Aviation

EX-VIP Boeing 787 to be dismantled in US for spare parts

In a groundbreaking move within the aviation industry, C&L Engine Solutions has announced the dismantling of the first GE-powered 787-8 Dreamliner in the United States.

Acting as the exclusive asset manager, C&L Engine Solutions is set to undertake the dismantling process, marking a significant milestone in aircraft recycling. The aircraft in question, bearing the serial number MSN 35507, is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner equipped with GEnx-1B engines. Notably, this marks the inaugural occasion where Boeing 787 Dreamliners are being dismantled for spare parts globally.

The dismantling operation is slated to occur in Roswell, New Mexico, with the salvaged components destined for C&L’s warehouse in Wichita, Kansas, for subsequent commercialization.

Simultaneously, an Irish company has announced its intention to scrap two Boeing 787 Dreamliners for spare parts, representing another significant development in aircraft recycling. These relatively young jets, having served their operators for a mere decade, are poised for dismantling under the auspices of EirTrade at Prestwick Airport (PIK), Scotland. This decision underscores the evolving landscape of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) markets, as well as the increasing demand for spare parts amid the approaching 12-year checks for Boeing 787s.

The two aircraft slated for scrapping, with registration codes VP-CVL and VP-CVM, previously operated under Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY) and are currently stationed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK). Their impending dismantling is expected to cater to the burgeoning demands of the MRO sector while mitigating the cost implications associated with aircraft maintenance.

Of particular interest is the impending dismantling of the 787 with registration N787FT, which boasts a unique history. Originally intended for VIP conversion by Crystal Luxury Air, the aircraft transitioned through various ownerships before ultimately resting in Victorville, California. With the advent of C&L Engine Solutions’ initiative, this aircraft is poised to undergo disassembly, thereby contributing to the supply of critical spare parts for the industry.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.