Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

Aircraft Manufacturer, Boeing, Commits to Expand South Carolina Production Operations – Invest USD 1 Billion

Columbia, South Carolina, USA – Boeing announced it plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company plans to invest $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at its existing site and create 500 new jobs over the next five years.

For more than a decade, Boeing South Carolina (BSC) has been the home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle and fabricates, assembles, and delivers, the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers globally. The company established operations in South Carolina in 2009 and currently employs more than 7,800 people across its Airport and North Campuses in North Charleston, and its West Campus in Orangeburg. Boeing acquired the operations in Orangeburg, located at 174 Millennium Drive, earlier this year, though those facilities will not be affected by the expansion plans.

Boeing will expand both of its North Charleston campuses, located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd., to support increased 787 Dreamliner production targets and potential future rate increases driven by market demand. The 787 Dreamliner program plans to increase to a rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026.

Operations are expected to be online in early 2027.

Statement:

  • “Since the creation of Boeing South Carolina in 2009, we’ve marked many important milestones – including consolidating 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina. I’m thrilled for this next phase of growth, which is made possible by our incredible teammates and the confidence our customers have in our airplanes. This decision reflects Boeing’s commitment to the workforce, the 787 program and the community. We are building a legacy at BSC, for ourselves and for future generations in the Palmetto State.” -Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Program and BSC Site Leader Scott Stocker
  • “Boeing’s decision to expand in Charleston County further solidifies South Carolina’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry. This significant investment and the 500 new jobs it will bring to the Lowcountry reflect Boeing’s confidence in our workforce and highlights the strength of our pro-business environment. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership and the opportunities this expansion will bring to our state.” – Gov. Henry McMaster
  • “The legacy Boeing has built in South Carolina is truly something worth celebrating, and we are thrilled the company is continuing to invest in our state. Congratulations to Boeing and Charleston County on this substantial investment of $1 billion and the new opportunities it will create in the Lowcountry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
  • “Boeing has been a cornerstone of economic growth and innovation in Charleston County for over a decade, and this latest investment underscores their deep commitment to our community. Creating 500 new jobs and a $1 billion expansion solidify Charleston County’s position as a leader in the global aerospace industry. We proudly support Boeing’s continued success and the opportunities it brings to our residents and businesses.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce
Photo Credit: Boeing (shown as meta image)

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South Pacific Airline Places Order for 2 Widebody Aircraft in December 2024

Paris, France – Aircalin, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, has disclosed an order with Airbus for two long-range A350-900 aircraft. This order will enable Aircalin to support fleet adaptation and the carrier’s long haul network expansion.

Currently the airline’s widebody fleet comprises two A330neo aircraft. The airline plans to configure its A350s in a three class premium layout offering accommodation for more than 320 passengers. This would include an enlarged business class and represent an increase in capacity of 15% compared with the A330neo.

“As a continuation of our long-standing partnership with Airbus, we have selected the A350-900 to join our fleet in the coming years. These aircraft are essential for operating our recently inaugurated Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok route. They will open the doors to very long-haul flights and enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy,” said Georges Selefen, Aircalin CEO.

“We are pleased with Aircalin’s decision to add the A350 to its fleet. This will allow Aircalin  to further develop its potential and open up more long haul routes. The order is yet another endorsement of the A350 as the undisputed long-range leader, bringing fuel efficient service on some of the world’s longest networks, while offering passengers the highest levels of comfort” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor 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 November 2024, the A350 had won over 1,300 orders from 61 customers worldwide.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Boeing Restarts B737MAX Aircraft Production in December 2024

USA – Boeing has restarted production of its 737 MAX jetliner, marking a significant step in the company’s recovery following a seven-week strike by 33,000 factory workers. The resumption is critical for meeting strong global demand for air travel, with 4,200 B737MAX orders for the aircraft currently in the backlog. The restart of production follows weeks of meticulous preparation to ensure readiness across its teams, parts, and factories. This operational restart marks a significant step forward in stabilizing the company’s production capabilities.

  • Safety Management Focus:
    • Production has restarted under Boeing’s Safety Management System, utilizing in-depth safety plans tailored to the 737 program.
  • Preparations and Training:
    • Teams have undergone comprehensive training and certifications to ensure seamless operations.
    • Extensive checks were completed on parts, tools, and airplanes in inventory to meet quality standards.
  • Supplier Collaboration:
    • Boeing has closely coordinated with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and timely deliveries.

Boeing aims to increase production to 56 aircraft per month but faces delays, with Jefferies analysts forecasting an average of 29 planes per month by 2025.

Source: Boeing and Media Reporting

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Indian Training Aircraft Lessor Announces New CEO in 2024

India – ModAir Aviation IFSC Private Limited, a prominent aircraft leasing and finance company, has announced the appointment of Amit Mittal as its new CEO. Learn more about Mittal or ModAir Aviation by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

In October 2024 ModAir Aviation expanded its fleet through the introduction of a fourth aircraft acquisition through IFSC GIFT City. The leasing firm is set have 6 aircraft currently in its portfolio.

Source: Amit Mittal (ModAir Aviation)

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Boeing to Restart B737MAX Production in December 2024

USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that Boeing has not yet resumed production of 737 MAX airplanes following a machinists strike but plans to restart later this month. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker recently visited Boeing’s Renton plant to review the company’s progress on workforce rebuilding and safety measures.

  • Production Status: Boeing’s 737 MAX production remains on hold after the machinists strike, with plans to restart later this month. The FAA has capped production at 38 aircraft per month due to safety concerns, and the timeline for lifting this cap remains unclear.
  • Safety Concerns: FAA Administrator Whitaker cited ongoing concerns about Boeing’s safety management system, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to hazard identification and resolution.
  • Engine De-Icing Issue: Boeing is addressing an engine de-icing issue delaying the certification of the 737 MAX 7, which is key to the company’s production goals.
  • Leadership Engagement: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed confidence in Boeing’s ability to resolve safety and regulatory issues, while Whitaker’s role at the FAA faces uncertainty amid the upcoming presidential administration transition.

Statement’s

  • “The thing that I was most struck by was we’re four weeks post-strike, and they’re still not producing airplanes because they’re focused on their workforce, the training, making sure they have the supply chain sorted out.” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stated during his visit.

Source: FAA

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Air India Orders Additional 100 Aircraft in 2024

New Delhi, India, 9 December 2024– The Tata Group-owned Air India has officially disclosed orders it placed earlier for 10 A350 widebody and 90 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft. In addition, it has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) for its growing A350 fleet.

The latest aircraft order, which is already included in Airbus’ 2024 orderbook, comes on top of the 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft ordered by Air India in 2023. Air India’s total orderbook for Airbus aircraft now stands at 344 with six A350-900s having already been delivered.

The FHS-C services package will help optimise the performance and reliability of Air India’s growing A350 fleet. This contract confirms Airbus’ position as the largest A350 power-by-the-hour maintenance service provider in the world.

The aircraft and services orders are part of Air India’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Air India, said, “With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year. These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”

“Having personally witnessed the formidable growth of the Indian aviation sector in recent months, I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order for both our A320 Family and A350 aircraft,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “Through this continued partnership, we are committed to supporting the success of Air India’s “Vihaan.AI” transformation plan under Tata’s vision and leadership.“

Air India commenced its A350 operations in January 2024. It marked the entry-into-service of this Airbus widebody aircraft in the Indian market.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category, flying efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm. Its clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines that together deliver 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions, as well as 50% noise reduction compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) is a comprehensive material & maintenance service based on a contractual fixed hourly-rate payment. FHS-C will provide Air India with fully integrated component services including on-site stock at Delhi. It will also provide the airline access to Airbus mutualised regional spares pools as well as repair and engineering services for a wide range of replaceable parts. FHS-C’s guaranteed service levels and component engineering expertise will allow Air India to benefit from maximised aircraft availability and operating maintenance cost savings.

Source: Airbus

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