Aviation

Airbus Commercial Aircraft delivers record performance

· Total deliveries reached 718 – four percent higher than the previous record

· 1,109 total net orders from 44 customers; Book-to-bill ratio at 1.5

Toulouse, 15th January 2018 – Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft deliveries in 2017 were up for the 15^th year in a row, reaching a new company record of 718 aircraft delivered to 85 customers. Deliveries were more than four percent higher than the previous record of 688 set in 2016. The 2017 total comprises: 558 single aisle A320 Family (of which 181 were A320neo – an increase of 166 percent over 2016); 67 A330s; 78 A350 XWBs (up by nearly 60 percent from 2016) and 15 A380s. Furthermore, to cap this resounding annual production achievement, Airbus achieved 1,109 net orders from 44 customers. At the end of 2017 Airbus’ overall backlog stood at 7,265 aircraft valued at US$1.059 trillion at list prices.

Infographic Results 2017 Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft commented: “A new Airbus delivery record coupled with our fifth best order intake wraps up a remarkable year for us. This outstanding achievement is testimony to the dedication of all our teams, and makes the company fitter, stronger and ready for the opportunities ahead.”

With this year’s performance Airbus has steadily built on deliveries year on year – with 15 consecutive years of production increase. From its four A320 Family plants in Hamburg, Tianjin, Mobile, and Toulouse, Airbus is on track to achieve rate 60 per month on single-aisle by mid-2019. Meanwhile, the A350 XWB is equally on track for rate 10 by the end 2018. Airbus’ healthy order intake in 2017 resulted in a ‘book-to-bill’ ratio of 1.5.

There were many industrial milestones achieved by Airbus Commercial Aircraft in 2017, which included: delivery of the 100th A350 XWB; the delivery of the 50th A320 Family aircraft from our FAL in Mobile; delivery of Emirates’ 100th A380; first flight of the A330neo; certification of the A350-1000; first A321neos delivered with CFM and P&W engines; inauguration of the new A330 Completion and Delivery Centre in Tianjin, China, with two first deliveries; and structural completion of the first Beluga XL. On internationalisation, our partnership with China is expanding while our Americas footprint is equally extended. Moreover, in the provision of Services worldwide Airbus is significantly enhancing its local presence to be closer to its customers.

Aviation

Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe

Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.

In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.

During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.

The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.

Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.

Aviation

How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights

Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.

Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.

To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.

Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.

Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing:

From the United States to the Middle East and India for 70,000 miles
Venture from the United States to Africa for 75,000 miles

For those seeking the epitome of luxury in first class

Luxuriate in a flight from Abu Dhabi to London for 62,500 miles
Indulge in a journey from Abu Dhabi to New York for 115,000 miles

With these redemption options, your AAdvantage miles can transform into unforgettable travel experiences aboard Etihad Airways.

Aviation

Is Russia’s dream of competing with Airbus and Boeing turning into a nightmare? Russian MC21 delay

Putin says Russia plans to build 1,000 passenger planes

The much-anticipated Russian competitor to Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, the Yakovlev MC-21, is encountering yet another setback as its first deliveries are pushed back to 2025 or 2026.

Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov disclosed the extended timeline, underscoring the ongoing challenges plaguing Russia’s aerospace industry.

Originally slated for delivery to the state-owned Aeroflot group in 2022, the MC-21’s schedule has been repeatedly pushed back, with 2024 being the subsequent target. However, amidst the aftermath of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and ensuing international sanctions, the project has faced significant hurdles.

The conflict in Ukraine has triggered sanctions from the United States, European Union, and other Western nations, severely impeding Russia’s aerospace sector. Access to vital components and technology has been curtailed, impinging upon the MC-21’s development and production. The situation necessitated a shift away from reliance on foreign elements, with a focus on domestic alternatives to mitigate the impact of sanctions.

Initially hailed for its groundbreaking design featuring an innovative composite wing and reliance on foreign components like the Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines, the MC-21 project has to adapt swiftly in the face of mounting challenges. The recent wave of sanctions has intensified the isolation of Russia’s aerospace sector, underscoring the pressing need for self-reliance in aircraft production.

Looking ahead, Rostec envisions a more optimistic trajectory, expressing its intent to ramp up production to 72 aircraft annually by the year 2029. Yet, achieving such aspirations hinges upon overcoming the multifaceted hurdles posed by ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.