Airbus has begun final assembly of the first A350-900 for Singapore Airlines at its facilities in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of 70 A350 XWBs ordered by the airline and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2016. The A350 XWB will form a major part of the future Singapore Airlines fleet and will be operated on the carrier’s medium and long-haul routes. The aircraft is now in the initial fuselage section joining phase. Following this, it will move in … [Read more...] about SIA’s first A350 XWB takes shape
Aircraft Manufacturers
IAG Cargo expands German cargo operations
IAG Cargo is boosting its German cargo capacity by 18 per cent vs. last year. The new capacity will be introduced from Düsseldorf, Hannover, Stuttgart, Berlin Tegel, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg into Barcelona and will be carried on Vueling’s narrow-body aircraft. This increase to IAG Cargo’s network in Germany means customers will benefit from 47 additional direct flights from Barcelona into key European cities. In addition, this capacity will be used to connect to Madrid … [Read more...] about IAG Cargo expands German cargo operations
Qatar Air starts A350 service to Changi
Qatar Airways, as the global launch customer for the A350 XWB, became the first airline to operate the world’s newest aircraft to Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region on Monday, with the inaugural A350 XWB service arriving in Singapore Changi Airport. Upon touching down at Singapore Changi Airport, QR944 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute, a long-held tradition to welcome special flights or planes to an airport, and an exclusive welcome ceremony. Marwan … [Read more...] about Qatar Air starts A350 service to Changi
SWISS finalises B777-300ER order
Boeing, the Lufthansa Group and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have finalised an order for three additional 777-300ER (extended Range) aircraft, valued at US$990 million at current list prices. This order, previously attributed to an unidentified customer, follows SWISS' 2013 order for six 777-300ERs, and will form the backbone of the Swiss flag-carrier's long-haul fleet renewal. "I am delighted that with the formal signing of the contract, SWISS has set a further milestone in its … [Read more...] about SWISS finalises B777-300ER order
MAS to sell long-haul jets
Malaysia Airlines is set to sell off a number of widebody aircraft as it restructures its network and fleet, news website Flightglobal reported. Malaysia's national carrier has started marketing some of its B777-200ERs and A330-200 freighters to potential purchasers, Flightglobal said, citing industry sources familiar with the matter. Reports that it is also planning to sell or lease out its six A380s have not been confirmed. … [Read more...] about MAS to sell long-haul jets
KAL-ASD to manufacture wingtips for A330neo
Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), the aerospace manufacturing division of the Korean Air Group, has been selected by Airbus to supply new Sharklet wingtip devices including a wingspan extension for the A330neo – the new variant of the A330 Family of widebody aircraft. Under the terms of the agreement, KAL-ASD will manufacture the new composite wingtip devices at its Busan facility in South Korea, and supply them to the A330 Family final assembly line in Toulouse. Inspired by the … [Read more...] about KAL-ASD to manufacture wingtips for A330neo