Vietnam's Bamboo commits to 20 787-9s

Vietnamese start-up Bamboo Airways has committed to an order for 20 Boeing 787-9s and plans to deploy the aircraft on international routes to Europe and the USA. The airline, which is wholly owned by conglomerate FLC Group, tells Flightglobal it plans to launch sales in October and begin service in the fourth quarter of this year. It is on track to attain an air operator's certificate from Vietnamese authorities, says FLC chairman Trinh Van Quyet. Bamboo has paid deposits for the Boeing order, which was announced in a ceremony in Washington DC today attended by Vietnam deputy prime minister Vuong Dinh Hue. The aircraft is tentatively scheduled to be delivered from April 2020 through 2021, says Boeing. Trinh says the airline is working with Boeing to take delivery of the aircraft earlier, as it wants to begin international service in 2019. Potential destinations include Paris and Berlin, which Bamboo plans to serve from Hanoi, says Trinh. The airline had previously signed a memorandum of understanding for 24 Airbus A321neos, which remains in place, says the carrier.

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Aerospace, Aviation Technology

WestJet adding to fleet in 2025 through leasing of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Newswire | January 24, 2024

WestJet today announced the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, adding to the airline's already significant multi-billion-dollar investment in its orderbook. The airline expects to receive delivery of the aircraft in early 2025, after recently completing leasing agreements with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) for three aircraft and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon for two aircraft. "We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, the continued expansion of our fleet in tandem with our low-cost foundation is a key accelerator of our growth strategy. Combined with its existing order book, WestJet will now receive as many as 22 brand new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes before the end of 2025, and up to 62 additional airplanes of this type before the end of 2028. This makes WestJet's narrowbody orderbook the largest of any Canadian airline. "CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet and we are pleased to be able to support the airline's fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook," stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer. "We're delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with Westjet and are pleased to support WestJet's fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook," said Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon. "We expect to see continued growth for the aviation sector in the coming years, including in North America, and are excited to provide a fleet solution to a strategic customer in the region."

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Aerospace, Defense and Space

Hanwha at WDS 2024: Pioneering Global Defense Capabilities and Partnerships for Vision 2030

PR Newswire | February 05, 2024

The defense affiliates of Hanwha Group, including Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean, will be participating in the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 4th to 8th Feb. With geopolitical crises increasing security demands in key Middle East regions, Hanwha Group is set to present defense capabilities on land, in the air, at sea and in space to protect customers from various threats. Under the slogan 'Opening the Future of Advanced Engine', Hanwha will explore long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has made localization of the defense sector a key objective in Vision 2030. Hanwha will present its advanced aircraft engines, AESA radars, and aviation electronics equipment at the exhibition's center, as well as unveil a roadmap for the development and production of next generation engines beginning in the 2030s, leveraging the manufacturing capabilities accumulated over the previous 40 years. Hanwha aims to fortify a partnership that not only meets customer's immediate defense needs, but also foster long-term resilience and innovation in the defense sector. The company is committed to integrating advanced defense technologies into the customer's needs. An official from Hanwha stated, "The collaboration aims to significantly contribute to the growth and modernization of the local defense industry, while also fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Hanwha takes pride in our ongoing commitment to delivering deterrence solutions to key regions with urgent needs." Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East region, Hanwha will present the cutting-edge submarine KSS-III, offering unparalleled capabilities to mitigate emerging threats to maritime security. Also, the unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface ships will deliver innovative defense solutions to navigate the diverse security challenges in the region. In the face of rapidly changing regional security landscape, Hanwha will present the K9A1 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) equipped with exportable engine, multipurpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle(UGV), Redback armored vehicle, TIGON 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, Chunmoo Multi Rocket Launcher, M-SAM and various air defense systems, meeting regional needs with its diverse portfolio of Land Systems solutions. Hanwha will also exhibit hyper connected tactical solutions to sensor and neutralize aerial threats, including Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR), Multi-Function Radar(MFR), and anti-drone systems. The company will also showcase advanced air defense solutions equipped on Korean Fighter Jet, ranging from Active Electronically Scanned Array(AESA) Radar to Infra-Red Search and Track, strengthening defense capabilities to detect threats across different domains. Hanwha has decades of experience designing, developing, testing successfully manufacturing modern defense solutions. The company is adopting a cooperative approach to support the localization of key products, a private cooperation aimed at expediting the achievement of the customer's objectives.

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Aerospace, Aviation Technology, Airport Management

Avelo Airlines' First International Service Takes Flight From Lansing Through Apple Vacations Partnership

PR Newswire | January 27, 2024

Avelo Airlines' first international service takes flight this weekend from Lansing's Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in partnership with Apple Vacations. The partnership's new scheduled public charter service will serve three international destinations from LAN. Avelo and Apple Vacations offer nonstop flights and vacation packages between LAN and three tropical international destinations: Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic beginning tomorrow, Jan. 27 through April 3, 2024. Booking information and specific flight dates and times can be found at AppleVacations.com. Beginning Jan. 27: Lansing to Cancun International Airport (CUN) – three times weekly on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays Beginning Feb. 2: Lansing to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ) – one time weekly on Fridays Beginning Jan. 28: Lansing to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – two times weekly on Sundays and Thursdays Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, "These three tropical destinations Avelo will operate for Apple Vacations from Lansing are the perfect debut of Avelo's international service. We look forward to offering the same reliable and friendly experience to Apple Vacations' Customers that we've been providing Avelo's Capital Region Customers since we took flight at LAN 15 months ago. Apple Vacations' selection of Avelo to operate their flights to these three popular destinations is a testament to positive reputation we've built in Michigan and across the country." Additionally, Avelo offers twice-weekly scheduled service between LAN and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between LAN and MCO. Nonstop service to Orlando can be booked at AveloAir.com. Since Avelo began service at LAN on October 26, 2022, the airline has flown over 30,000 Customers on nearly 300 flights. Avelo also leads LAN in reliability with a 100% completion factor, meaning there have been no Avelo cancellations at LAN since the airline inaugurated served there 15 months ago. Capital Region Airport Authority President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams said, "We are thrilled that Apple Vacations is back at LAN for our 2024 international season. And we couldn't be more excited that Apple selected Avelo Airlines to operate these flights with their exceptional track record for reliable and friendly service. These nonstop flights to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica for 2024 are another reminder that LAN is a gateway to popular vacation destinations around the world – and it's not too late to book your trip!" America's Most Convenient Airline Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown 4.2 million Customers on over 30,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 43 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. Along the way, Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Every Avelo flight is nonstop, and at least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small, easy to use airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable. Avelo is distinguished by its reliability. In 2023, Avelo achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second-best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry. Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost. Additionally, Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

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Commercial Aviation, Airport Management

Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One A320neo to SAS

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the ninth of ten aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS. ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. To learn more about the aircraft leasing and aircraft management services offered by ACG, visit www.aviationcapitalgroup.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are based upon our current expectations and assumptions concerning future events, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, such statements are not guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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