July 23, 2024News

Farnborough Airshow: SMBC To Have 42 More GTF-Powered A320neos

The world’s second-largest aircraft lessor, SMBC Aviation Capital, has exercised the option of 22 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. This supplements the firm order for 20 units, placed in 2021, for the same aircraft family. The 42 aircraft will all have Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines.

SMBC Aviation Capital first chose Pratt & Whitney to power 50 A320neo narrowbody jets in 2019. Today, the Dublin-headquartered firm is one of the world’s largest aircraft lessors with GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft. It owns, manages, and has firm orders for 142 GTF-powered jets.

Also Read: Farnborough Airshow: ANA Signs A LOI With DHC

NOTE: The image above has been sourced directly from Airbus’ official media website.

Rachit Shad Trehan

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September 18, 2024

British Airways To Offer London-Tbilisi Route From Next Year

UK’s flag carrier, British Airways, has confirmed the addition of a new route from its primary hub London Heathrow. Starting March 30, 2025, the airline will operate direct services to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The flight, using an Airbus A320neo, will be offered four times weekly.

The outbound flight, BA890, will depart from London Heathrow at 21:25 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and land in the Georgian capital at 05:30 the next day. The flight back, BA391, will depart from Tbilisi at 07:10 and arrive at London Heathrow at 09:40 on Wednesdays. The same flight on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays will leave 20 minutes later and arrive in London at 10:00. All times mentioned are local.

Travellers will have two cabin options aboard the single-aisle jet – Club Europe (Business) and Euro Traveller (Economy). Those opting for the latter will get a complimentary drink and snack. In contrast, flyers in the former category will get lounge access, a full meal service, priority boarding and extra baggage allowance, all included in their ticket fare. The airline is accepting bookings with return ticket prices starting at GBP 275.

Also Read: British Airways To Set A New Record Next Summer

September 18, 2024

Vietnam Airlines To Begin Direct Flights Between Hanoi And Milan

Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has confirmed a new nonstop route to Europe, bringing the total to nine. Beginning July 1, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights to Milan, Italy, from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner will serve passengers on the newly announced route. The airline also plans to link Milan with Ho Chi Minh City after 2025.

For Italy, Vietnam is the largest trading partner in the ASEAN. On the other hand, Italy is ranked as the fourth largest trading partner within the European Union. Establishing a direct link between Milan and Vietnam is based on the rise of travellers. Last year, the Southeast Asian nation welcomed 81,000 tourists from Italy, about 89 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of 2024, a 32 per cent rise in travellers from Italy to Vietnam has been recorded compared to the same period in 2019.

Vietnam Airlines’ present European network already includes direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, and London. Next month, a direct service to Munich, Germany, will strengthen the carrier’s presence in Europe.