A thousand reasons to celebrate

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Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Challenger 650, Embraer, Gulfstream, Luxury Travel, NBAA, NetJets, News, Transport, Travel

Bombardier’s 1,000th Challenger 600 series aircraft is set to enter into service this year …and that airplane will be the first Challenger 650, built for private aviation leader NetJets Inc.

Bombardier made the announcement as business aircraft manufacturers descended on Las Vegas for the 2015 National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition.

The airplane will be on static display at the three-day show opening Tuesday.

Pat Gallagher (left) of NetJets with David Coleal of Bombardier in Las Vegas on Monday.

“Our collaboration with NetJets to create their Signature Series concept on our Challenger and Global platforms is evidence of what can be accomplished when two visionary industry leaders join forces,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

The aircraft is part of an original NetJets order announced in June 2012 for 100 Challenger aircraft with options for an additional 175, Bombardier said.

NetJets has also placed a firm order for 50 Global jets with options for an additional 70 aircraft in March 2011.

“The Challenger 650 aircraft will be a wonderful addition to our fleet,” said Pat Gallagher, NetJets’ executive vice-president of sales and marketing.

The airplane received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada this month.

With a range of more than 7,400 kilometres, the aircraft can fly from London to New York, Dubai to London or Sao Paulo to Miami non-stop.

In other show news:

Embraer Executive Jets is forecasting a global demand for 9,100 new business jets, worth $259 billion, over the next 10 years.

“This is the total market opportunity to be serviced by all manufacturers and represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3 per cent per year over the next 10 years, Embraer said.

“The analysis foresees that demand is likely to exceed the last decade’s deliveries and market value, when approximately 8,190 business jets were delivered, worth $198 billion.”

Earlier in the day, Boeing Business Jets announced orders for four new BBJ MAX 8 airplanes.

Three airplanes were ordered by an undisclosed customer based in the Middle East while one order came from an undisclosed customer in Asia, Boeing said.

Nearly 100 business aircraft will be on display at NBAA15, which has attracted more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world.

Meanwhile, Cessna Aircraft Co. debuted its new Citation Longitude business jet.

It also announced plans to enter the large business jet category with the Citation Hemisphere.

“The Longitude and Hemisphere will join the Citation Latitude to complete a new, large-cabin, three-aircraft Citation family,” the company said.

Images are courtesy of Bombardier, NBAA, Embraer, Boeing and Cessna.

 

Vietjet orders 30 Airbus A321s

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A320, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Lufthansa Technik AG, News, Transport, Travel, Vietjet

A Vietnamese budget airline, which was launched just four years ago, was the top newsmaker on the third of the Dubai Airshow.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietjet announced an order for 30 Airbus A321s.

“Today’s order for additional A321s responds to our growth strategy and to the need for additional seat capacity on both domestic and international routes,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, president and CEO

“Our aim is to be Vietnam and Asia’s new-age carrier, known for quality, efficiency and comfort and our A320 fleet has earned us this reputation.”

Vietjet already operates a fleet of 29 A320s and with Tuesday’s announcement, the airline has placed firm orders for a total of 99 A320 family aircraft.

Airbus also won an order from Oman Air to upgrade the cabins of its A330s.

This interior modernization will harmonize the airline’s business class cabins across its long range fleet and ensure the latest standards in its in-service A330s, Airbus said.

The project is to be completed next year.

In other show news:

Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik AG unveiled their new VIP cabin design to initial customers.

The two German companies said they had been working on the design since it was first announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva in May.

“The floor plan presented here visualizes the typical Mercedes-Benz modern luxury combined with Lufthansa Technik’s highest quality design approach,” said Walter Heerdt, senior vice-president at Lufthansa Technik.

“The result is a unique, organic and functional design for a modern VIP Jet. Together with Lufthansa Technik’s latest in-flight communication and entertainment innovations, the new cabin will be ideal for global players wishing to travel in style.”

The images are courtesy of Airbus and  Lufthansa Technik.

Emirates signs $16B service deal with GE Aviation

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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

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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

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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.

Stars of the Dubai Airshow

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A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CSeries, Dassault Falcon, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Gulfstream, News, Textron, Transport, Travel

The 14th edition of the Dubai Airshow opens on Sunday. DAS 2015 is the biggest in the show’s history. More than 160 aircraft will be on display at the five-day show.

Featured below are some of them: The first two-class configured Emirates A380, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, the Bell 429, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A350XWB, the Bombardier CS100, the Bombardier Global 6000, the Gulfstream E650ER, the Embraer Legacy 650, the Dassault Falcon 9000LX and the Embraer Phenom 100.

Images are courtesy of their respective owners. 

CS100 to make Dubai Airshow debut

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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’

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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

Bombardier Global 7000 in pictures

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Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Embraer, Global 7000, Global 8000, Luxury Travel, News, Niki Lauda, Transport, Travel

Images from the Global 7000 media event in Toronto on Tuesday. All photos are by Abdul Latheef.