Tag Archives: Airbus

Emirates, Airbus, and IATA partner on CBTA initiative

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have collaborated to develop a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares to receive its fleet of 65 A350s starting mid-2024. The initial cohort of 256 pilots will begin training at Emirates’ Training college in Dubai from July 2024.
The joint effort combines the expertise of the three organisations:
• IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA.
• Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft and its own CBTA experience.
• Emirates will utilise its CBTA training and operational experience.

This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training fully aligned with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training.

Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety, and Security, emphasised that the joint effort aims to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible. By working together, the three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities.

Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, highlighted that Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs to ensure its pilots are among the most competent in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting Emirates’ unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.

Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, noted that the A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft that requires advanced training solutions. The partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide.

Saudia Group signs largest aviation deal for the Kingdom with Airbus

Saudi Group has signed the largest aircraft deal in Saudi aviation history with Airbus during the first day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

This landmark agreement encompasses 105 confirmed aircraft and marks a significant moment not only for the Saudi aviation industry, but also for the wider MENA region. The ceremony, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, country ambassadors, and key figures from the global aviation sector, as well as a multitude of media representatives and industry experts specializing in travel, aviation, and transportation.

The deal, signed by H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, includes A320neo and A321neo models. These aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft.

The new aircraft directly support Saudia Group’s objectives to connect the world with the Kingdom, aligning with several key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and logistics objective to increase guests’ capacity to 330 million and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism objective to attract 150 million visits by 2030. This is in addition to the Hajj and Umrah objective to contribute to the increase of Umrah pilgrim capacity to 30 million by 2030.

These modern aircraft boast a spacious cabin with a stylish interior design. They’re equipped with the latest amenities and technology, ensuring a truly differentiated travel experience that prioritizes Saudia guests’ comfort and privacy whilst delivering an exceptional service. Furthermore, the A320 family aircraft are fuel efficient as it emits 20% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compare to previous generation aircraft.

To ensure the new aircraft are always in top condition, Saudia Technic, the group’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) arm, will provide comprehensive maintenance services. This will prove even more crucial with the upcoming completion of the MRO Village at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, significantly increasing the company’s service capacity.

H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said, “The aviation sector is grateful for the tremendous support provided by the country’s leadership. This agreement is one of the enablers of achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It will contribute to enhancing the operational performance of Saudia, increasing flights and seat capacity, and launching new destinations. Furthermore, it aims to connect the world to the Kingdom in line with the significant transformation witnessed by the aviation sector under Saudi Vision 2030, while also reaffirming our commitment to providing the best services that enhance the travel experience.”

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan. It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”

The ceremony marked a new chapter for Saudia, unveiling their largest investment ever in guest experience. This includes a first-of-its-kind AI-powered “Travel Companion”, to support guests through trip planning to after sales support. Business class cabins will be transformed into luxurious, privacy-focused suites that convert into flat beds, progressively rolling out across both existing and new fleets. Guests can also stay connected with high speed in-flight connectivity and enjoy unparalleled entertainment with the highest-definition screens soon to be on board.

 

IndiGo considers Widebody Aircraft purchase

 

IndiGo is reportedly exploring the acquisition of widebody aircraft, as per sources familiar with the matter. This potential move aims to expand Asia’s largest budget carrier’s international reach and heighten competition with Air India Ltd.

While IndiGo is evaluating various options, insiders suggest that the airline is leaning towards placing an order for approximately 30 Airbus SE A350s. However, no final decision has been made yet, and details such as the timing and quantity of the aircraft order remain subject to change.

IndiGo has previously contemplated entering the long-haul market to cater to the increasing number of affluent Indian travelers venturing to destinations like the UK and Europe. Currently, the low-cost carrier operates two Boeing Co. 777s leased from Turkish Airlines for flights to Istanbul, primarily maintaining a fleet dominated by single-aisle Airbus jets.

Following its monumental order of 500 A320neo family aircraft last year, IndiGo solidified its position as one of Airbus’s major clients, resulting in a backlog of approximately 1,000 aircraft. However, both IndiGo and Airbus declined to provide official comments on the matter.

Established in 2005, IndiGo presently operates over 2,000 flights daily to 118 destinations. In 2023, it joined the ranks of airlines transporting over 100 million passengers annually, with plans to double this figure by the end of the decade.

While venturing into long-haul operations presents opportunities, it also poses risks for budget airlines. Past experiences of carriers like Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, AirAsia X, and WOW Air struggling to sustain long-haul operations underscore the challenges associated with this segment.

ATR eyes India as its leading market in the next decade

Jean-Pierre Clercin, the Head of Commercial for Asia Pacific at ATR, shared the company’s expectation that India will emerge as its leading market in the next 10 years. ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, has witnessed a significant surge in demand for its aircraft in India, coinciding with the country’s 6% growth in tourist arrivals in 2023.

India currently hosts 67 operational ATR planes, with major carriers such as IndiGo, Alliance Air, and Fly91 utilizing these aircraft for regional travel, linking smaller cities and towns. Renowned for their seating capacities ranging from 70 to 80 and a range of 1,500 km, ATR planes have played a crucial role in meeting the rising demand for regional air travel in India.

Clercin emphasized that the average age of ATR planes in India is the lowest globally, underscoring the strategic significance of the Indian market for the aviation industry. With India currently ranking among the top three countries globally in terms of the number of ATR aircraft, Clercin expressed confidence that India would secure the top position within the next decade, surpassing countries such as Indonesia and Brazil.

Addressing the potential demand for turboprop planes in India over the next 10-20 years, Clercin estimated a range of 50 to 150 planes based on official estimates. However, he hinted that the actual demand might surpass these projections, emphasising the growing need for enhanced connectivity in secondary cities.

While discussions about additional orders with IndiGo were not confirmed, Clercin underscored the pivotal role of expanding connectivity in regional areas. This aligns with the government’s focus on enhancing regional connectivity under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Manta Air to launch Dhaalu Airport-Bengaluru flights on March 1; to induct two A321

Maldives’ Manta Air is gearing up to launch its commercial operations into to Bengaluru starting March 1. The airline recently conducted a non-commercial flight from Bengaluru to Dhaalu Airport in the Maldives, signaling its foray into the international market. Despite diplomatic tensions between the Maldives and India, Manta Air’s executives remain optimistic about the upcoming venture.

The airline’s 3.5-hour flight aims to establish direct connectivity to Dhaalu Atoll, a region in the Maldives that has faced logistical challenges for tourists. Limited seaplane frequency and a lack of awareness about the area have hindered travel. With the ongoing expansion of Dhaalu Airport, Manta Air aims to draw more tourists to this previously inaccessible destination.

Bookings for the airline’s first commercial flight on March 1 are already open, and the initial response has been positive. Manta Air plans to utilise its 64-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft with dual configuration, offering both premium and economy class seats. Furthermore, the airline has ambitious plans to expand its operations to other Indian cities, including Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, and Delhi in the near future.

To support this expansion, Manta Air will be adding two Airbus A321s to its existing fleet and investing USD 20 million in the expansion of Dhaalu Airport. The airport’s enhancements include a 30% increase in both arrival and departure sides, along with an extended runway to accommodate larger aircraft by December 2025.

Despite diplomatic challenges, Manta Air remains positive about the potential for travel demand, especially from India to the Maldives, particularly in the honeymoon and family market segments. The post-pandemic surge in travel demand in the Maldives is a driving force behind the airline’s strategic expansion. Manta Air anticipates the involvement of other international carriers, with discussions underway with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) and a potential partnership with Indigo to meet broader demand from various parts of India. The executives believe that the diplomatic tensions will not have a long-term impact on travel and view the Maldives and Lakshadweep as complementary destinations rather than competitors.

Airbus targets 800 aircraft deliveries in 2024 amid supply chain concerns

 

Airbus aims to deliver more aircraft to customers in 2024, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. The company reported healthy results for its commercial aircraft business and set a target of 800 commercial aircraft deliveries, which is 65 more than in 2023.

Guillaume Faury, CEO, noted that this achievement was significant given the complex operating environment, which includes supply chain issues and geopolitical conflicts. Airbus’s fortunes contrast with those of U.S. rival Boeing, which is facing manufacturing quality control concerns. Faury indicated that Airbus would not see any short-term bump from airlines switching suppliers, as it already has a substantial order backlog for its A320 narrow-body jets.

Openings for new airplane orders will not be available until the next decade, according to Faury, which would primarily impact the long-term competitive positioning of the two companies rather than the short term.

Airbus reported a 4% increase in adjusted earnings before interest and tax, reaching USD 6.2 billion, for its latest annual earnings report. Revenue also climbed by 11% during the same period. The company announced plans to pay shareholders a special dividend on top of the regular dividend, reflecting growth prospects and a strong balance sheet, including a cash pile that rose by 14% to EUR 10.7 billion.