This Week in Airliner, Airports and Airlines
AFI Aviation Week 2024: Uniting Africa's skies for sustainable development and regional integration.
Boeing board names Kelly Ortberg President and CEO.
Boeing projects global need for nearly 2.4 million new commercial pilots, technicians, cabin crew.
Croatia Airlines takes delivery of its first A220 in new livery.
Qatar Airways announces order for 20 more Boeing 777-9 passenger jets.
flynas signs agreement for additional 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330neo.
Macquarie AirFinance places first Boeing order with purchase of 20 737 MAX Jets.
Deutsche Aircraft starts construction of the first D328eco™ test aircraft.
Accidents and Incidents
Bonus Video - My 2024 Flight to AirVenture Oshkosh, USA
Airlines, Airports and Airliners News
AFI AVIATION WEEK 2024: UNITING AFRICA'S SKIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION
In a landmark gathering that underscored the pivotal role of aviation in Africa's development, the ninth edition of the African-Indian Ocean Region (AFI) Aviation Week concluded with a heightened commitment towards regional cooperation and key International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) priorities.
Held in Libreville, Gabon, from 15-19 July 2024, the event brought together key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
Addressing the Vice-President of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. M. Joseph Owondault Berre, Ministers of government, and other attending high-level dignitaries, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano set the stage for a productive week of proceedings in his opening remarks.
"The presence of so many key representatives from States and international and regional organizations is a clear demonstration of the recognition of the importance of aviation in Africa as an enabler for sustainable economic development, and the region's strong commitment to speak in a single voice in shaping the future of international aviation," he said.
The Tenth Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation of the Africa-Indian Ocean Region (AFI-DGCA/10) took centre stage during AFI Week, fostering in-depth discussions on the latest developments in aviation and the evolution of performance across all ICAO Strategic Objectives in the AFI region.
The gathering emphasized the critical importance of maintaining momentum through mutual support and regional collaboration, with a shared vision of building a robust future for African aviation. These discussions were framed within the broader context of the African Union's Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underlining the integral role of aviation in Africa's sustainable development and economic integration.
The ICAO "No Country Left Behind" initiative remained at the forefront throughout AFI Week, with participants recognizing the progress made in capacity building and implementation activities across the region. An Ad hoc Committee was established to update the framework of the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan), the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SECFAL Plan), and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), ensuring continued support for developing nations through 2030.
Similarly, AFI Week provided States with an important opportunity to significantly advance safety and security, with the establishment of a new consolidated group merging the AFI Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APIRG) and the Africa-Indian Ocean Regional Aviation Safety Group (RASG-AFI). This move promises to streamline efforts and enhance aviation safety across the continent.
States also recognized the imperative of ensuring the environmental sustainability of their ambitions. This was reflected in renewed commitments to ICAO's Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels and Cleaner Energy Sources, and increased participation in the Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme. The innovative Finvest Hub initiative garnered particular attention, offering a promising avenue for investment in sustainable aviation fuel production and other areas.
The 2026-2050 ICAO Strategic Plan currently being prepared by the organization was also a strong focus.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar closed the week with a call to action, emphasizing the need for gender equality and urging stakeholders to "translate the progress made in this AFI Week into effective policies and actions that deliver real results." He reaffirmed ICAO's commitment to supporting civil aviation development in Africa, recognizing the contributions of all participating States and organizations.
The success of the event was further cemented through a series of bilateral discussions, including ICAO Council President's meeting with the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brigade General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. These encounters, along with discussions between the ICAO leadership and various Directors-General of Civil Aviation Authorities, laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and progress in the years to come.
The sidelines of the event also featured new ICAO capacity-building and implementation developments with Chad, Gabon, Uganda and South Africa.
The Council President and the Secretary General were accompanied during their activities in Gabon by the Director of Air Transport Bureau, Mr. Mohamed Rahma, ICAO's Western and Central Africa Regional Director, Mr. Prosper Zo'o Minto'o; the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Director, Ms. Lucy Mbugua; and the Deputy Director of the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau, Mr. Miguel Marin.
BOEING BOARD NAMES KELLY ORTBERG PRESIDENT AND CEO
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Robert K. "Kelly" Ortberg as the company's new president and chief executive officer, effective August 8, 2024. Ortberg will also serve on Boeing's Board of Directors.
He will succeed Dave Calhoun, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire from the company, having served as president and CEO since January 2020, and as a member of Boeing's Board of Directors since 2009.
"The Board conducted a thorough and extensive search process over the last several months to select the next CEO of Boeing and Kelly has the right skills and experience to lead Boeing in its next chapter," said Steven Mollenkopf, Chair of the Board. "Kelly is an experienced leader who is deeply respected in the aerospace industry, with a well-earned reputation for building strong teams and running complex engineering and manufacturing companies. We look forward to working with him as he leads Boeing through this consequential period in its long history."
"The Board would also like to thank Dave Calhoun for his strong leadership at Boeing, first as Chair and then as CEO, when he stepped in to steer the company through the challenges of recent years," added Mollenkopf.
"I'm extremely honored and humbled to join this iconic company," said Ortberg. "Boeing has a tremendous and rich history as a leader and pioneer in our industry, and I'm committed to working together with the more than 170,000 dedicated employees of the company to continue that tradition, with safety and quality at the forefront. There is much work to be done, and I'm looking forward to getting started."
Ortberg, 64, brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership to this position. He began his career in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments, and then joined Rockwell Collins in 1987 as a program manager and held increasingly important leadership positions at the company prior to becoming its president and CEO in 2013. After five years leading Rockwell Collins, he steered the company's integration with United Technologies and RTX until his retirement from RTX in 2021. He has held a number of important leadership posts in industry, including serving on the Board of Directors of RTX. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Aptiv PLC, a global technology company and an industry leader in vehicle systems architecture. He is the former Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors.
Ortberg holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.
CROATIA AIRLINES TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS FIRST A220 IN NEW LIVERY
Croatia's flag carrier and a member of Star Alliance, Croatia Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A220-300 at Airbus Mirabel site, in Canada. This delivery is part of the renewal of the airline's entire fleet with new-generation aircraft, the biggest project in the history of the company which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
This is the first aircraft delivered to the airline from the committed 13 A220-300 and two A220-100. The A220 will bring a significant technological step forward for the airline, introducing greater efficiency with 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
The A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft and around 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030. The A220 will play an important role in helping decrease Croatia Airlines' operating costs and environmental impact.
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. The aircraft can fly non-stop up to 3,600 nautical miles or 6,700 kilometres making the A220 the ideal solution to facilitate Croatia Airlines' gradual expansion of its network of flights and ensure that the service provided is of better quality and that passenger satisfaction is enhanced. Combining state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney's latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 features an innovative cabin design for superior passenger comfort thanks to widest seats, largest windows and most spacious bins in its class.
As of the end of June 2024, around 30 customers have ordered more than 900 A220 aircraft confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle market. Over 340 A220s are currently flying on more than 1,400 routes and more than 440 destinations worldwide. To date, more than 100 million passengers have flown on the A220.
BOEING PROJECTS GLOBAL NEED FOR NEARLY 2.4 MILLION NEW COMMERCIAL PILOTS, TECHNICIANS, CABIN CREW
Over the next 20 years, Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects a continued significant demand for aviation personnel as the global commercial airplane fleet continues to expand. The company's 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) shows the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new professionals to support the growing commercial fleet and meet the long-term increase in air travel.
According to the latest PTO, commercial carriers will need the following new personnel through 2043 to sustain the global commercial fleet:
674,000 pilots
716,000 maintenance technicians
980,000 cabin crew members.
"Driven by aviation traffic trending above pre-pandemic levels, personnel attrition and commercial fleet growth, the demand for aviation personnel continues to rise," said Chris Broom, vice president, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. "We are focused on being a reliable and innovative partner in the lifecycle of aviation training. Our offerings are rooted in competency-based training and assessment programs to help ensure high quality aviation training starting in flight schools and in commercial operations while helping enhance aviation safety through immersive and virtual training solutions."
Through 2043, the PTO projects:
Demand for new personnel driven primarily by single aisle airplanes, except in Africa and Middle East where widebody airplane demand leads. Eurasia, China and North America drive demand for more than half of new industry personnel. South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa are the fastest-growing regions for personnel with staffing demand expected to more than triple over 20 years. Two-thirds of new personnel will address replacement due to attrition, while one- third supports growth in the commercial fleet.
QATAR AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES ORDER FOR 20 MORE BOEING 777-9 PASSENGER JETS
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced today the Middle Eastern airline's order for 20 more 777-9 airplanes, which will be the world's largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet. The order, which expands the carrier's 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes, was finalized this year and listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.
The award-winning airline helped launch the 777X program and now has on order 60 777-9 passenger airplanes. Qatar Airways is also the inaugural launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter and has 34 of the next generation cargo jet on order.
"Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. "We, as the World's Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry."
Based on the popular Boeing 777 family and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, the 777X program is designed to set new standards of efficiency, environmental performance and passenger experience. The 777-9 is the largest in the family and will help operators open new growth opportunities with capacity for 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km).
Earlier this month, Boeing began certification flight testing for the 777-9, which will offer a new level of passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, better humidity, a quiet environment and increased natural light.
"Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We appreciate their confidence that Boeing's market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations."
In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliner and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order.
Boeing's 2024 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that twin-aisle jets such as its 777X and 787 Dreamliner will make up 44% of the region's fleet across Middle Eastern operators over the next 20 years.
FLYNAS SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL 75 A320NEO FAMILY AIRCRAFT AND 15 A330NEO
flynas, Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer.
The new aircraft will join the carrier's all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia's pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus' unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivalled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
MACQUARIE AIRFINANCE PLACES FIRST BOEING ORDER WITH PURCHASE OF 20 737 MAX JETS
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Macquarie AirFinance announced today that the lessor has made its first direct order for Boeing airplanes. The purchase of 20 737-8s doubles Macquarie AirFinance's existing 737-8 order book, which it acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023.
By expanding its 737 MAX portfolio, Macquarie AirFinance will scale-up its fleet of fuel-efficient, new generation airplanes to meet the growing demand of its airline customers.
"The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft," said Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance.
Known for its versatility, the 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers based on configuration with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX family is well-suited to support airline fleet modernization plans by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
"As single-aisle fleet renewals gain momentum, Macquarie AirFinance's choice of the 737-8 will allow its customers to phase out older airplanes and operate the industry's most fuel-efficient jets," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Lessors such as Macquarie AirFinance are key partners to Boeing and our airline customers, supporting airplane deliveries and offering financial solutions to carriers that want to renew or grow their fleets with the 737 MAX."
Boeing's 2024 Market Outlook indicates that nearly half of airplane deliveries through 2043 will replace older jets, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.
Macquarie AirFinance is a leading provider of aircraft leasing and financing solutions with a portfolio of 236 aircraft leased to 85 airlines across 49 countries and a firm orderbook of 86 new technology Boeing and Airbus aircraft. With offices in Dublin, London, San Francisco and Singapore, Macquarie AirFinance is owned by Macquarie Asset Management, PGGM Infrastructure Fund and Australian Retirement Trust.
DEUTSCHE AIRCRAFT STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST D328ECO™ TEST AIRCRAFT (TAC 1)
German Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Deutsche Aircraft, has achieved a significant milestone for the D328eco™ programme. The OEM successfully commenced the construction of the first test aircraft, TAC 1, by starting work on the extension of the D328® fuselage, that will seat 40 passengers.
This achievement not only represents the significant progress of the D328eco programme, but also highlights the outstanding teamwork involved in the development process. The use of a specifically developed precision tool to cut the fuselage of TAC 1 demonstrates the expertise required for this meticulous task by the engineering team at Deutsche Aircraft.
The milestone was revealed and celebrated at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of business partners and the media, putting the spotlight on this significant achievement for Deutsche Aircraft and the D328eco programme at one of the world's largest airshows. The dedicated team remains focused on the development and testing stages to come. With the support of a robust supply chain network, Deutsche Aircraft will continue making strides in the regional aviation sector.
The D328eco programme has made substantial progress in establishing a strong supply chain network. With contracts secured for over 95% of its suppliers, the programme is poised for success.
This latest accomplishment represents a significant leap forward for Deutsche Aircraft, underscoring the company's dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards, while reaffirming the OEM's commitment to innovation and excellence.
"We are thrilled to announce the fuselage cut for the D328eco programme," said Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft. "This milestone is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, which has successfully started the TAC 1 development process. It showcases our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enabling early flight testing for the D328eco”.
“The start of construction for the test D328eco is great news for the company and the market,” added Anastasija Visnakova, VP Sales and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft. “The hard work that has gone into the design of the D328eco according to market needs will be integrated into the construction of the test aircraft, to deliver a best-in-class turboprop for regional and special mission operators.”
The D328eco programme aims to revolutionise regional aviation with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective aircraft. With its advanced technologies and sustainable design, the D328eco offers operators enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, contributing to a greener future for the aviation industry.
Japan, over Wakayama prefecture: Air Seoul Airbus A321-on a flight from Tokyo/Narita, Japan to Seoul/Incheon, South Korea made an emergency landing at Osaka/Kansai International Airport (KIX/RJBB), Japan due to unreported trouble. There were 179 passengers. After maintenance, the airplane restarted next morning.
Pacific Ocean: 840 km south of Tokyo, Japan: United Airlines' UAL/UA849 from Guam, USA to Tokyo/Haneda, Japan, a Boeing 737-824, suffered unreliable airspeed indication on the captain's side pitot tube while en route over Pacific Ocean at 20:15 Japan Standard Time. The flight crew declared an emergency, and continued to the destination where a safe landing was carried out at 21:30 LT. This particular aircraft again suffered the same problem on the return leg UAL/UA848 next morning, and was forced to turn back to Haneda.
USA, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC/KSLC), Salt Lake City, UT: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900, N853DN, and an Airbus A320, N361NW, were involved in a ground collision at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC/KSLC), Utah. There were no injuries. Preliminary information indicates that both aircraft were holding in the area of runway 16L when the Boeing (third aircraft in line) attempted to overtake the Airbus using taxiway H12, but the left wingtip struck the tail of the Airbus. Both aircraft taxied back to the terminal.
Pacific Ocean, East of Hokkaido, Japan: Atlas Air's Boeing 747-45EF flight GTI/5Y8193 from Seoul/Incheon, South Korea to Anchorage, USA, a Boeing 747-400F, declared an emergency and diverted to Sapporo/New Chitose Airport (CTS/RJCC), Japan since the flight crew noticed burnt smell in the cockpit while en route over Pacific Ocean east of Hokkaido, Japan. The Boeing made a safe landing at New Chitose and proceeded to the gate by its own power. The runway was closed for 20 minutes. No reported injuries. No sign of fire was found.
Brazil, São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, SP (CGH/SBSP): A Gol Boeing 737 MAX 8 (PR-XMU), was being pushed back from gate 12 at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, SP (CGH), when it was hit by a taxiing LATAM Airbus A319 (PT-TMT, flight LA3935). The left-wing fence of the A319 struck the APU compartment of the Boeing 737, causing minor damage to the A319's wing fence and moderate damage to the APU compartment.
