Category: Orders & Deliveries

First C-5M Super Galaxy Delivered

Lockheed Martin today delivered the first fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force.

The aircraft is the first of three developmental test C-5M aircraft to be delivered, with the other two to be delivered to Dover AFB, Del., in February 2009. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 modernized C-5Ms.

“The C-5 fleet is now beginning to realize its full operational potential as we begin fielding both Avionics Modernization Program and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program enhanced C-5s for the Air Force,” said Lorraine Martin, vice president of the C-5 Program at Lockheed Martin. “The combined U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin team can take great pride in its success, which is keeping this national strategic airlift asset viable for decades to come.”

Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to support the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) modifications. 46 C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP modifications. The aircraft already returned to the fleet have logged more than 45,000 hours with the new systems, including many hours flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

RERP is the second phase of the modernization effort, which adds new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines (military designation F138-GE-100) and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems. The additional 10,000 lbs of thrust per propulsion system creates 40,000 lbs of additional thrust across the platform, significantly improving operational performance. This comprehensive modernization program improves the fleet mission-capable rate (aircraft availability) and the overall reliability and maintainability of the aircraft while reducing total ownership costs.

The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, Lockheed Martin is committed to sustaining the C-5 fleet throughout its lifecycle. The C-5M Super Galaxy will continue to be a force enabler through 2040.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Photo: Lockheed Martin

Emirates Becomes World’s Largest 777 Operator

On Wednesday Boeing delivered Emirates’ 78th 777, the airline’s 45th 777-300ER (Extended Range). The Dubai-based carrier is now the world’s largest operator of the 777 and the only airline to operate every model type, with an additional nine 777-200s, 12 777-300s, 10 777-200LRs (Longer Range) and two 777 Freighters in its fleet.

Emirates also has an additional 28 Boeing 777s on order.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER

Emirates received its first Boeing 777 in 1996. The airline recently completed an upgrade program on all its 777s that equipped the airplanes with Emirates’ award-winning ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system, offering passengers in every cabin up to 1,000 channels of on-demand entertainment.

Source: Boeing
Photo: Boeing

First US NAVY P-8A Poseidon Rolls Out

Boeing and the U.S. Navy on Thursday formally unveiled the newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the P-8A is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations.

“The P-8A Poseidon will equip the U.S. Navy with the most advanced multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the world,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon Rolls Out (737-800)

As the replacement for the Navy’s P-3C Orion aircraft, the P-8A will provide greater payload capacity, significant growth potential, unprecedented flexibility and interoperability, and advanced mission systems, software and communications.

The P-8A is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation. The team currently is assembling and testing the first five P-8As as part of the program’s System Development and Demonstration contract, awarded in 2004.

The integrated Navy/Boeing team will begin formal flight testing of the P-8A later this year. The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As, and initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

Source: Boeing
Photo: Boeing

Airbus delivers 1000th A330/A340 Family Aircraft

Airbus on Thursday delivered the 1000th aircraft from the A330/A340 Family. The aircraft, an A330-300, was handed over to Thai Airways International (THAI) at a special ceremony in Toulouse.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tom Williams, Airbus Executive Vice President Programmes, said: “When the A330/A340 Family first entered service in 1993 it set a new standard in the mid-size widebody market. Today, the product line remains the benchmark for in-service aircraft in this category, offering airlines a proven range of models optimised for medium, long and very long haul operations.”

Thai Airways International Airbus A330-300

“We are extremely proud that the 1000th aircraft from this product is being delivered in the colours of THAI, which is one of Airbus’ longest standing customers and currently operates a fleet including both the A330 and the A340.”

Air Chief Marshal Narongsak Sangapong, said: “We are pleased to be taking delivery of the 1000th aircraft from this modern and efficient Airbus product line, which forms a major element of our fleet today. With these aircraft we are able to offer our passengers the highest levels of comfort, while also benefiting from the operational flexibility to operate the aircraft both on long range and regional services.”

With today’s delivery, THAI increases its in-service A330/A340 fleet to a total of 25 aircraft, comprising 15 A330-300s, four A340-500s and six A340-600s. The airline also operates a fleet of 17 A300-600Rs on its regional network.

Since the first aircraft from the A330/A340 Family was delivered in 1993, the product line has become the most successful mid-size widebody programme ever, with 1,406 firm orders from 103 customers worldwide. Today, aircraft from the family are flying with 100 operators worldwide and the world fleet has accumulated more than 27 million flight hours in over 5 million revenue flights.

The A330/A340 Family comprises the twin engine A330 for medium and long range operations and the four engine A340 for very long haul routes. A new freighter version of the A330 is currently under development and will enter service in 2010.

Source: Airbus
Photo: Airbus

Ethiopian Airlines Orders several Airbus A350 XWBs

Airbus today announced that Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, becoming a new Airbus customer. The airline has selected the A350-900, and will operate the aircraft from their hub in Addis Ababa, linking Africa with Europe, the US and Asia.

“The A350-900, with its high levels of passenger comfort combined with unbeatable economics perfectly fits our future fleet requirements,” said Mr Girma Wake, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The A350-900 will bring increased capacity and range to our rapidly expanding network.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines as a new Airbus customer,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency for medium and long haul operations, allowing Ethiopian Airlines to continue its impressive growth.”

The A350 XWB Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions.

Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 493 from 31 customers worldwide.

Source: Airbus

Ethiopian Airlines Orders 5 777-200LRs

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for five Boeing 777-200LRs. Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model.

General Electric GE90-110 engines power the 777-200LR.

Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777-200LR

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the carrier is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its fleet and broaden its network. Ethiopian Airlines will use the 777-200LR to fly to new long-haul nonstop markets such as Washington, D.C. and Beijing.

Ethiopian currently operates a fleet of six 737s, nine 757s, 10 767s and one MD-11BCF, with a second MD-11BCF due to arrive in August. It has 10 787s on order.

Image: Boeing
Source: Boeing

Saudi Arabia Orders Additional A330 MRTT

Saudi Arabia has ordered three additional A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft (on which the Northrop Grumman KC-45 Tanker is based).

This second acquisition by the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation brings to six the total A330 MRTTs ordered for the Royal Saudi Air Force, with delivery of the service’s first aircraft scheduled in 2011. The contract also includes an in-service support package.

Saudi Arabia Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)

The Saudi Arabian A330 MRTTs will incorporate EADS’ next-generation fly-by-wire Advanced Refueling Boom System on the fuselage centerline, plus two all-digital Cobham 905E hose-and-drogue refueling pods under the wings.

Aerial refueling operations are controlled from a state-of-the-art Remote Aerial Refueling Operator station in the cockpit behind the pilots, incorporating an enhanced vision system with laser infrared lighting and high-definition digital stereoscopic viewing.

Airbus Military, an EADS company, is responsible for the design and production of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates have chosen the A330 MRTT.

Source/Image: EADS

Turkish Airlines Orders Seven Additional 777-300ERs

Boeing and Turkish Airlines have finalized an order for seven Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. This order is in addition to the five 777-300ERs that Turkish Airlines ordered in April 2009, bringing their total 777-300ER orders to 12. The airline currently operates a fleet of 65 Boeing airplanes including Next-Generation 737s and leased 777-300ERs.

The airplane can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. It carries approximately 20 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 108 international and 33 domestic destinations. The airline was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes that carried a total of 28 passengers. The airline made its first domestic flight in 1933 and the first international flight in 1947.

Source: Boeing

First Airbuses Delivered to Juneyao & Shanghai Airlines

This week Airbus announced deliveries of A320 Family aircraft to two Chinese airlines.

Shanghai Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus aircraft
Shanghai Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, an A321 (B-6591), becoming a new operator of Airbus aircraft. The aircraft is the first of 10 A321s ordered by the Shanghai-based carrier in 2006 and 2007.

Powered by IAE V2533-A5 engines, the carrier’s first A321 is fitted in an all-new, comfortable two-class configuration with 178 seats (166 seats in Economy, 12 in Business Class). The aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes followed in the future by regional routes including Japan and Korea.

Shanghai Airlines was set up in 1985. Headquartered in Shanghai, the carrier now operates 68 aircraft on more than 170 domestic, regional and international passenger and freighter routes linking over 60 destinations across China and around the world. Shanghai Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance.

Juneyao Airlines takes delivery of its first purchased A320

Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based privately-owned carrier, has taken delivery of its first purchased A320.

Juneyao Airlines currently operates 10 leased Airbus aircraft – two A319s and eight A320s – with 10 more A320s, via operating lease and purchase, due to join the fleet by the end of 2012.

The aircraft, the first of six ordered in June 2007, is powered by CFM56 engines and will accommodate 158 passengers in a two-class configuration, including eight first class seats. The airline plans to operate the A320 on routes between Shanghai and some of the most popular tourist destinations in China, as well as other destinations in Asia.

Source: Airbus

Copa Airlines Orders 13 737-800s

This week Boeing announced that Copa Airlines (Panama) placed an order for 13 Boeing 737-800 airplanes, plus options for an additional eight.

The order represents a mixture of option conversions and new orders and brings the number of Boeing Next-Generation 737s the airline has on order to 27.

The airplanes will be outfitted with Boeing’s signature Sky Interior. Drawing from years of research used to design the interior for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, 787-style sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying experience.

Copa Airlines Boeing 737-800

Copa was the first carrier in the Americas to incorporate blended winglets on its 737s. All of its Next-Generation 737s use the distinctive curved wing ends, which improve fuel efficiency and lift while reducing engine wear and carbon dioxide emissions. Copa also was the first in the region to order Next-Generation 737s with the Vertical Situation Display system, which provides pilots with an easy-to-understand flight-path view.

Copa operates from Tocumen International Airport, a time-saving hub on long routes between the United States, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline flies four of the world’s longest 737 routes from there – to Buenos Aires, Santiago, Sao Paulo and Los Angeles.

Source: Boeing
Image: Boeing