July 25, 2024News

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

Rachit Shad Trehan

Warning! Can talk cars for hours.

0 0 votes

Article Rating

September 16, 2024

Air India Is Now Flying To Kuala Lumpur From Delhi

Further strengthening its network in Southeast Asia, Air India has begun direct services to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Delhi. The first outbound flight took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 15, 2024, and the return leg completed its journey earlier today.

Air India’s service between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur is a daily affair. Flight AI384 will depart from Delhi and arrive in Malaysia’s capital at 13:00 and 21:00, respectively. Those travelling the other way will board flight AI385, which will take off from Kuala Lumpur at 08:30 and land in Delhi at 11:25. An Airbus A320neo will ferry passengers on both sectors.

Kuala Lumpur is Air India’s sixth destination in Southeast Asia. The airline already has active services from India to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.

Also Read: Air India Confirms More Flights To Kolkata From Four Cities

September 16, 2024

Brussels Airlines Plans To Focus More On Traffic From Africa

The Belgian national airline, Brussels Airlines, has announced its plans to expand its long-haul fleet, invest in cabin refurbishment, and utilise the services of another carrier based on the recently extended wet lease agreement with Lufthansa Group.

Brussels Airlines claims to be the “Africa expert” within the Lufthansa Group. To further strengthen that position, the carrier will induct three Airbus A330 aircraft, bringing its widebody fleet to 13. This move will help the airline focus primarily on the increasing traffic from the sub-Saharan Africa network. The idea is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa.

Of course, with the new aeroplanes coming in, more manpower will be required. Hence, Brussels Airlines will hire over 250 new employees, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance & engineering experts, and airport and office personnel. This also paves the way for present airline staff to move to a different or higher role.

In addition to inducting new aircraft, the Belgian carrier plans to gradually introduce all-new cabin interiors. While specific details are still under wraps, a complete overhaul of all three classes – Business, Premium Economy and Economy – is part of the plan. The airline says this project will attract an investment of more than 100 million euros.

Lastly, Brussels Airlines will operate four Airbus A220-300 aircraft with Latvian carrier airBaltic between March and October 2025. Each aircraft has 148 seats, and they will be deployed on routes with lower demand.