It’s Day 3 at The Paris Air Show 2023. Here are the Orders and Announcements for the day.
Besides the orders and announcements, speaking at a media roundtable at the Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker said that the Doha-based carrier anticipates phasing out its A380s over the course of a few years, with the deliveries of Airbus A350s.
Luxair Orders Four Boeing 737 MAX Jets
The first order of the day came from Boeing as the American manufacturer received orders for four Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft from the Luxembourgish airline, with plans for leasing some 737 MAX 8s.
Luxair has been actively expanding its fleet, and since March 2023, the airline has placed orders for four 737-8s. The announcement of four 737-7s will bring the airline’s total number of firm orders for the 737 to eight. As part of its fleet expansion plan, Luxair will lease two 737-8s initially, expected to arrive in the summer of 2023, before eventually taking direct delivery of its first 737-8 aircraft.
“We continue to invest in Luxair’s growth and this agreement for four Boeing 737-7 is an extra step towards securing a long-term future for our national airline. Seating 160 passengers, the 737-7 will offer flexibility across the Luxair destination network while significantly reducing fuel consumption. “
Gilles Feith, Luxair CEO.
Air Lease Corporation Orders Two 787 Dreamliners
Air Lease Corporation has announced an order for two Boeing 787 Dreamliners at the Airshow. The lessor has been a long-standing 787 customer, placing its first purchase for the 787-9 in 2010. Its portfolio currently includes the 787-9 and 787-10.
“ALC is a key strategic leasing partner to Boeing, and we are delighted that it continues to see the value proposition of the 787 family for its customers.”
Stan Deal, president, and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“With its unparalleled fuel efficiency, the 787 Dreamliner family is playing a major role in pioneering new routes in the long-haul travel market while reducing fuel use and emissions, allowing airlines to meet their sustainability objectives,” added Stan Deal.
Avolon Signs MoU for 20 Airbus A330neos
Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to order 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. Deliveries will reportedly begin in 2026 and will continue until 2028.
The Irish lessor already has around 25 A330-900s in its portfolio, boasting an average age of just over 3 years. Avolon has historically shown great interest in the A330 series, with 51 A330ceos currently in its portfolio.
Currently, Avolon has a fleet of 616 Airbus aircraft, including owned, managed, and committed aircraft. This includes 55 A330neos as well as 208 A320ceo, 285 A320neo, 51 A330ceo and 17 A350s.
“It’s fantastic to see Avolon once again commit additional investment in the A330neo aircraft and lead the lessor market reordering widebody aircraft. Avolon’s vision and timing could not be better with this commitment for a further 20 aircraft to its portfolio.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.
Undisclosed Airbus A330neo Order
In addition to the MoU with Avolon, Christian Scherer has also disclosed that a deal with an undisclosed customer has been made for four Airbus A330neos.
Among other options, Jet2 is being rumoured as the potential customer for this undisclosed order. Avolon is also looking to convert some of its narrowbody orders into widebody orders due to the continuous demand from the airline industry.
Akasa Air Orders Four Additional 737 MAX Jets
Akasa Air has announced an order for four additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets. The airline, which launched operations in 2022 with Boeing 737 MAX 8, has rapidly grown its market share and fleet to 19 MAX jets.
With the order of four additional MAX aircraft, the Indian carrier’s order book now comprises 76 jets, which include 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 aircraft.
“As the world’s fastest-growing airline, we are excited to add four more Boeing 737-8 airplanes into our fleet, taking our initial order of 72 aircraft up to 76 jets which will be delivered over the next four years. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, these airplanes allow us to take full advantage of the category-leading 737-8 aircraft with its unparalleled range, as we prepare our foray into international routes.”
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, of Akasa Air.
“This follow-on order by Akasa demonstrates the market-leading capabilities of the 737 MAX in the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market. The efficiency and range of the 737-8 support Akasa Air’s plan to expand domestic and regional networks,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
Embraer Signs LoA for 20 P2F Conversions
Embraer has signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for 20 E190F and E195F E-Jets Passenger-to-Freight Conversions (P2F). The two parties intend to cooperate on establishing E190F and E195F conversion capability in Lanzhou, China.
With the signing of this agreement at the Paris Air Show, Lanzhou Group becomes the launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion in China, and the base in China for Embraer’s P2F conversions.
“The opportunity in China had a significant influence during the decision-making process of the launch of our P2F program. We welcome Lanzhou Group to be the region’s launch customer for Embraer’s P2F conversion, and we expect to bring new vitality to Chinese market with our E-Jets freighters.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Qatar Airways To Phase Out Airbus A380s With A350 Deliveries
Speaking at a media roundtable with Simple Flying at the Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker acknowledged the inevitable fate of the A380, stating that “eventually, over a period of time, we will then ground them again.” However, this time the process will be more gradual compared to the previous grounding.
As the airline continues to receive deliveries of A350 aircraft, the A380s will be gradually phased out. Qatar Airways has 18 A350s on order, scheduled for delivery, expected to commence from 2025 onwards. The Doha-based carrier anticipates phasing out its A380s over the course of a few years, with the deliveries of Airbus A350s.
“We have already taken impairment on those A380s, and of course, eventually, over a period of time, we will then ground them again. Out of the 10, only eight are now back in service. Two are still on the ground, which we don’t intend to use.”
Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways.
“It will be phased out as we receive airplanes. The A350s were also for fleet replacement. So, the A380s will have to be taken off gradually over a couple of years time,” added Akbar Al Baker.
Airbus Reveals First A350F Livery
Airbus has revealed the final livery design for its first A350 Freighter at a special ceremony at the Paris Air Show.
The design was selected through a global competition where each contestant was given the freedom to express their vision on a 1,000 square meter aircraft livery canvas. With over 4,000 entries, the jury selected two similar submissions and combined them as the final winning design.
Airbus expects to have its first aircraft painted by the end of 2024. The winning design will come to life as the aircraft embarks on its first flight. The winners will also receive a limited-edition scale model of the freighter. They will also receive a private factory tour to see its first flight.