SPAIN: ​Iberia Acquires A350-900 With Wing Twist

Airbus will begin delivery of A350-900s incorporating a wing-twist aerodynamic improvement in July when it hands over Iberia's first aircraft of the type.

The wing twist was originally introduced on the A350-1000 and will become standard on all A350s.

Another 1000 improvement the replacement of titanium passenger-door surrounds with carbonfibre is being incorporated into all A350s from the first ultra-long-range -900ULR (MSN216).

This aircraft, which made its first flight on 23 April, also features the wing twist and is due for delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines in the second half of 2018.

These are natural evolutions of a product, Continuous improvement is an Airbus tradition, says A350 marketing director Francois Obe.

What we are doing is taking the lessons from the -1000 and reverting them to the -900. Any innovations on the -1000 are reverted to the -900 so we have a true family.

Obe says the carbonfibre surrounds are lighter and that the change simplifies the production process.

The ULR incorporates a series of changes to provide additional range including increased operating weights and fuel capacity, along with weight savings.

The maximum take-off weight rises to 280t (616,700lb) from the previous highest value of 275t. This increases range by around 1,600nm (3,000km) to 9,700nm.

There are no additional fuel tanks, but Obe explains that Airbus is using part of the existing centre tank's empty space to increase capacity. This enables the ULR's centre-tank capacity to be raised by around 24,000l over the -900's 140,450l to 165,000l.

This is even more than the capacity of the -1000 (158,791l), with Obe explaining that there's fuel in the -1000 centre tank that we are not using.


Tourism Observer

GERMANY: Lufthansa Introduces A350-900 To Africa

Lufthansa has announced that it will be introducing the A350-900 to its Munich to Cape Town route, starting in December 2018.

The aircraft is the world’s most modern and eco-friendly long haul aircraft. It uses 25 percent less kerosene, has 25 percent lower emissions and is significantly quieter during take-off than comparable aircraft models.

Dr. Andre Schulz, general manager for Lufthansa Group Southern Africa, said Cape Town has risen significantly in global rankings as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travellers.

European passengers travel increasingly to South Africa, both for leisure and business; and at the same time we see an increasing demand from locals to travel to Europe.

We are excited about introducing this world-class aircraft to our Cape Town – Munich route, in order to ensure we continue to meet our customers expectations and build on our African service offering, he said.

The A350-900 is the Lufthansa fleet’s state-of-the-art newcomer. Economy Class is particularly roomy and comfortable and features the most recent technology.

On average, the new plane consumes only 2.9 litres of kerosene per passenger per hundred kilometres, roughly one quarter of that consumed by comparable aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan engines and optimised aerodynamics reduce its noise footprint by 30 percent, far below the regulation threshold.

Further, because the passenger cabin can be assembled at the same time as the fuselage, wings and tail plane, the A350 takes one third less time to build than other Airbus models.

Last year, Lufthansa placed orders for a total of 25 ultra-modern jet aircraft of this type. The first ten are to be based in Munich, flying to destinations like Delhi, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Boston.

Currently, seven of the ten aircraft are already operating out of Munich. Along with Cape Town, the latest routes to be added to the A350-900’s schedule include Seoul, New York, Chicago, Denver and Singapore.

The aircraft can seat 293 passengers: 48 guests in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy, and 224 in Economy Class.

Adding the A350-900 to our fleet has been a milestone for Lufthansa, and one that makes us exceptionally proud.

We are looking forward to welcoming this aircraft to Africa, and are sure that our passengers will share in our excitement, said Dr Schulz.



Tourism Observer

PORTUGAL: TAP Portugal Orders 14 A330-900neo And 39 A320neo Family Aircraft

Airbus efficient aircraft shaping TAP Portugal’s future

TAP Portugal has signed a firm order with Airbus for 53 Widebody and single aisle aircraft including 14 A330-900neo, and 39 A320neo Family aircraft (15 A320neos and 24 A321neos). The aircraft will join TAP Portugal’s fleet as part of its fleet renewal announced by the airline’s new majority owner Atlantic Gateway. As part of the agreement, TAP Portugal is replacing its previous order of 12 A350-900s with the A330-900neo.

“Our latest order for 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and 39 A320neo Family aircraft reflects our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the next generation of fuel efficient aircraft,” said Fernando Pinto, TAP Portugal CEO. “The A330neo, like the A320neo Family, will give us the flexibility to enter new markets and improve the frequency of existing ones due to its combination of high reliability, low operating costs and exceptional comfort,” he added.

“With this order for 53 brand new aircraft TAP is reborn. This order today shows Airbus' confidence in TAP's future and TAP's commitment to having the best products for its customers. These aircraft are the right aircraft for TAP's current missions and growth markets.

Furthermore, Airbus is proud of the strength and depth of its relationship with TAP and TAP's new shareholders. The A330neo Family is the world’s most cost-efficient, medium-range Widebody and the A320neo Family is simply the single aisle aircraft of choice,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers. “The combination of the A330neo and A320neo Families in TAP Portugal’s fleet will allow the airline to reap the benefits of Airbus’ unique aircraft commonality, offering unrivalled efficiencies, with the most modern, fuel efficient and streamlined fleet.”

TAP Portugal is an all Airbus customer, currently operating 43 A320 Family aircraft and 18 Widebody Family aircraft.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features.

Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of around 400 nautical miles and of course all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. With more than 4,300 orders received from over 75 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.