Orient Aviation’s Week in the Asia-Pacific
By Dominic Lalk
It has been a very good week for Boeing. On Thursday, Singapore Airlines (SIA) committed to purchasing 20 B777-9s and 19 additional B787-10s for its future long-haul fleet. Both Airbus and Boeing are understood to have bid for the contract.
Earlier in the week, ALC confirmed it would place five B787-9 Dreamliners with China Southern Airlines, the latest in a string of B787 endorsements from Mainland carriers.
In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, James Hogan, this week anticipated a “prudent 2017”, while Gulf competitor, Qatar Airways, remained bullish as usual after launching the world’s second longest flight, a 7,500nm journey from Doha to Auckland.
In China, Hainan Airlines has increased its shareholding in Tianjin Airlines to 87%, while in Thailand, THAI named an interim president to replace retiring Charamporn Jotikasthira. Meanwhile, Korean Air has made yet another curious decision: it will retain first class on its ten incoming B787s but the seat will be identical to the one offered in the business class cabin.
SIA defies dwindling performance with $14 billion Boeing order Read More »
News
Qatar Airways launches world’s second longest flight
Qatar Airways touched down in Auckland for the first time on Monday. At 7,498nms, Doha-Auckland is the world’s second longest route. Read More »
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Virgin Australia first-half profit down 70%
Australia’s second largest airline, Virgin Australia, has released its second quarter results. Read More »
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South Korea’s second largest carrier, Star Alliance member Asiana Airlines, has released its full-year 2016 results. Read More »
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Korean Air to retain first class on B787s
Korean Air Lines will retain a first class cabin on its incoming fleet of B787-9 Dreamliners. According to its website, Korean Air will configure the -9 in a three-class configuration, comprising six first, 18 business and 245 economy seats. Read More »
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Airbus China expects dual A330/A320neo delivery in September
Airbus China this week said it plans to start assembly of the first A320neo at its Tianjin plant in July, with first delivery “to an Asian customer” in September. Read More »
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Etihad looking at a “prudent” 2017
“2017 will be another challenging year; we will continue to expand prudently and efficiently, reflecting the nature of the economic environment,” Etihad Aviation Group CEO, James Hogan, said this week after releasing the carrier’s 2016 operational figures. Read More »
News
Hainan Airlines increases stake in Tianjin Airlines
Hainan Airlines last Friday said it had increased its shareholding in Tianjin Airlines from 39% to 87% for 5.55 billion yuan (US$807 million). Read More »
News
ALC confirms China Southern B787 deal
Los Angeles-based lessor Air Lease Corporation (ALC) this week confirmed a contract with China Southern Airlines for five “long-term” B787-9 leases from 2019. Read More »
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Airbus begins -1000 routes proving
Airbus this week sent the third and last A350-1000 prototype on its first mission, marking the latest milestone for the program as the manufacturer aims at delivering the largest A350 variant to launch customer Qatar Airways before year-end, following certification in the third quarter. Read More »
People
Thai Airways International (THAI) has appointed Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo as acting president, effective February 10. Read More »
Short Takes
ROUTES: Air Madagascar will resume its twice-weekly Antananarivo-Guangzhou A340-300 service starting March 26, operated by former Air France equipment. Read More »
