Airbus kicked off the second day of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow with orders from Virgin Atlantic and Japan Airlines.
Boeing also continued to bag orders for its B777X and B737 MAX jets. Here are the details:
Virgin Atlantic Orders Seven Airbus A330neos
Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven additional Airbus A330neos as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total.
These additional A330-900s will be delivered from 2027 and are being purchased directly from Airbus by Virgin Atlantic as the airline increases the number of owned aircraft in its fleet. Virgin Atlantic currently operates five A330-900s, with a further three to be delivered later this year and four more by the end of 2026.
“Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic
This order was announced onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline’s 40th anniversary.
As part of its fleet transformation, Virgin Atlantic plans to gradually replace its A330-300s with the new A330neos starting in September 2024. By 2028, the British carrier plans to operate a fleet of 45 aircraft comprised of 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 787-9s, with an average age of just 6.4 years.
“We are grateful to Virgin Atlantic for its decision to expand its A330neo fleet as part of its strategy to have the youngest fleet across the Atlantic. The A330neo not only delivers unbeatable operational seat mile cost and an exceptional passenger experience, it also greatly enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and contributes to their sustainability journey. We look forward to continuing this smooth and successful collaboration for many years to come.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft
Japan Airlines Finalises Order for A350, A321neo
Japan Airlines (JAL) has firmed an order for 20 Airbus A350-900 and 11 A321neo aircraft, finalizing a commitment announced earlier this year. The order was announced during a signing ceremony with representatives from Japan Airlines and Airbus.
These new A350-900s will be deployed on international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, the Japanese flag carrier has ordered a total of 52 A350s, of which 18 are currently in service. However, the A321neo order is JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle aircraft.
“We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”
Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines
Moreover, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”
Qatar Airways Orders 20 Boeing 777-9s
Qatar Airways has ordered an additional 20 Boeing 777-9s, bringing the total to 94 commercial and cargo Boeing 777X family aircraft. This order also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement.
In addition to the Boeing 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 B787 Dreamliner and 25 B737 MAX aircraft 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. 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.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer
Moreover, on the first day of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the Doha-based carrier unveiled its Next-Gen Qsuite.
Macquarie Air Finance Orders 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8
Macquarie Air Finance has placed an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in a move to scale up its fleet of new-generation airplanes to meet the growing demand of its airline customers.
The lessor currently has a portfolio of 236 aircraft leased to 85 airlines across 49 countries and a firm orderbook of 86 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
“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.”
Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance
Vietjet Confirms Order for 20 Airbus A330neos
Vietjet has firmed orders for 20 Airbus A330neos, based on an agreement that was signed earlier this year. The order is valued at $7.4 billion at list prices and is the low-cost carrier’s first widebody order.
Vietjet had initially signed a MOU with Airbus for the purchase of the 20 A330neos at the Singapore Airshow in February.
The Airbus A330neo will eventually replace the existing fleet of A330-300s and will also support the intercontinental expansion.
“The new A330neo aircraft strategically enhance Vietjet’s fleet development, boosting the airline’s operational capacity to support its global expansion.”
Vietjet Chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao
Vietjet will become the newest LCC in the region to operate the A330neo, after Cebu Pacific, and Lion Air.
Featured Image via Airbus