Thursday 29 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.449

Incident: Air Berlin A332 over North Sea on Sep 26th 2011, hydraulic failure

By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Sep 26th 2011 19:09Z, last updated Monday, Sep 26th 2011 19:10Z
An Air Berlin Airbus A330-200, registration D-ABXB performing flight AB-7450 from Dusseldorf (Germany) to New York JFK,NY (USA), was enroute at FL360 over the North Sea about 115nm east of Edinburgh,SC (UK) when the crew received indication of the yellow hydraulic system showing low right hand engine (PW4168) pump pressure. The crew decided to return to Dusseldorf for a safe landing about one hour later.
Accident: Air Canada A333 near Montreal on Sep 25th 2011, turbulence injures 9
By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Sep 28th 2011 21:23Z, last updated Wednesday, Sep 28th 2011 21:23Z
An Air Canada Airbus A330-300, registration C-GFUR performing flight AC-832 from Toronto,ON to Montreal,QC (Canada) with 257 people on board and further on to Brussels (Belgium), was descending through FL290 about 90nm southwest of Montreal on approach to Montreal when the aircraft flew through a zone of moderate turbulence lasting less than a minute. As result three passengers and 6 cabin crew received minor injuries. The aircraft continued to Montreal for a safe landing about 25 minutes later.

The Canadian TSB reported that the fasten seat belt sign was illuminated at the time of the turbulence. The injured 6 cabin crew were unable to resume duties after landing in Montreal.

The aircraft departed Montreal for Brussels with a delay of 105 minutes as a result.

Airbus Updates No.448

Avianca signs firm order for four Airbus A330 Freighter aircraft

First A330-200 Freighter customer in Latin America

27 September 2011 Press Release
Avianca, part of the airline group AviancaTaca Holdings, has signed a firm order for four Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft. The new aircraft will be operated by Avianca’s cargo subsidiary Tampa. Avianca will announce its engine choice at a later date.

The highly-efficient and versatile A330-200 Freighter will replace Tampa’s current cargo fleet and play a key role in expanding Avianca’s international cargo business. The order will make Avianca the first operator to receive the A330-200 Freighter in Latin America. AviancaTaca and its subsidiaries already operate seven A330-200 passenger aircraft and 81 A320 Family aircraft.

“As an existing operator of seven A330 passenger aircraft, we are confident that these new A330 Freighters will bring us greater fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and improved environmental performance,” said Fabio Villegas, CEO of AviancaTaca Holdings and President of Avianca. “We couldn’t be more proud that our cargo airline Tampa will be the first A330 Freighter operator in Latin America.”

“In addition to being a top-performing and cost-efficient aircraft, this new-generation, mid-size freighter can profitably serve both hot and high destinations and longer transcontinental flights without sacrificing payload,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. “Airbus is pleased  that AviancaTaca and its subsidiaries will be first in Latin America to benefit from the  outstanding economics and proven track record of the A330 Freighter.”

The A330-200F, which has just celebrated a successful first year of efficient operation, can carry up to 70 tonnes of payload and offer a range of up to 4,000nm. Eight A330-200F freighters are now flying with four operators in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. To date, 61 freighter aircraft have been ordered by 10 customers.

Airbus Updates No.447

Lufthansa to expand fleet with more Airbus aircraft

Incremental orders to be placed for A380, A330 and A320 families

29 September 2011 Press Release
Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board has approved the purchase of additional Airbus aircraft. The aircraft comprise two A380s, four A320s and one A330-300. These additional orders reflect the strong demand across Lufthansa’s network for an efficient family of aircraft.

Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President Lufthansa Group Fleet Management said: "I am delighted that this additional order will enable us to secure the development of our short, medium and long-haul fleets. It is the next logical step in our strategy of ongoing fleet modernisation with regard to fuel efficiency, operating costs, noise and emissions."

“We are pleased that Lufthansa is coming back to order more Airbus aircraft across our product families,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. He adds: “In particular, the order for two additional A380s is a testimony to the outstanding performance, efficiency and passenger appeal which the type has already proven in service with the airline.”

Today the Lufthansa Group is the biggest Airbus operator worldwide with more than 368 Airbus aircraft currently in service. These include: 258 A320 Family; 37 A330s; 65 A340s; and eight A380s. With this latest order for seven aircraft, the Lufthansa Group has an order backlog which includes 85 A320 Family aircraft, nine A330s, and nine A380s.

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern and eco-efficient aircraft families. Spanning 100 to 220 seats for our ‘Single-Aisle’ A320 family, 220 to 400 seats for ‘Long-Range’ (A330/A340/A350), to over 500 seats for the A380, all feature similar flight decks and handling characteristics. This commonality across the Airbus product line enables the multi-qualification of pilots and reduced pilot training times, while bringing significant cost savings through streamlined operational procedures.

Airbus Updates No.446

Japanese Firms To Work On Airbus A320neo Engine

Japan's IHI, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries said on Wednesday they would help develop an engine for the A320neo aircraft from Airbus.
The three will join US engine maker Pratt & Whitney and Germany's MTU Aero Engines in a team developing an engine for the A320neo, an updated version of the popular A320 jet, the companies said in a statement.
CFM International, a French-US engine maker, is developing a rival engine for the aircraft.
Airbus hopes to boost its sales with the A320neo, which it says will offer fuel savings of 15 percent when it enters service in late 2015.

Airbus Updates No.445

Airbus A320 -211 310   YL-LCC smartLynx Airlines  ferried 29sep11 BTS-VNO after summer-lease to Travel Service  ex C-FKPS


Airbus A320 -214 4848   A6-ANF Air Arabia delivery 29sep11 TLS-SHJ ex F-WWIY
 Airbus A320 -214 4949   EC-LOB Vueling delivery 29sep11 XFW-BCN ex D-AUBJ


Airbus A321 -211 775   VQ-BOF Ural Airlines in full cs at SNN 29sep11, EI-reg prior delivery ex EI-EPM


Airbus A321 -231 1905   EI-ERT Solaris ntu, ferried 28sep11 DME-SNN after storage, for Ural Airlines  ex N811LF


Airbus A321 -231 4856   B-6838 Sichuan Airlines delivery 29sep11 XFW-OVB ex D-AVZZ
 Airbus A330 -243 265   G-EOMA Monarch ferried 29sep11 MAN-LCA-PLM with Garuda titl & tail cs on Hajj-lease  ex F-WWKU
 Airbus A330 -243 301   G-OMYT Thomas Cook ferried 29sep11 MAN-BAH with Garuda titl & tail cs on Hajj-lease  ex G-MOJO


Airbus A330 -343 833   CS-TRH Orbest Airlines ferried 27-28sep11 LIS-SAW-SOC on Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex EC-KCP


Airbus A330 -343 1097   EC-LEQ Orbest Airlines ferried 26-27sep11 MAD-SAW-SOC on Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex F-WWKL
 Airbus A330 -292 1251   VH-JBR Jetstar Airways delivery 28-29sep11 TLS-SIN-SYD ex F-WWKK
 Airbus A340 -311 15   F-WTBA Global Republic Aviation  ferried 29sep11 LDE-BGR-GWO, Safi cs for part-out and scrap  ex YA-TTB
 Airbus A380 -841 65   9V-SKM Singapore Airlines delivery 29sep11 TLS-SIN ex F-WWSM

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.444

Airbus A310 -304 565   CS-TEX HiFly positioned 27sep11 BRU-JED on Hajj-lease to? ex F-WWCC


Airbus A319 -132 2784   PT-TMH TAM delivery 26sep11 CAN-HKG in full cs, N-reg ex N601LF


Airbus A320 -214 4816   B-6841 Spring Airlines delivery 27sep11 TLS-CEK ex F-WWDX


Airbus A320 -232 4829   B-6793 Air China delivery 28sep1 TLS-CEK-PEK ex F-WWIM


 Airbus A330 -343 833   CS-TRH Orbest Airlines ferried 27-28sep11 MAD-SAW-SOC on Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex EC-KCP
 Airbus A330 -243 1008   CS-TFZ HiFly positioned 27sep11 IST-BTJ on Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex F-WWYD


Airbus A330 -343 1097   EC-LEQ Orbest Airlines ferried 26-27sep11 MAD-SAW-SOC on Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex F-WWKL

Monday 26 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.443

Airbus A310 -304 495   CS-TEI HiFly positioned 26sep11 LIS-TUN on Hajj-lease to Nas Air with small sticker  ex F-WWCO

Airbus A310-304/ET aircraft picture

Airbus A320 -231 362   UR-CJO Khors Air at SAW 25sep11, no titl, basic Indian Airlines cs  ex N362BV


 Airbus A320 -232 2914   B- TransAsia Airways in full cs at CMB 23sep11, 4R-reg prior delivery  ex 4R-ABH


Airbus A321 -211 675   TC-ATE AtlasJet delivery 26sep11 MPL-IST ex F-WTAX
 Airbus A321 -231 1199   VQ-B Ural Airlines in full cs at DUB 26sep11, Solaris ntu ex EI-ERS


 Airbus A330 -223 364   TC-ETL AtlasJet positioned 26sep11 IST-JED on Hajj-Lease to Saudi Arabian  ex I-EEZB

Airbus A330-223 aircraft picture

Sunday 25 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.442

Incident: Austrian A321 at Vienna on Sep 21st 2011, engine problem

By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Sep 22nd 2011 19:15Z, last updated Thursday, Sep 22nd 2011 19:15Z
An Austrian Airlines Airbus A321-100, registration OE-LBB performing flight OS-503 from Vienna (Austria) to Rome Fiumicino (Italy), was climbing out of Vienna's runway 29 when the crew decided to return to Vienna while climbing through 6000 feet due to problems with the right hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft landed safely on runway 34 about 13 minutes after departure.

A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration OE-LBV reached Rome with a delay of 3.5 hours.

Passengers reported sounds like the engine spooling down and up repeatedly.
Airbus A321-111 aircraft picture


Incident: Delta A319 at New York on Sep 22nd 2011, bird strike

By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Sep 22nd 2011 21:20Z, last updated Thursday, Sep 22nd 2011 21:20Z
A Delta Airlines Airbus A319-100, flight DL-1380 from New York La Guardia,NY to Boston,MA (USA) with 27 people on board, departed La Guardia's runway 13 when the right hand engine ingested a bird prompting the crew to reduce the thrust on that engine. The aircraft levelled off at 4000 feet and diverted to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport for a safe landing on runway 22L about 15 minutes later.

The flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto other flights.


Incident: Air Canada A320 near Chicago on Sep 17th 2011, cracked windshield

By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Sep 22nd 2011 20:36Z, last updated Friday, Sep 23rd 2011 10:28Z
An Air Canada Airbus A320-200, registration C-FGYL performing flight AC-791 from Toronto,ON (Canada) to Los Angeles,CA (USA) with 131 passengers and 5 crew, was enroute at FL340 about 90nm northwest of Chicago's O'Hare Airport when the first officer's windshield cracked. The crew descended the aircraft to FL230 and diverted to Chicago O'Hare for a safe landing on runway 14R about 25 minutes later.

The Canadian TSB reported the NTSB rated the occurrence a serious incident and requested the download of the black boxes. The window will undergo testing under supervision of the NTSB.

NAV Canada reported FAA staff had reported the windscreen shattered.

The NTSB reported on Sep 23rd, that the aircraft sustained minor damage when the first officer's windshield cracked during cruise at FL340, no injuries occurred. The window will undergo detailed examinations, the flight data recorder information will be reviewed.

A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration C-GKOD reached Los Angeles with a delay of 5:45 hours.
Airbus A320-211 aircraft picture


Incident: Rossiya A320 near Moscow on Sep 23rd 2011, medical emergency

By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 23rd 2011 14:33Z, last updated Friday, Sep 23rd 2011 14:33Z
A Rossiya Airbus A320-200, registration VQ-BDQ performing flight FV-811 from Saint Petersburg (Russia) to Baku (Azerbaijan), was enroute at 10100 meters (FL331) about 55nm north of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport when the crew initated a diversion to Sheremetyevo Airport due to a medical emergency on board. The aircraft landed overweight but safely at Sheremetyevo's runway 25R about 20 minutes later. The passenger was taken to a local hospital.

Passengers reported a fellow male passenger suddenly got seriously ill, lost consciousness and deteriorated rapidly. A doctor on board provided first aid raising the suspicion of a drug overdose and recommended an immediate landing stating the patient would die otherwise.

A replacement Airbus A319-100 registration VQ-BAS continued the flight about 7 hours after landing.

The airline said the incident aircraft could not continue the flight because of procedures as result of the overweight emergency landing.

Airbus A320-214 aircraft picture


Incident: Qantas A332 at Perth on Sep 23rd 2011, bird strike

By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 23rd 2011 23:14Z, last updated Friday, Sep 23rd 2011 23:14Z
A Qantas Airbus A330-200, registration VH-EBP performing flight QF-802 from Perth,WA to Melbourne,VI (Australia) with 273 passengers, was departing Perth's runway 21 when the aircraft flew through a flock of birds in the initial climb ingesting a number of birds into the left hand engine (CF6), that emitted a loud bang and streak of flames as result. The crew levelled off at 4000 feet and returned to Perth's runway 21 for a safe landing about 25 minutes after departure.

A replacement Airbus A330-200 registration VH-EBO reached Melbourne with a delay of 9.5 hours

Airbus A330-202 aircraft picture
Incident: Interjet A320 at Chetumal on Sep 23rd 2011, unsafe gear
By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Sep 24th 2011 19:19Z, last updated Saturday, Sep 24th 2011 19:19Z
An Interjet Airbus A320-200, registration XA-INJ performing flight 4O-2544 from Mexico City to Chetumal (Mexico) with 120 passengers, aborted the approach to Chetumal due to an unsafe indication for the nose gear. The aircraft entered a holding to trouble shoot, one low approach to Chetumal were conducted which showed the nose gear down, the unlocked indication continued however. The crew used the alternate gear extension and still got an unsafe indication. Another low approach was performed showing all gear down. After about 45 minutes the aircraft landed safely in Chetumal, however could not vacate the runway and needed to be towed to the apron.
Airbus A320-214 aircraft picture


 










Airbus Updates No.441

Airbus A320 -214 4820   F-HBNI Air France delivery 24sep11 TLS-ORY ex F-WWIC


Airbus A321 -231 4843   N543UW US Airways delivery 24sep11 XFW-BGR-PIT ex D-AVZW
 Airbus A321 -231 4847 N544UW US Airways delivery 23sep11 XFW-BGR-PIT ex D-AVZX

Friday 23 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.440

Airbus A319 -111 3615   5A-ONC Afriqiyah ferried 21/22sep11 MJI-TUN-MJI after storage ex D-AVYM


Airbus A320 -231 292   N292MX Mexicana ferried 21sep11 MEX-TUS-MZJ for part-out & scrap  ex G-OOAB


Airbus A321 -231 4847 N544UW US Airways delivery 23sep11 XFW-BGR-PIT ex D-AVZX
 Airbus A330 -322 87   TC-OCD Onur Air ferried 23sep11 IST-JED on Hajj-lease to Saudi Arabian  ex VN-A368
Airbus A320 -232 4812   9V-TAX Tiger Airways delivery 23sep11 TLS-DWC-SIN ex F-WWDL

Airbus Updates No.439

AIRBUS and BOEING are reportedly in talks with United/Contiental about supplying 100-200 new aircraft

full story at the following link

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-united-seen-as-next-battleground-for-boeing-airbus-20110922,0,593571.story

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.438

Incident: Hong Kong Air A332 near Fukuoka on Sep 18th 2011, engine shut down in flight

By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Sep 17th 2011 20:13Z, last updated Saturday, Sep 17th 2011 20:13Z
A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330-200, registration B-LNZ performing freight flight HX-9609 (dep Sep 17th) from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Hong Kong (China), was enroute at FL400 about 100nm southsoutheast of Fukuoka (Japan) when the crew needed to shut the left hand engine (Trent 772) down. The aircraft turned around, drifted down to FL240, diverted to Fukuoka, entered a holding and landed safely about 50 minutes later.
Airbus A330-243F aircraft picture


Incident: Biman A313 near Amman on Sep 18th 2011, engine trouble

By Simon Hradecky, created Sunday, Sep 18th 2011 19:32Z, last updated Sunday, Sep 18th 2011 19:32Z
A Biman Bangladesh Airbus A310-300, registration S2-ADK performing flight BG-5 from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was enroute near Amman (Jordan) when the crew decided to divert to Amman due to problems with an engine. The aircraft landed safely.

The aircraft's departure from Dhaka (Bangladesh) on the previous leg had been delayed after a technical problem with one of the engines (PW4152) surfaced while taxiing out for departure. The aircraft was able to leave Dhaka with a delay of 3 hours.


Airbus A310-324 aircraft picture
Incident: TACA A320 near Cuzco on Sep 18th 2011, smoke in cockpit
By Simon Hradecky, created Sunday, Sep 18th 2011 22:31Z, last updated Sunday, Sep 18th 2011 22:31Z
A TACA Peru Airbus A320-200, flight T0-9 from Lima to Cuzco (Peru) with 90 passengers, was on approach to Cuzco when smoke began to emanate from one of the windshield heating systems. The crew accelerated the approach into Cuzco for a safe landing.

The airline reported a short circuit in the windshield heating system caused the smoke but no flames


Incident: Jetblue A320 near Omaha on Sep 17th 2011, loss of cabin pressure
By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Sep 21st 2011 11:29Z, last updated Wednesday, Sep 21st 2011 15:43Z
A Jetblue Airbus A320-200, registration N592JB performing flight B6-171 from New York JFK,NY to Sacramento,CA (USA) with 78 passengers and 5 crew, had just step climbed to FL360 about 195nm northeast of Omaha,NE when the crew initiated an emergency descent to 10,000 feet due to the loss of cabin pressure reaching 10,000 feet about 7 minutes later (average descent rate 3700 fpm), the passenger oxygen masks were released. The aircraft subsequently diverted to Omaha for a safe landing on runway 14R about 50 minutes after initiating the emergency descent and taxied to the apron.

The airline confirmed the aircraft diverted to Omaha due to the loss of cabin pressure about 3 hours into the flight.

A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration N706JB reached Sacramento with a delay of 6.5 hours.

Airbus A320-232 aircraft picture


Airbus Updates No.437

Airbus A310 -304 431   HZ-NSA Al-Atheer Establishment ferried 21sep11 RUH-MST for paint into new cs ex P4-ABU
 Airbus A318 -112CJ 4169   OE-LUX Tyrolean Jet Service  positioned 19sep11 BSL-INN, all white, no titl ex 9H-AFT


Airbus A319 -112 4841   D-AIBG Lufthansa delivery 21sep11 XFW-MUC ex D-AVWF


Airbus A320 -212 375   LY-VEX Avion Express ferried 21sep11 MXP-SNN-YYR on return to lessor  ex M-GAPA


Airbus A320 -232 4817 JY-AYR Royal Jordanian delivery 21sep11 TLS-AMM ex F-WWIA
 Airbus A320 -232 4845   B-6806 Shenzhen Airlines delivery 21sep11 XFW-OVB ex D-AUBF

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.436

Airbus A340-300 [B-HXM]


 Airbus A319 -111 2196   OO-SSV Brussels Airlines delivery 20sep11 DUB-BRU ex G-EZEI


 Airbus A320 -211 342   9Q- CAA - Compagnie Africaine d delivery 19-20sep11 MIA-YYR-SNN-TLS, N-reg  ex N342DK
 Airbus A320 -233 839   PK-GLD Garuda Citilink in svc at CGK/BDJ 17sep11 in full new cs ex HA-LPA


Airbus A320 -214 4450   5A-LAI Libyan Airlines ferried 20sep11 MJI-TUN after storage ex F-WWBX

Monday 19 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.435

Airbus Lifts Demand Forecast On Asian Growth

Global airlines will buy USD$3.5 trillion of aircraft over the next 20 years to meet relentless demand for travel to and from Asia's burgeoning "megacities" and renew older fleets in the West, Airbus said on Monday.
The world's largest civil jet maker raised its forecast for deliveries over the next 20 years by around 8 percent to 27,800 aircraft as part of an annual market survey. The figure includes 900 freighters to keep up with a projected expansion in global trade.
The European company shrugged off turmoil in financial markets, saying population growth and urban growth would continue to promote strong aviation demand. The industry has recovered more quickly than expected from the last recession but some are nervous over the short-term outlook.
"People need and want to fly more than ever before," Airbus said in a statement. "Over the next 20 years the aviation sector is expected to remain as resilient to cyclical economic conditions as in the past."
Revenue passenger km -- the number of people boarding planes adjusted for the distance flown -- will grow by an average 4.8 percent per year, which is equivalent to traffic more than doubling in the next 20 years, Airbus said.
Boeing is even more optimistic, with a recent June forecast of 5.1 percent a year.
The predictions underscore soaring demand for narrow-body or single-aisle jets such as the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737, the backbone of many airlines.
Both plane makers have decided to refresh their best-selling models with new engines to reduce fuel costs and see off newcomers such as Canada's Bombardier or builders in China and Russia.
Airbus raised its demand forecast for these 100-200 seat aircraft by 7 percent to 19,200 planes worth USD$1.4 trillion between 2011 and 2030. Boeing sees a market worth USD$2 trillion, though its data includes planes from 90 seats upwards instead of 100.
Airbus and Boeing are increasing production rates to keep up with demand.
There is concern, however, over what the plane makers' optimism means for airlines on the eve of a widely watched airline industry profit forecast from IATA.
The International Air Transport Association halved its forecast for 2011 airline profits in June and could trim it again in the light of Europe's debt crisis and fears of a new US recession. Premium travel is where airlines make most of their profits and is seen as a sensitive guide to business confidence.
Many airlines are investing in new lightweight airplanes to lower their fuel costs.
Airbus sees strong demand for wide-bodied twin-jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is due to be delivered to its first Japanese customer next week after three years of delays, and smaller versions of its own A350. Airbus increased its forecast for 250-300 seat jets by 11 percent.
The Airbus survey also acts as a signpost to the next big battle with Boeing over the future of mini-jumbos like the Boeing 777, which Airbus has countered with its planned A350-1000.
Boeing must decide in the next year or so whether to redesign the 777 or just commission a replacement for its engines as it tries to keep its dominance of the 350-400 seat market. Airbus sees demand for 2,100 new aircraft in this category over the next 20 years.
However, Airbus and Boeing continue to disagree on the demand for the industry's behemoths -- the Airbus A380, the world's largest airliner, with 525 seats, and Boeing's newly revamped 747 jumbo.
Airbus sees a USD$600 billion market for planes with 400 seats or more, representing 1,781 units. Boeing sees demand for less than half that, just 820 planes.
Boeing contends long-haul air travel will splinter into more and more direct routes taking people where they want to go, rather than changing planes at hubs, a system known as point-to-point travel. Airbus believes hubs, for which its A380 was designed, will remain essential and that many of these aerial crossroads will become destinations in their own right.
So far, the market has voted mainly with Boeing, opting for the next generation of mid-sized jets like the 787 with its ability to fly further on less fuel. But Airbus maintains its signature A380 project will succeed due to demand for the double-decker in Asia and the Middle East. So far, it has sold 236.

Airbus Updates No.434

Airbus A319 -112 3346   V5-ANL Air Namibia delivery 16-17sep11 PAD-ACC-WDH ex D-ABGI
 Airbus A319 -112 3586   V5-ANK Air Namibia ferried 19sep11 DUB-PAD after paint, D-reg prior delivery ex D-ABGL


Airbus A320 -232 2992   N651JB jetBlue at LGB 18sep11 now with Barcode tail livery “I ex F-WWIS


Airbus A320 -214 4310   CN-NMD Air Arabia Maroc ferried 16sep11 CMN-SHJ on transfer to Air Arabia  ex A6-ABU


Airbus A321 -211 675   TC- AtlasJet acc flt at MPL 16sep11 in full cs prior delivery, Hellenic Imperial ntu  ex F-WTAX
 Airbus A321 -211 761   TC- AtlasJet at MPL 16sep11 in full cs prior delivery, Hellenic Imperial ntu  ex F-WTAV
 Airbus A321 -211 1219   TC-JME Turkish Airlines ferried 16sep11 IST-NWI, Air Berlin (D-ABCI ntu)  ex EC-IMA

Saturday 17 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.433

Incident: Air France A319 at Casablanca on Aug 8th 2011, landed on wrong runway

By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 16th 2011 17:21Z, last updated Friday, Sep 16th 2011 17:41Z
An Air France Airbus A319-100, registration F-GRXC performing flight AF-1896 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Casablanca (Morocco), had been cleared for a visual approach to and was cleared to land on runway 35L however landed on runway 35R at around 08:28L (08:28Z). With no other traffic being on runway 35R the Airbus rolled out safely.

Morocco's Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

Casablanca's runway 35L offered a Category II ILS approach.

The Category III ILS approach to runway 35R was suspended due to work at the runway lighting.

A local aviation source reported runway 35R had actually been closed at the time of the incident by broadcast on ATIS (but not NOTAMed). The crew was suspended.

Morocco's Civil Aviation Authority as well as Morocco's Airport Authority so far did not respond to inquiries by The Aviation Herald transmitted on Sep 14th.


Airbus A319-111 aircraft picture

Friday 16 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.432

MASkargo takes delivery of first A330-200F

Newest operator of world’s most efficient mid-size freighter
15 September 2011 Press Release
MASkargo, the freight subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, has become a new operator of the A330-200F, following the delivery of the first of four PW4000-powered aircraft ordered by the airline. The aircraft was handed over at a ceremony in Toulouse today attended by MASkargo Managing Director Shahari Sulaiman.
The A330-200F is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter and can carry 70 tonnes of payload, with a range capability of up to 4,000nm. For MASkargo, the aircraft’s performance and flexibility will enable direct freight services from its Kuala Lumpur base to destinations across Asia, with onward capability to Australasia, Europe or the US.
“The A330-200F will bring new levels of efficiency to MASkargo’s medium lift operations,” said Shahari Sulaiman, Managing Director MASkargo. “With this aircraft we will be able to serve more markets with greater frequency, while significantly reducing our operating costs and maximising profit potential.”
“We are pleased to welcome MASkargo as the latest operator of the A330-200F,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “This aircraft marks a step change for cargo carriers, offering the lowest operating costs in the mid-size category and the ability to match capacity more closely to demand on a wide range of operations.”
The A330-200F is the all-freight version of the best-selling A330 Family. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,100 orders for the various versions of the A330, with some 800 aircraft currently flying with over 90 operators worldwide.
Airbus A330-200 [9M-MUA]

Airbus Updates No.431

Air France-KLM to acquire up to 60 A350 XWBs

A350XWB continues to attract world class airlines
The Air France-KLM Group has announced its intention to sign for up to 60 A350 XWB aircraft, of which 25 A350-900 will be firmed up shortly. The aircraft will become an essential pillar in the group’s long-haul fleet modernization strategy.

"We are honoured that our all new, extra efficient A350 XWB will contribute to Air France-KLM’s long-term success", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers. "The A350 XWB's unbeatable economics and environmental credentials will establish the aircraft as the future backbone of the airline's long-haul fleet. We take this decision as a testimony of confidence in our brand and products".

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new long range product line comprising three models capable of flying between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts on flights of up to 8,500 nautical miles. 

In total the Air France-KLM Group currently operates a fleet of 191 Airbus aircraft, comprising six A380s, 26 A330s, 15 A340s, 24 A321s, 58 A320s, 44 A319s and 18 A318s. With this new order Air France-KLM joins the expanding group of airlines to have a member of each Airbus aircraft family in their fleet.

By end of August, Airbus has recorded 567 A350 XWBs firm orders from 35 customers.

Thursday 15 September 2011

Airbus Updates No.430

Airbus A320 -214 4405   5A-LAH Libyan Airlines ferried 15sep11 TIP-TUN after storage ex F-WWBX
 Airbus A320 -214 4526  5A-LAK Libyan Airlines ferried 14sep11 TIP-TUN after storage ex F-WWDO


Airbus A330 -223 229   OO- Brussels Airlines ferried 15sep11 MAN-ZRH after paint, HB-reg, prior delivery ex HB-IQA


Airbus A330 -223F 1136   9M-MUA Malaysian Cargo delivery 15sep11 TLS-AMS ex F-WWYZ
 Airbus A330 -202 1252   EI-EJK Alitalia delivery 15sep11 TLS-FCO ex F-WWKP

Airbus Updates No.429

Airbus A330-200 [HB-IQA]
Airbus A320-200 [N407BV / PJ-FAA]

Airbus Updates No.428

Airbus Sees China, Asia As Recession Buffer

Demand for new planes from China and Asia will provide Airbus with a buffer for growth in the event of a global recession resulting from Europe's debt crisis, the company's chief operating officer said on Thursday.
"So far we have 1,000 net orders (from Europe) at the end of August and the air traffic is still good," Fabrice Bregier said.
"However, we might well expect some adjustments in the future. This is very different from 2008-2009. In this case we see a problem of some European states with excessive debt but the real economy is very good," he said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Dalian.
The euro area debt crisis has contributed to increasing concerns in financial markets that the world economy could slip into another recession.
Bregier said it may be a "challenge" to avoid another recession that would bring about less air traffic and slower growth for airlines. But he said he expected growth in Asia and especially China to provide a suitable growth buffer for Airbus.
"If there is a big recession there will be less traffic and so the airlines will not generate the cash to buy new aircraft," Bregier said. "Now we are in the global market, so we don't sell exclusively to Europe or America and in our order book our biggest share comes from Asia, and China plays a big role."
Bregier said Airbus will deliver its first superjumbo to mainland carrier China Southern Airlines in a few weeks and the aircraft will be operational in November.
Boeing said on September 7 that China will need 5,000 commercial aircraft worth USD$600 billion over the next 20 years, a 25 percent increase on the company's previous estimate.
Airbus, which currently has a 45 percent market share in China, is due to publish its global forecasts on September 20. Bregier said the firm's market share in China will exceed 50 percent in the next few years.
"We plan to deliver about 90 aircraft in China next year and about 100 this year," he said.
In June, China placed an order for 88 Airbus A320 planes putting aside a bubbling trade row with Europe over a proposed emissions scheme as it sought to fuel economic growth.
The deal, worth USD$7.5 billion at list price and with deliveries scheduled for 2012-15, was signed by China Aviation Supplies and Industrial Commercial Bank of China.
Although China plans to start competing with Airbus and Boeing by building its own narrow-body passenger jets from the second half of this decade, it has ordered large numbers of Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s to feed traffic growth.
Airbus began assembling planes for the Chinese market at a factory in Tianjin, outside Beijing, in 2009. Bregier said he expects to make inroads into the China market with sales of the A380 superjumbo aircraft.
"I think they (other Chinese airlines) will be very interested in A380s when they see the success of China Southern... We expect other top players in China to progressively order A380s," he said.
"The trend is clear, China will need bigger aircraft in the future and so we think with the A380, we really have a trump".

Airbus Updates No.427

Incident: Qantas A332 enroute on Mar 23rd 2011, fire in cockpit

By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Sep 12th 2011 12:53Z, last updated Monday, Sep 12th 2011 12:53Z
The ATSB have released their Bulletin reporting that the crew noticed a smell in the cockpit and cabin when the aircraft was enroute at FL390 about 365nm northwest of Cairns. The crew actioned the checklists for smoke/fumes/avionics in an attempt to minimise the smell, cabin crew confirmed the smell had reduced.

Following the smell and some arcing from the left hand windshield hearter a small flames became visible from the bottom left corner of the captain's windshield. The flight crew donned their oxygen masks and discharged the cockpit's BCF fire extinguisher successfully putting the flame out. An ECAM message "A.ICE L WSHLD HEAT" followed prompting the crew to action the relevant checklist prompting the crew to press the reset button for the window heat computer. About 20 minutes later another ECAM message "L WINDOW HEAT" occurred, although the crew actioned the relevant checklist 4 more events of arcing and flames from the bottom left corner of the captain's windshield occurred over the next 6 minutes, all of which were extinguished by the crew.

The operator's maintenance advised the probe window heat should be de-selected although this was no guarantee the heating would be de-powered. The crew therefore decided to divert to Cairns reporting technical issues and extinguished fires on board. The aircraft landed safely in Cairn about 50 minutes after the first smell.

The operator had already assigned the windshield for replacement according to an Airbus Service Bulletin, that required replacement as soon as spares become available. Following the event the windshield and the number one window heat computer were replaced.

The ATSB annotated that the windshield replacement program, released following five windshield heat connector overheat events, was well ahead of permitted time, completion within the operator's fleet to be completed by September 2011 with the SB requiring replacement until March 2012.

Airbus Updates No.426

Incident: Virgin America A319 near Grand Junction on Sep 8th 2011, engine shut down in flight

By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Sep 8th 2011 17:18Z, last updated Thursday, Sep 8th 2011 17:18Z
A Virgin America Airbus A319-100, registration N530VA performing flight VX-28 (dep Sep 7th) from San Francisco,CA to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 111 passengers and 6 crew, was enroute at FL350 about 200nm west of Grand Junction,CO when the crew needed to shut an engine down. The aircraft drifted down and diverted to Grand Junction for a safe landing on runway 11 about 40 minutes later.

The passengers were taken to hotels.

A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration N837VA was dispatched as flight VX-9837 from San Francisco to Grand Junction and is estimated to reach New York as flight VX-1028 with a delay of 10 hours.

Incident: Lufthansa A319 at Budapest on Sep 8th 2011, bird strike
By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 9th 2011 00:07Z, last updated Friday, Sep 9th 2011 00:08Z
A Lufthansa Airbus A319-100, registration D-AILX performing flight LH-1684 from Munich (Germany) to Budapest (Hungary), was on final approach to Budapest's runway 31R when the aircraft encountered a bird strike prompting the crew to abort the approach and go-around. The aircraft joined a right downwind and positioned for another approach to runway 31L. The aircraft landed safely on runway 31L about 15 minutes later.

Runway 31R was closed for a runway inspection, another aircraft on final approach to 31R made a swing-over to runway 31L, other aircraft were re-cleared for an ILS approach to runway 31L. Runway 31R re-opened about 20 minutes later.


 
Incident: SAS A321 near Hamburg on Sep 8th 2011, smoke in cabin
By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 9th 2011 12:56Z, last updated Friday, Sep 9th 2011 12:56Z
A SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration OY-KBE performing flight SK-688 from Milan Malpensa (Italy) to Copenhagen (Denmark) with 130 passengers, was enroute at FL380 about 60nm southeast of Hamburg (Germany) when the crew reported smoke in the cabin and decided to divert to Hamburg's Fuhlsbuettel Airport for a safe landing on runway 23 about 20 minutes later. By the time of landing the smoke had dissipated, emergency services utilizing thermal imaging found no trace of fire, heat or smoke.

The aircraft was able to continue the journey after about 2 hours on the ground and reached Copenhagen with a delay of about 130 minutes.

Incident: SATA A313 at Lajes on Sep 6th 2011, bird strike

By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Sep 9th 2011 17:58Z, last updated Friday, Sep 9th 2011 17:58Z
A SATA International Airbus A310-300, registration CS-TKN performing flight S4-230 from Boston,MA (USA) to Terceira Azores Islands (Portugal) with 218 people on board, was on approach to Terceira's Lajes Airport when a bird struck the aircraft. The crew continued for a safe landing at Lajes Airport.

The aircraft was unable to conduct its next scheduled flight S4-237 to Oakland,CA (USA) via Hamilton,ON (Canada).

The airport reported an unusual number of migratory birds is currently around the aerodrome.

Incident: Swiss A333 over Atlantic on Sep 9th 2011, first officer unwell

By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Sep 10th 2011 15:12Z, last updated Saturday, Sep 10th 2011 15:12Z
A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HB-JHI performing flight LX-65 (dep Sep 8th) from Miami,FL (USA) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 217 passengers, was enroute at FL350 over the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda about 2 hours into the flight when the first officer suffered a migraine attack and needed to take some medicine. The captain decided to turn around and return to Miami as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely in Miami about 5 hours after departure.

The airline reported the first officer felt very unwell as result of a migraine attack forcing him to take some medicine which prompted the captain to return to Miami as a precaution. The first officer now needs to undergo medical examination.

Incident: Easyjet A320 near Doncaster on Sep 10th 2011, smoke in cabin
By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Sep 10th 2011 23:45Z, last updated Saturday, Sep 10th 2011 23:45Z
An Easyjet Airbus A320-200, registration G-EZTA performing flight U2-1931 from Manchester,EN (UK) to Sofia (Bulgaria), was climbing through FL270 out of Manchester's runway 23R when the crew reported smoke in the cabin, levelled off and diverted to Doncaster,EN (UK) for a safe landing on runway 20 about 20 minutes later. Emergency services found no trace of fire or heat. The passengers deplaned normally via stairs.

A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration G-EZTG reached Sofia with a delay of 5.5 hours.

The source of the smoke was not found so far. The incident aircraft positioned back to Manchester departing Doncaster 8 hours after landing.



 
Incident: Swiss A321 at Dublin on Sep 13th 2011, smoke in cabin
By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Sep 13th 2011 15:24Z, last updated Tuesday, Sep 13th 2011 15:24Z
A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A321-100, registration HB-IOC performing flight LX-401 from Dublin (Ireland) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 155 people on board, was climbing through FL070 out of Dublin's runway 28 when grey smoke with the smell of burning plastics was observed in the cabin. The crew levelled off and returned to Dublin for a safe landing on runway 28 about 10 minutes after departure. After a brief inspection by emergency services the aircraft taxied to the gate.

The cause of the smoke is under investigation.
Incident: Malta A319 near Sofia on Sep 10th 2011, hydraulic problem
By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Sep 13th 2011 15:45Z, last updated Tuesday, Sep 13th 2011 15:45Z
An Air Malta Airbus A319-100, registration 9H-AEH performing flight KM-560 from Malta (Malta) to Moscow Domodedovo (Russia), was enroute at FL370 about 40nm eastnortheast of Sofia (Bulgaria) when the crew decided to return to Malta due to problems with one of the hydraulic systems. The aircraft landed safely back on Malta's runway 13 about 100 minutes later.

A replacement Airbus A319-100 registration 9H-AEJ reached Moscow with a delay of 5.5 hours


Incident: Airphilexpress A320 near Cebu on Sep 14th 2011, engine shut down in flight
By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 12:35Z, last updated Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 12:35Z
An Airphilexpress Airbus A320-200, flight 2P-247 from Cebu to Davao (Philippines) with 121 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Cebu when the crew reported they had needed to shut the left hand engine down. The aircraft returned to Cebu for a safe landing about 35 minutes after departure.

A replacement aircraft reached Davao with a delay of 2 hours.

Incident: Rossiya A319 near St. Petersburg on Sep 14th 2011, engine shut down in flight

By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 12:51Z, last updated Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 12:51Z
A Rossiya Airbus A319-100, registration VQ-BAS performing flight FV-721 from Saint Petersburg to Rostov (Russia), had already reached cruise altitude 10100 meters/FL331 about 65nm southeast of St. Petersburg when the crew reported problems with right hand engine's (CFM56) fuel pump forcing them to shut the engine down. The aircraft drifted down and returned to St. Petersburg for a safe landing on runway 28L about 55 minutes after departure.

A replacement Boeing 737-500 registration EI-CDH reached Rostov with a delay of 2.5 hours.
Incident: US Airways A332 at Barcelona on Sep 10th 2011, hydraulic failure

By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 15:36Z, last updated Wednesday, Sep 14th 2011 15:36Z
A US Airways Airbus A330-200, registration N285AY performing flight US-743 from Barcelona,SP (Spain) to Philadelphia,PA (USA), stopped the climb out of Barcelona's runway 25L at FL080 due to a hydraulic failure and returned to Barcelona's runway 25R for a safe landing about 30 minutes after departure.

The flight was subsequently cancelled.










Airbus Updates No.425

Airbus A300 -622R 602   N4602 GA Telesis ferried 14-15sep11 HND-TSE-LDE in basic JAL cs  ex JA8375
 Airbus A300 -622R 670   D-AEAK EAT Leipzig delivery 14-15sep11 HND-TSE-DRS, basic JAL cs, N-reg prior conversion ex N2670


Airbus A318 -112CJ 4211   F-WHUD Airbus ferried 12sep11 MPL-XFW after paint into all wh, Al Jaber Aviation ntu ex D-AUAD


Airbus A320 -211 196   JA8387 ANA All Nippon ferried 12-13sep11 HND-ANC-VCV for storage / sale  ex F-WWDE


Airbus A320 -212 407   P4-FAA FlyAruba delivery 13-14sep11 GYR-FLL-AUA, N-reg ex N407BV
 Airbus A320 -231 476   G-GTDL Thomas Cook ferried 13sep11 MAN-SAW after storage, for? ex C-GTDL


Airbus A320 -232 4818   VT-IEJ IndiGo delivery 12sep11 XFW-DEL ex D-AXAK


Airbus A320 -214 4835   VQ-BKU Aeroflot delivery 14sep11 XFW-SVO ex D-AXAN
 Airbus A320 -214 4839   CC-BAQ LAN Airlines delivery 15-16sep11 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL  ex D-AXAO
 Airbus A321 -232 4834   B-6792 Air China delivery 10sep11 XFW-OVB ex D-AVZU
 Airbus A330 -203MRTT 1036   A39-004 Royal Australian Air Force  ferried 11sep11 ORY-LEGT after paint, EC-reg ex EC-336


Airbus A340 -311 3   G-VSEA Virgin Atlantic ferried 13sep11 LGW-LDE, for Luzair as CS-TQT ex F-WWDA


Airbus A380 -841 71    9V-SKN Singapore Airlines delivery 14sep11 TLS-SIN ex F-WWSX

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Airbus Updates No.4245

  Airbus A321  -231  2553    N355FL  Spectre Air Capital  ferried 14-15mar24 LETL-TBS-ALA- prior P2F-conversion  ex LY-BLW  Airbus A321  -23...

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