920 New Aircraft Needed, Business Class Bookings a Trend, and More
Aviation news brief for 27th Feb, 2023
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Here are the exciting aviation industry updates for today. Let’s get started.
Airbus forecasts 920 new aircraft needed in the Pacific region over the next 20 years
Airbus has released a report predicting that airlines in the Pacific region will require the delivery of 920 new aircraft over the next two decades, based on anticipated passenger traffic growth of 3.2% per year.
The demand will be for around 750 single-aisle aircraft and 170 widebodies, with 55% of demand for growth and 45% for the replacement of existing planes.
The Pacific region is a key market for Airbus, with 170 of its aircraft currently in service and 166 orders for future delivery. Read more
From C-suite to juniors: Business Class bookings now a trend among South African firms
Business travel in South Africa is enjoying a post-pandemic boom, with corporate travel surpassing pre-COVID levels. Notably, many businesses now opt for the added luxury of business-class bookings for their employees.
The shift in preference towards business class reflects a desire for increased comfort and productivity during transit, especially as travel has become more intentional and selective.
While some may assume that this preference is only for the highest-level executives, a greater number of employees including juniors are now being treated to business-class travel as a way to promote health and wellness (pandemic effect) and to offer benefits to loyal employees. Read more
Michelin out YaShz Avia in: Sukhoi Superjet 100s to be fitted with domestically produced tires as sanctions bite
Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft will stop using Michelin tires by the end of the year due to sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia turned to YaShz Avia, its largest aircraft tire manufacturer, to produce domestically-made aircraft tires as a replacement.
The initial deadline for the first deliveries of these tires to Russian airlines was set for March 2023 but has been delayed until the end of the year due to a fire at YaShZ Avia's production site in Barnual. Read more
Qantas unveils multi-million dollar plan to enhance lounges worldwide
Australian airline Qantas has announced it will spend AUD100m upgrading its global lounge network.
It includes a new first-class lounge at London's Heathrow Airport, redevelopments of business-class lounges at Melbourne and Sydney International Airports, and a refreshed Hong Kong International Lounge.
The airline aims to "significantly enhance" its network of lounges to provide customers with "a new level of luxury" at key destinations. CEO Alan Joyce said the investment was made possible due to increasing domestic operational profits. Read more
Changi Airport teams up with Aurrigo to test autonomous baggage transport vehicles
Aurrigo International has teamed up with Changi Airport Group to develop electric autonomous baggage transport vehicles and software for airport simulation.
The partnership will enable Aurrigo's autonomous solutions to advance and provide demonstrations to other airports and stakeholders. Trials have moved into the second phase, testing the Auto-Dolly's safe operation at the aircraft stand.
The autonomous vehicle has a small footprint and tight turning radius, allowing it to transfer a unit load device directly to and from the skyloader equipment that loads the plane, eliminating the need for additional equipment and further reducing manpower and equipment. Read more
Qantas may not reactivate the entire A380 fleet until 2025 due to MRO constraints
Qantas has said that the return of its Airbus A380s is being delayed due to constraints with its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
As a result, the Australian flag carrier's entire A380 fleet may not return until early 2025, two years later than previously projected. The airline had projected that its entire A380 fleet would return by the end of this year.
Qantas has moved nine A380s from storage, but only six are currently in active service, as there is limited availability at dedicated maintenance facilities due to a sudden surge of airlines reactivating the superjumbos. Read more
From carbon to flight: the incredible potential of 'power to liquid' technology
Major airlines have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach this goal, researchers are exploring alternative carbon sources for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including algae, yard trimmings, and food waste.
The most promising potential source is the air we breathe, full of carbon dioxide. A process called "power to liquid" uses enormous fans to extract carbon from the CO2 molecule and combine it with hydrogen produced from water electrolysis. The result is a hydrocarbon that can power airplanes.
Although the cost of producing such fuel is high due to the need for clean energy, it could become cheaper than most SAF made from biomass by 2035. Read more
Air Transport Services Group reports strong 2022 revenues, but a cautious outlook for 2023
Aircraft lessor, Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), reported record revenues of $2bn for 2022, an 18% YoY increase.
But the company also predicts a decline in operating block hours in 2023, particularly in the first six months. The company plans to expand internationally to offset US demand declines. Read more
Embraer brings an impressive lineup of aircraft to Australian International Airshow
Embraer is set to impress aviation enthusiasts with its display at the upcoming Australian International Airshow, which runs from February 28, 2023.
The Brazilian aerospace company will showcase an impressive lineup of its commercial aviation, business aviation, and defense and security products.
It includes the E195-E2 TechLion, the world's most efficient single-aisle aircraft, and the Phenom 300E, which has been named the world's best-selling light jet for 11 consecutive years. Read more
Pratt & Whitney supply chain challenges force IndiGo and Go First to ground 50 planes
Indian budget airlines IndiGo and Go First have been forced to ground nearly 50 planes due to supply chain issues with Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, according to an official statement from the US-based aerospace manufacturer.
P&W cited global supply chain challenges limiting the availability of structural castings and other parts, which have affected its supply chain globally.
India's largest airline, IndiGo, has the maximum number of aircraft engines that need to be replaced, with approximately 30 planes grounded while awaiting engine replacement. Go First has not issued a statement on the grounding of its fleet. Read more
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