Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

Airline Announces Acquisition of 26 Airbus A321neo Extra-Long Range Aircraft

Air Canada announced it is acquiring 26 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft has sufficient range to serve all North American and select transatlantic markets, while offering customers added comfort and improving the carrier’s fuel efficiency to advance its environmental programs.

Deliveries are to begin in the first quarter of 2024 with the final aircraft to arrive in the first quarter of 2027. Fifteen of the aircraft will be leased from Air Lease Corporation, five will be leased from AerCap and six are being acquired under a purchase agreement with Airbus S.A.S. that includes purchase rights to acquire an additional 14 of the aircraft between 2027 and 2030.

“Air Canada is committed to further strengthen its market-leading position, especially through investments in new technology. The acquisition of the state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR is an important element of this strategy and will drive our core priorities of elevating the customer experience, advancing our environmental goals, network expansion and increasing our overall cost efficiency. This order also shows that Air Canada is emerging strongly from the pandemic and is ideally positioned to grow, compete and thrive in a reshaped global aviation industry,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Air Canada’s A321XLRs will accommodate 182 passengers in a configuration of 14 lie flat Air Canada Signature Class seats and 168 Economy Class seats. Among the aircraft’s amenities, customers will enjoy next generation seatback entertainment, access to inflight Wifi and a spacious cabin design featuring generous overhead baggage storage bins. With a range of approximately 8,700 kilometres and an ability to fly up to 11 hours, the A321XLR can operate non-stop anywhere across North America and, pending Transport Canada approval for overseas operations, also fly transatlantic missions, bolstering the carrier’s hubs and network. Air Canada is in the process of selecting an engine manufacturer for its A321XLR aircraft.

The A321XLR will be used both for incremental growth of Air Canada’s fleet and to replace older, less-efficient aircraft expected to exit the fleet. As a result, the new aircraft will yield significant operational cost savings and environmental benefits. Air Canada projects it will have up to 17 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the previous generation narrow-body on a typical transcontinental flight and a projected reduction of up to 23 per cent versus previous generation wide-body aircraft on a transatlantic flight. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help Air Canada fulfill its environmental commitments, which include the achievement of net carbon neutrality by 2050. The A321XLR is also expected to be quieter for passengers and airports than the aircraft being replaced with the A321XLR.

As of December 31, 2021, Air Canada had a combined 214 aircraft in its mainline and Air Canada Rouge fleets, including 136 single-aisle, narrow-body aircraft.

Source: Air Canada Press Release

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Middle East Airline Increases Order to 250 Aircraft

The Board of Directors of flynas, the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, ratified the company’s strategic plan and approved raising the volume of its orders to 250 aircraft.

After reviewing the financial results for the year 2021, the Board praised the company’s remarkable success in quickly recovering from the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and the efficiency of the executive management in managing the crisis restoring the pre-pandemic operating levels in record time.

Bander Almohanna, the CEO & MD of flynas, valued the Board of Directors’ tremendous support, appreciating its confidence and ambitious vision.

“The decision of the Board of Directors of flynas to raise our new aircraft orders to 250 supports our effort to achieve the Civil Aviation Strategy, and expresses the Board of Directors’ belief in the growth opportunities and positive perspective of domestic and international markets,” Almohanna said.

“From our position as a Saudi air carrier, we see great opportunities for expansion supported by the strategic location of the Kingdom and the prospects opened by Saudi Vision 2030 for the air transport sector. This is reinforced by the launch of the Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase the annual passenger traffic to 330 million and connect KSA with more than 250 destinations worldwide by 2030,” he added.

Almohanna explained, “We will explore aircraft of different capabilities, to fly to new destinations increasing the connection of the world to the Kingdom, support tourism and contribute to the transportation of pilgrims and Umrah performers.”

“flynas is currently in discussion with aircraft manufacturers in drafting agreements,” he stressed.

After concluding these agreements, flynas will become the largest low-cost airline in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It will also be the largest owner and operator of modern aircraft in the region.

Almohanna indicated that the Board of flynas approved its international expansion within the new strategic plan and to explore the opening of new bases in several countries, which will serve as bases for flynas outside Saudi Arabia.

“flynas is classified as one of the top 10 low-cost airlines in the world, a position we have gained through operational efficiency and distinguished service we provide to our guests. We will work to share this experience and competence with new partnerships that we intend to establish in several locations,” he added.

flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations through its fleet of more than 35 aircraft, and it has transported more than 55 million passengers since its establishment in 2007.

Recently, flynas has achieved the highest rating in APEX Official Airline Rating, the non-profit organization, and ranked in the 4-star low-cost carrier category, the highest category of the low-cost airline in the world among 600 companies globally. It has been ranked as the Leading Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East by the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years and has been awarded the Skytrax International Award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East for 2017 2018, 2019, and 2021 and also the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East in 2019.

About flynas

flynas is a leading Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier with 35 aircraft, operating more than 1500 weekly flights to 35 domestic and international destinations. Since its launch in 2007, flynas has transported more than 55 million passengers, a number that has steadily grown over the past 14 years. flynas offers its guests the best value for money through competitive fares, timely flights, and superior customer service, which has earned several accolades, including the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline award from the World Travel Awards for six consecutive years (from 2015 till 2020) as well as the prestigious Skytrax award for Middle East’s Best Low-Cost Airline in (from 2017 till 2021). flynas continues to grow and invest in its product with a recent agreement with Airbus to purchase 120 new A320NEO aircraft at a list value of US$ 8.6 billion. flynas is proud to receive its 20 Airbus A320Neo aircraft and add them to its fleet.

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US Airline Said To Be Negotiating Large Boeing 737MAX Order

Boeing is said to be currently negotiating and nearing a deal with Delta Airlines for up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 Jets.

Should there be a deal, the order will be a major Boeing purchase for Delta and the airline’s first order for that type of aircraft.

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US Operator announces B757 Fleet Expansion

Amerijet International Airlines announced that it has introduced six B757 freighters to its fleet. The addition comes as part of a comprehensive expansion and modernization strategy launched by the company in 2020. The B757-200(PCF) freighters will offer Amerijet customers versatility, range, and payload capability ideally suited for destinations throughout its Caribbean, Mexico, Central American and European network. These additional aircraft will bring the fleet operated by Amerijet to 20 freighters, including six B767-200F and eight B767-300F models.

“I’m incredibly proud of our employees who worked tirelessly to bring the B757 project to fruition. These aircraft will be a wonderful addition to our fleet, giving us a platform for continued growth as we approach 50 years of continuous service from our home base in Miami, Florida,” said Tim Strauss, Amerijet’s Chief Executive Officer.

Amerijet’s B757-200PCF’s are powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 engines capable of fuel-efficient operation with maximum payloads in the hot and humid climates and shorter runways that are common throughout Amerijet’s service region. As part of that expansion, the company also announced its plans to continue adding flight crews, maintenance, and technical personnel.

“The introduction of the B757 freighters is another example of the ongoing investments Amerijet is making to be the carrier of choice throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America,” added Eric Wilson, Chief Commercial Officer.

About Amerijet

With more than 45 years of experience in the air cargo industry, Amerijet operates its own dedicated fleet of freighters from its primary hub at the Miami International Airport to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America and Europe. Amerijet’s portfolio of worldwide scheduled, long‐term and short‐term ACMI, CMI charters services provide seamless and transparent transportation solutions for customers shipping time-sensitive, valuable, hazardous material, temperature-controlled and other commodity types. 

Source: Amerijet International Airlines Press Release

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Arajet, New Airline in Caribbean, Orders 20 737 MAX Jets

  • Aircraft commitments include firm order, options and lease agreements for up to 40 jets
  • Carrier launches in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to operate all-737 MAX fleet

Boeing and Arajet announced the new Caribbean airline has ordered 20 737 MAX airplanes, specifically the high-capacity 737-8-200 model, to deliver low operating costs and expand affordable travel options in the Americas. Arajet also has options to purchase 15 additional 737 MAX jets which, along with existing lease agreements, could take the airline’s new fuel-efficient fleet to 40 airplanes. The aircraft order was finalized in January and is currently attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

“The efficient Boeing 737 MAX, together with financial and operational support from our partners at Griffin and Bain Capital, gives us the solid foundation necessary to provide flights at affordable prices to travelers in the region,” said Victor Pacheco Mendez, founder and executive officer of Arajet. “These partners believe in our vision and see the same bright future for this market and beyond. The entire team was elated to see our first aircraft arrive in Santo Domingo a few days ago, and we are eager to expand our fleet with more of these amazing jets in the months ahead.”

The airline hosted a launch event today at its new hub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Positioned between North and South America, this location in the Caribbean will leverage the range of the 737 MAX to efficiently serve a large number of traditional and underserved markets in the continental United States, Brazil, Colombia and beyond. The 737 MAX can fly further and uses 20% less fuel than prior generation aircraft. Other key benefits of Arajet’s new fleet include better environmental performance with a 40% reduction in community noise and lower emissions.

Arajet’s first jet, a 737-8 leased from Griffin Global Asset Management, was delivered in early March. The jet was toured today by Dominican President Luis Abinader, who attended the launch event, along with industry, government and tourism officials. As travel and tourism recovers globally, Arajet will bring approximately 4,000 new jobs and significant new economic development to the island nation. Tourism makes up 8.4% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP.

“The 737 MAX is the perfect fit for Arajet and it’s an honor to welcome this exciting new operator to the Boeing family,” said Mike Wilson, vice president of sales, Latin America & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Flying an exclusive 737 MAX fleet will enable Arajet to save on fuel, maintenance and operations costs, and pass those savings on to its customers.”

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Latin America’s largest airline to take in 72 new aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus through 2028

LATAM Airlines Group announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2021. One of the important highlights of the report is LATAM’s fleet plan.

According to LATAM, there have been agreements reached regarding its fleet commitments. 72 new aircraft, seventy (70) of which are Airbus A320-Neo family and the remaining two (2) Boeing B787-9 are all scheduled to be delivered starting 2022 through 2028.

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