Airbus kicked off the second day of the Dubai Airshow with an order of 10 Airbus A350s from EgyptAir. Boeing has continued its streak of orders, bagging a significant number of orders for its B787 and B737 MAX jets from various carriers.
Moreover, ATR signed its first deal at the Airshow for up to 20 ATR 72-600 turboprops.
EgyptAir Orders 10 Airbus A350-900
Airbus announced its second order of the Dubai Air Show, with an order for 10 Airbus A350-900s from EgyptAir. These A350s will be delivered between 2025 and 2027.
According to EgyptAir’s CEO, the A350s are not a replacement for the A330s, both aircraft will fly together in the near future.
“EgyptAir is a key partner of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. EgyptAir has firmed up an agreement with Airbus to procure 10 A350-900 aircraft, each boasting a capacity of 340 seats.”
EgyptAir Chairman and CEO Yehia Zakaria.
“These aircraft come equipped with cutting-edge technologies and Rolls-Royce XWB Trent engines, known for their modern design and reduced fuel emissions and consumption. As we tackle growing demand across our network, this aircraft is the optimal choice,” Zakaria added.
The Egyptian carrier plans to configure its A350s with 340 seats. This will eventually replace the carrier’s current Boeing 777-300/ER configured with 346 seats.
“Once delivered the A350-900 will be EGYPTAIR’s flagship aircraft. Adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to the airline’s fleet will be instrumental in expanding its offering, opening new opportunities particularly in Western US and the far East.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial officer and Head of Airbus International.
Ethiopian Airlines Orders Up to 98 Boeing 787 & 737 MAX
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered up to 67 Boeing aircraft, including 31 firm order and 36 options.
The firm order consists of 20 B737 MAX 8 and 11 B787-9 Dreamliner, with options for an additional 21 B737 MAX 8 and 15 B787-9.
This order agreement represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.
“We are pleased to announce that Ethiopian Airlines has reached a deal with Boeing to place a firm order for 31 ultra-modern airplanes, with opportunity for 36 additional jets.”
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.
“Ethiopian Airlines continues its leadership as one of Africa’s preeminent airlines with this landmark commitment to expand their 787 and 737 MAX fleets. Ethiopian was the first African airline to take delivery of the 787, and the Dreamliner family continues to play an integral role in its long-haul fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
SCAT Airlines Orders Seven Boeing 737 MAX
Boeing has scored yet another order, with SCAT Airlines ordering seven 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
This latest commitment will nearly double SCAT’s B737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations.
“Replenishing the fleet with seven more Boeing 737-8 will increase the airline’s carrying capacity. It will also positively affect the timely execution of flight schedules. The company will get an opportunity to expand its route network and offer passengers even more travel destinations.”
Vladimir Denissov, President of JSC SCAT Airlines.
SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the B737 MAX jet and currently operates three 737 MAX 8 and five 737 MAX 9 airplanes. This order was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.
“This repeat order is a testament to SCAT’s confidence in the value, performance and reliability of the 737 MAX family. We look forward to supporting their network expansion and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
Abelo Signs Deal for up to 20 ATR Aircraft
Abelo has signed a Heads of Agreement for a firm order of 10 ATR 72-600, along with options for an additional 10.
Back in July 2022, Abelo had placed an order for 10 ATR 72-600 and confirmed a deal for 10 ATR 42-600s – Short Take-Off and Landing version.
“In ATR aircraft, we have discovered the ideal solution to support Abelo’s mission of connecting communities and businesses in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. Our aim is to expedite the transition from older aircraft to the most advanced, low-emission technologies, and ATR turboprops have emerged as the top choice for achieving this objective.”
Steve Gorman, the Chief Executive Officer of Abelo.
While the leading turboprop lessor will take delivery of its first brand new ATR before year-end as part of the 2022 order, deliveries of these additional aircraft are scheduled for 2026 through to 2028.
“With a total of 30 ATRs ordered, Abelo’s continued commitment to ATR is a testament to the strong market demand for fuel-efficient and cost-effective turboprops.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer.
airBaltic Orders Up to 50 Airbus A220
On Day 1 of the Airshow, airBaltic ordered up to 50 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, in another boost of confidence for the program and the longstanding relationship between the two companies. This consists of 30 firm orders and 20 options.
Following this commitment, airBaltic will become the largest A220 customer in Europe as this new order will take the airline’s total firm orderbook to 80 aircraft.
“This day marks a significant milestone in the history of airBaltic – our plans for the first time ever to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. For almost seven years already, the Airbus A220-300 has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic”.
Martin Gauss, the President & CEO of airBaltic
“Being the global launch customer of the Airbus A220-300, we continue to be a proud ambassador of it. We are grateful to our partners at Airbus for the incredible support, trust, and collaboration over these years.”
The Latvian flag carrier currently operates a strong A220 fleet of 44 A220-300s and is currently the largest A220-300 operator in the world.
“Thank you to airBaltic for being such an ambassador for the A220 with this repeat order. The A220 has been the instrument for airBaltic in its success and growth thus far and we are particularly proud to be extending this partnership well into the future with this latest order”.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer & Head of International
EgyptAir to Lease 18 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
EgyptAir has signed a deal with Air Lease Corporation to lease 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, marking the carrier’s first MAX jets.
The Star Alliance member is already an operator of Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A320neos. Delivery of the new MAX jets will run from 2025 to 2026.
EgyptAir Holdings Chairman Yehia Zakaira said that these new aircraft will be used to expand the fleet, rather than as replacements.
“We have an ambitious expansion plan for both the network and the fleet size. This is the first part of the EgyptAir fleet. By 2028, we have ambitious plans to reach a fleet up to 125, both narrowbodies and widebodies.”
EgyptAir Holdings Chairman Yehia Zakaira
“For the network we hope to reach up to 100 destinations by 2028. This is the first phase of our plan.”
Feature Image via Airbus