Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

UAE Based Emirates Takes Delivery of the First of 65 Ordered Airbus A350

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Emirates has taken delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft, marking an important step in Emirates’ fleet growth strategy. It marks the long-standing partnership between Emirates and Airbus which is built on innovation, efficiency and operational excellence. The A350 is set to enhance Emirates’ medium and long-haul operations beyond the airline’s existing network.

Emirates has ordered a total of 65 A350-900s as part of the airline’s’ broader plans to support Dubai’s’ Economic Agenda, which aims to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. The A350 will play a vital role in establishing the newly announced Dubai World Central (DWC) mega hub, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation leader.

Emirates A350-900 will feature three spacious and comfortable cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers (32  business, 21 premium economy and 259 spacious economy class seats). Emirates will also be the first airline in the Middle-East to introduce Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed global connectivity.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category. Its clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines that together deliver a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions. The A350’s Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of October 2024, the A350 Family had won more than 1,340 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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World’s Largest ACMI Provider and Aviation Conglomerate, Avia Solutions Group, Reports Revenues up 25% to €2 Billion for 9 Months 2024

Dublin, Ireland – Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, which operates a 221 aircraft fleet in total, split between 183 passenger aircraft and 38 freighters, has announced its financial results for the three quarters of this 2024.

The Group’s revenues increased by 25% to €2,06 billion compared to the same period last year, while net profit also rose to €83,3 million from €70,8 million. The group’s EBITDA for the period stands at €406 million, an 29% increase compared to the same period last year.

Over the first 9 months of 2024, the main revenue-generating regions for Avia Solutions Group were Europe (55,1%) and Asia (27,9%). The Americas, Africa, Australia and Pacific Islands represented 11,8%, 2,7%, and 1,2% of revenues respectively.

Avia Solutions Group has an ongoing strategy of investing in bolstering its capacity to meet the continued strong demand from airlines globally for additional aircraft during their peak seasons. The Group completed the acquisition of Australian based Skytrans in the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of air operator certificates held by the Group to 11 and over the third quarter also established its first AOC in Thailand, Thai SmartLynx. The Group is planning to obtain further air operator certificates (AOCs) in Malaysia, Philippines and Brazil by the end of 2025.

Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group said: “Expanding into Southeast Asia and other counter cyclical markets represents a pivotal strategic direction for the group. These regions offer significant growth opportunities and enable us to optimize fleet utilization year-round. By leveraging the robust demand in these markets, particularly during Europe’s off-peak winter season, we can effectively balance seasonal variations, ensuring our aircraft remain active and profitable while supporting our global network and customer needs.”

According to Janukenas, the cargo market has proved challenging in 2024 due to overcapacity. However, the Group anticipates increasing activity in the cargo market in 2025.

To further the Group’s business development initiatives, Avia Solutions Group also successfully issued US$300 million of five-year senior unsecured bonds with a coupon of 9,75% in the first half of 2024.

Testament to investor confidence in the Group’s strategy is the increase of group equity capital by €300 million in 2024. This growth in group equity capital relates to US-based Certares Management LLC, a private equity investment firm which invested into Avia in 2021, electing to convert its preferred shares to ordinary shares.

In November, the Group placed its first direct order for 80 Boeing 737 MAX, split between 40 firm and 40 purchases rights. The deliveries will start in 2030.

Avia Solutions Group offers its services to customers including some of the largest airlines in the world. The group operates in 68 countries around the world and consists of 250+ companies providing a wide range of aviation services like aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and more. The group’s team encompasses 14,000 highly qualified aviation professionals.

Source: Avia Solutions Group
Photo Credit: Avia Solutions Group

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Southeast Asian Carrier Welcomes First of 20 New Airbus Widebody Aircraft in November 2024

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, welcomed the arrival of its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines today as part of the Group’s fleet modernisation strategy.

The aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-MNG, departed from the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France on 28 November 2024 at 8:52pm local time and safely arrived at its home base at KL International Airport (KUL) on 29 November 2024 at 4:52 pm local time. Prior to its arrival, the aircraft was escorted by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet and performed a spectacular flypast, offering plane spotters an extraordinary sight. Upon arrival, the aircraft was greeted with a water salute.

The journey of flight MH5039 took a total flight time of 13 hours and was flown by Captain Khairul Syukri Khalid, Captain Azim Sham Che Din, Captain Zainuddin Hussein and Captain Najwan Reshan Nahdan Rengganathan.

In August 2022, MAG signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028.

Source: Malaysia Aviation Group

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New UAE-based Cargo Airline Receives Air Operator Certificate by the General Civil Aviation Authority

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Fly Vaayu, a cargo airline under the Vaayu Group, has officially commenced operations after being granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The certificate was presented during a ceremony at Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), marking a major milestone for the airline and the region.

  • Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah DCA, officiated the AOC handover ceremony.
  • Fly Vaayu aims to position Ras Al Khaimah as a regional cargo hub, serving sectors including forwarding, e-commerce, and transshipment.
  • The airline’s operational network will include routes across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • On October 7, 2024, Fly Vaayu received its first A320-200P2F, the first A320 freighter registered in the Middle East, converted at ST Aerospace’s Guangzhou facility.

Statement:

“It’s a real honour for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah to have a commercial air transport operator such as Fly Vaayu to be based in Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and provide seamless cargo services to customers. It is our goal and performance indicator to support the economic development of Ras Al Khaimah through such strategic initiatives,” stated Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qassimi.

Source: Fly Vaayu
Photo Credit: Fly Vaayu

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German Aircraft Manufacturer Announces 2024 Appointments for Global Sales Team

Germany – Deutsche Aircraft, a German aircraft manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Reinhard Schwaiger and Carlos Castro as the new Sales Directors for their global sales team. Reinhard and Carlos will play a crucial role in implementing the global sales strategy for the 40-seater D328eco™ regional turboprop aircraft in key markets worldwide.

Industry know-how and international expertise

Reinhard Schwaiger brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Deutsche Aircraft. He has spent the past 12 years working in international sales and key account management, responsible for aircraft sales, services and simulators at Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH in Austria and recently serving as Sales Director at Blackshape S.p.A. in Italy.

Reinhard’s expertise lies in working with institutional clients, including government contracts and military operators across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He has successfully managed projects for private clients and built strong industry networks. Fluent in English, German and Italian. Reinhard’s international experience has given him a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the value of collaboration.

Carlos Castro brings over 15 years of experience in the aerospace sector to his new role as Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft. Throughout his career, Carlos has held technical consultancy roles, served as director of customer services, and worked as a business development manager in aerospace and defence. Carlos is currently the coordinator of the DGLR-Virtual International Group, a PMI-certified project manager and a member of AIAA.

Carlos was born in Brazil and raised in Ecuador. He is fluent in English, German Spanish, and Portuguese. With his multilingual work experience across Europe, the Middle East, and both North and South America, Carlos has an in-depth knowledge of the international aviation market.

A global team making a global impact

Anastasija Visnakova, VP Sales & Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, is enthusiastic about these seasoned professionals joining the sales team. “The addition of Reinhard and Carlos to our exciting sales team is a testament to Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to expanding its global presence and strengthening sales efforts within key markets. With their extensive knowledge and technical expertise, both Reinhard and Carlos will be instrumental in positioning our D328eco as a premier solution for regional airlines and operators around the world.”

Deutsche Aircraft is thrilled to welcome Reinhard and Carlos to the team. Their combined experience will be invaluable in accelerating market reach and driving sales of the D328eco.

Source: Deutsche Aircraft
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR to Focus on Core Product Portfolio

Following an extensive market review and in light of lingering tensions on its supply chain, ATR has decided to focus efforts on further boosting the competitiveness of its current product portfolio. As a consequence, ATR will stop the development of its Short Take-Off and Landing variant (STOL), the ATR 42-600S, reflecting the company’s commitment to aligning operations with evolving market dynamics.

The comprehensive review of market conditions, technological advancements and future projections shows a reduced addressable market for the variant compared to the initial forecast. In Southeast Asia, for instance, the number of targeted airports requiring STOL-capable aircraft has significantly decreased, primarily because of runway extensions or the construction of nearby alternative airports, and this trend is mirrored in other key target markets. While this reduces the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it means that our current product line can operate at its full capacity.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “As a global leader on the regional market, ATR has a responsibility towards its customers, stakeholders and the industry at large to continuously evaluate its product portfolio to meet market demand. The decision to halt the STOL project reflects our dedication to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

This strategic endeavour will enable ATR to shift efforts towards enhancing existing product lines, advancing technological innovation, and addressing emerging market demands more effectively. This includes further breaking into North America, where the manufacturer is looking to replace ageing fleets of regional jets and boost point-to-point regional connections.

“We are now entering the next phase of growth and improvement where we will focus on further investing in the competitiveness of our market-leading products, the ATR 42-600 and 72-600. Delivering strong value propositions to regional airlines has always been central to our success. This commitment is the reason why our aircraft have remained industry leaders and a trusted choice for our customers over the past 40 years and continues to be our driving force for what lies ahead.” she added.

She continued: “As part of this commitment, we have identified a series of product improvements which aim at further reducing the costs of operations and increasing the availability of our aircraft. These improvements directly reflect the needs and insight shared with our customers. To achieve these goals, we are working closely with our key suppliers and have developed comprehensive action plans to drive progress on these enhancements. This step is essential to maintain our competitive edge, as well as our position as a trusted partner to our customers, operators and stakeholders worldwide.”

Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR (shown as meta image)

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