Category: Aviation

• Ambassador of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States joins leadership from Saudi carriers SAUDIA and Riyadh Air to celebrate recent 787 Dreamliner announcement with teammates at Boeing South Carolina

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., On 5^th May 2023, Boeing celebrated with Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, and leaders from Saudi carriers SAUDIA and Riyadh Air at Boeing South Carolina, following the March announcement for the two airlines to purchase a combined total of up to 121 787 Dreamliners.

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, addressed more than 3,000 Boeing teammates and toured the 787 final assembly building.

The fleet orders will be among the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history, supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across its supply chain. The purchase is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030, with the goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors by 2030.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Paris. The holding company owned equally by Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital has finalised the acquisition of Aubert & Duval from Eramet on 28th April, 2023.

Aubert & Duval is a strategic supplier of critical parts and materials to high-precision customers, notably the aerospace, defence, nuclear and medical industries. The company generates annual revenues in the region of €550 million and employs 3,700 people, mostly in France. Its cutting-edge know-how in specialty steels and superalloys, and its more recently acquired expertise in titanium are crucial to the aerospace, transportation, energy, defence and medical markets.

Bruno Durand has been appointed CEO of Aubert & Duval by the holding company’s Board of Directors and will be managing its operations.

Safran CEO Olivier Andriès commented: “The acquisition of Aubert & Duval will ensure the national and European sovereignty of our strategic programs developing disruptive civil and military engines, and secure our critical parts and materials supply chain. I am confident the new team will carry through the transformation project to get this leading French industry player back on track.”

“Completion of this acquisition represents a crucial step towards the creation of a leading European player in critical parts and materials, equipped to compete globally and to support the aerospace and defence industry, thereby reducing geopolitical risks of supply”, said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Airbus will provide its full support to Aubert & Duval as it executes its ambitious transformation plan.”

“The acquisition of Aubert & Duval reflects the quickening pace of transformation and consolidation in the aerospace sector. Tikehau Capital is proud to be aiding the company’s recovery and the development of its industrial expertise alongside Airbus and Safran. Aubert & Duval is a strategic player vital to maintaining France and Europe’s industrial independence,” added Marwan Lahoud, Chairman Private Equity, Tikehau Capital.

This operation marks the latest in a series of initiatives in recent years to support and strengthen France’s aerospace sector, notably through the Ace Aéro Partenaires investment fund set up in 2020 and handled by alternative asset management firm Tikehau Capital with the backing of the French government, which retains a golden share in Aubert & Duval company in order to protect its strategic interests.

• Eight new Dreamliners will help Azerbaijani flag carrier provide more service and new routes

BAKU, Azerbaijan. Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines announced on 28th April, 2023 that the national flag carrier has ordered eight 787-8 Dreamliners to support the growth of its long-haul fleet. The super-efficient jets will enable the Central Asian carrier to profitably open up new routes from Azerbaijan and boost capacity for inbound tourism.

Leaders from both companies, including Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, celebrated the order at a signing ceremony at the airline’s hub in Baku. In July 2022, Boeing and the carrier announced a commitment to purchase four 787s; since then, the order was finalized for eight airplanes and unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

“The successful development of the country’s civil aviation has become possible thanks to the continuous support and attention of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The signing of a contract with Boeing for the purchase of modern wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners is an important step in modernizing the fleet and increasing the level of AZAL air transportation,” said Asgarov.

More than 85 customers around the world have placed orders for more than 1,600 787 Dreamliners, making the 787 the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in history. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family’s fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled airlines to open more than 350 new nonstop routes, such as Azerbaijan Airlines’ recent connection between Baku and New Delhi.

“The 787 has helped position Azerbaijan Airlines as the leading carrier across Central Asia, with the airplane’s flexibility and capability opening Azerbaijan up to increased tourism and economic growth,” said Deal. “For more than 20 years we have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines and this order for Dreamliners is a testament to the strength of our product family and the relationship between our companies.”

Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the 787 Dreamliner can fly up to 20% more passengers while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The 787-8’s range reaches up to 13,530 km in a typical two-class configuration, enabling Azerbaijan Airlines to grow its network across Europe, Asia and beyond.

Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries, with a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767 and 787 jets.

• Accelerating technology development for sustainability with multiple airplanes
• Boeing will use first Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, to partner with four countries on operational efficiency testing
• Flagship ecoDemonstrator will test 19 new technologies in 2023

SEATTLE. Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test program to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. On April 27, 2023, the company announced its 2023 plan to assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while also adding “Explorer” airplanes that will focus tests on specific technologies.

The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. Utilizing today’s onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence the airplane’s routes to achieve the optimal flight path across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures. The airplane will fly on the highest available blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at each location.

“To support our industry’s goal for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator program with Explorer airplanes to test even more sustainability-focused technologies,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise on our products and to partner with governments and industry to make progress on sustainability during each phase of flight.”

“The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050,” said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. “Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions.”

In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:

• Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock
• A fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF
• An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data
• For all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locally

Since its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the program will have tested about 250 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing’s products and services.

More information about the 2023 ecoDemonstrator and previous ecoDemonstrator airplanes is available at boeing.com/ecoDemonstrator. Boeing’s sustainability commitments, partnerships and efforts are available at https://www.boeing.com/principles/sustainability.

• Boeing expands R&D collaboration in Korea, including tech development on advanced production systems, urban air mobility, aerospace semiconductors
• Agreement signed with the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology

Beijing, 7th April, 2023. During French President Macron’s visit to China, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with GDAT, one of China’s most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H160 helicopters. This contract is the largest single order for the H160 on the civil and parapublic market since the helicopter was unveiled in 2015. The aircraft will be used notably for the energy sector, including offshore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farms and harbour piloting, as well as emergency medical services and other municipal public service missions. The companies also signed a strategic cooperation agreement related to topics such as support and services capabilities, amongst others, in order to ensure the long term success of the H160 in China.

“We are honoured GDAT has decided to bolster their all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160 helicopters. The H160 has been designed at the outset as a multi-mission helicopter and is, therefore, well suited to the multiple segments that lessors provide for,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“This contract is a great example of the importance of economic and trade cooperation between France and China. The innovative H160 is the perfect addition to our fleet and will enable us to continue our success story on the Chinese market that began with our 21 H225 helicopters. We see a lot of potential for the H160 in China, in particular for the energy sector” said Peter Jiang, Chairman of GDAT.

GDAT is China’s leading innovative general aviation service provider specialising in helicopter sales and leasing, maintenance and modifications, as well as emergency rescue flights, and other government services. The Group is headquartered in Shanghai and has four wholly-owned subsidiaries across China as well as operating bases in Suzhou and Ningbo, and an overseas branch in London.

Designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions, the H160 integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. The helicopter provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots. With its light maintenance plan aligned between engine and aircraft, the H160 optimises operating costs and offers a new standard in availability. The H160 is already certified to fly with as much as 50% sustainable aviation fuel and is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines that offer a 15% reduction in fuel burn.

Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Today, there are more than 300 Airbus helicopters flying over China, serving more than 90 customers.

Baku, 6th April. 2023. The Azerbaijan flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo. The contract was signed at a ceremony held in Baku.

These latest generation A320neo Family aircraft are part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy to operate the most modern and fuel efficient aircraft, increase operational efficiency and competitiveness while offering passengers excellent comfort throughout its fleet. The engine choice will be announced by the airline at a later stage.

“We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership. The signed contract will provide our passengers with the most modern and comfortable single-aisle aircraft,” First Vice-President of AZAL CJSC Samir Rzayev said.

This order marks an important milestone in the fruitful relationship between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A320neo Family continues to be a top choice for airlines looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective fleet solutions. This order is a testament to the trust our customers have in the performance and reliability of our aircraft. We are confident that this choice will further boost the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines.”

Currently Azerbaijan Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft (4 A319ceo, 6 A320ceo,
2 A340s and since the beginning of the year, 3 new generation A320neo). The airline plans^. to deploy efficient A320neo Family aircraft to further develop its domestic and international route network.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel burn and CO2 emission saving. With some 8,700 orders from 135 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.