Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, announced that Ethiopian Airlines has ordered Trent XWB engines worth $480m at list prices. This order takes sales of the Trent XWB, the fastest-selling Trent engine, past 1,000.
The engines, the first Trent purchase by the airline, will power 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, with entry into service beginning in 2017.
Girma Wake, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said: “As one of Africa’s leading airlines, we constantly seek to improve our range and frequency of international services to meet growing passenger demand. Our selection of low fuel burn Trent technology will enable us to do this in the most cost-effective way.”
Metin Oktay, Rolls-Royce Vice President Customer Business - Africa, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to the Trent family of customers. African airlines are continuing to invest in response to growing global customer demand. The Trent XWB, our latest Trent, will provide Ethiopian Airlines with leading edge technology which will keep costs to a minimum.”
Specifically designed for the A350 XWB, the Trent XWB is the most fuel efficient and environmentally sensitive large engine design on the market, with fuel efficiency ratings 28 per cent higher than pre-Trent generation engines.
Notes to editors
1. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. In each sector, Rolls-Royce offer value-added long-term service agreements for customers and operators.
2. In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested £885 million on research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.
3. Annual underlying revenues were £9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book stood at £57.5 billion at 30 June 2009, providing visibility of future levels of activity.
4. Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and a leading carrier in Africa. It serves both Africa, including the only daily east-west flight across the continent, and 58 international destinations. More than 210 weekly international departures are made from Addis Ababa and 555 weekly international departures worldwide.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Emirates Airline takes delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th aircraft
Emirates Airline and Airbus have marked a major achievement, by celebrating the hand-over of the 6,000th aircraft in the airframe manufacturer’s 40 year history. The aircraft, an A380, was handed over to Emirates Airline in a ceremony in Hamburg. The aircraft is Emirates’ eighth A380.
Accepting delivery of the new aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Emirates' Engineering and Operations, said: “The A380 represents the future of air travel and our strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet our ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, today has provided that. All who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials.”
“Today’s delivery is our 25th A380 so far, and more importantly, the 6,000th Airbus produced in our 40 year history. It is particularly significant that it is both an A380 and for Emirates, as they were involved in its development from early on. We are proud to have the words ‘Airbus 6,000th Aircraft’ inscribed alongside the Emirates livery,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO.
With a total order for 58 aircraft, Emirates is the single largest customer for the A380. Established in 1985, Emirates became an Airbus operator from the outset. Today, Emirates’ Airbus fleet has grown to 55 aircraft with a further 121 on order.
Airbus was formed in 1969, and by 2005 had reached more than 50 per cent of worldwide deliveries in a single year, of all aircraft of more than 100 seats. It also took Airbus some 30 years after its initial creation to bypass its main competitor in terms of sales and remain at around half the market share.
Accepting delivery of the new aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Emirates' Engineering and Operations, said: “The A380 represents the future of air travel and our strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet our ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, today has provided that. All who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials.”
“Today’s delivery is our 25th A380 so far, and more importantly, the 6,000th Airbus produced in our 40 year history. It is particularly significant that it is both an A380 and for Emirates, as they were involved in its development from early on. We are proud to have the words ‘Airbus 6,000th Aircraft’ inscribed alongside the Emirates livery,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO.
With a total order for 58 aircraft, Emirates is the single largest customer for the A380. Established in 1985, Emirates became an Airbus operator from the outset. Today, Emirates’ Airbus fleet has grown to 55 aircraft with a further 121 on order.
Airbus was formed in 1969, and by 2005 had reached more than 50 per cent of worldwide deliveries in a single year, of all aircraft of more than 100 seats. It also took Airbus some 30 years after its initial creation to bypass its main competitor in terms of sales and remain at around half the market share.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
THAI Clarifies Reports on the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee decline Loan Guarantee for its A330-300 aircraft
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited would like to clarify news regarding the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee’s decision to decline THAI’s request for loan guarantee.
This clarification refers to news reports that the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee declined THAI’s request for a 7,300 million Baht loan guarantee for payment on its new A330-300 aircraft to be delivered by the end of this month.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the decision bears no effect on THAI’s acquisition plan for these aircraft as THAI has received confirmation for the requested loans with pending guarantee approval from the Export Credit Agency (ECA) for THAI’s last two A330-300 aircraft. The ECA has already guaranteed four of THAI’s other A330-300 aircraft.
The loan guarantee request that THAI submitted to the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee was made as an alternate plan in case the Company’s long-term loan request might not be obtained in time. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance’s decision to decline THAI’s loan guarantee request bears no effect on THAI’s operations or long-term fleet acquisition plan.
This clarification refers to news reports that the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee declined THAI’s request for a 7,300 million Baht loan guarantee for payment on its new A330-300 aircraft to be delivered by the end of this month.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the decision bears no effect on THAI’s acquisition plan for these aircraft as THAI has received confirmation for the requested loans with pending guarantee approval from the Export Credit Agency (ECA) for THAI’s last two A330-300 aircraft. The ECA has already guaranteed four of THAI’s other A330-300 aircraft.
The loan guarantee request that THAI submitted to the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee was made as an alternate plan in case the Company’s long-term loan request might not be obtained in time. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance’s decision to decline THAI’s loan guarantee request bears no effect on THAI’s operations or long-term fleet acquisition plan.
Thai Airways International Wins Norway Grand Travel Award 2010
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has once again received an award for Best Intercontinental Airline in the Norwegian Grand Travel Award 2010. This is the sixth consecutive year that THAI has won this prestigious award. Mr. Pricha Nawongs, THAI’s General Manager for Denmark and Norway, received the award on behalf of THAI at the award ceremony in Oslo on January 7, 2010.
“I am honored to receive this award. Since the route between Oslo and Bangkok was established in June 2009, the support from the Norwegian travel trade have been amazing. The award will encourage us to work harder for the Norwegians,” said Mr. Pricha Nawongs.
The Grand Travel award was arranged for the 15th time, with 18 different categories. The nominees were elected by a travel trade jury, and the voting was done by a random selection of more than 400 travel agents all over Norway.
All three airline categories were won by Star Alliance member carriers; SAS for best domestic airline, Lufthansa for best European airline and THAI for best intercontinental airline.
Thailand was also voted for the category Best Tourist Country in the World. Over ten countries were nominated, and Thailand was the clear winner once again. Thailand has received the award more than ten times, and the award was received by Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Scandinavia, Mr. Manit Boonchim.
“I am honored to receive this award. Since the route between Oslo and Bangkok was established in June 2009, the support from the Norwegian travel trade have been amazing. The award will encourage us to work harder for the Norwegians,” said Mr. Pricha Nawongs.
The Grand Travel award was arranged for the 15th time, with 18 different categories. The nominees were elected by a travel trade jury, and the voting was done by a random selection of more than 400 travel agents all over Norway.
All three airline categories were won by Star Alliance member carriers; SAS for best domestic airline, Lufthansa for best European airline and THAI for best intercontinental airline.
Thailand was also voted for the category Best Tourist Country in the World. Over ten countries were nominated, and Thailand was the clear winner once again. Thailand has received the award more than ten times, and the award was received by Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Scandinavia, Mr. Manit Boonchim.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO FLY TO MUNICH
From 28 March 2010, Singapore Airlines’ customers can enjoy direct services from Singapore to Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. The five-times-weekly flights will operate Singapore-Munich-Manchester, departing Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
As a result, customers travelling between Singapore and Manchester will enjoy more flight choices, up from the existing three flights a week. Passengers from Bangkok can conveniently catch the flights to Munich from Singapore. Detailed flight schedules are listed in the Annex.
Munich will be Singapore Airlines’ second destination in Germany after Frankfurt, which is served with two daily flights, one of which carries on to New York.
Customers travelling on the new service will enjoy the Airline’s latest product offerings available on the B777-300ER aircraft. This includes the new 35-inch-wide First Class seat, which provides enhanced privacy, personal attention and convenience and converts into the largest full-flat bed in the sky, complemented with luxurious soft furnishings.
Business Class features a 30-inch wide seat, the widest in its class, which may be converted into a comfortable bed, while Economy Class customers can enjoy the unprecedented comfort and space offered by all-new seats.
Customers can also take delight in the latest movies, TV programmes and a large library of CDs on the newest version of KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning inflight entertainment system available across all three classes. First Class seats are fitted with larger 23-inch screens, Business Class seats feature 15.4-inch screens and Economy Class 10.6-inch screens.
"As a key commercial and cultural centre in Germany which successfully marries tradition and modernity against a backdrop of a spectacular landscape, Munich has something for everyone, whether you are travelling for business or leisure,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions.
“With the launch of these flights, Singapore Airlines will be able to meet demand for this exciting destination, which also provides a gateway into Austria and the surrounding region. En route, customers can savour our latest product and service offerings.”
Home to more than 1.3 million inhabitants and southern Germany’s largest city, Munich marries Germany’s old Bavarian tradition with a vibrant, modern life. It is famous for its celebration of the world’slargest folk festival, Oktoberfest. An annual 16-day festival with traditional German fare and festivities, in 2010 the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest.
Munich is well known for its proximity to famous landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle, often depicted as the fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the stunning Bavarian Alps. It is also home to numerous parks, world-famous companies like BMW and one of the world’s most successful football clubs, Bayern Munich.
The addition of these flights increases Singapore Airlines’ frequency between Singapore and Germany to 19-times weekly.
As a result, customers travelling between Singapore and Manchester will enjoy more flight choices, up from the existing three flights a week. Passengers from Bangkok can conveniently catch the flights to Munich from Singapore. Detailed flight schedules are listed in the Annex.
Munich will be Singapore Airlines’ second destination in Germany after Frankfurt, which is served with two daily flights, one of which carries on to New York.
Customers travelling on the new service will enjoy the Airline’s latest product offerings available on the B777-300ER aircraft. This includes the new 35-inch-wide First Class seat, which provides enhanced privacy, personal attention and convenience and converts into the largest full-flat bed in the sky, complemented with luxurious soft furnishings.
Business Class features a 30-inch wide seat, the widest in its class, which may be converted into a comfortable bed, while Economy Class customers can enjoy the unprecedented comfort and space offered by all-new seats.
Customers can also take delight in the latest movies, TV programmes and a large library of CDs on the newest version of KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning inflight entertainment system available across all three classes. First Class seats are fitted with larger 23-inch screens, Business Class seats feature 15.4-inch screens and Economy Class 10.6-inch screens.
"As a key commercial and cultural centre in Germany which successfully marries tradition and modernity against a backdrop of a spectacular landscape, Munich has something for everyone, whether you are travelling for business or leisure,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions.
“With the launch of these flights, Singapore Airlines will be able to meet demand for this exciting destination, which also provides a gateway into Austria and the surrounding region. En route, customers can savour our latest product and service offerings.”
Home to more than 1.3 million inhabitants and southern Germany’s largest city, Munich marries Germany’s old Bavarian tradition with a vibrant, modern life. It is famous for its celebration of the world’slargest folk festival, Oktoberfest. An annual 16-day festival with traditional German fare and festivities, in 2010 the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest.
Munich is well known for its proximity to famous landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle, often depicted as the fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the stunning Bavarian Alps. It is also home to numerous parks, world-famous companies like BMW and one of the world’s most successful football clubs, Bayern Munich.
The addition of these flights increases Singapore Airlines’ frequency between Singapore and Germany to 19-times weekly.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
ETIHAD AIRWAYS BUILDS ON DUBLIN SUCCESS
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to increase its flying programme to Dublin following the success of its services to Ireland’s capital city, moving from its current daily service to 10 flights per week from March 28, 2010.
Etihad launched its Irish service in July 2007 with an initial four flights a week, increasing to six and then moving to a daily service in March 2008.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Dublin has been one of our most successful ever destination launches, with more than 300,000 people flying on these services since launch and an average seat factor of 80 per cent.
“We have steadily increased frequencies on the route in line with demand not only on the Dublin-Abu Dhabi route, but also via Abu Dhabi to and from our destinations in the Far East, such as Bangkok and Sydney.
“The latest increase in our Irish flying is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market.”
Supporting this increase in services, Etihad is planning a new lounge at Dublin airport, which is set to open in 2010.
The new lounge will offer Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services, including workstations, a prayer room, a relaxing seating area with Italian leather chairs, a selection of foods from around the world and luxurious bathroom and shower facilities.
Etihad Airways provides a complimentary chauffer service for its business class passengers flying into and out of Dublin airport.
The quality of Etihad’s Irish service has been recognised with two industry awards – the ‘Global Business Airline 2010’ by the Institute of Transport Management and ‘Best Business Class Airline’ at the 2008 Irish Travel Trade News Awards.
The airline has been a lead sponsor of the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2008.
Etihad operates a two cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class.
In addition to its own services to Dublin, Etihad Airways offers services on its code share partner airline Aer Arann between Dublin and Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man.
Notes:
Etihad currently operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Dublin. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a double-daily service three days a week – on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: visit www.etihadmediacentre.com
Etihad launched its Irish service in July 2007 with an initial four flights a week, increasing to six and then moving to a daily service in March 2008.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Dublin has been one of our most successful ever destination launches, with more than 300,000 people flying on these services since launch and an average seat factor of 80 per cent.
“We have steadily increased frequencies on the route in line with demand not only on the Dublin-Abu Dhabi route, but also via Abu Dhabi to and from our destinations in the Far East, such as Bangkok and Sydney.
“The latest increase in our Irish flying is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market.”
Supporting this increase in services, Etihad is planning a new lounge at Dublin airport, which is set to open in 2010.
The new lounge will offer Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services, including workstations, a prayer room, a relaxing seating area with Italian leather chairs, a selection of foods from around the world and luxurious bathroom and shower facilities.
Etihad Airways provides a complimentary chauffer service for its business class passengers flying into and out of Dublin airport.
The quality of Etihad’s Irish service has been recognised with two industry awards – the ‘Global Business Airline 2010’ by the Institute of Transport Management and ‘Best Business Class Airline’ at the 2008 Irish Travel Trade News Awards.
The airline has been a lead sponsor of the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2008.
Etihad operates a two cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class.
In addition to its own services to Dublin, Etihad Airways offers services on its code share partner airline Aer Arann between Dublin and Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man.
Notes:
Etihad currently operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Dublin. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a double-daily service three days a week – on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: visit www.etihadmediacentre.com
THAI and Nok Air Join Force to Boost Domestic and Regional Air Traffic
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is joining force with Nok Air. From 1 March 2010, Nok Air will operate flight to some of THAI’s domestic destinations: Phitsanulok, Ubol Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son. This cooperation will increase competitiveness of both airlines, and passengers will be able to take advantage of more convenient travel at low-fare prices while still maintaining THAI’s high safety standards.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company’s policy to form cooperation with Nok Air is based on its Two-Brand Strategy. Through this strategy, there will be increased cooperation in the services offered on secondary domestic and regional routes. Through THAI and Nok Air’s cooperation, passengers on these routs will continue to receive the same standard of services that they currently receive on THAI, such as: 1. Same flight frequencies, whereby there are no less flights than previously operated, 2. Same standards of aircraft maintenance, and 3. Same cockpit crew standards. THAI has made careful studies thoroughly assessed the flight sectors concerned to prevent negative impacts on customers. Connecting traffic between domestic routes from Nok Air to THAI international flights have been worked out. The cooperation will add more connecting points in the secondary domestic and regional destinations to THAI and Star Alliance’s global network. THAI will be able to better utilize its aircraft by offering more flight option to high-demand destinations, while still emphasizing its premium service standards to passengers based on its strategic plan.
The Company has conducted a study on the performance of its domestic routes during the past 10 years, particularly on secondary routes which was unprofitable for several years but operations were sustained for the travelling public. However, in order to meet demands of a continually changing international airline industry, airlines across the world, including THAI, had to adjust their strategic planning on the recovering world economy: fluctuating world fuel prices that are on the rise, and Influenza A (H1N1), in order to surpass the financial crisis and further its business operations. The Company, therefore, had to establish its corporate strategy and make adjustment on its cost to meet increased competitiveness. Over the past 5 years, losses were incurred for operational results on flights to Phitsanulok at the average of 86.3 million baht per year, to Ubol Ratchathani at 74.9 million baht per year, and to Mae Hong Son at the average of 49.9 million baht per year.
Passengers can be confident on Nok Air’s standards of flight operations and services that will be supported by THAI which is recognised for its high safety standards. In addition, passengers will continue to receive the same standards of service that they previously received from THAI, including the flight frequency and seat capacity at attractive prices.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company’s policy to form cooperation with Nok Air is based on its Two-Brand Strategy. Through this strategy, there will be increased cooperation in the services offered on secondary domestic and regional routes. Through THAI and Nok Air’s cooperation, passengers on these routs will continue to receive the same standard of services that they currently receive on THAI, such as: 1. Same flight frequencies, whereby there are no less flights than previously operated, 2. Same standards of aircraft maintenance, and 3. Same cockpit crew standards. THAI has made careful studies thoroughly assessed the flight sectors concerned to prevent negative impacts on customers. Connecting traffic between domestic routes from Nok Air to THAI international flights have been worked out. The cooperation will add more connecting points in the secondary domestic and regional destinations to THAI and Star Alliance’s global network. THAI will be able to better utilize its aircraft by offering more flight option to high-demand destinations, while still emphasizing its premium service standards to passengers based on its strategic plan.
The Company has conducted a study on the performance of its domestic routes during the past 10 years, particularly on secondary routes which was unprofitable for several years but operations were sustained for the travelling public. However, in order to meet demands of a continually changing international airline industry, airlines across the world, including THAI, had to adjust their strategic planning on the recovering world economy: fluctuating world fuel prices that are on the rise, and Influenza A (H1N1), in order to surpass the financial crisis and further its business operations. The Company, therefore, had to establish its corporate strategy and make adjustment on its cost to meet increased competitiveness. Over the past 5 years, losses were incurred for operational results on flights to Phitsanulok at the average of 86.3 million baht per year, to Ubol Ratchathani at 74.9 million baht per year, and to Mae Hong Son at the average of 49.9 million baht per year.
Passengers can be confident on Nok Air’s standards of flight operations and services that will be supported by THAI which is recognised for its high safety standards. In addition, passengers will continue to receive the same standards of service that they previously received from THAI, including the flight frequency and seat capacity at attractive prices.
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