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FIA2022

FIA2022: Vietjet to operate more Rolls-Royce Trent-700 powered A330s

By Featured, FIA2022

Vietjet and Rolls-Royce have signed a US$400-million deal contract to provide the Trent 700 engines and TotalCare®, Rolls-Royce’s technical and maintenance engine services, to power up to 10 A330 aircraft. The airline currently has two A330s in its fleet, putting its first into commercial service back in 2021.

The Trent 700 is the engine specifically designed for this A330 aircraft and is widely recognized for its outstanding efficiency and reliability. With more than 65 million hours in service, the Trent 700 offers airlines world-class reliability, with a 99.9% dispatch rate. The engine will be optimized with TotalCare services, providing enhanced aircraft availability and operational certainty for the entire A330 fleet.

Ewen McDonald, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, Chief Customer Officer, said: “We are delighted to execute this service agreement with Vietjet as the airline begins operating widebody aircraft and expands its network into long-haul operations. We look forward to supporting their Trent 700 fleet for many years.”

Vietjet Managing Director Dinh Viet Phuong said: “The Trent 700 engines supported by TotalCare services will bring technology breakthrough to Vietjet’s fleet, helping improve flight’s range and quality and thereby increasing our aircraft’s technical reliability and operational efficiency. We hope this partnership with Rolls-Royce will also boost trade promotion among the countries while making intercontinental travels more convenient and economical in the future”.

July 22, 2022

FIA2022: Collins Aerospace produces 500KW motor for HAV Airlander 10 aircraft

By Featured, FIA2022

Collins Aerospace has produced the first working prototype of its 500 kilowatt electric motor suitable for the Airlander 10 aircraft.

The supplier is designing the motor at its Electronic Controls and Motor Systems Center of Excellence in Solihull, UK, where it’s also developing its 1 megawatt electric motor and motor controller for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator. The two motors are part of Collins’ technology roadmap for the development of a family of electric motors that can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of various hybrid-electric and all-electric applications across multiple aircraft segments.

“With a goal of becoming the world’s first zero-emission aircraft, Airlander 10 is blazing a trail in the development of sustainable electric propulsion systems,” said Marc Holme, senior director, Electronic Controls and Motor Systems for Collins Aerospace.

“Collins is working closely with Hybrid Air Vehicles and the University of Nottingham to turn this goal into a reality, while at the same time developing new technologies that will advance the aviation industry’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

“The development of electric motors for Airlander 10, with Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham, is a crucial part of our pathway towards a future of passenger and freight transport that produces zero emissions,” said Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles. “It is great to see the programme develop with the different organisations working in unison to deliver the right electric motor for the job.”

Airlander 10 is scheduled to begin hybrid-electric operation in 2026, followed by all-electric, zero-emission operation in 2030.

 

 

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: LATAM Airlines reinforces fleet with additional order for 17 A321neo, endorses A321XLR

By Featured, FIA2022

LATAM Airlines has ordered 17 A321neo aircraft to further expand their route offering, bringing the airline’s total A320neo order book aircraft to 100. Additionally, the airline has also confirmed to bring in the A321XLR to complement their long haul operations.

“We applaud LATAM’s strategic vision and sustainability ambition. This order for the A321neo on the heels of its restructuring is a strong sign for the value Airbus brings to making this vision and ambition a reality. The A321XLR will enable the opening of new routes and will allow LATAM to increase its international reach in the region” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.By the end of June 2022, the A320neo Family had won more than 8,100 orders from over 130 customers, of which nearly 550 have been for the A321XLR. Since its Entry into Service six years ago, Airbus has delivered over 2,300 A320neo Family aircraft, contributing to a 15-million-ton decrease in CO2 production.

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: MHIRJ announces Authorized Service Facility Agreement with Air Nostrum

By Featured, FIA2022

Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance and MHIRJ have signed an agreement appointing the former as a MHIRJ Authorized Service Facility in Europe. The agreement expands MHIRJ’s existing ASF support structure, adding diversity, additional capacity, and meet growing demands of the market.

Hiro Yamamoto, President and CEO of MHIRJ, commented “We are extremely proud to announce this agreement with Air Nostrum which will benefit customers in the European region, allowing them to access strong MRO support close to home. Reliability has always been the CRJ Series fleet’s strong suit; this agreement maintains that reliability and ensures an even stronger commitment to our customers.”

“ANEM brings a versatile set of capabilities that substantially enhances the CRJ Series MRO support for our European and International customers. As the maintenance arm of the largest CRJ Series carrier in Europe; our strategic collaboration with ANEM favorably positions us to collectively grow and expand support outside of North America,” commented Ismail Mokabel, Senior Vice-President and Head of Aftermarket at MHIRJ.

Amel Belkhamsa, Head of Aftermarket Commercial Services and Spare Parts Operations at MHIRJ, added “This is the first step in broadening our relationship with Air Nostrum to provide support to MHIRJ’s customers outside of North America. We wanted to find an MRO with a large range of capabilities to open the door to even more potential future collaboration, such as in the areas of material support and field response services, to ensure that all our international customers receive the best support available.”

Miguel Falcon, Vice Chairman of Air Nostrum and ANEM, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our cooperation with MHIRJ via this ASF agreement as its next Authorized MRO. We have 24 years of experience with the CRJ Series and have provided exceptional reliability for our customers, and this is due largely to the great relationship that we have with MHIRJ.”

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: ZeroAvia secures $30million in funding from big-name investors

By Featured, FIA2022, Sustainability

ZeroAvia has announced that it has USD$30 million in funding from new investors: Barclays, NEOM, and AENU, with International Airlines Group adding to prior investment from the Group, bringing the Series B round to $68million.

With major airlines – United Airlines and Alaska Airlines – already counted as strategic investors, this new batch of investment will further advance ZeroAvia’s 2-5MW hydrogen-electric powertrain development programme. Aiming to power 40-80 seat aircraft with zero-emission engines by 2026.

Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO, ZeroAvia said: “Each of these star investors brings a unique perspective and strength to ZeroAvia’s wider team – from one of the world’s biggest airline groups, one of the largest and most historic banks, to the ambitious project to build the world’s first zero-carbon metropolis, as well as a pure-play impact investor. Our new investors are each looking at our journey through a different lens, but all energized by our mission to enable zero-emission flight using hydrogen-electric engines. This is a great recognition of ZeroAvia’s leadership in the space, fueled by real, tangible achievements.”

Steven Poulter, Head of Principal Structuring and Investments at Barclays said: “The aviation industry will require significant and recurring investment in the years ahead to ensure its technological evolution can keep pace with global decarbonisation targets. ZeroAvia is an innovative, industry-leading aviation business – we are delighted to support its ambition towards zero-emission flight, and look forward to seeing them accelerate change in the sector.”

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: ATR finalises sale of ATR 72-600 to Afrijet

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

Afrijet is set to add another ATR 72-600 to its fleet, as ATR finalises the sale of another aircraft to be delivered at the end of the year. This order will bring the Central African airline’s fleet size to six ATR 72-600 by 2023.

The airline initially started with pre-owned ATRs and started to lease the type in 2020. Utilising these aircraft, Afrijet can benefit from the regional turboprop manufacturer’s effectiveness in growing regional networks.

Afrijet CEO, Marc Gaffajoli, says: “Regional connectivity has a significant impact on local economies and community integration. To be effective in Africa an aircraft has to be cost-efficient, reliable and versatile. Moreover, the unique terrain in which Afrijet operates, comprising of the Congo rainforest – the world’s second largest tropical forest after the Amazon – makes an even stronger reason to select the most responsible aircraft on the market for such essential connections.”

Fabrice Vautier, ATR Senior Vice President Commercial, says:  “Most traffic in Africa is concentrated on a few well served routes and there is a real need to connect secondary cities. Afrijet is able to do just that, providing a reliable and comfortable service to local communities.  Accelerating the transition of its fleet to purchase the latest generation of ATR aircraft, is a clear demonstration of Afrijet’s strong business strategy and commitment to sustainable aviation”.

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: easyJet confirms order for 56 A320neo aircraft

By Featured, FIA2022

easyJet has confirmed a firm order for 56 A320neo Family aircraft following shareholder approval. The order is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and up-gauging, cost and sustainability enhancements to the business. The agreement includes an upsizing of 18 A320neo to the larger A321neo model.

Part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and sustainability enhancements to the business, this confirmed order for 56 A320neo Family aircraft also includes an upsizing of 18 A320neo to the larger A321neo model.

The low-fare carrier is the world’s largest operator of Airbus single aisle aircraft. operates a fleet of 300 A320 aircraft, which includes the A319, A320eco, A320neo, and A321neo. The A320neo Family includes the latest technologies which delivers at least a 20% fuel saving, and continues to be the most popular single aisle aircraft on the market with more than 8,100 orders from over 138 countries.

Kenton Jarvis, CFO for easyJet, said: “We believe this order will support positive returns for the business and the delivery of our strategic objectives. The new aircraft are aligned with easyJet‘s sustainability strategy, with the adoption of the more efficient new technology aircraft being a core component of easyJet‘s path to net zero emissions. Alongside this, the new aircraft are significantly quieter, with half the noise footprint of the older aircraft they are replacing.”“easyJet has democratised flying for millions of travellers and we are delighted this latest agreement for 56 A320neo Family aircraft not only future proofs its growth as traffic rebounds, but also lays the foundations for its sustainability journey”, said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

July 21, 2022

FIA2022: Aviation Australia to deploy L3Harris’ Virtual Reality Solution to train maintenance crews

By Featured, FIA2022, Training and Simulation

Positions Aviation Australia has become the first customer for L3Harris’ Virtual Reality Maintenance Trainer. The company signed an MoU to integrate the trainer into its aircraft technician training programmes.

As a result of this integration, Aviation Australia will be able to deliver more flexible training to students from any location, as long as they have a computer and internet access. Training will not be disrupted – a huge win for the aviation industry massively affected by the pandemic shutdowns.

The VRMT delivers self-paced training simulation outside of a classroom environment. For example, it simulates the experience of maintaining fully-functional flight decks, and allows students to virtually navigate equipment bays, view and remove components and practical troubleshooting in real time.

“Aviation Australia will be able to deliver the newest-generation training expertise to their students anywhere in the world,” said Alan Crawford, President, L3Harris Commercial Aviation. “The flexibility offered by the web-based VRMT enhances the quality and attractiveness of their already prestigious training program.”

“We are delighted to work with L3Harris. This new technology will offer our students best-in-class training in a more flexible and accessible environment,” said William Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia.

July 20, 2022

FIA2022: Deutsche Aircraft selects Aciturri as reference supplier for the D328eco

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

Deutsche Aircraft and Aciturri announced the appointment of Aciturri Aerostructures as a reference supplier for selected composite technologies for the D328eco aircraft. The contract stipulates that Aciturri will manufacture the fairings, landing gear doors and flight control movables, using composite and metallic technologies. Aciturri will also ensure the assembly of the components for integration on the final assembly line.

Both companies are working closely together, and the first prototype of the aircraft is aiming to be delivered in 2024, with subsequent prototypes planned for 2025. Aciturri’s expertise and experience as a TIER1 aerostructures manufacturer is an important part in the development of the D328eco regional and special mission turboprop aircraft.

Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft says: “Aciturri’s existing engineering and sustainability capabilities fully allow Deutsche Aircraft to meet time-to-market objectives of the D328eco. We take pride in sharing the same vision on sustainability in our industry and are leading the way today to further develop innovative concepts.”

Álvaro Fernández Baragaño, CEO of Aciturri says: “Participating in the D328eco project is an excellent opportunity to bring our technological and industrial experience and capabilities to the development of a modern and sustainable aircraft. I am confident that this is just the first step on a long road of common collaboration of Deutsche Aircraft and Aciturri.”

July 20, 2022

FIA2022: Emerald Airlines signs Global Maintenance Agreement with ATR

By Featured, FIA2022, Regional Turboprops

New Irish regional carrier Emerald Airlines and ATR, have signed an eight year Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). Through this contract, which also covers propeller availability and maintenance services for its entire ATR 72-600 fleet, the airline will benefit from the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units.

The ATR 72-600 is the backbone of the Irish regional carrier’s growing fleet, an airline which provides invaluable links for growing communities who can rely on quick and modern access to essential goods and services.

Richard Spencer, Director of Engineering and Fleet at Emerald Airlines said: “We are very pleased to have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement with our partners at ATR. Entering into an agreement and forging a close working relationship with the aircraft manufacturer, will prove to be significantly advantageous in all aspects of our airline. We will no doubt benefit from the team’s vast experience and operational support as we continue to develop Emerald’s network. We look forward to working closely with the team at ATR.”

“An aircraft is only valuable when it is flying,” said David Brigante, Senior Vice-President Customer Support and Services at ATR. “For over 20 years, ATR has been reducing operators’ maintenance costs and increasing time in the air through maintenance and repair. This contributes to making regional air transport ever more reliable, accessible and sustainable. We will be supporting Emerald Airlines at every step of its expansion plan, offering our expertise to ensure it can make the most of its ATR fleet.”

July 20, 2022