo in North America.

Volaris gets a new Airbus A321neo on lease from Aviation Capital Group

The aircraft leasing giant, Aviation Capital Group has confirmed the delivery of a new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Volaris.

The jet is powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the second of four aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between the budget carrier and ACG.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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