DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Few customers For Boeing 747 Despite Upgrade

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Few customers For Boeing 747 Despite Upgrade

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Julie Johnsson and Andrea Rothman
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 4, 2014: (CHICAGO) — Boeing’s iconic 747 jumbo jet is gliding deeper into its twilight years, with a new Air Force One fleet offering the strongest sales prospect for a passenger model that no longer fits most airlines’ needs.

Even as Boeing talks with Emirates airline about an order for the upgraded 747-8, the carrier played down the chances of a deal because it’s buying 150 Boeing 777X jets. That plane will be bigger and more efficient than the current 777, a twin-engine aircraft so capable that it’s cannibalizing Boeing’s jumbo sales.

Commercial success has proved elusive for the 747-8, the latest update to an almost 50-year-old plane known for its distinctive humpbacked fuselage. While the 747-8 is a lock to win bidding that opens this year to replace the president’s fleet, waning demand for the cargo variant further imperils an assembly line that has slowed to just one or two planes a month.

‘‘Air Force One is it, unless a miracle happens in the airfreight business,’’ said Glen Langdon, president of Langdon Asset Management, a San Francisco firm that has extensive experience selling used 747s and other wide-body freighters.

Discussions with Emirates were disclosed this week by John Wojick, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Chicago-based Boeing’s commercial airplane unit, at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Doha. Emirates is the world’s largest international airline and it operates a fleet of A380s from rival Airbus Group.

Boeing is fighting to land customers, even using trade-ins of older models to seal deals. Boeing faces a ‘‘material’’ accounting loss if it can’t win sufficient 747 orders to recover the costs of development, according to a company filing. So far, Boeing has tallied just 51 sales for the passenger variant, known as the 747-8I or Intercontinental, since Deutsche Lufthansa AG placed the first order in 2006.

This year’s 747-8 order count: one. It wasn’t always so grim. Pan American World Airways announced a $525 million order for 25 of the first 747s in 1966, effectively launching a program that would go on to produce almost 1,500 planes.

But Boeing outdid itself with the 777-9X, the first twin-engine jet designed to carry a jumbo’s haul of 407 passengers. Meanwhile, a glut of the previous 747 iteration remain parked, and Boeing cut 747 production twice last year, to 18 jets a year, as the backlog dwindled.

‘‘We expect 747-8 sales to increase with the economy, and customers flying the airplane tell us they love its strong performance,’’ Randy Tinseth, a Boeing vice-president for marketing, said in an e-mail. ‘‘That’s why we continue to invest in the 747-8, to make it even better.’’

The 747-8’s likeliest sales are to the Pentagon. The Air Force is planning to upgrade the all-747 presidential aircraft fleet by 2023 and has also begun studying whether to replace the ‘‘Doomsday’’ fleet, four 747-200 jets hardened against nuclear blasts that provide a mobile military command, Charles Gulick, an Air Force spokesman, said in an e-mail.

The White House’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposes spending $1.65 billion over five years to replace its aging Air Force One fleet, which began ferrying President George H.W. Bush in August 1990.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Julie Johnsson and Andrea Rothman
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DTN News - AIRBUS AIRLINES NEWS: Singapore Airlines Firms Up Order For More A380s And A350 XWBs

DTN News - AIRBUS AIRLINES NEWS: Singapore Airlines Firms Up Order For More A380s And A350 XWBs
**Repeat order shows great endorsement of Airbus products

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Airbus

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 14, 2013: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has firmed up an order for 25 more widebody aircraft from Airbus, comprising five of the world’s most efficient, high capacity aircraft, the A380, and 20 A350-900s. The deal was completed in 2012 and follows an agreement in October 2012. 

Singapore Airlines has placed three consecutive orders for the A380, making it the second largest customer of the A380, and now has 19 aircraft in service. In the mid-size category, the new A350 XWB order sees the airline double its backlog for the all-new aircraft to 40. The A350-900s will be used by the airline on both medium and long haul routes.

“This second repeat order from one of the largest A380 operators today is a great endorsement” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “We’re also delighted that Singapore Airlines are demonstrating equal confidence in the A350. With both these aircraft, Singapore Airlines will have the most modern, most comfortable and most efficient fleet the market can offer.” 

Since 2006 the A380 is registering repeat orders by satisfied customers every year, bringing the total orderbook today to 262 from 20 customers. The A350 XWB gathered 582 orders from 34 customers.

Since first entering service with Singapore Airlines in 2007, the A380 has joined the fleets of nine world class carriers. Typically seating 525 passengers in three classes, the aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. 

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new Family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Entry into service is scheduled for 2014

AIRBUS RELATED NEWS;

THAI Smile to become first A320 commercial operator to use Airbus’ Flight Hour Services

Securing the highest service level and operations

10 JANUARY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

THAI Smile, a subsidiary of THAI Airways International Public Company Limited will become the first Airbus A320 commercial operator to benefit from Airbus’ Flight Hour Services Tailored Support Package (FHS-TSP) following a contract signed between THAI Airways International and Airbus.

The contract, which will run for 15 years, provides an extensive scope of A320 line replaceable units (LRUs) and spare parts availability, LRUs repairs, logistics services, tools availability, APU and nacelle services. An...

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Middle East Airlines firms up order for ten A320neo Family aircraft

World’s most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft continues to attract new customers

9 JANUARY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA), the flag carrier of Lebanon, has signed a firm contract for ten A320neo Family aircraft (five A321neo and five A320neo aircraft). This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding which was announced on 12th July 2012. MEA will announce its engine choice at a later date.

“Airbus’ A320neo Family is the ideal choice for an airline such as Middle East Airlines,” said MEA Chairman-Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “An aircraft offering fuel burn saving, high reliability as well as a modern and comfortable cabin is a sound investment in anyone’s...

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CIT adds ten A350 XWB aircraft to its portfolio

Repeat order from top lessor confirms strong market demand for A350 XWB

3 JANUARY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE CIT), a global leader in transportation finance has placed a firm order for 10 A350-900s. This is the second time CIT has ordered A350 XWBs and brings the lessor’s total backlog for the type to 15.

“This order for Airbus A350 XWBs will further expand our portfolio of medium-to-long haul aircraft,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Transportation Finance. “As one of the leading lessors in the world with more than 110 twin aisle aircraft currently in our portfolio and on order, CIT Aerospace maintains one of the youngest, most fuel efficient fleets in the industry....

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Avolon increases initial NEO commitment by signing firm order for 20

Becomes latest global lessor to include fuel efficient A320neo in their portfolio

10 JANUARY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Avolon, the international leasing company has confirmed an order for 20 A320neo aircraft in December 2012.  This firm order is an increase on Avolon’s initial commitment for 15 A320neo aircraft announced in July 2012 at the Farnborough International Airshow. Avolon will make its engine selection at a later date.

“Our increased commitment to the NEO reflects the strong customer feedback we have received since our original announcement for 15 NEO aircraft in July 2012. Maintaining a forward order book of...

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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Airbus
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: Airbus Showcases The A400M, A380 And A330 Freighter At Farnborough

DTN News: Airbus Showcases The A400M, A380 And A330 Freighter At Farnborough

* Full range of civil and military aircraft on display

Source: DTN News / EADS

(NSI News Source Info) BLAGNAC, France - July 6, 2010: Airbus, the world’s number one aircraft manufacturer by annual civil aircraft deliveries, will have two industry leading edge aircraft participating in flying displays at the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow (19-25th July) The world’s most modern and eco-efficient passenger aircraft in service today, the A380, will fly every day whilst the A400M will demonstrate its versatility and manoeuvrability from Monday to Thursday. Both aircraft will be on static display alongside Airbus’ newest aircraft, the A330 freighter which will enter service later this summer, and the C295 twin-turboprop military transport aircraft. On Saturday July 24th, the smallest member of the Airbus Family range, an A318 will also be on static display The Airbus Press Conference, followed by an Airbus Military briefing will take place on Monday July 19th at 11:00 in the Cody Room at the airshow Media Centre. Media are welcome to visit the EADS Press Chalet located at Row C, 24-26. Notice of any announcements during the week will be posted in the Media centre as well as the EADS Press Chalet. During the week, visitors can see Airbus’ range of aircraft products in Hall 4 (stand G12). The stand will feature a 1:20 scale cut away section model of the A350 XWB and also an A350 XWB surround vision cinema. There will also be interactive tools highlighting the entire range of Airbus products including the freighter Family. On the military side, there will be a 1:25 scale model of the world’s preferred refuelling aircraft, the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport), and an actual size A400M fuselage section with videos showing the aircraft’s operational capabilities. Furthermore, a multimedia surface demonstrates the deployment capabilities of the entire Airbus Military aircraft family, which also includes the Light an Medium C212, the CN235 and the C295. The Airbus tent next to the static displays will also host an exhibit of photographs taken by school children to highlight the United Nation’s International Year of Biodiversity, which Airbus is supporting. Information about the show will be updated daily and available on the Airbus corporate website, www.airbus.com. Contacts for the media: Stefan Schaffrath Head of Media Relations Airbus Tel.: +33 5.61 93 42 99 Fax: +33 5.61 93 38 36 Barbara Kracht Media Relations Airbus Military Airbus Military Tel.: +34 91.5 85 77 88 Fax: +34 91.5 85 72 64

DTN News: France, Germany Will Work Together According To EADS

DTN News: France, Germany Will Work Together According To EADS

* Gallois not pessimistic about Franco-German dialogue

* CEO says euro not weak, at reasonable level

Source: DTN News / Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) BERLIN, Germany - June 9, 2010: The head of Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA) dampened fears of a Franco-German rift over the European debt crisis on Wednesday, saying the euro zone's largest economies knew they had to work together. "I don't think that France and Germany are diverging. Certainly they could have different opinions but both of them know they have no other choice but to work together," EADS Chief Executive Louis Gallois told a news conference. Relations between Germany and France have frayed during the European debt crisis, with the two countries presenting different visions of how to overcome the problems that are battering many euro zone nations. EADS was created 10 years ago from a merger of key interests between France and Germany, followed by Spain. Despite efforts to run EADS as a normal company, it is often seen as a sensitive barometer of touch-and-go relations between Paris and Berlin. "I am not truly pessimistic on the Franco-German dialogue. On a lot of topics they could diverge but at the end of the day they have to find common solutions. If not there is no longer Europe, we know that,"Gallois said. "On a lot of issues Europe goes to the end of the cliff; they find solutions when they are at the end of the cliff," the veteran industrialist and former French civil servant said. France wants to create an "economic government" for the euro zone, with regular summits of the 16 leaders and a dedicated secretariat, to coordinate economic policy. Germany is unconvinced and is banging the drum for greater budget austerity. Gallois said the euro, down 16 percent to $1.19 EUR= this year, was "not weak but at a reasonable value". Gallois was speaking at the Berlin air show which opened with a splash on Tuesday as Airbus announced $14 billion in new orders including another 32 superjumbo A380's for the Arab world's largest airline, Dubai's Emirates. Gallois said recent industrial problems on the Airbus A380 had been brought under control and that the company had enough cash for "reasonable" sized acquisitions in defence services or security in the United States despite the weakening of the euro. He said talks to finalise a recent seven-nation funding accord to prop up the delayed A400M troop carrier would probably miss an end-June deadline but would be successfully completed.

DTN News: Airbus Delivers The 30th A380

DTN News: Airbus Delivers The 30th A380

* On track to deliver at least 20 A380s in 2010

Source: DTN News / EADS, Blagnac - 4 June 2010

(NSI News Source Info) BLAGNAC, France - June 7, 2010: The 30th A380 to be delivered was handed over June 4., to Emirates Airline, one of the launch customers of the Airbus double-decker aircraft. This is the tenth A380 Emirates has received out of its total firm order for 58 aircraft.

This aircraft will be on display at the ILA Berlin Air Show which is taking place from June 8th to 13th. Lufthansa will also bring their recently delivered, first A380 to the show and from June 11th an Airbus flight test A380 will be on static and flying display.

Airbus has already delivered seven A380s so far in 2010, three to Emirates Airline, two to Air France, one to Lufthansa and one to Qantas. Airbus is on track to deliver a total of at least 20 A380s in 2010.

On June 4., five major airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airline, Qantas, Air France and Lufthansa, operate 30 A380s on 20 routes linking 18 major international destinations. Together they have carried nearly five and a half million passengers on 15,000 revenue flights and have clocked up almost 140,000 revenue flight hours. These A380 flights have saved 640,000t of CO2 emissions by replacing journeys that would otherwise have been made with less fuel-efficient large aircraft. The A380 has the lowest fuel burn of any wide body aircraft, needing less than three litres of fuel per passenger per 100km.

The A380 is also a proven profit generator. Delivering an impressive double-digit percentage reduction in cash operating costs, it allows airlines to either increase the number of seats offered at little or no extra cost or keep the same capacity at a much lower total cost. This is one of the reasons why seven of the 17 A380 customers have already placed repeat orders and over half the world’s top international carriers have ordered it.

Airbus has received 202 firm orders for the A380 from 17 customers.

DTN News: A380 Still A Big Headache For Airbus

DTN News: A380 Still A Big Headache For Airbus ~Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor ~Analysis of: Airbus may delay A380 deliveries ~Published at: www.reuters.com *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - November 1, 2009: Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG. Summary There’s no question that the A380 is an engineering feat. However, its market prospects have been diminishing all the time, and the concerns at Airbus continue to grow, particularly financially. Analysis The A380 has had a challenging 2009. 2010 looks just a difficult, if not worse. With over half the backlog from over half the customer base deferring deliveries against a backdrop of devastating traffic and yield evaporation, it is of little surprise that Lufthansa is now going to push back its A380 deliveries. This lands Airbus with an almighty headache as to what its FY10 output should be on the big, unloved quadjet.Aside from the traffic issues and the reality that no A380 can break-even at 65% (as Airbus would have some believe), getting credit to pay for the big airplane has proved equally difficult. Critics have been quick to predict production rate cuts on the Boeing 737, ranging from a single unit adjustment to ridiculous “analyses” of 40% or more being lopped off of current rates. Of course that hasn’t happened, largely because the double-booked slots have meant where one customer defers, another is waiting in the wings to take up an earlier delivery position. The same rings true on the A320 lines in Toulouse and Hamburg too. In contrast, Boeing’s low rate, coupled with the (relative) ease of finance for a sub-$90m airplane is far simpler to arrange in contrast to an A380 (not least because of the variable discounting Airbus provided to entice orders in the first place). The engineering challenges have also hampered Airbus’ ability to stabilise production. Based on the original plan, Airbus had hoped to produce 45 A380s by 2010. In a way, the deferrals have certainly aided longevity into the A380 because had Airbus managed to get to that goal, the backlog would have been completed in a record five years or so. As it is, deferrals have added significant costs to that longevity. Battling with wiring redesigns, cabin customisation costs through lack of standardised features alongside performance enhancements and tackling the additional several ton weight excess has proved more costly than envisaged. The business proposition for the A380 was never a good one when the idea was first drummed up in the mid-1990’s. It’s even worse today. There is a low prospect of break-even (some bizarrely suggest), no chance of profitability and now lacks new orders while entering its third year without a new customer. Boeing’s 747-8 family hasn’t had much luck either, but thus far aside from one VIP cancellation, the program has not seen wide-scale deferrals, despite 78 of the firm orders being for the 747-8F in a freight market that is worse than passenger traffic. Of course, it’s very easy to shout out about cancelling the 747-8 program just because it’s entered a forward loss position when the A380 has been sat in that quagmire since day one! The financial drain across EADS is also a big concern. Significant cost overruns on the A330MRTT and A400M, a multi-billion dollar black hole in the A350XWB and penalty payments to consider for a range of delays across the EADS businesses – the pressure next year will be to maintain delivery rates and thereby maintain revenue. The A320 production rate is all but a certainty to come down next near from its current inflated rates – big customers like AirAsia seem to be deferring swathes of airplanes every few months and that trend will continue until a rebound occurs. The A330 too is on a knife-edge despite its brief sales surge in the wake of the 787 delays. Critically, Airbus has adjusted rates four times in 2009. What does that tell you about the business proposition of this airplane? It certainly puts the delays of the 787 into a bit of perspective when that is the much sought-after airplane, not the A380. From a planned 18 deliveries at the start of 2009, it now concedes that “one or two” will slip into next year. Only seven deliveries have been made in ten months thus far this year. If Airbus delivers just twelve units next year it will be nothing short of a miracle. 2010 is the year of pain, waiting to hit airlines, passengers and airplane manufacturers. Credit will be hard to come by, passenger traffic will continue to wane and oil price volatility will continue to erode the business model of every customer that has signed the dotted line for the inflexibility of the A380. Further deferrals of the A380 are probably more of a certainty than deliveries are for next year and that has to be of paramount concern – because its upon delivery when money changes hands and EADS/Airbus need every centime they can get a hold of to plug the financial hole that is getting bigger, not smaller.

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY November 1, 2009 ~ Qatar Airways Seeks Revised Schedule For A380 Delivery

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY November 1, 2009 ~ Qatar Airways Seeks Revised Schedule For A380 Delivery *The New Doha International Airport is being built with facilities to accommodate Airbus A380s super jumbos *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) DOHA, Qatar - November 1, 2009: Qatar Airways has sought a revised schedule for the delivery of Airbus A380 super jumbos in view of the airline’s ‘performance requirements’, CEO Akbar al-Baker has said. “We don’t know when we will start receiving the A380s; we are waiting for Airbus to come back to us with the revised date,” al-Baker told Gulf Times.Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, was among the launch customers at the official unveiling today of the world’s newest and largest passenger jet, the Airbus A380-800 ‘super jumbo’ in Toulouse. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker says the airlines is ‘contractually committed’ to orders for five Airbus A380s. He, however, said Qatar Airways would take delivery of the ‘contractually committed aircraft’. “We have placed orders for five Airbus A380s. These are firm orders and we have not gone for any other option,” al-Baker said. The four-engined Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger jet. Qatar Airways is a launch customer of the twin-deck super jumbos, capable of carrying 555 passengers in a luxurious configuration. As per the earlier schedule, the national carrier would have taken delivery of the A380s from 2012. The New Doha International Airport (NDIA) is being built with facilities that can accommodate the ‘super jumbos’. Qatar Airways plans to initially operate the A380 on its flagship European route between Doha and London Heathrow followed by other prime, high-density routes. Al-Baker said the delivery of Qatar Airways’ 32 Boeing B777s would be completed by 2011. The national carrier took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft-a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft-in November 2007. From only four aircraft in 1997, Qatar Airways has grown to a fleet size of more than 70 aircraft now. By 2013, the fleet size will reach 110 aircraft. Currently, Qatar Airways has more than 220 aircraft on order worth more than $40bn for delivery over the next few years. On the opening of the NDIA, al-Baker said the ‘contractual agreement’ was that the new airport should be handed over by 2011. Initially, the new airport will have a capacity of 24mn passengers a year. Once fully developed beyond 2015, the airport is expected to handle up to 50mn passengers a year. On the airline’s three new destinations he said, “This will happen in the current financial year.” Al-Baker did not disclose details on the two ‘unnamed destinations’ in Europe. “I cannot tell you, I cannot name them,” he said. Qatar Airways is set to fly to Melbourne in Australia on December 6. Sydney will be connected in early 2010. Currently, the national carrier flies to 84 destinations worldwide. 'No first-class seats on inter-continental flights' Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker says the airlines is ‘contractually committed’ to orders for five Airbus A380s. ‘No first-class seats on inter-continental flights’ Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker has said the airline will not have first-class seats on its inter-continental flights anymore. “But our product in business class is better than first class in most of the airlines,” he told Gulf Times. Qatar Airways has taken a decision not to unduly focus on first-class seats as premium travel by the global economic downturn, al-Baker said. “The demand for first-class seats has certainly come down because of the recession. However, there are many takers for our business class seats,” he said recently. Early this year, the airline decided to overhaul its A340s by removing the first-class lounge. The airline cited ‘low usage’ for removing the first-class lounge, which would provide room for many seats in the economy class.

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 31, 2009 ~ Air France Receives Its First A380

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 31, 2009 ~ Air France Receives Its First A380 *Airbus’ 20th A380 delivery to date *Source: DTN News / EADS (NSI News Source Info) HAMBURG, Germany - October 31, 2009: Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380. The French carrier is the first European airline to fly the all-new double-deck aircraft on scheduled services. The aircraft is the twentieth A380 delivered by Airbus. The aircraft was handed over in a delivery ceremony today in Hamburg, Germany, to Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, Chief Executive Officer of Air France KLM and to Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air France KLM, by Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, and in the presence of James Moravecek, Engine Alliance President. At the ceremony Air France unveiled its spacious and comfortable cabin, featuring 538 seats in a three class configuration (nine First, 80 Business and 449 Voyageur Economy). The cabin features innovative mood lighting with several different lighting scenarios to create a calm atmosphere and environment for its passengers. “Each A380 will enable Air France to save 12 to 15 million euros a year, which, in today’s depressed economic climate, provides the Company with the means to withstand the crisis” said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon Chief Executive Officer of Air France KLM.“Air France will therefore be able to offer customers even greater comfort, while keeping costs under control. Furthermore, the performance of the A380 is in line with our environmental commitments”, he added. “This delivery marks another milestone in the longstanding history and partnership between Air France and Airbus," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “It fills us with great pride that our first ever aircraft customer is now also the first European airline to operate the A380.We are convinced the A380 will greatly contribute to Air France’ continued success”. The aircraft is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines delivering up to 72,000 lbs of thrust each. The A380 has an unmatched fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per 100 kilometres per passenger. Thanks to excellent aerodynamic performance, the A380complies with today’s strictest noise limits, and also makes it the quietest large aircraft flying today. The all new double deck aircraft generates only half as much noise on take-off and landing as the previous largest passenger aircraft. The A380 provides also vital extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights, and is therefore part of the solution for sustainable growth at congested airports The aircraft’s efficient performance and industry leading technology result in higher operational flexibility and outstanding operational economics. With a range of more than 15,000 km/ 8,000 nm and seat-mile costs 20 per cent lower than its closest competitor. Air France ordered 10 A380s in June 2001 and added another two in 2007. Air France’s first A380 will start its commercial service with inaugural flights on the 20th and 21st November on the Paris - New York - Paris route. As the largest Airbus operator in Europe with a fleet of 183 aircraft, the airline currently operates 34 A330 and A340 aircraft as well as 149 A320 family aircraft. Air France took delivery of the first Airbus aircraft in 1974 and was also the first carrier in the world to operate aircraft from the entire Airbus Single-Aisle A320 Family. The new Air France A380 is the 20th A380 delivered by Airbus – 10 are already flying with Singapore, five with Emirates and four with Qantas. These aircraft are connecting four continents on 13 major international routes. Today 12 major international hub-airports around the world regularly welcome the A380 including: Auckland, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Up to now, the A380 fleet has accumulated over 75,000 revenue flight hours in over 7,900 commercial flights. Over 2,5 million passengers have already enjoyed flying the A380. Airbus has won 200 firm A380 orders from 16 customers worldwide, including Air France. Media contacts: Anne Galabert Tel.: + 33 5 61 93 10 00 Tore Prang Tel.: + 49 40 743 724 13 Jacques Rocca Tel.: + 33 5 61 93 10 00 Airbus SAS www.airbus.com mailto: media@airbus.com

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 30, 2009 ~ First A380 Delivery To Air France

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 30, 2009 ~ First A380 Delivery To Air France *Source: DTN News / Airbus (NSI News Source Info) HAMBURG, Germany - October 30, 2009: Air France will be the first European airline receiving an A380 when its no. 1 aircraft is accepted during a ceremony at Airbus' Hamburg, Germany delivery centre on 30 October. Live video streaming of the event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. French time (10:00 a.m. GMT) on the www.Airbus.com website. Video stockshots will be available for members of the news media on 29 October, followed by downlink transmissions of the 30 October delivery ceremony and the A380’s subsequent departure from Hamburg to Air France’s Paris home base: Thursday 29 Octobre – Stockshots Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM GMT Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A) Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 6.1113 FEC: 3/4 Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0 Format SD 625 16/9 Friday 30 Octobre - A380 delivery ceremony Transmission on Eutelsat W3 (@ 7° East) from 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM GMT (PGM) Downlink: 10976.5 Mhz (TXP B2 – Channel 2D6) Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 4.4340 FEC: 7/8 Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0 Format SD 625 16/9 Audio 1 & 2: International version Audio 3: French version Audio 4: English version Friday 30 Octobre - Air France A380 take-off from Hamburg, Germany to Paris, France Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 12:30 to 1:30 PM GMT Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A) Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 6.1113 FEC: 3/4 Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0 Format SD 625 16/9 Audio 1 & 2: International version Audio 3: French version Audio 4: English version

DTN News: Airbus Says Airlines Will Buy A Lot Of Big Planes

DTN News: Airbus Says Airlines Will Buy A Lot Of Big Planes *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - September 18, 2009: Airlines, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, will buy a lot of big airplanes in the next two decades, Airbus said Thursday. Airbus, which has pinned its hopes largely on the double-decker A380, said in its latest Global Market Forecast that airlines would need larger aircraft in all size categories to help ease congestion, accommodate growth on existing routes and do more with less. "Air traffic growth, increased frequencies, cost reduction, environmental responsibilities and airport congestion are increasingly influencing airlines to capitalize on the benefits of larger aircraft," Airbus wrote.

"In the last 10 years aircraft have increased in size by three percent and Airbus predicts that by 2028, the average aircraft will be 26 percent bigger than today." Airbus foresees demand over the next 20 years for more than 1,700 Very Large Aircraft -- those seating more than 400 passengers -- valued at $571 billion. It said airlines in the Asia Pacific region would operate more than half of the world's Very Large Aircraft by 2028. Overall, aircraft makers will deliver 24,097 new 100-plus-seat passenger planes, valued at $2.9 trillion, in the next two decades, Airbus said. It said another 6,078 regional jets Airbus would be delivered. "Air transportation is a growth industry, and an essential ingredient in the world economy," John Leahy, Airbus' chief operating officer, customers, said in a news release accompanying the report. "Technology and innovation are key drivers for an eco-efficient aviation sector, and Airbus is at the forefront of both." In it's latest forecast, released earlier this month, Boeing predicted Airlines would buy 26,900 passenger planes (not counting regional jets), making it slightly more optimistic than Airbus. Airbus' forecast pinned the new demand on emerging economies, evolving airline networks, expansion of low-cost carriers, the increasing number of mega-cities, traffic growth and replacement of older, less-efficient aircraft. Replacement of about 10,000 older passenger aircraft will double the world's fleet of aircraft with at least 100 seats, from about 14,000 today. Airbus sees the greatest demand for passenger aircraft -- 31 percent of total demand -- coming from airlines in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, such as China and India. Boeing also said the Asia Pacific region would lead airplane demand. Airbus also said 2009's 2-percent decline in revenue passenger kilometers should be followed by a rise of 4.6 percent next year, then continue to increase by 4.7 percent per year, doubling in the next 15 years. Finally, it said airfreight tonne kilometers should rise by 5.2 percent a year, with the increased demand and fleet renewal creating demand for about 3,440 freighters, 850 of these would be new aircraft and the rest converted passenger planes.

DTN News: WTO Rules European Subsidies Given To Airbus Were Illegal

DTN News: WTO Rules European Subsidies Given To Airbus Were Illegal *The World Trade Organisation is understood to have ruled that subsidies provided by European countries for Airbus’s A380 superjumbo were illegal.

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BRUSSELS, Belgium - September 5, 2009: The World Trade Organisation has ruled that Europe's Airbus benefited from illegal subsidies, US and European officials said Friday. Airbus, which also made the A350, pictured, received 'launch aid' from European countries for the A380. A US lawmaker and European sources confirmed some of the main contents of the decision which comes amid a bitter battle with Airbus's US rival Boeing, but which was not publicly released. But European sources said the interim WTO ruling indicated that the US complaint against Airbus, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., was only partially upheld by the global trade watchdog. "For many years we have contended that direct financial assistance from the European governmental partners of EADS/Airbus has represented an unfair launch subsidy that has allowed Airbus to increase its market share in the large civil aircraft market and to steal US aircraft manufacturing jobs," said US Representative Norm Dicks. "Today's interim ruling from the WTO panel definitively confirms that contention, which was the basis for the WTO complaint filed by the US Trade Representative filed in October 2004," said Dicks, a Democratic lawmaker from Washington state, where a key part of Boeing's manufacturing operations are based. Dicks said "all Airbus aircraft have received illegal subsidies and that these have caused material harm to Boeing". The WTO verdict was contained in a report of around 1,000 pages, with hard copies only going to EU governments and the US government. A European source confirmed to AFP in Brussels that "some elements" of the original US complaint to the WTO on the matter were upheld by the Geneva-based global trade body. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday from Brussels that the WTO concluded that every launch-aid package given to Airbus for the development of its A380 double-decker long-range airliner was an illegal subsidy. But, rebutting part of the Journal report, the European source added that funds extended to Airbus for the A380 "were not considered illegal in their totality". "The EU launch aid has not been considered as a (support) programme," the source added, referring to a key part of the dispute. Boeing executives said before the ruling that they hoped it would stifle future state aid for Airbus, particularly for the planned A350 airliner, for which France, Germany and Britain have already pledged about 2.9 billion euros (4.2 billion dollars) in launch loans. Another European source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "From our reading of this report 70 percent of the US claims have been rejected." However, government grants were ruled illegal, he added. "That'll have an impact for the next case," the source claimed. Another WTO ruling is pending on the EU's tit-for-tat complaint against Washington over US state aid to Boeing, which is being dealt with by the Geneva-based trade body separately. The WTO does not publish or comment on interim rulings, which are only issued to each side in the case on a confidential basis. US and EU trade officials declined comment. In the case brought against the EU in October 2004, Washington charged that it illegally provided subsidies to Airbus. It said an accord that allowed Brussels to provide up to a third of development costs of new airliners was no longer valid since Airbus is now a major industry player and not the fledgling firm when the deal was struck. While Airbus and Boeing are implicated in the case, the WTO only deals in cases brought by its member states and not individual companies. The cases are some of the most complex to reach the international trade watchdog in Geneva. Some analysts said a clear-cut judgment was unlikely given the complexity of the EU-US disputes over their flagship plane makers.

DTN News: EASA certifies new "Autopilot/Flight Director" TCAS mode for A380

DTN News: EASA certifies new "Autopilot/Flight Director" TCAS mode for A380

*Enhancing flight safety during TCAS manoeuvres

*Source: DTN News / Airbus

(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - August 23, 2009: Following recent successful development testing, a new Auto-Pilot/Flight-Director (AP/FD) TCAS* mode for the Airbus A380 has been approved and certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The main benefit of the system is that it could further enhance safety during a traffic avoidance situation because the pilot can now fly the aircraft without switching out of one mode and into another. Thus, by simplifying the actions required by the pilot during a TCAS manoeuvre, this enhanced TCAS mode minimises potential overreactions or inverse reactions while preserving his or her concentration at a critical time.

In addition to now being certified on the A380, the AP/FD TCAS mode will also become available for retrofit on other Airbus Fly-By-Wire aircraft in the coming years.

AP/FD TCAS operation overview

The new AP/FD TCAS mode essentially completes the existing TCAS functionality by implementing a TCAS vertical guidance feature into the Auto Flight computer. The result is that now the Auto Flight computer can control the vertical speed of the aircraft which is adapted to each resolution advisory acquired from TCAS.

Moreover, with this new AP/FD TCAS mode activated, when a TCAS "Resolution Advisory" (RA) is received, the pilot no longer needs to disengage the autopilot or Flight Director before conducting the TCAS manoeuvres. Rather, the autopilot can now automatically conduct the correct TCAS manoeuvre, to position the aircraft clear of any potential traffic conflict. Furthermore, in the case of the pilot flying the aircraft manually (i.e. without autopilot engaged) when a RA is received, previously the Flight Director 'pitch bar guidance' - indicated on the Primary Flight Display - had to be switched off, but with the new mode, the Flight Director bars remain active and smoothly guide pilot to fly the TCAS manoeuvre. At any time, the crew still retains the ability to override the proposed manoeuvre, so as to respond manually to a TCAS RA by flying according to "conventional" TCAS procedures, i.e. manually controlling the vertical speed by referring to TCAS indications on the pilot's vertical speed scale.

* Background to TCAS - Editors' note:

The 'Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System' - known as 'TCAS' - is designed to scan for, detect, and interrogate the transponders of other aircraft in the nearby airspace vicinity. It then uses the received transponder signals to compute a distance, bearing and altitude relative to the nearby aircraft. The evaluated traffic information is displayed as symbols on the Navigation Display.

As TCAS checks the other aircraft’s relative distance permanently in short-time intervals, it can, therefore, also calculate the other aircraft’s closure rate relative to its own aircraft position. When TCAS detects that an aircraft's distance or closure rate becomes critical, it generates aural and visual annunciations for the pilots. Mandated on aircraft carrying more than 30 passengers since 1993, TCAS is now compulsory on all aircraft types.

DTN News: Airbus 380 The Worlds Largest Jetliner Will Attend EAA AirVenture In Oshkosh

DTN News: Airbus 380 The Worlds Largest Jetliner Will Attend EAA AirVenture In Oshkosh *Source: DTN News / AvStop.com By Mike Mitchell

(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wisconsin - July 28, 2009: Airbus A380 landed yesterday at Mitchell International Airport and will head over to Oshkosh, Wisconsin sometime today for the annual Airshow. The A380 has unmatched fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per 100 kilometres per passenger. A380 is the biggest jetliner in the world. The aircraft has three decks including suites onboard, seating of up to 525 seats, sleeping areas and 220 windows. Two full length decks offering 50% more floor surface than any other high capacity aircraft. Broader seats more personal storage, better head room and wider stairs. Exceptional cabin efficient air filtering systems, with four high level air outlets instead of the traditional two, the cabin air gets refreshed every three minutes. Its new-generation engines, Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance GP7000, and superb aerodynamic performance mean that the A380 not only complies with today’s noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft either flying today. The A380 generates only half as much noise on take-off and landing as the previous largest passenger aircraft. The A380 starts from a baseline passenger aircraft with a capacity of 525 passengers in three classes, and a range of 8,200 nm. At the end of May 2009, a total firm orders for the A380 stand at 200 aircraft from 16 customers. Singapore Airlines took delivery of the first production A380 on 15th October 2007 and have eight aircraft in operation on routes from Singapore to Sydney, London and Tokyo. To date, 17 A380 have been delivered to its customers at a cost of about $320 million per aircraft. The A380 length 240 feet with a wing span of 262 feet and height 79 ft (equivalent to a six story building). Its cabin width for main deck is 21.6 feet and the upper deck is 19.4 feet. The A380 has a maximum operating speed of 587 mph , service ceiling of 43,030 feet and a range of 6,400 miles. The aircraft requires a runway take of length of 9,500 feet. Its fuel capacity is about 81,890 US gallons. You can check out the A380 yourself through Friday at the Airventure in Oshkosh. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (formerly The EAA Annual Convention and Fly-In) is an annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts held each summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States. The event is presented by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), a national/international organization based in Oshkosh. The airshow is seven days long and typically begins on the last Monday in July. The airport's control tower is the busiest control tower in the world during the gathering. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, has kicked its event at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The 57th annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) begain showcasing the best of aviation innovation and heritage. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, has kicked its event at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The 57th annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) begain showcasing the best of aviation innovation and heritage. Each year, EAA AirVenture welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to the weeklong celebration, along with a total attendance of more than 500,000 visitors from 65 nations. “Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys flight, innovation and the best aviators’ gathering in the world, and this year it is an unmatched lineup of people, airplanes and programs,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “EAA AirVenture is the international crossroads where people enjoy and celebrate the freedom of flight, and this year numerous improvements have been made throughout the grounds so the experience is even more enjoyable.” EAA AirVenture’s aircraft lineup is filled this year with the latest flight and space innovations along with the legendary aircraft of aviation’s first 100 years. The lineup includes a number of aircraft never before seen at Oshkosh, including Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve” and the massive Airbus A380. In addition, EAA AirVenture 2009 will offer nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars; special activities for young people and families; aviation personalities and notables; and more than 2,500 showplanes of all descriptions. All of these activities are included in AirVenture admission, as are top-flight entertainment options throughout this week.

EAA AirVenture 2009’s features and attractions include: -Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve”, the next generation of space tourism launch vehicle, which will be on the grounds July 27-August 1; -The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, making its first North American public air show appearance July 28-31; -Hear from the “Miracle on the Hudson” cockpit crew in command of US Airways flight 1549, as pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles recount their experiences that day last January; -Recognition of aviation’s important humanitarian work around the world in the weeklong Fly4Life activities; -The Erickson S-64F Aircrane helitanker, nicknamed “Elvis”; a heavy-duty, twin-engine firefighting helicopter that will make aerial displays; -More than 400 Warbirds that include aircraft from World War II and classic fighter jets, many flying in spectacular shows throughout the week (expanded programs July 31-Aug. 1); -Modern military aircraft such as the C-5M and C-17 transports, and A-10, F-16 and F/A-18 fighters, including the popular Heritage Flights combining old and new aircraft; -A variety of special anniversaries, from the centennial of flight in Canada, 80th anniversary of the Pietenpol, 60th anniversary of the T-28 warbird, and 50th anniversary of the Cessna 150; -Upgraded areas throughout the grounds, including new pedestrian walkways, flush toilet facilities on the flight line and in the campgrounds, increased wi-fi coverage, and more; -Top-flight entertainment such as the Doobie Brothers on July 27, presented by Ford Motor Company; pilot/comedian Jeff Dunham on August 1, presented by Rotorway International; and nightly aviation movies under the stars July 26-August 1 at the Fly-In Theater. -More than 2,500 showplanes that include homebuilts, vintage models, ultralights, and seaplanes.

DTN News: British Airways First Six Airbus A380 Jets Face Delay

DTN News: British Airways First Six Airbus A380 Jets Face Delay

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - July 8, 2009: British Airways this week announced it had deferred delivery of its first six superjumbo Airbus A380 jets. British Airways is the latest big carrier to announce drastic cuts in response to the weak global economy. The carrier also will postpone its order for 12 Airbus A380 superjumbo jets. BA is postponing by an average of five months delivery of its first six A380s, the first of which is still due to arrive in 2012. Delivery of a second batch of six is being delayed by an average of two years, with the final plane due to arrive in 2016. Job cuts are also part of the downsizing and BA plans to shed as many as 3,700 jobs in the fiscal year through March. The delivery dates have been pushed back an average of five months, the airline said. The first of the planes is due for delivery in 2012. Delivery of six additional A380s was delayed by an average of two years, the airline said. Boeing has seen orders for its mid-sized 787 Dreamliner evaporate as the aircraft encounters production and design problems. The A380, with more than 500 seats, is proving to be too big for some routes, and analysts are wondering whether airlines will carry through with all of their orders at a time when business and tourist travel is falling.

DTN News: SIA Singapore Airlines To Serve Hong Kong With Airbus A380

DTN News: SIA Singapore Airlines To Serve Hong Kong With Airbus A380

*Source: Straits Times

(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - June 11, 2009: FROM next month, Singapore Airlines will fly the world's largest passenger aircraft to a fifth international destination - Hong Kong. Two years after SIA's first A380 flight to Sydney, Hong Kong will join the ranks of London, Tokyo and Paris on July 9.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it will start using the Airbus A380 superjumbo on its Hong Kong route starting next month.

The daily A380 flights will replace an existing daily B777 service to Hong Kong. The 471-seat superjumbo jet represents a 10 per cent increase in seat capacity to the city. 'The operation of the A380 to Hong Kong shows our confidence in the demand for both business and leisure travel between Singapore and the famed 'Pearl of the Orient',' said Mr Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines' Executive Vice President, Marketing and the Regions. SIA currently operates five daily non-stop flights between Singapore and Hong Kong, along with daily non-stop services between Hong Kong and San Francisco. It currently has eight A380s in service, a further 11 on firm order, and options on six more.