Airlines' Growing Appetite for Jets at Paris Air Show, Boeing 777-300ER Conversion Plans Dropped, and More
Aviation news brief June 19
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Airlines' Growing Appetite for Jets Takes Centre Stage at Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show, a significant event for the aviation industry, returns amid a surge in air travel demand and airlines' growing need for new jets.
The challenge for aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus lies in increasing production to meet this demand, as slots for narrow-body jets are sold out for years.
High demand and production delays have led to a rise in lease rates for both new and older planes, with airlines exploring ways to boost flights. Experts anticipate the potential announcement of around 2,100 plane orders during the show. source
Eve, Blade to Introduce Flying Car in Europe, Starting with France
Electric aircraft producer Eve and Blade Air Mobility plan to extend their alliance to incorporate Eve's prospective flying car into Blade's European route system, initially in France.
The Brazilian Embraer-controlled Eve anticipates commercial operations of its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) in 2026.
Under the agreement, Blade will explore practical air mobility applications and potential routes across Europe. Previously, Eve and Blade agreed to deploy 200 electric aircraft in India, and have a letter of intent for US operations.
Eve holds a backlog of 2,800 orders, with backing from United Airlines and Rolls-Royce, and plans to construct its first full-scale prototype soon. source
Boeing 777-300ER Conversion Plans Dropped, 787 Program Studied
Boeing has canceled its plans to develop a 777-300ER freighter conversion due to high costs, according to Boeing Global Services CEO Stephanie Pope. This change in strategy contradicts a 2018 announcement that a conversion program was in the works. Instead, Boeing has licensed Intellectual Property to three providers.
Meanwhile, Boeing Commercial Airplanes is studying a potential 787 freighter program, including a passenger-to-freighter conversion of the 787-8 and a new-build freighter program for the 787-9.
The 787 freighter, if approved, would succeed the 767 freighter, production of which is anticipated to be prohibited by 2028 due to new emissions standards. source
KLM Proposes €6-7 Billion Investment Plan to Reduce Aircraft Noise
The KLM Group has proposed a plan to the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management aiming to surpass governmental noise reduction goals.
The plan, set to reach the night-time noise reduction target by 2024, features a three-pronged approach: investing €6-7 billion in cleaner, quieter, more efficient aircraft; implementing smarter operational procedures for quieter flight operations; and deploying quieter aircraft at night with higher airport fees for noisier ones.
The proposal promises an 18% decrease in serious night-time noise impact by 2024 and a 20% reduction in day-time noise by 2026, outperforming government-proposed reductions. source
Global Aircraft Demand Valued at $8 Trillion by 2042, Boeing Predicts
Boeing's 2023 Commercial Market Outlook projects a global demand for 42,595 new commercial jets, estimated at $8 trillion, by 2042. This reflects the aviation industry's resilience and adaptability following the pandemic.
Key trends include the Asia-Pacific region accounting for over 40% of global demand, led by China. The low-cost carriers' fleet is expected to increase to over 40% of the single-aisle fleet.
Additionally, new single-aisle aircraft will constitute over 75% of all new deliveries, and air cargo will continue to surpass global trade growth, necessitating 2,800 dedicated freighters. source
Airbus in Advanced Talks with Viva Aerobus for Major Narrowbody Aircraft Deal
Airbus is reportedly in discussions with Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus for a significant narrowbody aircraft order aimed at bolstering the airline's growth. The deal, which could exceed 100 aircraft, might be announced at the upcoming Paris Air Show.
However, final negotiations are not yet complete, and there's a chance the deal may not conclude this week. Viva Aerobus, which recently surpassed Grupo Aeromexico in domestic passenger numbers, currently operates a fleet of 70 Airbus A320 and A321 models. source
The Future of Canadian Air Travel Amid WestJet's Consolidation Moves
WestJet's decision to absorb Sunwing Airlines into its main operation may result in less choice but potentially better service for travelers, according to experts. The consolidation could lead to increased prices due to reduced competition.
However, the move may also provide customers with more diversified travel packages and a more efficient service due to the larger fleet.
Further consolidation within the Canadian airline industry is likely as carriers seek to streamline operations post-pandemic, potentially targeting other discount carriers. source
Aviation Industry's Race to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050
The aviation industry faces pressure to drastically reduce its carbon emissions by 2050, with only a small number of airlines having verifiable emission reduction goals. The upcoming COP 28 UN Climate Change Conference will highlight this issue, as current efforts fall short of temperature increase limits.
A McKinsey report suggests methods such as sustainable aviation fuel and modernized air traffic management as key to cutting carbon emissions.
Various companies are exploring different solutions, like Airbus's ZeroE plan for hydrogen-powered planes, Boeing's focus on sustainable flight demonstrators, and JetZero's blended wing body design for lower fuel burn and emissions. source
IndiGo Poised to Approve Historic $50 Billion Airbus Order
India's largest airline, IndiGo, is likely to approve an order for 500 Airbus A320 Neo family aircraft worth over $50 billion. This would be the largest order in aviation history, providing IndiGo with a steady supply of new aircraft over the next decade for its expanding fleet.
The order is expected to include 300 longer-range A321 Neo and A321 XLR aircraft, underlining the company's ambition to increase its international exposure. The final decision on the engine will be made later. source
United Airlines Selects Pratt & Whitney Engines for New Airbus Fleet
United Airlines has chosen Pratt & Whitney's GTF engines to power its newly ordered 70 Airbus A321neo and 50 A321XLR aircraft, with the first delivery expected this year.
This continues a 90-year partnership between United and Pratt & Whitney. The latter currently powers over 250 of United's aircraft, including the Airbus A320ceo family and the Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft.
The chosen GTF engines will enhance payload, range, and environmental performance of United's A321neo and A321XLR aircraft. source
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