Aerospace

As demand surges, IAG orders a large number of planes from Airbus and Boeing.

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Following shareholder approval, International Airlines Group (IAG) confirmed a purchase order for 37 more A320neo aircraft. The newest order brings the total for the year to 59 single aisle aircraft. Earlier agreements for 22 A320neo Family (17 A320neos, 5 A321neos) were announced in March and June 2022.

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Furthermore, it reported that its shareholders had approved a deal with Boeing to order a combined 50 737-8-200s and 737-10s, plus 100 options. In May 2022, Boeing and IAG announced their tentative agreement, which was awaiting shareholder approval. In November, a record of the firm order for 50 737s will be available on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

IAG is one of Airbus’s largest international customers and operates a sizable number of Airbus aircraft in its fleet. These newest models of aircraft will play a significant role in IAG’s strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The A320neo Family is equipped with the most recent technologies, such as Sharklets and new generation engines, which together save at least 20% on fuel. The A320neo Family is the most popular aircraft in the world, with more than 8,500 orders from more than 130 customers.

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The 737-10, the largest model in the family, can travel 3,300 miles and accommodate up to 230 passengers in a single class. The fuel-efficient jet can travel on 99% of single-aisle routes, including those 757s usually service. With the 737-8-200, IAG will be able to outfit the aircraft with up to 200 seats, boosting revenue potential and lowering fuel consumption.

The 737 uses the newest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other enhancements to provide the highest efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort available in the single-aisle market. The average fuel efficiency of the 737 family of aircraft is 20% higher than that of the first Next-Generation 737s when they entered service and 14% higher than that of the Next-Generation 737s that are currently the most fuel-efficient.

Related Topics:A320 neo airbus Boeing IAG

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.