Aviation

Hong Kong Airlines becomes new operator of the A350 XWB

Toulouse, 1st September 2017 – Hong Kong Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-900, on lease from AerCap, making the carrier the 15th airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin aisle airliner. Altogether Hong Kong Airlines will acquire 21 Airbus A350 XWB, including 15 purchased directly from Airbus and six on lease from third party lessors.

The A350 XWB will bring unrivalled eco-efficiency and a superior passenger experience to the carrier’s network. Hong Kong Airlines has configured its A350-900 with a premium three-class layout with a total of 334 seats, comprising 33 in Business Class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, 108 in the new cabin class “Economy Comfort” and 193 in Economy Class. The aircraft features the airline’s latest cabin products, including an all-new entertainment system and full in-flight connectivity. After an initial period flying on regional routes, Hong Kong Airlines’ A350-900 will begin long haul operations in December this year, flying on the carrier’s non-stop service to Los Angeles.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. As the founding member of “Airspace by Airbus” cabin brand, the A350 XWB cabin provides passengers and crews the best in comfort, well-being and technology.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 848 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever. With 287 firm orders for the A350 from carriers in Asia-Pacific, the region represents over a third of total sales for the type to date.

Reported by : Manjunath NK

Bangalore, India

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.