Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

Dubai-based Airline flydubai Expands Fleet to 84 in 2023

flydubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates based airline, concluded 2023 on a high note by taking delivery of 13 new aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 84. The fleet comprises of:

  • 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800
  • 52 Boeing 737 MAX 8
  • 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

3 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft were returned to lessors as their lease terms reached completion.

flydubai continues to focus on sustainability and efficiency, with the 737 MAX 8 aircraft proving to be a standout performer. This aircraft boasts a remarkable 14% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, contributing to a 1.3% year-on-year reduction in the airline’s average fuel burn per block hour.

Despite facing challenges in the delivery schedule from the aircraft manufacturer, flydubai adapted swiftly by entering into an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Smartwings. This strategic move involved the wet-leasing of six additional aircraft, allowing flydubai to address the surge in travel demand and enhance capacity during peak periods.

In a significant development at the Dubai Airshow 2023, flydubai placed a substantial order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, amounting to a staggering USD 11 billion. This marked a pivotal moment for the airline as it diversified its fleet, making its first foray into wide-body aircraft. The delivery of these Boeing 787 Dreamliners is anticipated to commence in 2026.

Source: flydubai

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Aircraft Manufacturer Embraer Shares 2024 Perspectives

Brazil-based global aircraft manufacturer Embraer, the third largest commercial jet manufacturer, shared its perspectives for 2024.

  • 64 commercial aircraft deliveries for 2023
  • This is one unit short of its planned 65 to 70 target but it’s still 12% more than 2022
  • Goal is to return to around 90 annual deliveries which we achieved in 2018 and 2019
  • 2023 revenue was nearly the same as 2019, it is still only at 70% of pre-pandemic output
  • Working with suppliers to grow this year’s output target by double digits
  • “One sticking point is the pilot shortage. Fewer available pilots favours interest in bigger narrowbodies, and that creates a gap between those aircraft and the regional fleet. There have been a few soft years but the shortage seems to be resolving itself. That implies that we’ll see more demand for smaller narrowbodies which should fill in that gap. In the meantime, orders for the E175 in the USA remain strong since there isn’t movement on pilot scope clauses.”

Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer

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Central Asian Airline Silk Avia Expands Fleet with New ATR Aircraft

  • Nordic Aviation Capital delivered first new ATR 72-600 to Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia
  • Contract for five new ATR 72-600 was signed in November 2022

Leading regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, announced the successful delivery of the first new ATR 72-600 to Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for regional connectivity in Central Asia.

The ATR 72-600, which was delivered by ATR to NAC in December 2023, is part of an order announced in November 2022 during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Paris. The contract includes a total of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, with two being provided by NAC and three directly by the manufacturer.

It is the first new ATR aircraft ever delivered to Central Asia. With its advanced technology, superior economics and unrivalled versatility, the ATR 72-600 will contribute to the development of regional connectivity in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. Silk Avia, now part of Uzbekistan Airways, will integrate these brand new aircraft into its existing ATR fleet, enhancing the airline’s ability to serve a wider range of destinations and meet the growing demand for efficient and low-emission regional air travel.

Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, said “Silk Avia, which has become a part of Uzbekistan Airways Group, has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on domestic routes of the country. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new ATR 72-600. This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. Moreover, our common goal, the goal of New Uzbekistan, is to make flights affordable and develop domestic tourism of the country. It will undoubtedly be achieved through flights on ATR brand turboprop aircraft”.

Norman C.T. Liu, President & CEO of NAC, said: “We welcome Silk Avia, part of the Uzbekistan Airways Group, as a customer and are pleased to deliver the first new ATR 72-600 to the airline.”

Alexis Vidal, ATR’s SVP Commercial, said: “We warmly welcome Silk Avia to the ATR family. Their selection of the ATR 72-600 marks an important step as we begin operations in the promising market of Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia. Silk Avia will play a pioneering role in demonstrating the huge benefits affordable and low-emission regional aviation can deliver to this dynamic region. Our advanced ATR 72-600 turboprops are the ideal solution to connect communities and energise the national economy through their efficiency and flexibility. I look forward to following their progress and growth for many years to come.”

About Silk Avia

Silk Avia was established on 6 July 2021 and now is a subsidiary of Uzbekistan Airways Group. Silk Avia fleet consists of medium-haul passenger aircraft ATR 72-600 with a capacity of up to 72 people. These are economical and environmentally friendly aircraft that allow passengers to be transported safely and inexpensively over short distances. Our goal is to connect all regions of Uzbekistan, flying both to the most popular destinations and reviving long-forgotten routes.

About Nordic Aviation Capital

NAC is the global leader in regional aircraft leasing and is expanding into larger narrowbody aircraft leveraging our world class asset management platform.

Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR

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