Defence Street

Category: Aviation

  • Elbit Systems signs Memorandum of Understanding with Nippon Aircraft Supply and Itochu Aviation at DSEI Japan

    Elbit Systems signs Memorandum of Understanding with Nippon Aircraft Supply and Itochu Aviation at DSEI Japan

    15th March. Elbit Systems, Nippon Aircraft Supply (NAS) and Itochu Aviation have signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote mutual cooperation for a range of solutions between the companies.

    As part of the MOU, Elbit Systems will provide the main components, technology and knowledge to NAS and Itochu. NAS will provide the capabilities for local integration, manufacturing, test and maintenance and Itochu will lead the marketing of the products in Japan.

    This cooperation will address the growing Japanese interest in the field of defense while fully aligned with the local requirements that Elbit Systems provides Japan-based production and qualities.

    The MOU signing ceremony took place during the DSEI Japan exhibition with Israel’s Ambassador to Japan Mr. Gilad Cohen, Mr. Osamu Matshushita President and COO of NAS, Mr.Mashahiro Takita of Itochu Aviation and Ran Kril Executive Vice President International Marketing and Business Development of Elbit Systems in attendance.

    Mr. Gilad Cohen, Ambassador of Israel to Japan: “The agreement between Elbit Systems, Itochu Aviation and NAS, demonstrates the recent process of deepening relations between Israel and Japan, relations that are based on mutual interests and shared values. This cooperation shows the unique synergy between the two countries and the integration of cutting-edge Israeli technologies and the impressive industrial abilities of Japan.”

    Mr. Osamu Matsushita, President and COO of Nippon Aircraft Supply: “It is a true honor to work with great partners, Elbit Systems and Itochu Aviation, were we will act in the role of integration, local production, testing and maintenance with the most advanced and combat-proven solutions developed by Elbit Systems. We will contribute to international peace and Japan’s defense by providing high-quality made-in Japan products. This achievement is a great milestone in our relationship.”

    Mr. Masahiro Takita, Executive Officer, Vice President Defense and Aerospace of Itochu Aviation: “We are excited to collaborate with Elbit Systems, that has advanced technology and combat proven systems especially in terms of autonomous capabilities and communication. Elbit Systems also has flexibilities that would fit with the establishment of a local capability to support Japan’s Ministry of Defense operations. I look forward to working with our partners.”

    Ran Kril, Executive Vice President International Marketing & Business Development of Elbit Systems: “We are pleased to team up with NAS and Itochu Aviation, two leading Japanese companies, in this important endeavor. Elbit Systems is in close contact with our local partners and offers them innovative and cutting-edge technological solutions.  We remain committed to the transfer of technology as well as the manufacturing of our solutions in the local market.”

  • SAUDIA to Grow Long-Haul Fleet with up to 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

    SAUDIA to Grow Long-Haul Fleet with up to 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

    • Saudi Arabian flag-carrier to order 39 fuel-efficient 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes.
    • Announcement including options for 10 additional jets is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment to become a global aviation hub.
    Boeing and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners.

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia. On 14th March, Boeing and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. SAUDIA is set to purchase 39 787s, with a further 10 options, utilizing the outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility of the Dreamliner to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

    This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers announced today their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

    “SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet,” His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group. “The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom”.

    SAUDIA currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner. The additional 787s complement SAUDIA’s existing fleet, enabling it to effectively harness the value of the 777 and 787 families.

    “Adding to its 787 Dreamliner fleet will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by SAUDIA’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand sustainable air travel.”

    Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 350 new nonstop routes around the world, including about 50 new routes since 2020. The Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

    This order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website when finalized.

    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.

  • 25 airports of Airports Authority of India have been earmarked for leasing

    25 airports of Airports Authority of India have been earmarked for leasing

    • AAI has leased out eight of its airports through PPP model

    New Delhi, 13th March. As per National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), 25 airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been earmarked for leasing over the years 2022 to 2025.

    AAI has leased out eight of its airports namely Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation, management and development on long term lease basis.

    Out of these, Delhi and Mumbai airports were handed over in 2006. During the last five years i.e. from 2017-18 to 2021-22, AAI has received revenues of approximately Rs. 5500 crore from Delhi Airport and Rs. 5174 crore from Mumbai Airport.

    The 06 Airports recently awarded under PPP viz. Mangaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram have been handed over to the Concessionaires on 31.10.2020, 02.11.2020, 07.11.2020, 08.10.2021, 11.10.2021 and 14.10.2021 respectively. Till February, 2023, AAI has received concession fees of approximately Rs. 896 crore from the concessionaires for these six airports. Further, AAI has also received an amount of approximately Rs.2349 crore in the form of upfront fee towards the capital expenditure incurred by AAI at these airports.

    During the PPP process i.e. from March, 2018 till handing over the airports to the PPP Partner, AAI spent an amount of approximately Rs. 1970 crore towards capital works at the recently awarded Six PPP airports. This Capital expenditure incurred by AAI has been paid to AAI by the PPP Partner.

    This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K.Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

  • Luxair to Grow Single-Aisle Fleet with Boeing 737 Jets

    Luxair to Grow Single-Aisle Fleet with Boeing 737 Jets

    • Flagship of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg extends 737 fleet by leasing two and purchasing two additional 737-8 jets
    • 737-8s will give Luxair added flexibility, while reducing fuel use, emissions and noise
    737-8 in Luxair livery (Boeing Graphic)

    SEATTLE. On 3rd March Luxair and Boeing announced that the Luxembourgian airline has chosen the fuel-efficient 737-8 to expand its single-aisle fleet with an agreement to acquire four jets.

    Luxair will initially lease two 737-8s that are due for delivery for the summer, ensuring the airline provides its customers with increased capacity and connectivity to more destinations for the busy summer travel season. It has additionally placed a direct order for two 737-8s.

    “Today is a good day for Luxair, our staff and our esteemed clients. Luxair took a large step into the direction of securing its role as the quality airline of Luxembourg and the Greater Region,” said Gilles Feith, Luxair CEO. “I want to thank our Board of Directors for this act of trust, our staff members who helped us in the last years, all our valued customers and Cargolux. Today marks just the beginning of the journey of securing the long-term future of Luxair. Much more is yet to come.”

    The 737-8 will provide flexibility across Luxair’s network while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 20% and on average, each airplane will save up to eight million pounds of CO2 emissions annually compared to those airplanes it replaces.

    “With the selection of the 737-8, Luxair is building a more sustainable operation, significantly lowering CO2 emissions while offering the latest airplane technology to its passengers,” said Ricardo Cavero, vice president, Europe & Israel Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Reducing noise from takeoffs and landings is a key aspect of environmental performance, especially for communities near airports. The 737-8 is a quieter airplane that helps create a 50% smaller noise footprint than the airplanes it replaces.”

    The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of 3,500 nautical miles, is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

    Luxair operates a fleet of 19 airplanes, including eight Next-Generation 737s.

    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.