Aviation

Chinese firm secretly orders 20 Airbus A330 neo aircraft

Airbus has made a significant stride in the aviation market, securing an order for 20 A330neo aircraft from a confidential buyer.

The deal, finalized on May 15, 2024, underscores the continued trust and demand for Airbus’ modern aircraft solutions. Details of this substantial transaction, along with other notable business activities, were unveiled in Airbus’ monthly order and delivery summary report for May 2024, released on June 6.

Alongside the A330neo order, Airbus also sealed a deal for seven A321neos with Nordic Aviation Capital, further solidifying its position in the industry. Moreover, Airbus is actively engaged in discussions with various Chinese airlines, exploring the potential sale of more than 100 A330neo widebody aircraft.

This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment, with China’s decision to halt imports from Boeing, potentially opening doors for Airbus to offer compelling terms and secure lucrative agreements.

May 2024 marked a milestone in Airbus’ delivery achievements. The company successfully delivered 53 aircraft to 34 customers, including the landmark 600th A350. Since its introduction on January 15, 2015, Airbus has delivered a total of 602 A350s, accumulating an impressive 1,445 orders before transitioning to the enhanced New Engine Option series.

Amidst these developments, Turkish Airlines emerged as the sole recipient of a new A350 in May 2024. Additionally, Airbus delivered three new aircraft to Delta Air Lines, comprising two A321neos and a single A220-300. Spirit Airlines also expanded its fleet with A320neos.

Year-to-date, Airbus has delivered a total of 256 aircraft, demonstrating its commitment to meeting customer demands. With an ambitious target of reaching 800 deliveries by January 31, 2025, Airbus remains focused on sustaining its growth trajectory and delivering exceptional value to its global clientele.

Aerospace

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Ready-to-Build Aircraft in India Amidst C-390 Competition

In the competition for medium-range military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, there are currently three main contenders. Airbus offers the A400, Embraer presents the C390, and Lockheed Martin proposes the C130J, which is already in service with the Indian Air Force.

These contenders are actively promoting their aircraft to India, as the Indian Air Force plans to acquire between 40 to 80 aircraft, subject to various operational requirements.

Embraer has partnered with Mahindra to assemble its aircraft in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative. This initiative aims to manufacture products locally and enhance domestic production capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, leveraging its joint venture with Tata (TLMAL), aims to capitalize on the significant opportunity to sell military transport planes to India. TLMAL currently manufactures tail assemblies for C-130s in the US.

As per the sources Airbus is pitching its A400M aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The company has a joint venture with Tata to produce C295 transports in India. Meanwhile, Embraer, which manufactures the C-390, has already sold eight planes to India for executive and early warning aircraft use and has partnered with Mahindra to compete for this order.

Lockheed Martin advocates for India to continue procuring C-130Js, highlighting their availability of spare parts, reliability, and low operating costs. Additionally, the commonality in training, maintenance, spares, and logistics support is emphasized as advantageous features of the aircraft.

Aviation

Boeing’s New Engineering Hub in Daytona Beach: 200 High-Paying Jobs on Offer

Boeing is set to establish a new engineering facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Plans to hire 200 engineers initially

The facility will initially focus on engineering work for military aircraft programs and advanced technology capabilities. Boeing plans to hire approximately 200 high-paying engineering professionals this year, with expectations to nearly double that number in the coming years.

The work will span Boeing’s defense and government services portfolios, emphasizing engineering design, research, development, and prototyping.

Mori Hosseini, chairman of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees, described the development as a significant milestone for Daytona Beach, Florida, and the broader aviation community. The facility’s construction, including a 65,000-square-foot space with a 40,000-square-foot hangar, commenced in 2022 and is on track for completion in fall.

Boeing anticipates operations to commence by late fall, contributing to the local economy and fostering collaboration with students in aerospace, cybersecurity, commercial space, and other STEM fields at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park.

Boeing investing $100,000 in Volusia County

Boeing is also demonstrating its commitment to the community with a $100,000 investment in Volusia County nonprofit organizations. This funding supports initiatives like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Volusia County Schools Partnership Program, aimed at ensuring students have access to nutritious food.

Additional support will benefit local veterans and environmental programs, underscoring Boeing’s broader impact beyond its operational footprint.