Airshows often run out of steam by the fourth day, but yesterday the orders kept coming for Airbus and Boeing, focused on longer range, single-aisle aircraft. It’s a clear testament to how new technology and more fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft are muscling in on territory previously the preserve of widebodies. The progress towards the commercial introduction of the A321XLR and B737 MAX 10 will be fascinating.
Airbus A321XLR to join LATAM
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LATAM has confirmed the A321XLR will join its fleet, as part of a Farnborough Airshow order for 17 more A320neo family aircraft. Photo: Airbus
On Thursday, LATAM Airlines added another 17 A321neo to its Airbus order book, including the A321XLR. LATAM now has 100 A320neo family aircraft on order with Airbus and will use the extended range of the A321XLR to complement its long-haul operations. The A321XLR, which completed its first flight in June, has a range of 4,700NM (8,700km) and a flight time of up to eleven hours. The XLR will allow LATAM to open new routes and extend its reach further throughout Latin America and beyond. LATAM Airlines Group has a presence in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, plus operations in the US, Caribbean, Europe and Oceania.
Simple Flying is at the Farnborough Airshow this week. For all the latest news from the show, click here!
Boeing adds Qatar Airways to its MAX 10 family
Farnborough is proving a happy place for Boeing, announcing on Thursday that Qatar Airways ordered 25 B737 MAX 10 aircraft. This is Qatar’s first order for Boeing narrowbodies, although it operates more than 120 widebody 777s, 787s and 747/777 freighters. The order follows an MOU signed in January between Qatar Airways and Boeing for 737 MAX airplanes. Qatar is also the launch customer for the new 777-8 freighter with an order for up to 50 freighters. The 737 MAX 10 is Boeing’s largest single-aisle aircraft, seating up to 230 passengers, and with a range of 3,300NM (6,100km), it can cover 99% of the world’s single-aisle routes. Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal said the deal deepens the relationship with Qatar, adding:
“The 737-10 is ideally suited for Qatar Airways’ regional network and will provide the carrier with the most capable, most fuel-efficient airplane in its class.”
Cargolux replaces 747s with 777-8 freighters
Cargolux selected the 777-8 Freighter to replace its 747-400 fleet. Photo: Boeing.
Cementing a relationship that spans almost 50 years, all-cargo operator Cargolux has selected the Boeing 777-8 freighter to replace its 747-400 fleet. Europe-based Cargolux has a fleet of 30 B747 aircraft, including 15 B747-400Fs which the 777-8s will replace. The announcement, made at the Farnborough Airshow on Thursday, has no detail on orders, numbers or timings. However, Cargolux president and CEO Richard Forson said, “With the 777-8 Freighter being the preferred solution to replace our 747-400s, Cargolux is looking forward to continuing its ongoing relationship with Boeing.” The 777-8 has nearly identical range and payload capabilities as the 747 but will give 30% better fuel efficiency and emission and 25% better operating costs per tonne than the older aircraft.
ATR looks back on a successful Farnborough
ATR believes the turboprop brings many opportunities to airlines across the world, a vision shared by Gabon airline Afrijet. Photo: ATR
On Thursday, ATR released a summary of its time at Farnborough, including orders from Japan’s Feel Air Holdings and Oriental Air Bridge and Afrijet of Gabon. ATR also signed a Heads of Agreement with a new lessor, Abelo, for ten ATR 72-600s and confirmed an order for ten ATR 42-600S, the STOL variant previously ordered by Elix Aviation in 2019. Last month Elix Aviation and ADARE Aviation Capital merged to create Abelo. The first deliveries of the 72-600s will start in 2023, while the first STOL variant will be delivered at the end of 2024. Abelo CEO Steve Gorman said:
“We firmly believe that turboprops are the technology of today and tomorrow and this is why we are investing in the ATR platform. This new deal is further proof of our commitment to create growth and value for regional operators, providing them with the most modern, profitable and sustainable aircraft on the market.”
Airbus invests in clean hydrogen fund
Airbus announced on Thursday that it had joined the world’s largest clean hydrogen infrastructure investment fund. The fund is managed by Hy24, a joint-venture between private investment house Ardian and FiveTHydrogen, an investment manager specializing in clean hydrogen investments. The Hy24 investment fund will back credible, large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure projects worldwide. The Airbus investment is part of its commitment to scaling up the global hydrogen economy, a vital component on the pathway to zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035. Airbus VP ZEROe Ecosystem, Karine Guenan said:
“Since 2020 Airbus has partnered with numerous airlines, airports, energy providers and industry partners to develop a stepped approach to global hydrogen availability. Joining a fund of this magnitude demonstrates Airbus’ continuously active role in infrastructure investments for the production, storage and distribution of clean hydrogen worldwide.”
Perhaps Friday has some more surprises in store?
