Commercial Aviation News

Alaska Airlines has added renewed confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX with additional orders that now take their orders to 120 aircraft. It appears the airline has added 23 more Boeing 737-9 aircraft.
"We are extremely proud to be announcing this transformative agreement with Boeing," said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group. "We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic."

Simple Flying's take on why the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner hasn't been selling as well as its shorter sisters, the -8 and -9.

The first Uganda Airbus A330neo in the making. The specific A330neo is an A330-800 variant called "Mt. Elgon".

HI-Fly's lone Airbus A380 is finished now. Farewell to this beast of an aircraft.

Sunrise action in YVR.

The first Airbus A220 for jetBlue has been delivered. It is an Airbus A220-300, the largest of the two variants and this was built at the Mobile, Alabama facility in the United States.

New Caledonia’s Aircalin has taken delivery of its first A320neo. The aircraft joins two A330neo already delivered under the carrier’s fleet modernization plan. Aircalin’s A320neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000 engines and configured in a single class layout with 168 seats. With the A320neo, Aircalin will be able to increase capacity on its flights and open new routes across the Pacific region. The A320neo Family offers the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky and incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, as well as 50 per cent less noise compared to previous generation aircraft.

Spotters delight...from Sydney Airport.

Airbus A319 of Croatia Airlines departing Bern.

New premium economy seat on Emirates.

Spirit Airlines, a long-time profitable airline thanks to its low-cost model but in the current (corona virus) environment, the airline like most companies has taken a huge hit due to less people flying. Here is an analysis of why the airline is 'struggling'.

A look back when Sam Chui flew around Pakistan on various aircraft like the ATR42, B777, A310 etc.

Airbus SE (Stock exchange symbol: AIR) delivered 566 commercial aircraft to 87 customers in 2020, in line with the production adaptation plan set out in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to overcome international travel restrictions, the Airbus team developed an innovative e-delivery solution which represented more than 25% of the 2020 deliveries, allowing customers to receive their aircraft while minimizing the need for their teams to travel. "Working hand-in-hand with our customers allowed us to navigate a difficult year. The Airbus teams, customers and suppliers truly pulled together in the face of adversity to deliver this result. We also thank our partners and governments for their strong support to the sector," said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "Based on our 2020 deliveries we are cautiously optimistic as we look into 2021, although challenges and uncertainties remain high in the short term."

Check this Fokker 100 departure in heavy snow!

Testing continues on the Boeing 777X/9 you can see some flights here in and out of Portland Airport (PDK).

Conversations about Low Cost Carriers... European LLCs vs American LLCs?

Quite the landing...well done to the pilot.

Some of the lesser known Antonov aircraft.

Airbus SE (Stock exchange symbol: AIR) is updating its production rate planning for its A320 Family aircraft in response to the market environment. The new average production rates for the A320 Family will now lead to a gradual increase in production from the current rate of 40 per month to 43 in Q3 and 45 in Q4 2021. This latest production plan represents a slower ramp up than the previously anticipated 47 aircraft per month from July. The A220 monthly production rate will increase from four to five aircraft per month from the end of Q1 2021 as previously foreseen. Widebody production is expected to remain stable at current levels, with monthly production rates of around five and two for the A350 and A330, respectively. This decision postpones a potential rate increase for the A350 to a later stage.

It looks like Turkmenistan Airlines is acquiring two Airbus A330-200 jet to be converted into freighters. The source of the aircraft have not been identified at this stage. The planes are being sourced to boost and further their international cargo network.