July 25, 2024
Author:

Vietnamese EV automaker Vinfast set to arrive in the Middle East

After already having established its presence in the U.S., Canada, and Southeast Asia, VinFast, the young EV manufacturer from Vietnam is now setting its sights on the Middle Eastern market. Vinfast has already established a regional headquarters in Dubai and is forming strategic partnerships with local dealers in countries like Oman and the UAE.

Vinfast’s undeterred drive for global expansion comes courtesy of strong backing from Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate and Vinfast’s parent firm, Vingroup. The conglomerate operates across a diverse range of sectors, including technology-industry, trade & services, contributing nearly 1.6% to the country’s 2023 GDP. Vinfast established its Hai Phong automobile factory in 2019, achieving a world record for construction speed. Even though the brand commenced operations by selling gasoline cars, Vinfast made a bold pivot to all-electric powertrain mid-way and delivered its first EV to customers in December 2021. 

Continue reading...
July 25, 2024
Author:

Farnborough Airshow: More Boeing 777-9s Ordered By Qatar Airways

Award-winning carrier Qatar Airways extended its order book for the Boeing 777-9 widebody aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The airline ordered 20 additional aircraft of the said type, bumping the order book to 60. In addition, the carrier also has 34 Boeing 777-8 Freighters on order. Simple math reveals that the airline will induct 94 777X jets into its fleet.

The 777-9 is the largest member of Boeing’s 777 family. It can seat up to 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and fly them nonstop for up to 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km). Boeing began certification flight testing for 777-9 earlier this month.

Besides the order book for 777X aircraft, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliners and 25 737 Max jets on order with Boeing.

Also Read: Farnborough Airshow: Boeing Bags First Direct Order From Macquarie AirFinance

Continue reading...
July 25, 2024
Author:

Farnborough Airshow: Boeing Bags First Direct Order From Macquarie AirFinance

Macquarie AirFinance, a company that provides aircraft leasing and financing solutions, has placed its first direct order with Boeing at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. It is for 20 737-8 narrowbody jets. The order doubles the lessor’s existing 737-8 order book, acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023.

The Boeing 737-8, which offers reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20 per cent compared to the aircraft it replaces, can carry up to 210 passengers, depending on the configuration. Nonstop, the single-aisle twin-engined jet can travel up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km).

Macquarie AirFinance has a portfolio of 236 aircraft leased to 85 airlines across 49 countries. Its order book consists of 86 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.

Also Read: Farnborough Airshow: Boeing And Luxair Strike Deal For 737s

Continue reading...
July 25, 2024
Author:

Farnborough Airshow: Sky Airline Becomes Pratt & Whitney’s New Customer

Chile-based Sky Airline and Pratt & Whitney have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Per the agreement, Pratt & Whitney will supply GTF engines for 10 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with options for 29 Airbus A320neo and A321neo narrowbody jets. As a result, Sky Airline has become a first-time customer of Pratt & Whitney. The engine manufacturer also plans to provide long-term maintenance services via an EngineWise Comprehensive package.

Sky Airline came into existence in 2001. It is a low-cost carrier that operates a fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The airline serves over 40 domestic and international routes in the Americas through its subsidiaries in Chile and Peru.

Also Read: Farnborough Airshow: Avolon Orders 310 Engines For Its New Airbus Jets

NOTE: The image in this article has been sourced directly from Airbus’ official media website.

Continue reading...
July 24, 2024
Author:

Bentley ends production of its iconic W12 engine

British carmaker Bentley recently teased its plans of ditching the W12 engine and embedding its 771hp Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain in the new Flying Spur. And now, as the final W12-powered Bentayga, Continental GT and Flying Spur cars roll off the production line at the company’s Dream Factory, Bentley held a celebratory event to commemorate its iconic W12 engine whose two-decade journey now comes to an end. Bentley hosted a special lunch for the W12’s assembly line and R&D teams at Bentley’s Heritage Garage in Crewe where attendees were presented with a W12 engine piston commemorative gift to cherish the legacy. Additionally, as a final swansong, Bentley announced a limited run of 120 ‘Speed Edition 12’ models for Bentayga, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur. All Speed Edition 12 cars will feature Edition 12 badging, treadplates, seat embroidery, fascia inlays, and numbered engine plaques.

Over 100,000 W12 engines were produced by Bentley with the 2003 Continental GT being the first model to get equipped with it. The decision to axe the W12 boils down to Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which is aimed towards ensuring the company becomes a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, said: 
“The W12 has played such an important role in the history of Bentley that it was only right for us to celebrate the engine’s retirement with those linked to this powerplant. The engine’s introduction helped change the face of the company almost overnight and so will go down in history as a true game changer and we should feel very proud to have designed, developed and manufactured such an icon in Britain for such a long period of time.” 

Continue reading...