Business

Airbus and CMA CGM Group sign for four A350F freighters

Toulouse, 19 November 2021 – CMA CGM Group, a world-leader in shipping and logistics, and Airbus have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of four A350F freighter aircraft. The order, which is subject to finalisation in the coming weeks, will lift CMA CGM’s total Airbus fleet to nine aircraft, including five A330-200F.

The aircraft will be operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the recently launched air cargo activity of CMA CGM Group.

“We are proud to welcome CMA CGM AIR CARGO in the group of operators for the A350F and we are equally pleased to support the company’s future strategic development,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. ”The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s existing fleet of Airbus freighters. Thanks to its composite airframe and latest technology engines, it will bring unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, economics and CO₂ emissions, empowering the long-term sustainable growth of the Group.” Scherer adds: “Having an early endorsement by such an international cargo powerhouse as the CMA CGM Group is very gratifying.”

The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft features a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30t lighter take-off weight, generating an at least 20% lower fuel burn over its current closest competitor. With a 109t payload capability (+3t payload/ 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced 2027 ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

Business

Malaysia Airlines And IndiGo Sign MoU To Boost Tourism

Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo, India’s leading airline, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a codeshare partnership and mutual cooperation agreement.

The agreement will enable both carriers to provide customers with more options and flexibility for seamless travels between Malaysia and India. Through this cooperation, Malaysia Airlines will be able to strengthen its connectivity into India as the marketing carrier on IndiGo operated flights.

while IndiGo customers get to explore more Southeast Asia destinations through Malaysia Airlines’ extensive network. This reciprocal arrangement will allow both carriers to provide seamless connections to their customers, besides enabling them to enjoy an
integrated travel itinerary among other facilities.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines flies 71 times a week to nine major Indian hubs: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Trivandrum.

To learn more and to make travel reservations, go to the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com. Customers who would like to start earning Enrich Points and enjoying member-only benefits are invited to sign up for Malaysia Airlines’ renowned travel and lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, at www.enrich.malaysiaairlines.com. Get the Malaysia Airlines app to access the newest deals from anywhere at any time.

Airlines

These Airlines Are Eyeing New Widebody Aircraft Orders from Airbus & Boeing

Several major airlines are on the verge of making significant fleet expansions, signaling potential orders for widebody aircraft from industry giants Airbus and Boeing.

These forthcoming orders signify a pivotal moment for the aviation industry as these airlines prioritize modernizing their fleets to meet evolving demands and enhance passenger experiences.

Among these carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a purchase for around a dozen long-haul widebody planes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is anticipated to feature prominently in this order as japanairlines aims to revamp its fleet, replacing aging Boeing 767 aircraft with more modern narrowbody jets to fortify its network.

Meanwhile, qatar airways is initiating discussions with both Boeing Co. and Airbus SE for a substantial order of up to 150 widebody jets. With ambitions to rejuvenate its aging long-distance fleet, Qatar Airways is eyeing a mix of airbus a350 900 and Boeing 777X models to modernize and expand its operations. While the specifics of the order remain undisclosed, the airline is poised for a substantial renewal.

Cebu Pacific, a prominent Philippine budget carrier, is poised to make a decisive move in May or June regarding its order for over 100 narrowbody aircraft. CEO Michael Szucs has indicated that the airline is weighing options between Airbus and Boeing models. The decision could see a combination of Airbus A320neo and A321neo or Boeing’s high-capacity 737 MAX 8-200 and 737 MAX 10 entering Cebu Pacific’s fleet starting from 2027.

Lastly, Korean Air is reportedly weighing an order for 20 airbus a350, potentially adding to its existing fleet of A350s following the planned merger with Asiana Airlines. Sources close to negotiations indicate that Korean Air intends to purchase approximately 20 A350 jets, with a decision expected to emerge from a pivotal board meeting held by the airline’s executives on March 21, 2024.

Aviation

Saudi Arabia’s National Airline Saudia Could Fall Under PIF Ownership

According to the report, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly in talks to buy the national airline Saudia.

An important milestone for one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, this prospective transfer of ownership would also apply to other businesses owned by Saudia, including as its low-cost subsidiary Flyadeal. The action is considered a component of a larger plan to strengthen the PIF’s aviation portfolio by the beginning of 2025, which might improve Saudia’s financial results and operational effectiveness.

There have also been proposals that the airline might be privatized or combined with Riyadh Air, which is already controlled by the PIF. Saudia now has a sizable fleet of over 142 aircraft and serves more than 90 locations worldwide, while the exact value of the deal is still unknown.

However, sources caution that the plan may encounter delays or even be abandoned altogether. The establishment of Riyadh Air is consistent with the PIF’s larger goal of utilizing important industries to promote Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Based on projections, it is possible that Riyadh Air will generate billions of dollars in value and hundreds of thousands of jobs, making it a major contributor to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP.

Recently, The UK-based construction company Mace has been selected as the delivery partner for King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in riyadh. When KSIA opens in 2030, it will be the largest airport in the world, marking a significant milestone for the aviation industry.

By 2030, the airport is forecasted to facilitate a substantial increase in annual passenger traffic, skyrocketing from 29 million to a staggering 120 million travelers. Moreover, aircraft traffic within the kingdom is anticipated to surge from 211,000 to over 1 million flights per year following the airport’s inauguration.