AirAsia has taken a 19-percent stake in GE Engine Services’ engine-overhaul business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and become the first customer for the engine company’s new OnPoint service package. Under a 23-year agreement signed here yesterday, GE will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul for 129 CFM56-5B engines that will power the airline’s Airbus A320-200 fleet.
Low-cost airlines
December 13, 2006 - 7:54am
Details of Irish carrier Ryanair’s latest contract with Boeing illustrate some of the negotiable areas within such agreements. Last month, the low-cost carrier completed its fourth 737-800 order in seven years under aggressive plans that predict fleet growth from 82 such aircraft to 225 by March 31, 2012. By then, Ryanair expects to carry 70 million passengers annually, compared with 34 million in the current year.
December 11, 2006 - 9:50am
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-based National Air Services (NAS) has ordered five Airbus A318 Elites, a 15-seat, luxury version of the 100-seat-class airliner. In an announcement made during the first Middle East Business Aviation Conference here in Dubai yesterday, the operator also optioned five more of the twinjets.
December 11, 2006 - 9:49am
Here at the Dubai 2005 show today, India’s Kingfisher Airlines is expected to order 20 ATR 72-500s, and to take options on an additional 15 of the 68-seat twin turboprop. The ATR 72s are to be delivered during a three-year period beginning next March and will be used to serve regional routes on the subcontinent.
December 11, 2006 - 9:24am
Kuwaiti private carrier Jazeera Airways has signed a 10-year MRO contract with Lufthansa Tecknik to support its fleet of Airbus A320s. The airline has so far taken two of the airplanes and expects two more to arrive next summer. The contract covers any further airplanes that join Jazeera’s fleet.
December 11, 2006 - 6:08am
Airbus took some of the sting out of its rival Boeing’s blockbuster sales announcement yesterday with a pair of significant orders of its own for A350s and A320s.
December 8, 2006 - 5:45am
Brisbane, Australia-based Virgin Blue placed a firm order last month for three Embraer E170s and 11 E190s, along with options on another six airplanes, giving the Brazilian airframe maker its largest-ever sale on the continent.
December 7, 2006 - 9:29am
German marketing specialist Inviseo has launched a new plan to raise cash for airlines. The idea involves using the bottom of the backrest tables in commercial airplanes for advertising. When in the upright position, the seatback displays guarantee intensive exposure to consumers throughout a flight. The firm has developed a table that can display printed media and meets all safety standards.
December 7, 2006 - 9:09am
In a surprise move, Saudi Arabia’s National Air Services (NAS), well known for its executive and VIP operations, yesterday unveiled plans for establishing a low-cost carrier. The airline should commence flights by next summer, Mohammed Al Zeer, president and CEO of NAS, announced during a press conference here at the Dubai airshow. The new domestic service is still to be named.
December 7, 2006 - 9:05am
Airbus’ solid sales showing at this year’s show continued yesterday with Kingfisher Airlines’ announcement that it would take another 30 Airbus A320-family jets starting in 2008. Meanwhile, almost simultaneously back in Toulouse, the company announced a deal with TAP Portugal for 10 A350s and seven A330-200s, scheduled for first deliveries in 2013 and 2007, respectively.
