Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa's first Airbus A350-1000.
ICAO promotes sustainable aviation fuel investment platform with development banks.
IATA and ASA strengthen cooperation.
LATAM orders ten 787 Dreamliners to grow Boeing widebody fleet.
Orders & Deliveries - October 2024
Deutsche Aircraft introduces the D328eco™ to enhance regional connectivity and support infrastructure development in Western China.
Emirates SkyCargo to expand fleet, capacity with five more Boeing 777 freighters.
Fraport installs advanced passenger scanners from Rohde & Schwarz at Frankfurt Airport security checkpoints.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus video - SAAF C130 406 - A 1320 Nm Roundtrip
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES TAKES DELIVERY OF AFRICA'S FIRST AIRBUS A350-1000
Ethiopia's national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from Airbus in Toulouse, France. The first of its kind to be operated by an African based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.
To date Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline's fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000. The A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.
With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines' passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline's fleet. Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus' new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.
The A350 is the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410-seater category. The A350's clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.
The A350's unique Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft. It offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience. The aircraft's new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
By the end of September 2024, 1,340 A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
ICAO PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INVESTMENT PLATFORM WITH DEVELOPMENT BANKS
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar met with senior representatives from Multilateral Development Banks and other high-level officials in Washington D.C. on 24-25 October 2024. The discussions, held alongside the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings, centered on leveraging ICAO's FINVEST Hub to support sustainable aviation investments.
ICAO's FINVEST Hub was spotlighted as a pivotal platform to connect decarbonization projects with public and private investors, enhancing funding opportunities for sustainable aviation initiatives, particularly in developing States.
The meetings addressed critical challenges in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, including limited current production volumes, higher costs compared to conventional jet fuel, and the absence of production and supply chains in many developing regions.
According to ICAO's Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) report, approximately USD 3.2 billion is required by 2050 to scale up SAF, underscoring the importance of creating funding pathways through collaboration with development banks and other financial institutions.
Ms. Annie Petsonk, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, provided a keynote address during the roundtable and reaffirmed U.S. support for the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuel (CAAF/3) held in November 2023 outcomes, which established the 2030 Vision and Global Framework for cleaner aviation fuels and sustainable aviation financing.
Additionally, Secretary General Salazar, met with Ms. Nerissa Cook, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, to discuss ICAO's ongoing transformation efforts aimed at creating a more adaptive and collaborative organization demonstrating operational excellence.
During his visit, the Secretary General also held individual meetings with high-level representatives of the Worldbank Group, the International Monetary Fund, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, as well as Airlines for America.
The Secretary General was accompanied during this mission and meetings by ICAO's Legal Affairs and External Relations Director, Mr. Michael Gill.
IATA AND ASA STRENGTHEN COOPERATION
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Services Association (ASA) are strengthening their collaboration to improve ground handling safety and efficiency. Together, the organizations will work to reinforce standardization, promote safety data sharing, and explore new approaches to enhance sector resilience.
“Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximizing the impact of data relies on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective insights,” said Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security at IATA.
“This partnership is a significant milestone that leverages the expertise of both IATA and ASA. By coordinating our approach, we will ensure more robust support for ground and cargo handling professionals worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that standards and best practices are in place that the entire industry can rely on,” said Fabio Gamba, ASA's Director General.
IATA and ASA collaboration will include: Safety Data: Through ASA's Safety Incident Database and IATA's Incident Data Exchange (a part of IATA's Global Aviation Data Management - GADM - initiative), both organizations will share and analyse safety information to proactively address safety issues related to ground and cargo handling.
Industry Standards: ASA will continue to work with IATA in the development of industry best practices and standards related to ground and cargo handling, taking advantage of relevant data. In particular, this work will focus on key documents such as the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), their adoption by the industry and reduction of variations.
LATAM ORDERS TEN 787 DREAMLINERS TO GROW BOEING WIDEBODY FLEET
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and LATAM Airlines Group, the leading passenger and cargo airline group in South America, today announced the purchase of 10 787 Dreamliners with options for five more airplanes. As the region's largest 787 operator, this latest order for fuel-efficient 787-9 jets increase LATAM's investment in one of the most modern fleets in Latin America.
LATAM currently operates 37 787-8s and 787-9s and, including this latest order, expects to grow the fleet to 52 Dreamliners by 2030. The 787 enables the airline to maximize capacity on popular routes and launch new routes including its nonstop flight to Sydney, Australia.
"The Boeing 787 is a much more efficient aircraft, allowing us to continue growing sustainably while reducing our carbon footprint as we drive the growth of our operations. This order will enable us to receive at least two aircraft of this model each year from 2025 until the end of the decade," said Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of the LATAM Airlines Group.
The 787 family offers unmatched fuel efficiency, enabling airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes they replace. The larger 787-9 extends the capacity and range of the Dreamliner family, flying more passengers and cargo farther.
ORDERS & DELIVERIES - OCTOBER 2024
DEUTSCHE AIRCRAFT INTRODUCES THE D328ECO™ TO ENHANCE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN CHINA
German regional aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche Aircraft, is set to revolutionise regional air connectivity in Western China with the introduction of its 40-seater turboprop, the D328eco. This strategic move aligns with regional and national policies that promote the development of air transportation to meet the growing demand.
The D328eco offers a promising solution for establishing aerial connections among major hubs in the western part of China, such as Lanzhou, Urumqi and Kunming. By linking cities throughout this region, this innovative aircraft will support livelihoods, promote economic development and address the needs of remote communities. Its versatile capabilities allow it to serve as a cargo freighter, air ambulance or firefighting aircraft, enabling it to contribute significantly beyond a regional commuter. Ultimately, the D328eco will stimulate a dynamic market for general aviation and play a vital role for both operators and communities.
"Deutsche Aircraft aims to support Western China's infrastructure goals, including integration with the Belt and Road Initiative, as Western China plays an integral role in being a trade gateway to the West," remarked Ryan Ding, Regional Sales Director, Greater China at Deutsche Aircraft. "The D328eco is poised to become a vital part of the regional growth and sustainable development in Western and greater China."
Compared to other aircraft operating in Western China, including transportation and general aviation aircraft, the D328eco offers a more efficient average cost per seat. With its 40-seat capacity, this regional turboprop guarantees a better loading factor compared to narrow-body and regional jet aircraft. This advantage significantly reduces the subsidy pressure from local governments, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective solution for regional air transportation.
Western China faces significant challenges in developing its transportation network, such as limited accessibility to land transportation, high investment costs, extended travel times and optimising inefficient long-distance freight transport for goods outside Western China. To overcome these obstacles, future development should focus on improving infrastructure, stimulating the aviation economy and enhancing air transportation networks to be more efficient.
EMIRATES SKYCARGO TO EXPAND FLEET, CAPACITY WITH FIVE MORE BOEING 777 FREIGHTERS
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Emirates SkyCargo today announced an order for five more of the world's largest and longest-range twin-engine freighter, building on its earlier purchase of five 777 Freighters. The latest order, which was finalized in September and listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, brings Emirates' order book to 249 Boeing widebody airplanes, including 14 777 Freighters.
As the cargo division of the world's largest international airline, Emirates SkyCargo plans to operate 21 777 Freighters in the coming years - nearly doubling its current fleet of 11 freighters as the carrier continues to expand capacity.
"We're investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers around the world with even more flexibility, connectivity and options to leverage market opportunity," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. "Demand for Emirates' air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai's growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, and also the success of Emirates SkyCargo's bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors."
The 777 Freighter can fly farther (9,200 kilometres / 4,970 nautical miles) and carry more freight (102 tonnes) than any other twin-engine cargo jet today. This capability enables operators to fly more freight on more nonstop routes with better operating economics, connecting high-value cargo markets such as the Middle East with the U.S. and Europe.
FRAPORT INSTALLS ADVANCED PASSENGER SCANNERS FROM ROHDE & SCHWARZ AT FRANKFURT AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
Fraport has partnered with Rohde & Schwarz to modernize passenger security checkpoints at Frankfurt Airport / The contract involves the installation of over 100 new scanners.
Airport operator Fraport has contracted technology company Rohde & Schwarz to install 100 new security scanners at Frankfurt Airport. The equipment will be used both in existing security checkpoint lanes and in new checkpoints to be opened in the future. The scanners will be delivered over a period of three years.
Fraport chose Rohde & Schwarz based on the outstanding performance of its R&S QPS201 scanner model. The scanner combines the highest level of detection capabilities with efficient and intuitive procedures that benefit both passengers and staff. The R&S QPS201 scanner uses innovative millimetre-wave technology and AI-based algorithms to meet all regulatory requirements for detecting prohibited items, while also minimizing false alarm rates.
The contract is being awarded under Fraport's responsibility for the organization, management, and performance of aviation security checkpoints at Frankfurt Airport that was transferred from the German Federal Police in 2023. Tasks under this contract also include the procurement of security equipment.
Andreas Hägele, the head of Microwave Imaging at Rohde & Schwarz, comments: “We're proud to be part of this new model at Germany's biggest airport and to have gained Fraport's trust. This is the continuation of a long-term strategic partnership that is beneficial for both sides.”
Sascha König, Senior Vice President Aviation Passenger Process at Fraport AG, explains the investment: “We're pleased to be installing modern passenger scanners from Rohde & Schwarz at the security checkpoints over the coming months. We're continuing to work with our partners to roll out our modernization program for passenger checkpoints at Germany's biggest aviation hub. By using state-of-the-art technology, we're providing our customers and passengers with faster and more convenient security checkpoints, while maintaining the same high security standards.”
Rohde & Schwarz has served the aviation industry around the world since 2015. The scanners are approved by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), and many other national agencies.
Australia: Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW: A Qantas Boeing 737-800, suffered an engine failure on take-off from runway 34R at Sydney Airport. The aircraft returned safely.
Brazil, São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, SP (GRU/SBGR): A Total Boeing 737-400 (SF), made an emergency landing at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) after a fire had broken out in the cargo hold. The aircraft departed Vitória International Airport (VIX) at 23:34 hours local time (02:34 UTC, Nov. 9) on a regular cargo flight to GRU. While on approach to runway 28L, the flight crew declared an emergency. The flight touched down at 00:42 local time with fire services attending to the aircraft after it had come to a full stop on the runway. The aircraft was towed away at 09:12. Large holes could be seen on the top rear fuselage of the aircraft.
Italy, Roma-Fiumicino Airport (FCO/LIRF): A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, suffered a bird strike and subsequent no.2 engine surges during initial climb after take-off from runway 16R at FCO. The flight entered a holding over water and returned for a safe landing 54 minutes later.
Colombia, Bogotá-Eldorado International Airport (BOG/SKBO): An Aerosucre Boeing 727-227(AF), was taking off from Runway 14L at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) when it impacted the localizer array, 300 meters (990 feet) past the end of the runway. The aircraft returned to Bogotá safely, with minor being sustained to the landing gear of the aircraft and the localizer on the ground. Runway 14L is an 3800 m long asphalt runway with a Take Off Distance Available (TODA) of 3950 m. Airfield elevation is 8358 feet. The aircraft started the take-off roll at the threshold.
Haiti, Port-au-Prince-Toussaint Louverture International Airport: A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N, was hit by gunfire while on approach to runway 289 at Port-au-Prince Airport (PAP), Haiti. Several bullets penetrated the fuselage. The aircraft executed a go around and diverted to Santiago de los Caballeros Cibao International Airport (STI), Dominican Republic. The previous day a Sprit Airlines Airbus A320-232, was also hit by a bullet while taking off from Port-au-Prince-Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Haiti.
