Aerospace

Airbus to Get Turkish Airlines Order For Extra 220 Planes

Airbus Hits the Jackpot in December 2023 with Record-Breaking Aircraft Orders

On December 15, 2023, Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s national carrier, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with a substantial order of 220 Airbus aircraft. This comprises 150 of Airbus’ highly popular A321s and 70 of the cutting-edge A350 widebody aircraft, which includes 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s, and 5 A350F freighters. Notably, this follows two previous orders from the airline for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023. With this latest order, Turkish Airlines’ total Airbus orderbook reaches 504, with 212 already delivered.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the significance of this order, stating, “This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future.”

He highlighted the positive impact of these advanced Airbus aircraft on operational capabilities and environmental goals, marking a crucial milestone in Türkiye’s aviation industry evolution.

Turkish places an order for A350-900, A350-1000, A350F, and A321

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, commended Turkish Airlines’ bold vision, noting that the A350-900, A350-1000, A350F, and A321 will serve as flagship aircraft, contributing to the airline’s sustainable expansion with enhanced efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, and best-in-class cabin features.

The A321neo, the largest in Airbus’ A320neo Family, offers outstanding range and performance, featuring new generation engines and Sharklets for a 50% noise reduction and over 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

The A350, recognized as the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft, boasts state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and latest-generation engines, providing a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions. The A350 Family, with versions A350-900 and A350-1000, offers an ultimate passenger experience, combining spaciousness, wide seats, high ceilings, and ambient lighting.

The A350F, designed for cargo operations, features the largest main deck cargo door and an airframe composed of advanced materials, along with efficient Rolls-Royce engines, resulting in at least a 20% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emission compared to its closest competitor.

As of November 2023, the A350 Family has garnered 1,072 orders from 57 leading customers globally. This substantial Airbus order reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to modernizing its fleet, achieving environmental goals, and maintaining a leading position in the global aviation landscape.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.