As the Farnborough Airshow comes to a close in the UK, the aviation industry has celebrated a number of high-profile deals, including a series of orders for Airbus and Boeing.
Despite the troubles seen by both manufacturers this year, including Airbus’ struggle with supply chain shortages and Boeing’s quality control issues and increased regulatory oversight, they have still seen a steady flow of orders come in for their planes.
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The biggest order of the week arrived for Airbus as Saudi Arabian low-cost airline flynas continued its significant fleet expansion plans with an order for 75 A320neo aircraft and 15 A330-900s, building on its orders at the Paris Air Show in 2023.
The deal means flynas will continue to operate an exclusively all-Airbus fleet of planes and the addition of the widebody A330neo to its operations supports the airline’s growth plans by improving operational efficiency.
Bander Almohanna, CEO of flynas, said: “The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences.
“Additionally, the A330neo will enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim programme.”
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By GlobalDataJapan Airlines
Japan’s flag carrier airline was the only one to visit both Boeing and Airbus during its time in Farnborough, with orders placed for 20 A350-900s and 11 A321neos at the French manufacturer, and for up to 20 787-9s at its US counterpart.
The company has been carrying out a fleet renewal plan over the last year, and will add the A321neo to its fleet for the first time as it seeks to modernise its operations.
Yukio Nakagawa, senior VP for procurement at Japan Airlines, said: “We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions.”
Nakagawa echoed the sentiment while celebrating the airline’s Boeing order and added that new 787s would allow it to further expand its international routes after already launching new services with its existing fleet of 50 Dreamliners.
Korean Air
Boeing’s biggest order of the week came from Korean Air, which signed a deal for 50 aircraft, covering 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with options for another 10 to support its growth and fleet renewal plans.
The airline is looking to enhance its existing fleet to improve the flexibility of its global network as it continues working towards its merger with Asiana Airlines.
Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “Boeing aeroplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways continued the successful week for Boeing’s 777X programme with an order for 20 777-9s, taking its existing orderbook for the 777 family to almost 100 aircraft.
The airline, which was a launch partner for the 777X, has put faith in Boeing’s capability of finalising the certification of the 777-9 as it begins final flight testing of the model amid ongoing delays to its 737 MAX certification programme.
Qatar’s order continues the aircraft’s desire to maintain its reputation for operating one of the industry’s youngest fleets and will help it to launch new routes thanks to the 777-9’s 13,510km range.
Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance placed one of Boeing’s most notable orders of the week with a deal for 20 737-8s, marking the aircraft lessor’s first direct order with the manufacturer after inheriting a healthy orderbook from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co in 2023.
CEO Eamonn Bane said: “The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport.
“This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.”
Virgin Atlantic
One of several smaller orders placed with Airbus during the airshow, Virgin Atlantic’s agreement for seven A330neo aircraft comes during the transatlantic airline’s 40th anniversary year.
The company, founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, said the order marked the end of its multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation plan and touted the A330neo’s fuel efficiency as part of its effort to invest in decarbonising long-haul aviation.
Best of the Rest
Other airlines to place orders with Boeing at the airshow included National Airlines, which signed a deal for four 777Fs for its cargo services, and Luxair, which will add four 737-10s to its fleet when the aircraft is certified.
Airbus’s other orders included a deal with Berniq Airways for six A320neos, an order from Abra Group, the parent company of Avianca and GOL, for five A350-900s, and an agreement with Royal Bhutan Airlines’ Drukair to deliver three A320neos and two A321XLRs, a model which has just been certified in Europe.
