Air Cargo Demand Downturn Evident in Few Paris Air Show Deals, Qantas Researches Jet Lag Reduction, and More
Aviation news brief June 21
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Air Cargo Demand Downturn Evident in Few Paris Air Show Deals
Despite numerous passenger aircraft deals at the Paris Air Show, cargo aircraft sales have been scarce, reflecting a 16-month downturn in air cargo demand.
Air Algérie has made the only cargo-related deal so far, placing a firm order for eight 737-9 MAX passenger jets with Boeing, and considering conversion of two used 737-800 passenger jets into freighters. This could mark the beginning of a dedicated cargo unit for Air Algérie.
Other airlines and leasing companies have slowed capital expenditure for new cargo aircraft, resulting in fewer orders for cargo planes. source
Boom Supersonic Unveils Key Details about Overture Jet at Paris Air Show
Boom Supersonic has announced significant advancements in its Overture supersonic jet program, revealing details about the Symphony engine and its key suppliers at the 2023 Paris Air Show.
The Overture, with 130 pre-orders, is set to be compatible with sustainable aviation fuel and enter service by 2029. Suppliers include Aernnova, designing the jet's wings, Leonardo for fuselage structural components, and Aciturri for the empennage.
Key Symphony engine specs were also shared, noting its optimization for 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Initial Symphony engine units will be assembled in partnership with Florida Turbine Technologies. source
Pratt & Whitney Finalizes GTF Engine and Maintenance Deal with Croatia Airlines
Pratt & Whitney has finalized agreements with Croatia Airlines for the GTF engines that will power its fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft. The first new aircraft is expected to be delivered in Q2 2024.
The deal also includes an EngineWise Maintenance long-term agreement for engine upkeep. This is a strategic step for Croatia Airlines as it aims to modernize its fleet and decrease its environmental footprint. source
Qantas Researches Jet Lag Reduction for Upcoming 20-hour Flights
Qantas is researching methods to alleviate jet lag on its upcoming "Sunrise" flights, which will travel nonstop from New York and London to Sydney, taking almost 20 hours.
The airline trialed changes in cabin lighting, meal timings, and other in-flight amenities on three flights in 2019. It also introduced a "Wellbeing Zone" on its new Airbus A350 jets where passengers can exercise.
The planes will accommodate about 100 fewer passengers than usual. The changes resulted in less severe jet lag, improved sleep, and better cognitive performance among volunteer passengers. source
Pratt & Whitney Optimistic About Aerospace Supply Chain Amid Orders Surge
Pratt & Whitney has noted "solid progress" in the aerospace supply chain as airlines continue to place orders at the Paris Air Show.
This comes amid concerns about planemakers' abilities to meet delivery targets due to supply chain challenges, such as rising costs and parts shortages.
Recent orders from Indian airlines have added nearly 1,000 planes to the industry backlog. Pratt & Whitney has faced difficulties due to issues with its GTF engine, but the company anticipates improvements throughout the year. source
China Eastern Selects Thales and ACSS Avionics for 100 New A320neos
China Eastern Airlines has expanded its collaboration with Thales and ACSS, opting for their advanced avionics products for its 100 new A320neo aircraft. The selection includes Thales' Flight Management System, Low Range Radio Altimeter, and ACSS' T³CAS integrated surveillance solution.
This avionics package enhances flight safety, operational efficiency, and reduces operating costs and carbon footprint. Deliveries are slated between 2024 and 2027.
This move represents China Eastern's ongoing trust in Thales and ACSS, contributing to the high-quality development and recovery of Chinese civil aviation. source
ATR Bags 22 Aircraft Orders, Including All-Business Class Variant
Turboprop manufacturer ATR announced 22 firm orders for its newest aircraft, alongside two options at the Paris Air Show.
Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines placed the largest order for six ATR 72-600s. Berjaya Air, rebranding as a premium carrier, ordered two all-business ATR 72-600s with the HighLine configuration. Azul ordered three 72-600s plus two options, and 11 orders came from undisclosed clients. ATR aims to deliver 40 aircraft by year's end. source
Asian Airlines Face Slow Rebound, Intensified Competition
Global airlines foresee an extended timeline for full recovery from the pandemic, with some, especially in Asia, predicting a return to pre-pandemic capacity only in 2024 or later.
Staffing shortages have contributed to this, with airlines struggling to rehire fast enough to meet the sudden surge in demand. Domestic flights are rebounding faster globally, adding challenges for airlines relying heavily on international traffic.
Carriers like Singapore Airlines face specific issues, including a reduced fleet and slow reopening from China. While a prolonged recovery is not necessarily problematic, competition in the region is set to intensify with record aircraft orders from India's top airlines. source
Embraer Scores New E-Jet Orders from American Airlines and Binter
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has secured new orders from American Airlines and Spanish carrier Binter for its E-Jets, estimated at around $1 billion.
Binter ordered six E195-E2 aircraft, set to expand its fleet to 16 upon delivery, while American Airlines placed an order for seven E175 planes for its Envoy Air subsidiary. Leasing company Avolon also signed a sale and leaseback agreement with Porter for 10 new E195-E2s.
Despite the new deals, Embraer's shares slipped more than 4% as analysts had anticipated more orders. source
Unprecedented Plane Orders Raise Stakes in India's Growing Aviation Market
India's leading airlines, IndiGo and Air India, have placed record-breaking orders for nearly 1,000 new jets, indicating their confidence in India's aviation growth.
This development aligns with projections of domestic air passengers in India reaching 350 million by 2030, up from 144 million in 2019.
The surge is largely attributed to an economic boom and growing middle class, potentially positioning India as a significant aviation market.
However, there are concerns over regulatory challenges following the failure of several airlines, and fears of over-saturation, as many airlines compete for the same customer base. source
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