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Iberia announced (30-Oct-2024) it took delivery of its first A321XLR, as launch customer. Iberia will use the aircraft to serve its regional services across Europe before deploying the aircraft on Madrid-Boston route later in Nov-2024. As previously reported by CAPA, the carrier will receive seven additional aircraft of this model in the following months. [more - original PR]

Airbus reported (30-Oct-2024) the following highlights for its commercial aircraft business for the first nine months of 2024:

• Orders:
  • Gross orders: 667 aircraft, compared to 1280 in 9M2023;
  • Net orders after cancellations: 648, compared to 1241 in 9M2023;
  • Backlog: 8749 as of 30-Sep-2024;
• Deliveries: 497, compared to 488 in 9M2023;
  
  • A220: 45;
  • A320 Family: 396;
  • A330: 20;
  • A350: 36;
  • Airbus is targeting approximately 770 deliveries for 2024;
• Revenue increased 4% year-on-year, mainly reflecting the higher number of deliveries;
• Adjusted EBIT decreased 5.8% to EUR3028 million as the increase in deliveries was reduced by investments in preparing the future;
• A220: Continues towards a production rate of 14 aircraft per month in 2026, with a focus on financial performance;
• A320 Family: Continues to ramp up towards a rate of 75 aircraft per month in 2027. The first A321XLR was delivered in late Oct-2024;
• A330: Production is stabilising at approximately four per month;
• A350: Airbus continues to target production of 12 per month in 2028 and is managing supply chain challenges that may impact the programme's ramp up, particularly in 2025.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury commented: "We saw strong demand across our product range in the first nine months of the year. The nine-month earnings reflect the level of commercial aircraft deliveries, a solid performance in helicopters and the charges in our space business recorded in the first half". [more - original PR]

SkyTeam announced (25-Oct-2024) CSA Czech Airlines and Czech Airlines Cargo will no longer be members of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, effective 26-Oct-2024, after being a partner for more than 20 years. This is due to changes in the group's operating model that mean the airline will no longer operate scheduled passenger or cargo services under its 'OK' code. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

airBaltic announced (25-Oct-2024) it will conclude ACMI operations from 27-Oct-2024. The short term wet lease solution was introduced to meet increased demand during summer and to address supply chain issues related to aircraft engine maintenance. airBaltic will return to exclusively operating its own A220-300 fleet for winter 2024/25. airBaltic CEO and president Martin Gauss commented: "Our adaptability this past summer allowed us to maintain all planned operations despite external challenges". The airline expects to receive its 49th A220-300 "soon". [more - original PR]

Emirates Airline expanded its retrofit programme to 205 aircraft in response to delivery delays (Aviation Week Network, 24-Oct-2024). The programme includes Boeing 777 and A380-800 models. Emirates initially planned for 120 aircraft to undergo refurbishments, increasing to 191 aircraft in May-2024.

Qantas Airways announced (25-Oct-2024) a multi-million dollar investment in cabin upgrades to be rolled out across the carrier's 10 A330-200 aircraft, including:

• Installing new economy seats that have been designed with "extra customer comfort" for Qantas' Project Sunrise ultra-long haul flights;
• 4K OLED 13.3" entertainment touchscreens for economy with the latest generation user interface (20% larger than the existing screen);
• USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity for economy which will enable users to use their own headphones.
  new mood lighting and the replacement of all curtains and carpets.

Qantas said existing Business Suites with fully flat beds will remain on the aircraft. Work on the first A330 is expected to start in mid 2025 in Qantas' Brisbane maintenance facility, with the first refurbished aircraft entering service by the end of 2024. The refurbishment programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. [more - original PR]