The most common misconceptions about aircraft safety

Photo Artemis Aerospace

Over the years, there have been many myths and misconceptions about the safety of air travel. From toilet waste being discarded mid-air to where the safest seats are on board, André Viljoen, former commercial airline pilot and logistics manager at component supply specialist Artemis Aerospace, settles some of the most common misunderstandings.

Turbulence can cause an aircraft to crash

Turbulence is a common occurrence when travelling by air and something that every pilot and passenger will encounter at some point.

While turbulence can be nerve-wracking and, at times, downright unpleasant, it is highly unlikely that it will bring down an aircraft. Aircraft are designed to withstand difficult conditions, including strong winds and lightning strikes.

The most likely situation in the event of aircraft turbulence is passengers experiencing a minor injury because they weren’t seated or strapped in at the time of the incident. To avoid this, it is recommended that passengers keep their seatbelt fastened while sitting down.

If an engine fails, the plane will crash

No passenger wants to hear the news that an engine has failed. However, the majority of commercial airlines use twin-engine aeroplanes, which are designed to take-off, fly and land safely on one engine.

In the unlikely event an engine fails, rest assured that all pilots are trained extensively and regularly to deal with the situation and will return immediately to the nearest airport.

The safest seats on the aircraft are …

The truth is, there is no such thing as ‘the safest seat on an aircraft’. However, based on crash statistics and the associated survival rates of passengers, there are suggestions that certain seats, like those located at the back of the aircraft, are safer than others.

If turbulence concerns you, then sitting over the wings or towards the front of the aircraft will be less bouncy compared to the back.

The most important thing to note is that the chances of being in a crash are extremely low – around 1 in 20 million, while the chances of dying are a tiny 1 in 3.37 billion.

Cabin air causes illness

If you’ve ever been on a flight and fallen ill shortly afterwards with cold or flu-like symptoms, it is easy to assume that the cause was sitting in an aircraft cabin breathing circulated air.

However, there is no evidence to prove that aircraft cabin air recirculation increases the risk of illness for anyone on board a flight.

It is worthwhile remembering that viruses, like flu, are most likely to pass through direct contact, such as touching hands with or being in close proximity of an infected person. Viruses will generally stay active longer on hard surfaces, so washing your hands regularly is the best way to help prevent the spread of such diseases.

 

Oxygen masks are bad news

Oxygen masks are an essential safety requirement for all aircraft. Commercial aircraft travel at high altitudes, so this means cabins have to be pressurised so that passengers can breathe. In the event the cabin pressure fails, the emergency masks will provide life-saving oxygen to those on board.

If oxygen masks are required, pilots have been extensively trained to deal with the situation and will conduct an immediate emergency decent to an altitude of 10,000 feet where oxygen will not be needed.

The number of times oxygen masks have been deployed on flights is minimal and many are accidental. In fact, the figure is so low that the infrequency would mean any statistic related to oxygen masks would be deemed invalid. Put simply – it is extremely unlikely for a passenger to experience a situation that requires an oxygen mask.

Toilet waste is thrown out the aircraft

All toilet waste on commercial aircraft is deposited into a holding tank. Waste will be stored there until the aircraft lands, where ground staff will safely empty the contents.

While there is a possibility that an aircraft might leak frozen sewage (referred to as ‘blue ice’), airlines are forbidden from dropping waste while in air and there is no button or equipment for any of the crew to attempt this.

Doors can be opened mid-flight

Despite what some of the action-packed Hollywood movies might suggest, opening an aircraft door mid-flight is simply impossible. This is because aircraft cabins are pressurised. At a typical cruising altitude, up to 3.5kg of pressure is pushing against every square inch of the door. This equates to more than 500kg in total - far more weight than anyone could ever overcome.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/flight-plan/busting-myths-about-the-risks-aircraft-face-while-in-the-air/article29820877.ece

https://simpleflying.com/flying-10-myths-guide/

https://simpleflying.com/can-aircraft-doors-be-opened-in-flight/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20057907

https://flightdelaypay.com/emergency-oxygen-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/20/aeroplane-toilets-how-concerned-should-we-be-about-the-chance-of-airborne-sewage

American Airlines honours the Careers of 2022 Annual Chairman’s Award Winners

Photo AA

American Airlines celebrated 100 of its top team members at a gala held Tuesday at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas. The 2022 Annual Chairman’s Award event recognized this year’s winners for their exemplary careers and unparalleled dedication to customers, colleagues and the airline.

Honorees included team members from across the United States and seven other countries.

Hosting his first Annual Chairman’s Award gala since becoming CEO in March, Robert Isom recognized these team members as long-time servant leaders and creative thinkers who were integral in helping the airline run reliably and profitably this year.

“Annual Chairman’s Award winners are truly the best of the best at our airline,” he said. “I was honoured to spend the evening recognizing their hard work.”

Honorees and their guests were treated to a reception and dinner, followed by an award ceremony that included notes of congratulations from friends and family, a special award pin, and $10,000. This year’s honorees and the important work they do span every aspect of operating a successful airline and represent each of American’s workgroups.

Winners expressed surprise at finding they’d been nominated, along with a desire to draw attention to the careers of other team members they know. “I was in shock, but also humbled, knowing that I have an entire network of people who appreciate me this much,” said Sheri McCrandall, a senior analyst for technical publications in Tulsa who has been with American for 12 years. “I lead a team of five people, and this award really trickles down to them and all the work we do together.”

Some of the best upcycling ideas for aircraft parts.......

Every day hundreds of aircraft parts are ordered and sent to be fitted on aircraft. However, what happens when these parts aren't good enough for reusing or become obsolete? Here, Adam Murray, director of operations at component supply specialist Artemis Aerospace, unveils some of the best ideas for upcycling aircraft parts

 Recycling aircraft parts isn't a new concept in the aviation industry and, for many years, refurbishing parts to fit on other aircraft or repurposing them to produce different products, such as circuit boards, has been the industry standard.

In fact, according to AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association), it is estimated that around 80% to 85% of aircraft parts are recycled when an aircraft reaches retirement. However, new and alternative ideas for reusing aircraft parts are becoming more commonplace.

Homeware collections

Airbus and Lufthansa are among some of the companies breathing new life into aircraft parts by creating designer furniture and homeware collections for modern living.

The project called A Piece of Sky, which was supported by Airbus and its Airbus BizLab initiative, was the first to start transforming the manufacturer's parts into furniture. These include armchairs, coffee tables and lamps created from things such as cabin windows and test flight storage data modules. They have also created Airbus branded surfboards out of recycled carbon.

In October 2020, Lufthansa launched its Upcycling Collection 2.0 – a range of homeware products made from retired aircraft parts. The collection features furniture, sculptures and accessories built with parts from a decommissioned A320. Key products include a flying coffee table created from landing flaps and a wall bar formed from an aeroplane window mounted onto a wooden box.

Aviation themed accommodation

Ideal for aviation enthusiasts or those looking for something a little bit different during a flight stopover, Jumbostay's converted Boeing 747, located at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, offers the chance to sleep in a jet without leaving the ground.

Providing accommodation and breakfast, the unique hotel offers a range of rooms, from suites with private showers to dormitories for up to four people. The Cockpit Suite even includes a fully preserved flight deck featuring all the original instruments, so you can play pilot to your heart's content!

Christmas tree ornaments

Whether you're a committed aviation enthusiast or simply fancy something a little bit different, then how about using surplus engine parts and accessories to add an effective and interesting festive flourish to your Christmas tree?

From washers, fasteners and rivets to hinges, grommets and seals, parts can be repurposed quickly and easily by simply adding some ribbon or coloured string.

Strike a pose on a private jet 'selfie set'

Ever wanted to fly by private jet? It might not be quite the same thing, but for a little bit of light-hearted fun, take a trip to the Selfie Factory at the O2 in London, where you can spend the day make-believing you are living the good life.

Comprising a variety of sets, including the interior of a private jet, the Selfie Factory allows guests to take as many photos as they like and even offers a changing area so you can don a different outfit each time.

Photo SkyPod

Drinks bars

Raise a glass at your very own custom-built bar that's been crafted out of upcycled aircraft fuselage. Created by SkyPod, bars are available in a wide range of colours, finishes and worktop options. All bars come complete with frosted or unfrosted windows, remote control RGB LED lights and a certificate of the plane number and its history. Cheers!

www.artemisaerospace.com

https://www.airport-technology.com/analysis/featureaircraft-recycling-up-to-the-challenge-5710942/ 

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2019-04-a-piece-of-sky-breathing-new-life-into-old-aircraft-parts

https://globetrender.com/2020/10/01/lufthansa-upcycling-collection/ 

https://www.jumbostay.se/ 

https://selfiefactory.co.uk/ 

https://skypods.co.uk/sky-bars/ 

Airbus invests in climate solutions company, Carbon Engineering Ltd. to support world’s largest direct air carbon capture R&D facility.

Airbus invests in climate solutions company, Carbon Engineering Ltd. to support world’s largest direct air carbon capture R&D facility.

Airbus invests in Carbon Engineering Ltd., a Canadian-based climate solutions company, operating the largest Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) Research & Development facility in the world.  

The investment will contribute to funding part of Carbon Engineering’s advanced direct air capture R&D technologies at the company’s Innovation Centre in Squamish, B.C., Canada. 

“Carbon Engineering’s Direct Air Capture technology provides a scalable, affordable solution to decarbonize aviation,” said Daniel Friedmann, CEO, of Carbon Engineering. “We are thankful to Airbus for taking action and continuing to lead the way by helping accelerate solutions for the industry and for the climate.”

“We are proud to be investing in Carbon Engineering, reaffirming our commitment to the use of direct air carbon capture as a two-fold solution for the decarbonisation of the aviation industry,” said Karine Guenan, VP ZEROe Ecosystem, Airbus.

The Metafly Club takes off with acquisition of Dassault Falcon 2000 jet for private charter clients

The Metafly Club has announced its first aircraft acquisition, a Dassault Falcon 2000 Heavy Jet, to serve charter clients on all Metafly Club routes. The Metafly Club has partnered with world leader in luxury private aviation, M2Jets to launch the first luxury charter jet membership program, merging private aviation and luxury hospitality perks, to offer ultimate access to private jet routes and destinations around the globe. The 10-seater Falcon 2000 VIP Business Jet offers unmatched performance capabilities, modern designed interiors, comfortable seats, and superior amenities on board all aircraft. The Metafly Club plans to expand its fleet to 12 aircraft in 2023.

CEO Hassan Chowdhury commented, “With the acquisition of the Falcon 2000 Heavy Jet for The Metafly Club clients and the goal to expand to 12 aircrafts in 2023, we are proving ourselves to be leaders in luxury private aviation, offering our customers the ultimate private jet and hospitality experience.”

Real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Hassan Chowdhury, in partnership with Moshe Malamud, founder, and chairman of M2Jets, and nightlife mogul Richie Romero, founded the private charter jet brand, which will offer members ultimate access to luxury mid-size and heavy private jets, including fleets of Hawker 800, Falcon 50, Falcon 2000, Falcon 900, Falcon 7X, Challenger 604, Gulfstream IVSP and Gulfstream V in addition to the Falcon 2000. VIP clients will have access to multiple international routes aboard these jets, as well as memberships perks at the hottest clubs, restaurants, and private accommodations under The Metafly Club umbrella, including Bouge Villas, Sushi By Bou, and Nebula, ensuring ultimate comfort and world-class hospitality service.

Air Canada Invests in Canadian Technology that Captures Carbon Directly from the Air to Fight Climate Change

Air Canada today announced an equity investment/loan of $6.75 million into Canadian climate solutions company Carbon Engineering (CE). The investment supports the advancement of CE's Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that pulls carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly out of the air at large, industrial scale.

Under its Climate Action Plan, Air Canada has committed to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To help achieve this goal, the company created a $50 million investment fund to support new technologies. The $6.75 million being invested in CE comes from this fund and follows on an earlier announcement by Air Canada that it is investing US$5 million in Heart Aerospace, a Swedish company developing electric hybrid aircraft.

"We remain focused on seeking innovative, long-term, sustainable GHG emissions reduction solutions for aviation, and carbon capture is one we have outlined in our strategy to achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Last year, we became the first Canadian airline to sign an MOU with CE to explore carbon capture scalability and other initiatives for our industry. We are proud to invest in CE to further advance new, transformational technologies towards carbon removal commercially," said Michael Rousseau, President & Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

According to CE, their DAC process uses large fans to pull in air and then, through a series of processes, extracts the CO2 while returning the other air components to the environment. The captured atmospheric CO2 can be used to reduce aviation emissions by producing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that can be drop-in compatible with today's aircraft. The captured CO2 can also be safely and durably stored in geologic reservoirs to provide carbon dioxide removals that can used to offset GHG emissions.

Dutch court finds three men guilty of murder following the shooting down of MH17 in July 2014,

 

MH17 was partly reconstructed as part of the investigation into the disaster.
Photo Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters

 

A Dutch court has found three men guilty of the mass murder of 298 people and unlawfully causing an aeroplane to crash in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 operating flight MH17 on 17th July 2014. 

Two Russians and a Ukrainian,   Leonid Kharchenko, Sergei Dubinsky and  Igor Girkin were all found guilty in their absence with each getting a life sentence. A third Russian, Oleg Pulatov, the only one to employ legal representation during the trial was acquitted by the judges. 

The 777 was operating flight MH17 between Amsterdam and Kula Lumpur and was shot down with a Buk missile launcher that was Russian-made and supplied. The jet had 298 onboard at the time, coming from 17 countries, the majority - 196 were from the Netherlands, 43 from Malaysia, 38 from Australia and 10 from the UK.

Sergei Dubinsky ordered and oversaw the transport of the Buk missile launcher

Leonid Kharchenko oversaw the Buk, acting on Dubinsky's instructions.

Igor Girkin, was the military leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, who was convicted of deploying the missile and seeking Russian help.

The UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly gave a statement following the conclusion of the flight MH17 trial:

"Today’s guilty verdict, convicting 3 individuals of murder in relation to the downing of MH17, is an important step in securing justice for the families of the victims.

Two hundred and ninety eight lives, including those of 10 British nationals, were tragically lost on 17 July 2014. Thousands more have been devastated in the years since, as family and friends continue to grieve for their loved ones.

The downing of MH17 was a shocking violation of international norms which keep our societies safe. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s actions in Ukraine over many years.

My thoughts remain with the families of all those killed in this heinous attack, including people from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Belgium, Germany, the Philippines, New Zealand and Canada."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "An important court decision in The Hague. The first sentences for the perpetrators of downing MH17. Punishment for all RF's [Russia's] atrocities then & now is inevitable."

The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, said: "This is yet another step in the pursuit of truth and justice for the victims and their loved ones. And important as this verdict is, it is not the final conclusion … It is not the end. All parties will have the right to appeal, so the judgment is not yet final. But to reiterate, an important step has been taken today."

British Airways has become the first UK airline to trial the use of biometric technology for international flights.....

British Airways has become the first UK airline to trial the use of biometric technology for international flights, enabling customers taking part in the trial to travel through the airport ‘smartly’ without having to show their passport.

Customers who sign up to take part in the airline’s trial from London Heathrow Terminal 5 will be invited to scan their face, passport and boarding pass on their smartphone or tablet ahead of travel, with this information being kept safe and secure. 

When trial participants arrive at the airport, Smart Bio-Pod cameras verify their identity in under three seconds, allowing them to keep their passports safely in their pockets until they reach their destination.

David Breeze, Operations Transformation Manager for British Airways, said: “Not only is this the first time that our customers have been able to register their biometric information at home, but it’s the first time they can use it for British Airways’ international flights. This is a secure and efficient tool that makes for a smarter and smoother airport experience, which will reduce the time it takes us to board aircraft”

“The beauty of this technology is that it also frees our people up to look after more complex customer enquiries and deliver the best possible customer service.”

The trial will run for six months on British Airways flights to Malaga, Spain. Customers who opt-in will be invited to make use of the Fast-Track security lane and will receive complimentary priority boarding.

If the trial is successful, it’s expected to be extended to more international flights.

It follows the introduction of automated biometric technology on British Airways’ domestic flights in 2017, when the carrier became the first UK airline to introduce the technology, which records customers’ facial scans at Security and matches it to them at the boarding gate.

Select customers travelling from London Heathrow Terminal 5 are being invited to volunteer and will receive an email three days ahead of their flight.

Customers taking part in the trial can also register their identity at various touchpoints at Check-In Zone B

The technology used in the trial has been created by travel technology company Amadeus, customised for British Airways

Participants will be directed to a customer service representative if they have not been able to provide their Advanced Passenger Information or immigration requirements ahead of time

Participants are still required to carry their passport when travelling and will be required to show it when they reach their destination airport

JetBlue to start flights to Paris

JetBlue is set to expand its transatlantic flights with a new service to Paris starting next summer. Paris will be JetBlue’s second transatlantic destination following the airline’s successful launch of service to London in August 2021, where it has quickly grown its schedule to five daily flights between the United States and the United Kingdom. 

With service to both London and Paris, JetBlue will play a unique role in disrupting high-fare legacy carriers that have used joint ventures and global alliances to dominate these routes for decades.

“JetBlue is offering something completely unique to what you get from the big global legacy airlines on these routes – where a single high-fare joint venture operates nearly three-quarters of the flying,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “The response to our London service is proof that combining great service with low fares works. We can’t wait to bring our reimagined Mint and core offerings to Continental Europe’s most visited city.”

JetBlue plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in summer 2023, and will later add nonstop service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Paris-CDG. Seats will go on sale in the coming months.

Paris is the largest European destination not currently served by JetBlue from its two Northeast focus cities, New York and Boston – and the market between the U.S. and France is the second biggest in the world. JetBlue plans to offer flights to Paris from both cities as it continues to grow its relevance in the Northeast with new routes most frequently requested by customers. France is the world’s most visited country and is on track to reach nearly 75 million visitors this year, with equally strong travel trends expected in 2023. JetBlue’s new service at Paris-CDG will provide the airline with a high visibility presence at the major global hub where it can further establish a new customer base of travelers looking to fly between Europe and the U.S.

“Atout France would like to welcome JetBlue into the family of carriers that have chosen to service France,” said Anne-Laure Tuncer, Director USA Atout France and regional coordinator for the Americas. “With so much pent up demand, JetBlue is just in time to have their American customers experience the vitality and diversity of France’s offerings, new culinary itineraries, exciting upcoming sporting events – such as the Rugby World Cup 2023 and the Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 – and everything else France is known for.”

The airline’s Mint® premium experience – which first raised the bar on transcontinental travel in the U.S. and was completely reimagined for transatlantic flying – offers customers a fresh choice when flying between the U.S. and Europe. JetBlue Mint features 24 fully lie-flat private suites with a sliding door – including two Mint Studios™ – and a custom-designed seat cushion developed by innovative mattress company Tuft & Needle. Its proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam with a breathable cover creates a cool and comfortable sleep experience unlike anything in the sky. Mint also boasts countless intuitive design touches that help every customer feel at home in the air. JetBlue has also introduced its latest innovation – the stunning Mint Studio – offering even more space in a premium experience.

JetBlue’s industry-leading core experience was also reinvented for transatlantic flying and offers a new level of service to customers who generally fly “coach” but still want a great experience at an attractive fare. With just 114 core seats – including 24 Even More® Space Seats – customers enjoy a boutique-style experience no matter where they sit. All of the comforts JetBlue customers have come to expect is enhanced by the airline’s partnership with New York-based restaurant group Dig to bring its signature build-your-own dining concept to tray tables at 35,000 feet – JetBlue’s complimentary meal in core. Core customers also enjoy a free selection of soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine and liquor. The A321LR features new extra-large overhead bins, and all customers regardless of fare type may bring one carry on, space permitting, and one personal item.

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Airbus Final Assembly Line Asia assembles its first A321 aircraft

Photo Airbus

Airbus has announced the commissioning of the first A321 aircraft to be assembled at its Final Assembly Line Asia (FAL Tianjin) in Tianjin, China. The breakthrough expands and deepens the collaboration with China’s aviation industry, and demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to enhance its long-term strategic partnership with China.

The FAL in Tianjin officially started the adaptation work to become A321 capable in August 2022. It is the first major upgrade of the assembly line since operations commenced in 2008. FAL Tianjin’s first A321 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early 2023.

“Since we announced our plans to expand the capability of FAL Tianjin to A321 production last November, I am proud that the Airbus Tianjin team has successfully completed the relevant adaptation work on schedule by working closely with European experts and our suppliers to overcome the impact of COVID-19” said George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and Airbus China CEO. “The commissioning of the first A321 aircraft underlines Airbus' commitment to China, marking a new milestone in the industrial cooperation with our Chinese partners.”

Airbus has four A320 Family assembly facilities around the world: Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Germany; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, United States. By the end of 2022, all commercial aircraft assembly sites will be A321-capable, as part of the industrial strategy to de-risk the ramp up and to meet the rising share of A321 production.

Inaugurated in 2008, FAL Tianjin was the first Airbus commercial aircraft assembly line outside Europe. In the same year, the first aircraft sections arrived on site. Since its first A320 delivery in 2009, FAL Tianjin has delivered more than 600 aircraft over its 14 years in operation. It has become a role model of successful Sino-European cooperation.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating as many as 244 passengers in a higher-density arrangement, with a longest range reaching 4,700nm/8,700km. Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family offers a 20 % reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 as well as a 50% noise reduction compared to previous generation aircraft, thanks to incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets. By the end of September 2022, the A320neo Family has received over 8,500 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.

Star Alliance named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards 2022

Star Alliance named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards 2022

Star Alliance Los Angeles lounge also named North America's Leading Airport Lounge

Both awards have been won for the third consecutive year

Star Alliance has been named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. At the North America 2022 edition of the awards held in August, the Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge also retained the award for North America's Leading Airport Lounge for the third year running.

In receiving these awards, Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh said: “We are extremely delighted to be receiving the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This is particularly fitting as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.”

Mr Goh continued: “These awards are testimony to the great work that more than 400,000 employees across the Star Alliance network do each day in delivering safe and seamless travel, and also to all the customers who have continued to give us and our member carriers their confidence and support.”

Now in its 29th edition, the World Travel Awards was established to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The annual awards are awarded based on a worldwide poll of qualified executives working within travel and tourism, and the consumer travel buyer.

Graham E Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: "Star Alliance continues to set the benchmark for global aviation and I am delighted that both the travel trade and the public have acknowledged this by voting it the World’s Leading Airline Alliance 2022 at the World Travel Awards. Earlier this year, Star Alliance’s ground-breaking LA lounge was also the runaway winner for North America's Leading Airport Lounge once again."

In addition to these two awards won at the alliance level, a number of Star Alliance member carriers also came away as individual winners this year. Nine of them won awards in 21 categories, ranging from World’s Leading Airline – First Class, to Leading Airlines in Europe, Oceania, Asia and Mexico & Central America.

Azul Linhas Aéreas adds three additional A330neo to fleet

Azul Linhas Aéreas adds three additional A330neo to fleet

Photo Airbus

Azul has signed a firm order for three A330-900 which will allow it to further expand its international network and complement its existing A330 operations, bringing the airline’s total fleet of A330neo aircraft to eight.

“We are delighted to have secured three more next-gen Airbus widebody aircraft which ensures the complete transformation of our fleet from old-generation to next-generation. We are focused on maintaining our widebody fleet stable while at the same time benefiting from the fuel efficiency savings from these aircraft.” declared John Rodgerson, Chief Executive Officer of Azul, and continues “with this order we have done just that”.

“We applaud Azul’s decision that shows their forward-looking strategy and proves the economics and performance of the A330neo are most compelling. The A330neo is the perfect tool to support Azul in expanding its fleet with the right-sized, modern widebody, leveraging the latest technology and efficiency and contributing to reducing CO2,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A330neo is a member of Airbus’ leading Widebody Family that provides lower operating costs and reduced environmental footprint by combining enhanced technologies from the A350 with highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. Featured with the Airspace cabin, the A330neo offers an unmatched passenger experience and operational efficiency thanks to a redesigned welcome area, enhanced mood lighting, larger and modern overhead compartments and new window and lavatory designs.

Azul Linhas Aereas launched operations in 2008 and has since grown to service more than 150 destinations within Brazil, and flies non-stop to the United States, Europe and South America. Azul received the Americas’ first A330neo in 2019 and operates 12 A330 Family aircraft. In the coming weeks, Azul will start operating four A350-900 to further expand its route offering and benefit from the Airbus commonality concept.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, Airbus has sold over 1,150 aircraft and has a backlog of over 500, with more than 700 in operation throughout the region, representing almost 60 percent market share of the in-service fleet. Since 1994, Airbus has secured approximately 70 percent of net orders in the region.