Dubai Airshow order book tops $54 billion

Tags

Air Arabia, Airbus, Airbus A350XWB, Airservices Australia, Boeing, Business Aviation, Dash 8-400, De Havilland Canada, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Emirates, Searidge Technologies, Sharjah, UAE

DUBAI – Deals worth $54.5 billion were reached at the latest edition of the Dubai Airshow, which closed on Thursday, the event’s organizers said.

Airbus was the biggest winner — it secured two blockbuster deals worth $30 billion. Dubai’s Emirates Airline ordered 50 A350-XWB jets, valued at $16 billion. 

Airbus also signed an agreement to sell 120 A320neo aircraft to the budget carrier Air Arabia, based in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. That deal was worth $14 billion.

Emirates, meanwhile, finalized a purchase agreement for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $8.8 billion.

De Havilland Canada, which returned to the show after many years, won a number of orders for its Dash 8-400 aircraft from companies in the UAE, Russia and Nigeria.

Searidge Technologies, a Canadian company providing remote tower and digital airport solutions, was a first-time exhibitor.

Airservices Australia selected Searidge’s  digital tower solution for an initial prototype at Sydney Airport.

The program’s define stage is currently underway and scheduled to be completed by March 2020, Searidge said.

The 2019 show recorded a 10% rise in exhibitor attendance, and the organizers are now predicting an even bigger event in 2021.

“We always want to outperform our last show, and 2019 has gone above and beyond expectation, with so much great business being done alongside an engaging and innovative program of conferences, exhibits and flying displays,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of show organizers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East.

“We have already seen exhibitors rebooking for the next edition.”

 

Airbus celebrates a major milestone

Tags

Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS10, CSeries, Delta Air Lines, Quebec, Transport, Travel

The first Airbus aircraft, an A300B2, was delivered to Air France in 1974. Forty-five years on, Airbus is celebrating the delivery of its 12,000th aircraft.

The Airbus A220-100, previously known as the Bombardier CS100, was assembled in Mirabel, Canada, and handed over to Delta Air Lines on Monday.

Delta received its first A220 last October. The aircraft delivered on Monday was its 12th. The airline has placed a firm order for 90 A220s.

Images are courtesy of Airbus.

Bombardier steals the show with new jets

Tags

Business Aviation, News, Travel

Bombardier has added two more aircraft to its Global family of business jets that the company says will deliver “unmatched total performance”.

The Global 5500 and the Global 6500 were launched ahead of this week’s opening of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, EBACE 2018, in Geneva.

David Coleal

“Bombardier’s two newest Global aircraft are the result of our unrelenting commitment to innovation, excellence and most of all, our desire to deliver unmatched capabilities to our customers,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, as he unveiled the Global 6500 at a TAG Aviation hangar on Sunday.

The Rolls-Royce Pearl

The Global 5500 can connect Sao Paulo and Paris, and Moscow and Los Angeles while the Global 6500 can connect Hong Kong or Singapore and London, and Toluca and Madrid, the company said.

An all-new Rolls-Royce engine will power the aircraft. The jets are expected to enter service at the end of 2019.

All photos are by Abdul Latheef

Emirates signs $16B service deal with GE Aviation

Tags

3D Printing, 737 MAX, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Emirates, GE Aviation, Jet Airways, News, Transport, Travel, UAE

Emirates has announced the biggest deal yet of the 14th Dubai Airshow — the UAE national carrier has signed a US$16 billion agreement with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE9X engines that will power the airline’s fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft over a period of 12 years.

This is the airline’s single largest engine MRO contract to date. Emirates ordered the 150 aircraft at the last show in 2013.

Earlier Monday, Indian carrier Jet Airways announced an order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

The order includes options and purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft, Boeing said.

“Incorporating the latest design and technology features, the highly efficient 737 MAX will allow us to drive our operational efficiency and reaffirms our commitment to providing a best-in-class full service travel experience to our guests,” said Naresh Goyal (below), chairman of Jet Airways.

“This order is an endorsement of our confidence in the long-term prospects of the Indian aviation sector, which reflects the positive forecast for the country’s economy and offers tremendous potential for growth and development.”

Jet Airways will be the first airline in India to take delivery of the single-aisle aircraft, said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“The 737 MAX will bring new standards for fuel efficiency and economics, and a premium passenger experience to Jet Airways.” The deal is worth about $8 billion.

In other show news:

The UAE Air Force announced the purchase of two new Saab Global 6000 long-range surveillance aircraft.

Under the $1.27-billion deal, a further two Saab 340 jets already in UAE ownership will undergo systems upgrades.

Meanwhile, GE Aviation announced the opening of its Middle East Aviation Technology Center in Dubai. It will serve as a regional customer and product support hub.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Aviation to work towards the establishment of Abu Dhabi Aviation as an authorized service facility for the Q Series aircraft.

“When a final agreement is reached, Abu Dhabi Aviation will become the first ASF for Q Series aircraft in the Middle East and will offer line and base maintenance services,” Bombardier said.

A 3D-printed drone, billed as the world’s fastest, largest and most complex, was unveiled Monday as part of the 3D Printshow.

The jet-engine powered aircraft took just two months to create and can break speeds of 320 kilometres an hour, the show organizers said. It was manufactured by 3D printing-technology leader Stratasys.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle for aerospace and we’re really excited to present it today,” said Jay Shelby of Stratasys.

“We’re here to show manufacturers what can be done when you take this technology and build your design around it. ”

The images are courtesy of Boeing, GE Aviation and F&E Aerospace.

Dubai Airshow in pictures

Tags

A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, News, Sheikh Mohammed, Transport, Travel, UAE, UAE Space Agency

A few images from Sunday’s opening of the 14th Dubai Airshow by the emirate’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Visiting the brand new two-class Emirates Airbus A380.

Touring Qatar Airways A380 with the airline’s GCEO, Akbar Al Baker.

Touring the CS100 with Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

At the UAE Space Agency pavilion.

The images are courtesy of F&E Aerospace, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Bombardier and the UAE Space Agency.

Dubai Airshow takes off

Tags

3D Printing, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, NBAA, News, Transport, Travel, UAE

The focus was on partnerships rather than mega deals as Dubai 2015 opened Sunday with more than 1,100 exhibitors from around the world descending on the city to showcase their products.

Aircraft orders worth more than US$200 billion were announced at the previous show in 2013, but analysts say they don’t expect any major deals this time as airlines have ordered enough airplanes to meet their demands.

Instead, manufactures like Boeing and Airbus are expected to announce partnerships with regional aerospace companies.

The UAE Space Agency is one of the new exhibitors at the show. The government organization was created last year to regulate and support the country’s space sector.

Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who opened the airshow, also toured the space agency pavilion.

“With the addition of the UAE Space Agency to our existing exhibitor list, we have added yet another dimension to the Dubai Airshow,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of F&E Aerospace, the organizers of the Dubai Airshow.

Dubai 2015 has also added a dedicated 3D print pavilion, 3D Printshow Dubai.

“With (3D printing leader) Stratasys recently reported to have 3D printed more than 1,000 in-flight parts for the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and GE already developing and testing engines with 3D printed parts, the technology is a natural fit for inclusion in the Dubai Airshow,” the organizers said.

In other show news:

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that the CS100 flight test program is almost complete.

“Only a few tests remain to be completed and Bombardier is on track to have the aircraft certified this year with Transport Canada,” said president Fred Cromer (right).

“We’re proud to be moving into the entry-in-service and production phase as we look to deliver the aircraft in the first half of 2016 to SWISS, a customer that has been with the program from the beginning.”

Bombardier also announced that Riga, Latvia-based airBaltic will be the launch customer of the CS300 aircraft when it takes delivery in the second half of 2016.

The Latvian flag carrier has 13 CS300 aircraft on firm order and retains options for seven CS300 aircraft.

“Bombardier’s CS300 airliners are integral to the execution of airBaltic’s business development strategy and fleet optimization plan,” said Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic.
“The CS300 aircraft has exceeded our expectations in terms of its noise and emissions footprint, aligned with airBaltic’s low environmental impact vision, ” he added.

“Additionally, it will offer airBaltic passengers a widebody, unparalleled in-flight passenger experience, perfectly complementing our modern fleet of 12 Bombardier Q400 turboprops.”

The show runs until Thursday.

Images are courtesy of Dubai Media Office, UAE Space Agency, airBaltic and Bombardier. The CS100 photo is by Abdul Latheef.

CS100 to make Dubai Airshow debut

Tags

Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Emirates Flight Training Academy, Luxury Travel, Phenom, Transport, Travel, UAE

The all-new CS100 is going to Dubai, after all.

Initially Bombardier had decided to send just the Q400 turboprop,
Learjet 75, Challenger 350 and Global 6000 to the Dubai Airshow.

Today, the Canadian aircraft maker announced that the CS100, in the livery of launch customer SWISS, will be on static display at the show.

The Bombardier lineup will also feature a CRJ900.

“Recognized worldwide as a premier venue for meeting key industry leaders, the Dubai Airshow also represents a great venue and opportunity for us to display our lineup of aircraft and provide an update on the exciting developments ongoing with C Series aircraft’s certification program,” said Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the Q400 aircraft and CRJ900 aircraft’s performance capabilities, making them ideal for different types of operations in a diverse region.”

The CS100 and CS300 made their airshow debut in Paris this summer, but Bombardier was unable to win any new orders at Le Bourget.

Cost overruns, long delays and most crucially a lack of new orders have beset the CSeries program.

The CS100 can carry up to 125 people while the bigger version, the CS300, is meant for up to 160.

In all, Bombardier has won 243 firm orders for the CSeries aircraft, 180 of them for the CS300.

Meanwhile, Emirates Flight Training Academy has signed a firm order for five Embraer Phenom 100E business jets, with options for five more aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.

A Phenom 100E in the Emirates Flight Training Academy’s livery will be on static display at the Dubai Airshow, which runs from Nov. 8 through Nov. 12.

The organizers say more than 160 commercial, business and military aircraft will be on display at the show.

The Phenom 100E image is courtesy of Embraer.

Global 7000 : ‘There’s no competition’

Tags

Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, Embraer, GE Aviation, Global 7000, Global 8000, Gulfstream, Luxury Travel, Montreal, News, Toronto, Transport, Travel

Work is progressing rapidly at a Bombardier facility in Toronto on what is being billed as the ultimate long-range business aircraft.

The super-luxury Global 7000 boasts of many firsts, among them a four-zone cabin that includes a bedroom.

Two Global 7000 flight test vehicles are being assembled on what the company calls “the most advanced production line in business aviation.”

Two additional test vehicles are in various stages of production.

Coleal, Ouellette and GE’s Kathy MacKenzie in Toronto on Tuesay.

“With a no-compromise approach and forward-thinking technology, we are focused on bringing the game-changing Global 7000 aircraft to market,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

He noted that Bombardier is employing the highest-calibre technology throughout the entire manufacturing process for the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft program.

“The final assembly line in Toronto features a state-of-the-art automated positioning system that moves the wing structure into place for joining with the fuselage.”

The program’s integrated aircraft ground tests are also making good progress across 15 facilities, the company said.

When the Global 7000 and 8000 program was first announced in 2010, many thought it was in response to Gulfstream’s G650. More than 100 G650s are in service now.

But Coleal doesn’t agree with that argument.

Design Manager Tim Fagan

“The G650 is not a competitor because of the four-zone cabin,” he said Tuesday as Bombardier showcased the test vehicles to the media.

In fact, Coleal doesn’t think there is another business aircraft currently in operation or in development to compete with the Global 7000.

Powered by the next-generation General Electric engines, the Global 7000 aircraft will have a range of 7,400 NM (13,705 km) at M 0.85 with 8 passengers, and will be able to connect London to Singapore or New York City to Dubai non-stop.

The Global 8000, which is also under development, will have a longer range and feature a three-zone cabinet. It will also be powered by GE engines.

“We’re excited by the unprecedented precision and quality we’ve observed on the assembly of the first two flight test vehicles,” said Michel Ouellette, senior vice-president of the program.

“This further validates that Bombardier made the right choice in the technology it is employing to build the most advanced business jet on the market.”

The Global 7000 is expected to enter service in the second half of 2018.

As for customer interest, Ouellette said, “We’ve a healthy backlog of orders.”

A full-scale mock-up of the Global 7000

All images are by Abdul Latheef

Canada is a key partner in Astrosat

Tags

Astrosat, Business, Canada, CSA, India, ISRO, News, PSLV, Science, Space, Telescope

“Congratulations ISRO! We’re happy to be on board,” the Canadian Space Agency tweeted Monday morning after India successfully launched a dedicated space observatory aimed at studying celestial objects.

The 1.5-tonne Astrosat was placed into orbit by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, the Indian Space Research Organization said.

The PSLV also launched six foreign satellites, including a nanosatellite from the University of Toronto’s Space Flight Laboratory.

“This scientific satellite mission endeavours for a more detailed understanding of our universe,” ISRO said.

“Astrosat is designed to observe the universe in the visible, ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads,” the space agency said.

One of those payloads, the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, was built in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.

Dr. John Hutchings of the National Research Council Canada is the principal investigator for Canada’s contribution.

Hutchings co-led the development of the three Canadian detectors for the UVIT, CSA said.

“By exploring distant galaxies in ultraviolet light, we can study the formation and life cycle of galaxies, as well as star formation within galaxies. That’s one of the science drivers of this project,” it quoted Hutchings as saying.

Canada’s participation in Astrosat entitles Canadian scientists to observation time on the satellite, the agency said.

The PSLV is the workhorse of the Indian space program. It has launched 84 satellites since 1994, including 51 for customers abroad.

Images are courtesy of ISRO.

CS100: ‘The quietest in its class’

Tags

Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, EASA, Embraer, Environment, FAA, ICAO, News, Toronto, Tourism, Transport, Travel, TSB

The message was loud and clear as the all-new Bombardier CS100 made its Toronto debut Thursday: It’s the quietest aircraft in its class.

The company told a gathering of government officials and airline executives that the “aircraft’s noise performance and its outstanding short-field capability make it ideal for city centre operations.”

The CS100 is the smaller version in the CSeries and is on course for certification later this year.

The aircraft that debuted in Toronto was in the colours of launch customer SWISS, or Swiss International Air Lines, and is expected to make the first commercial flight before the middle of next year.

The CS100 can carry up to 125 people while the bigger version, the CS300, is meant for up to 160.

It is not the first time Bombardier is stressing the efficiency of the aircraft. Just before this year’s Paris Air Show, the company declared that the performance of the CSeries was “better than advertised.”

“We announced previously that the CSeries aircraft are exceeding their original targets for fuel burn, payload, range and airfield performance,” said Rob Dewar, vice-president of the program.

“Now we are delighted that the CS100 aircraft’s noise performance tests have confirmed it as the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class.”

The company said the first production CS100 will soon start function and reliability testing, signalling the start of the final flight testing phase.

“For these tests, the aircraft will operate on a commercial airline type of schedule from key airports in North America.”

In all, Bombardier has won 243 firm orders for the CSeries aircraft, 180 of them for the CS300.

No new orders were announced Thursday but Fred Cromer (above), president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, was very optimistic.

“The momentum continues to grow,” he said.

All images are by the author.