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Qantas places orders for new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing

Qantas places orders for new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing
  • Firm order for 12 Airbus A350 and 12 Boeing 787 aircraft.
  • Additional purchase right options for renewal and growth.
  • Provides replacement for current A330 and A380 fleets over 10-plus years.
  • Deal includes access to up to 500 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel; enhancing pathway to reach the Group’s 2030 emissions targets.

The Qantas Group has revealed the final part of its jet fleet renewal program, with a definitive order for 24 aircraft to gradually replace its existing A330s.

The multibillion-dollar purchase is split between 12 Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s, with deliveries beginning in FY27 and continuing into the next decade. The Group has also acquired further purchase rights, split evenly between both manufacturers, to provide flexibility for future development and eventually replace its 10 A380s with A350s from roughly FY32 onwards.

Qantas and Airbus Partnership for the biofuel industry.(Opens in a new browser tab)

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The A330 aircraft of Qantas mostly fly on international routes to Asia and the US as well as a few domestic routes. The 787 and A350 aircraft will be able to operate all of the routes on the airline’s present international network in addition to opening up new ones because of their extended range when they are delivered.

In keeping with the Group’s regular replacement profile, Qantas’ A330 fleet will have an average age of 21 years when the replacement programme begins in FY27. From FY25 onward, aircraft slated to depart the Qantas fleet at the end of the replacement programme will receive a cabin upgrade, including next-generation seats in the Economy class.

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QANTAS SIGNS SECOND MAJOR SUSTAINABLE FUEL DEAL(Opens in a new browser tab)

Qantas will have access to up to 500 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually beginning in 2028 as part of the agreement with both Airbus and Boeing. This might help the Group achieve up to 90% of its 2030 intermediate SAF objective. SAF is a crucial component of Qantas’ emissions reduction strategy because it offers a direct replacement for conventional jet kerosene while reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%.

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Based on meeting certain criteria under Airbus and Boeing deals, including partnership with the manufacturers on SAF projects. The agreement includes ~80 million litres of SAF per annum from existing projects. The remaining volume will be sourced through investment in new projects.

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Mid-Flight Chaos: Eva Air Flight Attendants Praised for Halting Brawl Over Seat Dispute

Mid-Flight Chaos: Eva Air Flight Attendants Praised for Halting Brawl Over Seat Dispute

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, three female flight attendants from Eva Air have been lauded as heroes after diffusing a tense altercation between two male passengers aboard a flight from Taiwan to San Francisco.

The incident unfolded onboard EVA Air flight BR8 on May 7, just hours into the 11½-hour journey from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

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Reports suggest that the confrontation erupted over a seat dispute when one passenger sought to switch seats due to concerns over a neighbor’s coughing. In the ensuing chaos, the passenger who attempted to claim the seat was met with resistance from its original occupant, leading to a physical altercation.

Witnesses on the flight described a scene of escalating tension as one passenger attempted to strike the other, prompting the swift intervention of the cabin crew. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment when the flight attendants courageously stepped in to separate the brawling passengers, with one attendant holding back the assailant while others intervened to prevent further escalation.

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Passenger Alex Pierce, who captured the incident on video, expressed his concern for the safety of the flight attendants amidst the chaos. Despite the volatile situation, the Eva Air crew remained composed and acted decisively to restore order on the aircraft.

Following the intervention of the flight attendants, the two unruly passengers were handed over to US law enforcement upon the flight’s arrival in California. Eva Air reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior and commended the crew for their exemplary response to the incident.

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Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

When an aircraft touches down during landing, the appearance of smoke is a common sight. This occurrence arises from a combination of factors related to the landing procedure and the characteristics of the tires themselves.

As the aircraft descends and prepares for touchdown, the tires are stationary. Upon contact with the ground, they rapidly accelerate from a standstill to an average speed of 240 to 260 km/h. This sudden burst of motion creates friction between the tires and the runway surface, resulting in the emission of smoke.

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The smoke stems from the considerable heat generated by the friction between the rubber tires and the asphalt runway. This heat is sufficient to cause the rubber to almost vaporize, resembling the smoke produced when a bike tire skids against the road.

Several variables influence the intensity and occurrence of smoke during landings. The frequency of landings a tire experiences within a specific timeframe, such as within 24 hours, impacts its level of wear and tear. Airlines rigorously inspect tire conditions before each flight, promptly replacing them if any damage or signs of deterioration are detected to uphold safety standards.

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The design and resilience of aircraft tires are influenced by the type of aircraft and its operational demands. For example, the tires used on an Airbus A330-200 differ in composition and load capacity compared to those designed for conventional automobiles. Furthermore, environmental factors such as runway temperatures and altitude variations contribute to tire performance.

Aircraft tires are meticulously engineered to endure the demanding conditions of takeoff and landing. They incorporate multiple layers of nylon for reinforcement and a wire core to prevent slippage on the rim. Moreover, these tires are filled with nitrogen, offering superior properties compared to conventional compressed air for aviation purposes.

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FedEx B767 Freighter Aircraft Lands in Istanbul Without Nose Gear

A FedEx cargo Boeing 767-300F, bearing registration N110FE, faced a tense situation as it embarked on what should have been a routine journey from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport to Istanbul.

However, mid-flight, the pilots discovered a malfunction in the front landing gear, setting off a chain of events that culminated in a dramatic emergency landing at Istanbul Airport on 8th May.

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According to reports from the state-run Anadolu Agency, the crew onboard Flight FX6238 promptly alerted authorities at Istanbul Airport upon realizing the landing gear failure. With nerves of steel, they maneuvered the aircraft under the guidance of the control tower, navigating the challenge of landing without the crucial support of the front landing gear.

As the FedEx plane descended toward the runway, onlookers, and social media users witnessed a nerve-wracking sight: the aircraft relying solely on its back landing gear, gently touching its nose to the tarmac in a controlled landing.

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In response to the emergency, airport rescue and fire fighting teams sprang into action, ready to respond to any potential disaster. Fortunately, their services were not required as the skilled piloting and swift coordination ensured the safety of all onboard. Despite the intensity of the situation, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.

The incident prompted the temporary closure of runway 16R at Istanbul Airport, but the quick action of authorities ensured that flight operations continued smoothly on other runways. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul reassured the public of the airport’s robust infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, emphasizing that such incidents are managed effectively to minimize disruptions.

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Still, questions concerning Boeing aircraft quality control have been raised once again in light of the emergency landing. This event adds to the ongoing criticism of Boeing’s safety measures in light of the recent controversies concerning the company’s manufacturing operations.

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