Airbus Racer speeds past 400 km/h

Airbus’s Racer high-speed helicopter demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has reached its fast cruise speed target of 407 km/h (220 kts). On 21 June, less than two months after its first flight, the Racer demonstrator exceeded its level speed objective of 407 km/h (220 kts) by reaching 420 km/h (227 kts) in its initial configuration. In just seven flights and about nine hours of flight testing, almost all of the flight envelope has been opened.

“This achievement in such a short space of time is really a testimony to the hard work of our 40 partners in 13 European countries to bring all of this innovation to flight. On top of its performance, the aircraft's aerodynamic behaviour and stability are promising. We are all looking forward to the next phase of flight testing, especially the eco-mode which will enable us to shut down one engine in forward flight, thus reducing fuel consumption, and lowering the CO2 emissions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

The flight test crew consisted of Hervé Jammayrac, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Dominique Fournier, Flight Test Engineer, and Christophe Skorlic, Test Flight Engineer. The next phase of flight testing will focus on single-engine operations and finalise the flight envelope.

Optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h, the Racer demonstrator aims to achieve the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency, and mission performance. The Racer also targets a fuel consumption reduction of around 20%, compared to current generation helicopters in the same maximum take-off weight category, thanks to aerodynamic optimisation and an innovative eco-mode propulsion system. Developed with Safran Helicopter Engines, the hybrid-electrical eco-mode system allows one of the two Aneto-1X engines to be paused while in cruise flight, thus contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. The Racer also aims to demonstrate how its particular architecture can contribute to lowering its operational acoustic footprint.

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Japan Airlines finalises order for 31 Airbus aircraft......

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s and A321neo aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.

The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.

Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines Yukio Nakagawa said, “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”

RTX's Pratt & Whitney delivers F100 engine in support of Poland's F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX  business, has announced the delivery of an F100 engine to Poland. This delivery supports Poland's ongoing efforts to strengthen the readiness of its F-16 fleet, which is powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney engines.

"This is the first of several engines we'll deliver to our Polish ally this year to ensure they have the propulsion power they need to address current and future threats," said Josh Goodman, senior director of the F100 Program at Pratt & Whitney. "The Pratt & Whitney F100 is the mainstay powerplant for 23 global air forces, and we are seeing increased demand for our latest generation F100 engine."

Currently produced in Middletown, Connecticut, the original F100 engines powering the Polish F-16 fleet were manufactured at Pratt & Whitney's Rzeszów facility. Today, nearly 20 years later, that facility produces F100 static structures and critical rotating parts in support of new F100 engines and worldwide sustainment.

The F100 boasts operationally proven technologies, such as advanced materials and thermal coatings, improved turbine cooling capabilities and prognostic health management. Across global F-16 and F-15 fleets, the F100 has flown more than 30 million engine flight hours, which is nearly three times as many hours as other fourth-generation fighter engines.

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Embraer announces sale of six A-29 Super Tucano at Farnborough

 

The agreement provides for the delivery of six aircraft to the Paraguayan Air Force starting in 2025.

Embraer announced this week during the Farnborough International Airshow, the most important aerospace industry event of the year, the sale of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP).

As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 provides the Air Forces with versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the institutions' availability and operational flexibility. The operation, with deliveries scheduled from 2025, includes mission equipment and an integrated logistics services agreement.

"We are honoured by the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) decision and very pleased to be able to announce more A-29 Super Tucano sales, which is a leading aircraft in the international market in its segment. We are confident that the A-29 meets the current and future needs of the FAP", says Fabio Caparica, Commercial Vice President for Latin America at Embraer Defense & Security.

"Defense is a pure public good because it provides society with a service that contributes solely and exclusively to the stability of the nation as an essential element for an integrated development of a country. This has a positive impact not only on issues related to national sovereignty but also on all areas of development. The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) has the constitutional mission of safeguarding territorial integrity and, within its scope, exercising effective sovereignty over airspace, facing new threats, such as combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime", said Air General Júlio Rubén Fullaondo Céspedes, Commander of the Paraguayan Air Force. "To face emerging threats, we are in the process of modernizing our aerial and detection capabilities, and we intend to be up to the technological standards that allow us to correctly apply the measures established in the Law on Surveillance and Protection of Paraguayan Airspace in a to effectively contribute to the preservation of regional and international peace and security".

Virgin Atlantic orders seven additional Airbus A330neo aircraft

Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total, providing improved economics.

The order was announced during the Farnborough Airshow onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary.

Shai Weiss, CEO, of Virgin Atlantic said, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year. Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”

Avolon selects RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power up to 160 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

The agreement is Avolon's first direct GTF engine order

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced this week, that Avolon has selected GTF engines to power 80 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The order means Avolon will have 158 GTF-powered aircraft in its delivered and committed fleet, with options for engines to power 80 additional aircraft.

This order represents one of Pratt & Whitney's largest transactions with a lessor for its GTF engines.

"We are building on our collaboration with Avolon, who remains at the forefront of the lessor community," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF engines will provide Avolon's customers with unmatched fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions available for single-aisle aircraft."

"These engines will power our large orderbook of A320neo family aircraft and put us in an excellent position to service our customers' narrowbody requirements out to 2030 and beyond," said Andy Cronin, chief executive officer at Avolon. "Engine innovation has been one of the key tools to lower emissions and support the industry's decarbonization journey. We value Pratt & Whitney's strong customer focus and are excited about leveraging their GTF engines to support the transition of our fleet to more fuel-efficient technology."

Avolon currently has a portfolio of 81 V2500-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 39 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft in its delivered fleet.  Working with 142 airlines in 63 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,029 aircraft, as of 30 June 2024. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

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British Airways releases new inflight safety video

British Airways premieres its brand-new safety video, “A British Original Period Drama” inspired by some of Britain’s famous period literature, TV and film and starring more than 40 of the airline's colleagues. 

The airline is refreshing its film to keep customers engaged in the important safety messages being delivered. Knowing the popularity of British dramas in the UK and overseas, the airline chose this genre to resonate with its global audiences. 

The film depicts ladies and lords of the manor, as well as housekeepers and butlers going about their everyday lives in period Britain, before being abruptly interrupted by present-day British Airways colleagues demonstrating the safety briefing.  

At one point in the film, a 19th century socialite marvels at a moving picture, more commonly known in the 21st century as a laptop, before being reminded to store personal electronic devices before take-off.  

The characters continue to be bewildered by modern day contraptions, and when posed with the question “Is it a winged creature of the air or, perchance, a celestial contrivance navigating the skies?” Ellis Brett, an Apprentice in Aircraft Maintenance, responds with “No, ma'am. That's a British Airways A350.” 

HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The agreement paves the way for e-Fuels, made from renewable electricity, water, and recycled carbon dioxide, to reduce net CO2 emissions in the aviation sector, HIF Global has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to advance the global development of e-Fuels for aviation ("e-Sustainable Aviation Fuel" or "e-SAF") via the methanol to jet fuel ("MTJ") pathway. The MoU provides a framework for negotiation of definitive agreements in relation to four key workstreams: technical, project development, commercial and advocacy.

The collaboration was signed at the Farnborough Air Show in England, one of the most prestigious global aerospace, aviation and defense industry fairs. 

Cessna Caravan flight deck to feature cockpit advancements enhancing the flight experience for pilots

Textron Aviation is introducing significant enhancements to its legendary Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft. A brighter, modernized flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers. The enhancements, which are expected to be available in 2025, will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” said Christopher Crow, vice president, Piston and Utility Sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continues to build on the Caravan’s nearly 40-year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the most notable changes to both aircraft is the all-new black cockpit panels, creating a more contemporary appearance. The Caravan will also have Electroluminescent Lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments.

Other enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX include:

A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft

Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents

Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit

Two USB-C charging ports on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot

Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering operators greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets

Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield

Cessna Caravan family of aircraft

Cirrus celebrates 10,000 SR Series deliveries with limited edition aircraft

Cirrus, the world’s best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft manufacturer, revealed a one-of-a-kind, Limited-Edition SR Series aircraft to commemorate 10,000 SR Series deliveries. The 10,000th SR Series aircraft celebrates Cirrus’ past, present and future as well as the team who made this milestone possible.

Since the first delivery of the SR Series in 1999, Cirrus has pursued its guiding principles of delivering an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality and safety to its customers. This commitment is a testament to Cirrus’ perseverance and the SR Series’ continued evolution and success in delivering the next generation of personal aviation.

“The SR Series has reached a monumental achievement with 10,000 deliveries and owners that live the Cirrus Life,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer. “From the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) to the Perspective Touch+ flight deck, Cirrus continuously innovates to provide owners with personal aircraft that set the industry standard for aviation safety, luxury, convenience and ease of ownership. We are honored to celebrate 10,000 SR Series aircraft deliveries with our team members, partners and stakeholders.”

The SR Series continues to be the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for 22 years. Cirrus achieved the 10,000th aircraft milestone because of its relentless innovation and ability to create industry-leading products and owner services.

Airbus and partners invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel financing fund

Airbus, the Air France-KLM Group, Associated Energy Group, LLC, BNP Paribas, Burnham Sterling, Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. and Qantas Airways Limited co-invested in a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) financing fund to accelerate the production of SAF.

The corporate partners worked with investment manager Burnham Sterling Asset Management to establish the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA) investment fund in which Airbus is the Anchor Investor. The commitment from the seven partners is amounting to an aggregate of approx. US$200 million.

Each partner brings experience and financial expertise to the fund with the ambition to accelerate the availability of SAF by investing mainly in technologically mature SAF-producing projects using for instance waste-based feedstocks. Investments will be diversified across various SAF's production pathways and also by region.

Successful flight trials for future 5G infrastructure

An advanced airborne 5G connectivity system has been successfully integrated to a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, completing a series of demonstration flights. 

A team of UK companies completes flight trials for 5G infrastructure from the sky! 

The groundbreaking technology is being developed by a number of UK companies led by Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL), a leading Non-Terrestrial Networks telecoms developer, with design, integration and demonstration flights provided by manufacturer Britten-Norman. 

SPL is at the forefront of developing airborne antennas to deliver widescale high performance 5G coverage. This technology offers numerous valuable applications, such as quickly restoring networks after major disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, where traditional mobile network infrastructure has been disrupted. 

On 18th July 2024, the project team were joined by distinguished guests from potential customers and investors to observe the installation of the array under real flight conditions during an event at Britten-Norman’s Solent Airport aircraft maintenance (MRO) facility. The trial, conducted by Britten-Norman’s Flight Test Organisation, aimed to demonstrate the aircraft's capability to operate safely with the large 5G phased array antenna installed. Key aspects of the flight test programme included assessment of aircraft performance and handling qualities, covering both normal and emergency operation. This will support full certification of the system, enabling integration in terrestrial telecoms network at connection speeds of up to 200Mbps over 15,000km2. 

The turboprop BN2T-4S Islander variant was chosen for its robust design, all-weather capability, exceptional endurance and payload capacity. In addition, the aircraft’s modular design makes it an ideal platform for integration of large mission system payloads, whilst retaining a rapid re-role capability for other taskings.

The next phase of the project involves demonstrating the technology via a connection to a private UK-based national 5G telecommunications network.

GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) to use sustainable aviation fuel for its engine testing in collaboration with DHL

GA Telesis Engine Services, a global leader in aircraft jet engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), is proud to announce a milestone in its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection through the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) provided by Neste, the world's leading producer of SAF and renewable diesel. This strategic initiative to choose SAF underscores GATES's long-term dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting more sustainable aviation practices.

In collaboration with DHL, the world's leading logistics company, and highlighting DHL's role as GATES launch customer for SAF, GATES will begin integrating Neste-produced SAF into its engine testing operations in Finland. This partnership marks a significant milestone, by reducing GATES' aircraft engine testing operations' greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel's life cycle compared to using conventional jet fuel when Neste SAF is used unblended in the testing.

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

Commitment to Sustainability: As part of our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, GA Telesis Engine Services is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations. The introduction of SAF is a critical step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable future for aviation.

Collaboration with DHL: DHL, renowned for its leadership in logistics and sustainability, will be GA Telesis Engine Services' first customer to benefit from our SAF integration. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of driving innovation and sustainability within the aviation industry.

Environmental Impact: The use of Neste-produced SAF unblended, at 100% concentration, has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the life cycle of the fuel compared to using conventional jet fuel. By purchasing Neste-produced SAF an amount that results in 25% of SAF in its fuel blend, the Company aims to significantly lower its environmental impact from aircraft engine testing and contribute to efforts to combat climate change.

Innovation and Leadership: GA Telesis Engine Services is committed to being at the forefront of innovation in the MRO industry. The introduction of SAF is part of its corporate parent's commitment to environmental protection and its broader strategy to embrace cutting-edge technologies and practices that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

"We are thrilled to announce this important step in our sustainability journey," said Gunnar Sigurfinnsson, President of GA Telesis Engine Services. "Our collaboration with DHL exemplifies our commitment to environmental responsibility and our dedication to pioneering sustainable solutions within the aviation industry. By integrating SAF into our operations, we are taking meaningful action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations."

DHL's Executive Vice President of Aviation Express Global, Robert Hyslop, added, "DHL is already one of the world's largest users of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and we are making significant progress towards achieving a 30% SAF share by 2030. Therefore we are proud to now partner with GA Telesis Engine Services in their groundbreaking initiative. Sustainability is an integral part of corporate strategy, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver excellence sustainably. Together, we will make significant strides towards a more sustainable future."

GA Telesis Engine Services Oy is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in sustainability practices. GATES will continue to explore and implement solutions that support our environmental goals and drive positive change within the aviation industry.

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Japan Airlines commits to 10 Boeing 787-9 jets with options for 10 more

The US aircraft maker,  Boeing announced this week an agreement with Japan Airlines for up to 20 more 787 Dreamliners for international routes to North America, Asia and India. The deal includes 10 787-9s with options for 10 more, adding to JAL's current fleet of more than 50 of the popular widebody aircraft.

"We are delighted to announce the addition of 787 Dreamliners to our fleet. This order underscores our commitment to accelerating the introduction of the modern and more fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver unparalleled service to our customers and further reduce CO₂ emissions. We greatly appreciate the strong relationship and support from Boeing, which has been instrumental in our efforts to modernize our fleet and expand our international routes," said Yukio Nakagawa, JAL Executive Officer of Procurement.

Like most of Boeing's recent announcements,  this deal has not yet been completed and no final contract has been signed. There are still a number of issues yet to be resolved, but the manufacturer promises that once this order is finalized and posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, the carrier will have 10 787s and 21 737 flawed MAX jets on order.

In recent years, JAL has leveraged the versatility of the 787 to open new point-to-point markets from Tokyo to San Diego, Boston and Bangalore. With a range of up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the 787-9 possesses the longest-range capability within the 787 Dreamliner family, enabling JAL to open new routes and adding flexibility to its existing network.

"Japan Airlines continues to be a global ambassador for the 787 Dreamliner and this latest agreement is a testament to the versatility and efficiency of the 787-9 for the airline's key long-haul routes," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet."

. Book flights on Japan Airlines at discounted rates here.

Japan Airlines was founded in 1951 and is the Japanese flag carrier airline. In 2001, it merged with Japan Air System to form the Japan Airlines System. The airline's headquarters are in Japan's capital city, Tokyo, and it has operating hubs in both of that city's airports, Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport. It also has smaller, secondary hubs at Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport, plus focuses on Fukuoka Airport, New Chitose Airport, Naha Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Japan Airlines has a large fleet of 170 aeroplanes that fly to more than 90 destinations all over the world. Among these, New York, Shanghai, London Heathrow and Seoul are some of its busiest routes. Since 2007, it has been a part of the Oneworld Alliance. As well as its partnerships with other oneworld members, it also has codeshare agreements in place with several additional carriers. These are Emirates, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui and WestJet.

SMBC Aviation Capital confirms an additional 42 Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines

 

One of the largest GTF engine lessors now owns, manages, and has firm commitments for 142 GTF-powered aircraft

Pratt & Whitney announced this week that SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the largest lessors for GTF- powered A320neo family aircraft, has exercised options for 22 firm orders. This is supplemental to a 2021 order for 20 additional firm aircraft, bringing the lessor's additional commitment to 42 firm A320neo family aircraft equipped with GTF engines.

SMBC Aviation Capital announced its initial selection for 50 firm Pratt & Whitney A320neo family aircraft in 2019, and currently manages a portfolio of 142 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft. Today's announcement affirms the relationship between two global leaders in the aviation space.

"We appreciate SMBC Aviation Capital's continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney as we work together to deliver economic and environmental benefits for airline customers," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "These additional orders are a testament to the advantages this engine delivers as the most fuel-efficient, sustainable engine for single-aisle aircraft."

"SMBC Aviation Capital is pleased to confirm these latest technology engines reflecting our underlying commitment to invest in the most fuel efficient and sustainable aircraft types, which our customers want to operate," said Barry Flannery, CCO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

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