Orient Aviation’s Week in the Asia-Pacific
By Dominic Lalk
The focus in Asia-Pacific aviation this week was once again on China. During the French president’s visit to the Mainland, it was agreed Airbus would ramp up A320 production at its Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL) to six a month from 2020. Also, China and France said they would explore new industrial cooperation, which could include the A330, A350 and A380 programmes.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Emmanuel Macron’s state visit produced no firm order announcements, although the French president did say China had committed to purchasing 184 A320 Family jets; a statement that has not been confirmed by Airbus.
CFM International had more concrete results to present. Chinese carriers Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines and Xiamen Airlines this week signed for US$9.1 billion in commitments with the joint venture engine maker.
Boeing also had reason to celebrate. The U.S. manufacturer delivered 763 aircraft in 2017 – a new record. The OEM added 912 orders to its books in 2017, a significant improvement over the previous year.
Airbus will present its final 2017 orders and deliveries figures next week. It is expected that the European aircraft maker met its target of 700 deliveries.
Boeing sets 2017 delivery record Read More »
News
French President: China to buy 184 A320 Family jets
Many in the industry were surprised when French President, Emmanuel Macron, appeared to have left China this week without a much anticipated order. Read More »
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Airbus to increase Tianjin output to six A320s a month
Airbus on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) for deepened development of joint industrial cooperation. Read More »
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Malaysia Airlines resumes Brisbane; provides A350 delivery update
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) is in expansion mode. Read More »
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Garuda trials B737 MAX; will accept three A330neo in 2019
Indonesian flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, received its first B737 MAX 8 on December 26. Read More »
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SIA’s Scoot launches to Berlin for US$220
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, on Wednesday launched ticket sales for its Singapore-Berlin B787-8 nonstop route, to begin flying on June 20. Read More »
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Airbus rolls out 240 seat A321neo ACF
In Hamburg, Airbus has completed assembly of its first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex). Read More »
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Turkish Airlines signs MoU for up to 25 A350s
State-controlled Turkish Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 20 A350-900s plus five options. Read More »
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CAAC relaxes domestic pricing rules
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) have announced Chinese domestic carriers would be granted more control to set fares on domestic routes served by more than five airlines, with immediate effect. Read More »
News
CFM International secures US$9.1 billion deals from China
CFM International this week concluded agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for almost 500 engine orders and long-term support agreements from Chinese airlines. Read More »
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Australia scrutinizes HNA Group control of Virgin Australia holding
Australia said Mainland conglomerate, HNA Group, has failed to provide due diligence to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) regarding updates on how the group’s 19% equity in Virgin Australia was controlled, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported. Read More »
People
Eric Chen appointed chairman of Airbus China
Eric Chen, previously president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft China, has succeeded Laurence Barron as chairman of Airbus China. Read More »
People
Air France KLM appoints Greater China GM
Air France KLM has appointed Toon Balm as general manager for Greater China. Read More »
People
Etihad Aviation Group names new CFO
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Aviation Group has named Mark Powers as its new CFO, succeeding James Rigney, who stepped down during last year's major management reshuffle. Read More »
Short Takes
Routes: AirAsia India has launched a daily Bhubaneswar-Hyderabad A320 service. Read More »
