Aerospace

Qantas will place the largest order in its 102-year history, aiming for 150 Airbus planes worth $34 billion.

Qantas apologizes to travelers for operational challenges

Qantas Project Sunrise has been approved, with an order for 12 x Airbus A350s capable of flying direct from Australia to any other city, including New York and London, beginning in late 2025 from Sydney.
Domestic fleet renewal will begin in late 2023, with an order for 40 x A321XLRs and A220 aircraft; 94 purchase order rights will be spread out over at least a decade.
Significant reductions in emissions, operating costs, and passenger comfort when compared to retiring aircraft.
There will be no change to the capital guidance for FY23; order structure will be consistent with the Group Financial Framework.

The Qantas Group announced today a number of significant fleet decisions that will reshape its international and domestic networks over the next decade and beyond.

Qantas will place the largest order in its 102-year history, aiming for 150 Airbus planes worth $34 million.

First Class cabin

These decisions will also improve journeys for millions of people each year, as well as create over 1,000 jobs and numerous career advancement opportunities at the national carrier.

Domestically, as part of ‘Project Winton,’ Qantas will begin the renewal of its narrow body jets with firm orders for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s as its Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually retired. The first of these aircraft will begin to arrive in late calendar 2023, with the order including purchase right options for an additional 94 aircraft to be delivered until at least 2034.

First class cabin

On a global scale, 12 Airbus A350-1000s will be ordered to operate nonstop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights from Australia to cities such as New York and London. These aircraft will provide market-leading passenger comfort in each travel class, with services set to begin from Sydney by the end of calendar 2025.

Wellbeing area

All of these next-generation aircraft, with lower emissions, longer range, less noise, and better economics, will improve people’s travel around Australia and around the world.

WellBeing area

Customers can anticipate more direct routes and, as a result, less total travel time. They can anticipate increased cabin comfort. Furthermore, due to different aircraft sizes for peak and off-peak times, they can expect more flight options at different times of day, particularly on domestic and regional routes.

IN REGARD TO THE ORDER

Orders have been placed for 12 Airbus A350-1000s for Project Sunrise. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and will be completed by 2028.
Firm orders have been placed for 20 A321XLR and 20 A220-300 aircraft for Project Winton, which will begin the renewal of Qantas’ narrow body fleet as its 95 Boeing 737 and Boeing 717 aircraft retire. A220 deliveries will begin in late calendar 2023, with A321XLR deliveries beginning a year later in late calendar 2024.
A further 94 purchase right options are available across the A320 and A220 families, with significant flexibility in delivery timing (over a 10-year period) and aircraft type.
Combines with Jetstar’s existing order of 109 A320s (plus purchase rights) to form a single Qantas Group narrow body order for 299 aircraft (half of which are firm orders).
Combines with Jetstar’s existing order of 109 A320s (plus purchase rights) to form a single Qantas Group narrow body order of 299 aircraft (half of which are firm orders and half are purchase right options), with the option to reduce that order by selecting any variant from the A320 and A220 families.
Jetstar confirmed today that it will convert 20 of its existing A320 family orders to A321XLRs, which have the potential to fly short-haul international routes, with deliveries beginning in the second half of calendar 2024. (The first tranche of this existing order – 18 A321LRs – is scheduled to arrive in July 2022.)

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).