Author Archives: MS

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Air Canada signs firm order for 18 787-10s

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Air Canada has placed a firm order with Boeing for 18 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027. The 787-10s will be used to replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft currently in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 787-10 aircraft, which the airline says will provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand. “Air Canada has made investing in the passenger experience a core priority. Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying.


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Air France – KLM Group To Place Order For 50 Airbus A350s

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Earlier today, the Air France-KLM Group announced its intentions to purchase 50 next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft.

Adding more next-generation Airbus widebodies

The Air France-KLM Group, which includes the two flag carriers and Transavia, is renewing its widebody fleet. Just a few hours ago, the group announced it would order 50 Airbus A350s, with options for 40 more. The order would make the group the world’s largest operator of the aircraft, with several already in operation by Air France. Though the variant and airline breakdowns are unavailable, the airline group revealed the new purchase will include the -900 and -1000.

According to the group, the first deliveries are expected in 2026 and will go through 2030. The purchase has not been finalized but will include purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft that can be exercised.

Fleet renewal and sustainability were cited as the primary reasons for the new purchase, as the airline group needs to replace aging Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s. Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith said,

Smith highlighted the significance of the A350 since joining Air France’s fleet in 2019, saying its track record is excellent and the aircraft has been extremely popular among passengers and crew.


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FAA Issues Notification Over Fake CFM Engine Parts

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Various airlines have fallen victim to CFM’s dubious parts.

More airlines are coming forward to report fake parts in their CFM engines. American Airlines has become the latest casualty of the scandal surrounding AOG Technics regarding false safety documents for dubious parts fitted to engines operated on Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reiterated that the documents provided were falsified, and earlier this month, it issued an unapproved parts notification (UPN) for the parts supplied by AOG without approval. The FAA said,

“If these bushings are installed or found in existing aircraft parts inventories, the FAA recommends that they be removed and quarantined to prevent installation until a determination can be made regarding their eligibility for installation.”


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MRO Competition Intensifies In Indonesia

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Lithuanian MRO provider FL Technics is doubling its presence in Indonesia with the construction of a new MRO hub in Bali.

This will supplement FL Technics Indonesia’s existing facility in Jakarta, which achieved its Part 145 certification five years ago and offers heavy checks as well as other maintenance services for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft from a 15,000 ft.2 hangar at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The Bali facility is being constructed in partnership with PT Angkasa Pura Properti, to create a six-bay, 17,000 m2 (approximately 183,000 ft.2) facility for narrowbody aircraft.

FL Technics’ desire to expand in Indonesia is understandable given the growth prospects of the country and the wider Southeast Asia region, as well as Indonesia’s vibrant airline sector.

The country has seen some failures and restructurings in recent years, but also new entrants to fill gaps as soon as they appear.

This turbulence has been reflected in the results of FL Technics Indonesia’s listed competitor, GMF AeroAsia.

Mostly reliant on sales to flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, which entered restructuring during the pandemic, GMF suffered a huge dip in business that in 2020 pushed it into breach of certain financial covenants and forced it to request a waiver from creditors and a restructure of its bank loans.

The MRO provider has since restructured portions of its debt. In the first six months of this year its operating cash flow climbed to $6 million from negative in the prior-year period.

While sales are still below the pre-pandemic period, GMF is pursuing initiatives such as greater widebody maintenance services to take advantage of the growing air cargo market, it said. 

GMF’s main base is at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta. It comprises a 67,000 m2 (approximately 721,000 ft.2) narrowbody maintenance hangar—the largest in the world—as well as a 22,000 m2 widebody maintenance hangar, a 23,000 m2 light maintenance hangar and another 23,000 m2 hangar with Airbus A330 maintenance facilities. 


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Paris Air Show 2023: Airbus blows by Boeing on the back of IndiGo‘s order

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Airbus has finished the Paris Air Show 2023 ahead of its main competitor, Boeing, with massive orders from Indian airlines reaffirming which market is currently viewed with the most optimism. 

The European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) overshadowed Boeing during the event, which was packed with massive orders and acrobatic displays from commercial and military aircraft, as well as static displays that delighted every AvGeek. 

Paris Air Shows’ official first day, June 19, 2023, began relatively calmly, but the pace picked up very quickly, staying at a peak over the next few days. 

Airbus securing IndiGo and other crucial aircraft orders 

The first day of the event also marked an important moment in the history of the aviation industry, with India’s IndiGo breaking the record for the largest-ever aircraft order. 

The Indian low-cost carrier ordered 500 Airbus A320neo family aircraft – all firm orders without options. While the airline has still not decided on the exact mix of A320neo and A321neos, it was nevertheless important to secure delivery slots for its growth in the next decade, with delivery of the order set to take place during the 2030s. 

“An order book now of almost 1000 aircraft well into the next decade enables IndiGo to fulfil its mission to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India,” said Pieter Elbers, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo. 

Previously, Elbers had hinted that the airline was happy with its existing order book, saying that IndiGo had “a steady flow of planes coming in”. 

Notably, Air India also finalized a major order that the carrier initially announced in February 2023. The newly privatized airline group purchased 140 A320neo, 70 A321neo, 34 A350-1000, and six A350-900 aircraft. 

Other orders throughout the event included Qantas ordering nine additional A220s, Air Mauritius and Philippine Airlines adding A350s, with other low-cost carriers also growing their A320neo family aircraft backlogs. 

While it might not seem large scale, Airbus secured another important order when Avolon, an Ireland-based aircraft lessor, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 A330-900neo aircraft. Since the program’s announcement in July 2014, the European plane maker has struggled to sell the type, as evident by only 299 orders for the A330-800neo and A330-900neo, excluding two A330-900neos delivered to Air Belgium via Airbus Financial Services, as of May 31, 2023. 

As such, the 20 orders for the A330-900neo means that the 277 aircraft-strong backlog will grow by 7.2%. The A330-800neo’s backlog hasn’t increased during the event and remains at 12 aircraft, of which Airbus has already delivered seven. 

During the week overall, Airbus secured 821 orders: 500 A320neo family aircraft from IndiGo, 250 various aircraft from Air India, 30 A320neo family aircraft from flynas, 20 from Avolon (an MoU), nine A220 from Qantas, nine A350-1000 from Philippine Airlines, and three A350-900 aircraft from Air Mauritius. 

This figure does not include 25 A321neos from Volaris, as the Mexican low-cost carrier’s order was booked by the manufacturer in October 2022 and listed under an undisclosed airline at the time. 

The manufacturer’s Year-to-Date (YTD) net orders stood at 144 as of May 31, 2023, according to its own Orders & Deliveries data. The data included 50 A321neo and 23 A350-1000 orders from Qatar Airways, which were reinstated once the two sides settled their conflict in February 2023 over premature paint surface degradation of the airline’s A350s. YTD, excluding deals made during the Paris Air Show, Boeing had booked 223 orders as of May 31, 2023.


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Boeing to showcase newest 737 and 777 jets at Paris Air Show

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Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has released details of its planned aerospace and defense showcase at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

Boeing will showcase a range highly efficient commercial jets, critical defense platforms, customer-focused services and innovative autonomous technologies at the upcoming event.

Air Show overview


The 737-10, the largest member of the MAX family, will join the new 777-9 in the show’s flying display. Meanwhile, Boeing subsidiary Wisk Aero debuts its all-electric, autonomous 6th generation air taxi – which the company plans to certify for commercial passenger operations.

With a strong commitment toward a sustainable aerospace industry, Boeing will demonstrate its “Cascade” Climate Impact Model, a data-modeling tool recently made available to the public to provide actionable insights towards the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

 The company will also debut a new tool that tracks sustainable aviation fuel capacity around the world, and provide an update on delivering 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030.

Rundown of events and programs


Below are some of the events and programs Boeing will highlight during the air show.

Commercial Airplanes

The Boeing 737-10 and 777-9 will debut at Le Bourget on June 18.

The 737-10 will provide operators with more capacity, greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane.

Boeing Test and Evaluation, Boeing Flight Test, Flight Operations Multimedia, 737 MAX 10, 1G001, 001-03, Photo Flight around Mt. Rainier Washington. Photo: Boeing

The 737 MAX family has received more than 3,500 net orders, and its advanced aerodynamic design and highly-efficient engines reduce fuel use and emissions 20% and the noise footprint 50% compared to airplanes it replaces.

The 777-9, the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, is based on the most successful twin-aisle family – the 777 – with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. The 777-9 will deliver 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition.

At exhibit B337, Boeing will showcase the 777X passenger interior in an immersive display highlighting its wider cabin, spacious and flexible architecture and options designed to create an unparalleled experience.

Boeing Test and Evaluation, Boeing Flight Test, Flight Operations Multimedia, 777X, 777-9, WH001, Dubai airshow demonstration practice at KMWH, Moses Lake, WA. Photo: Boeing

So far, Boeing has booked more than 350 net orders for the 777X family, which include the 777-8 and 777-9 passenger models and the new 777-8 Freighter.

In addition to the Boeing commercial display, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, will also showcase a Boeing-owned 787-9 in its new indigo livery inspired by the colors of the sky at dusk. The airplane will be on static display throughout the week.


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Lufthansa Technik opens new engine parts repair facility in Ireland

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Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS) has opened a new Engine Parts & Accessories Repair (EPAR) facility in Shannon, Ireland, as part of its ongoing growth trajectory in the region.

The new 2,000 square meter facility increases LTTS’ total capacity for aircraft engine maintenance and repair in the area to 10,000 square meters and allows the company to expand its services to include Engine Manifolds, which distribute air or fluids for optimal engine performance.

The EPAR facility has already generated 25 new jobs, with CEO Michael Malewski citing recruitment as a priority as the company continues to diversify and grow in the post-pandemic recovery period.

“With this new facility we are diversifying our product portfolio and enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to better serve our customers’ needs,” Malewski said. “I believe we have some of the best people in the world working for us at each of our three locations, but we need even more as we experience rapid post-pandemic recovery.”

LTTS has been operating in Ireland since 1992, with over 300 employees across its operations in Shannon, Kildare, and Dublin.


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Turkish Technic provides aircraft maintenance services to Emirates Airlines

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Turkish Technic has signed a base maintenance agreement with Emirates.

Under the terms of the agreement, Turkish Technic will perform base maintenance services on five Boeing 777 of Emirates fleet. The base maintenance operation of the first Boeing 777 has already commenced at Turkish Technic’s Istanbul Ataturk Airport facilities on April 1st. The other aircraft within the scope of the agreement will undergo base maintenance operations at Istanbul Ataturk Airport facilities in the upcoming months.

Mikail Akbulut, CEO of Turkish Technic, said: ‘‘We are delighted that Emirates has entrusted us with the base maintenance operations for five of their Boeing 777 aircraft. As a leading maintenance, repair and overhaul provider of comprehensive aircraft and component services, we are committed to delivering the best-in-class MRO services for our customers. We believe this agreement marks the beginning of a long-standing partnership with Emirates.”


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Dubai Airshow set to return this November

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The Dubai Airshow will discuss synergies across key industry themes, including sustainability, space, and advanced aerial mobility, during 13-17 November

The Dubai Airshow has grown immensely in significance and influence over the years, highlighted by the success of the November 2021 edition, which saw more than USD 74 billion worth of deals announced during the mega event. It welcomed more than 104,000 attendees and witnessed a 50% increase in trade visitors, which included global senior executives from 148 countries.

The event is supported by key aviation industry stakeholders including Dubai Airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and the UAE Space Agency.

With 2023 announced by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the ‘Year of Sustainability’, the latest edition will focus on showcasing the sustainability initiatives and technologies from government entities and the wider aerospace industry, further reinforcing the UAE’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable circularity ahead of COP28 summit in Dubai. Across the country, industry players continue to invest in new projects and initiatives such as Emirates operating its first demo flight powered with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Dubai Airports implementing efficiencies and innovative solutions to limit its environmental impact. Significant growth is also expected within aerial mobility, with Dubai pledging to launch flying taxis in 2026, advancements in electric and hybrid eVTOL’s and the DCAA publishing the world’s first national regulations related to vertiports.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “Dubai remains the epicentre of confidence, innovation and growth of the global aviation sector, representing our position as a leading international aviation and aerospace hub. During The Year of Sustainability in the UAE, Dubai Airshow 2023 will bring together leading stakeholders from the aerospace and defence sectors to create pathways for sustainable industry practices, as we collectively work to create greater connectivity and efficiency.”

Dubai Airshow, in partnership with the Defense Services Marketing Council (DSMC), recently held its first Advisory Board meeting which included senior members from the entire ecosystem of aerospace, space and defence to drive the agenda of the Airshow and support the sustainable growth of the global industry. Opened by H.E. Sarah Al Amiri, the Advisory Board focused on a range of topics including the priorities of the UAE National 2023 objectives, and in particular the aviation, space and defence sectors, to continue driving the themes for this year’s Airshow forward.

Co-located with the Airshow, VISTA, a dedicated hub for global aerospace start-ups, will be returning after a successful launch in 2021, to bring in new challenges, more investors, increased mentorship opportunities and the emerging sectors that are transforming the future of the industry. Other new and expanded features at Dubai Airshow 2023 include an enhanced conference agenda that will span across key topics such as future of flight, passenger experience and the inaugural Air Worthiness and Safety Conference, an invite-only conference hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence.

At Dubai Airshow 2023, space will be amplified through initiatives including a dedicated Space experience zone, a space delegation programme, together with an enhanced 2-day content programme. This will host its biggest Space pavilion to date, where leading organisations will showcase the latest space technologies and solutions, highlighting their role in driving innovation and sustainability across the space sector.

Tim Hawes, managing director of Tarsus F&E commented: “Aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and national strategies, as well as global aerospace carbon net zero strategies and COP28 taking place in Dubai, Dubai Airshow 2023 will be underlined by innovations that bring about next-generation features, efficiencies and decarbonisation, ensuring the future of aviation, aerospace and defence is sustainable. It will highlight how technology is changing the landscape with artificial intelligence, cyber security, blockchain solutions and eVTOLs, which will have a major presence. As always, Dubai Airshow will be the perfect platform to convene the world towards a brighter future for all.”


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Leonardo receives helicopter orders from Middle East and India

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Leonardo has confirmed it sold ‘almost’ 40 helicopters during Heli-Expo 2023, including orders from the Middle East and India.

The helicopters, of various types, were sold to several operators primarily for energy support, rescue and public service duties, and VIP transport operations.

Leonardo said in a statement: “All of these orders add to preliminary sales contracts, already announced at Heli-Expo, for more than 50 AW09 next generation single engine helicopters for customers worldwide. In addition to THC’s decision to confirm intent to further expand the presence of their AW139 fleet in Saudi Arabia for SAR, EMS and corporate transport adding six helicopters plus 20 options within the next 18 months.

“Nearly 25 aircraft will carry out offshore transport missions with various operators supporting the energy industry across geographies. The AW139 global fleet grew with new orders across the Middle East – as well as Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia and Germany.”

Among operators in the Middle East placing orders for Leonardo offshore-configured helicopters was Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).  It has expanded its AW139 offshore fleet with an order for six more helicopters with deliveries expected in the 2024-2026 timeframe.

There was also a new order for one AW139 by Abu Dhabi Police in UAE.

India’s Global Vectra Helicorp placed an order for two AW169s to support transport operations in the energy industry sector. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to be completed this year, joining a fleet of AW139s.