On February 22, 2024, Qantas explained that delivery of its fleet of new Airbus A350-1000s would be delayed by six months because the regulator had requested that the aircraft’s center tank be redesigned.听聽

At the time, Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, said: “We have to redesign the center tank, the extra fuel tank, that will allow the Sunrise mission, and that’s what explains the shift.”   

On June 4, 2024, at the International Air Transport Association精东影业 (IATA) annual general meeting in Dubai, Qantas head Vanessa Hudson announced that the extra fuel tank, which will enable 22-hour flights from Australia, had received approval from the Australian .听

According to , Hudson said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e working very closely with Airbus, and the first aircraft is due to arrive from mid-2026. It精东影业 passed all the certifications now, so we鈥檙e feeling very optimistic about the delivery timetable.鈥澛犅�

Until the delay was announced earlier this year, Qantas was expecting the first of 24 A350-1000s to start arriving in 2025. 

Qantas initially ordered 12 A350s in 2022 and then a further 12 in 2023 for Project Sunrise, with the aim of providing nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian flag carrier was forced to shelve Project Sunrise. As such, executives are likely to be thrilled that nothing now appears to stand in the way of the flights commencing next year.听聽

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The unnamed employee posted his discovery on Facebook, sharing photos of the objects found. The post was subsequently deleted.  

However, other Facebook users were able to save the photos and the caption before reposting it on social media.

According to the employee精东影业 post caption, he was refueling the aircraft, with manufacturer serial number MSN 233, when he saw that “foreign objects” had been left in one of the engines.

He said that this was discovered 30 minutes prior to takeoff and he immediately advised the captain. The aircraft was checked by an engineer and required 鈥渞epair鈥�.

The post was worded as follows:

Today I was refueling this CX383..BLXF. I saw foreign objects left in the engine before 30 minutes to takeoff,I talk with captain by immed,after check by engineer, the mention aircraft need stop to fly for repair…I should have successfully prevented an aviation incident to happening馃槄Aviation safety is everybody responsibility…..

P.S….This post will be delete at hkt 12:00 on  06 Apr 2024.

The flight, which occurred on April 3, 2024, was delayed by two hours and 20 minutes. Passengers were transferred to a different aircraft. 

Cathay Pacific leaning towards Airbus for future freighter order聽

• Air Cargo

byLuke Peters

2023-11-28

On April 2, 2024, the European aircraft manufacturer announced that the paperwork had been signed confirming a firm order for 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. 

鈥淭he A350精东影业 exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,鈥� Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air, said. 鈥淲e are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.鈥澛�

The larger A350-1000 aircraft will be deployed on Korean Air精东影业 long-haul operations while the smaller A350-900 will be primarily used on the on the twice-daily route between Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), New York. 

鈥淭his order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world精东影业 long-range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights,鈥� said Benoit de Saint Exup茅ry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. 

He added: 鈥淲e thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier精东影业 iconic livery.鈥澛�

雽�頃滍暛瓿奠棎 臧愳偓霌滊雼堧嫟! Thank you for choosing the !

With the news that it will order 33 A350s, the airline has become the latest customer for the aircraft that is changing the shape of long-haul air travel.

— Airbus (@Airbus)

Although Korean Air does not currently operate the A350, it is currently in the process of integrating with its former competitor Asiana Airlines, which does operate a fleet of 15 A350-900s.  

Asiana also had six additional A350-900s and nine A350-1000s on order. 

The new deal is part of a broader fleet renewal plan that will see Korean Air adding up to 110 additional new aircraft in the coming years.  

In addition to the A350s, the Korean flag carrier will also receive 50 Airbus A321neos, as well as 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.  

At the end of February 2024, the A350 family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.听

Korean Air signs $13.7 billion order for 33 Airbus A350 aircraft 聽

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2024-03-21

Among the biggest shocks confirmed on February 22, 2024, was a delay to the delivery of the Airbus A350-1000s which are central to Qantas鈥� highly publicized 鈥楶roject Sunrise鈥�. 

Qantas was expecting the first of 24 A350-1000s to start arriving in 2025, but as part of its 鈥業nvestment in Customers鈥� announcement the airline confirmed deliveries would not begin until mid-2026.听聽

On February 22, 2024, reported that the ultra-long-range version of the A350-1000 jet designed for Qantas needed an extra fuel tank redesigned.听聽

Qantas initially ordered 12 A350s in 2022 and then a further 12 in 2023 for Project Sunrise, which will see nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.听

The Airbus A321XLR, which is still yet to be certified, will also be delayed from late 2024 to early 2025, while eight additional A321XLRs from the group精东影业 existing order will be directed to Qantas Domestic, bringing the total for the airline to 28.  

In better news for Qantas, QantasLink has now taken delivery of the first two of 29 Airbus A220 aircraft, which will replace its long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s. 

Photos were unveiled of the A220精东影业 new interior, which will seat 137 passengers sat across two cabins, 10 business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 seats in economy in a 2-3 configuration.听

The A220 will fly between cities like Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and Canberra as well as to key regional cities like Coffs Harbour and Launceston. 

The first new Airbus A220 is set to carry its first revenue paying passengers from March 1, 2024.听

Qantas also announced upgrades to its app, including bag tracking and improved status updates during disruptions. The Qantas website will also be overhauled from mid-2024.听

Reflecting on Qantas鈥� finances the airline said that there was a 13% drop in first-half profits to $785.9 million (A$1.25 billion) between July 1 and December 31, 2023 (1H24) from a record high the year before. 

Total flying increased by 25% on an available seat kilometer basis and the group carried 3.3 million more passengers compared with 1H23. 

鈥溾�淲e understand the need for affordable air travel and fares have fallen more than 10 per cent since peaking in late 2022. At the same time, we鈥檝e seen a cost benefit from fewer cancellations and delays, and scale benefits as more international flying returns,鈥� Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said. 

Hudson added: 鈥淥ur people have been instrumental in the initial recovery we鈥檙e seeing and I thank them sincerely. The journey we鈥檙e on will take time, but the spirit they are bringing is fantastic and it精东影业 made us optimistic about what we can achieve together.鈥澛�

Qantas forced to make service cuts after A380s delayed from re-entering service聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-02-13

The A350-1000 will be the largest aircraft in Delta’s fleet, marking a significant step in the airline’s international growth. 

鈥淭he aircraft complements our fleet and offers an elevated customer experience, with more premium seats and best-in-class amenities, as well as expanded cargo capabilities,鈥� said Ed Bastian, Delta精东影业 Chief Executive Officer. 

Delta already operates 450 Airbus aircraft and was the first US airline to operate the A350-900 aircraft. 

鈥淲e are thankful for Delta精东影业 continued confidence in Airbus鈥� solutions to meet its fleet needs,鈥� said Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.  

In 2023, the aircraft manufacturer delivered 64 A350 family aircraft, compared to 60 the previous year. It currently has a backlog of over 1,206 orders from 58 customers worldwide.

Delta Air Lines close to placing huge widebody order with Airbus聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-01-09

EVA Air was reportedly weighing up aircraft made by both Airbus and Boeing before finally deciding on the A350 and A321neo.听

News of the deal first came to light in November 2023, after the $10.1 billion deal was confirmed in a filing on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. 

鈥淪o excited that #EVAAir has chosen the #A350-1000, our #LongRangeLeader, to modernize its long-haul fleet. Adding to this news, the airline has also announced that it will order the #A321neo for its regional routes,鈥� Airbus wrote on November 7, 2023, in a social media post.听聽

So excited that has chosen the -1000, our , to modernise its long-haul fleet. 鉁堬笍
Adding to this news, the airline has also announced that it will order the for its regional routes! 馃檶

— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS)

The order with Airbus is a coup for the planemaker with EVA Air精东影业 current long-haul fleet including 32 active Boeing 777-300ERs.   

鈥淲e have selected the Airbus aircraft following a thorough evaluation of the various models in each market segment. In both size categories we have selected the most modern and fuel-efficient types, that offer the highest levels of passenger comfort. The aircraft also bring significant reductions in carbon emissions, which is in line with our company精东影业 sustainability goals,鈥� Clay Sun, President of EVA Air, said. 

Sun added: 鈥淔or long-range operations the A350-1000 sets new standards in its class and will allow us to offer our passengers the best possible in-flight experience.鈥� 

The purchase also includes 15 A321neos, the longest member of Airbus鈥� renowned A320 family aircraft, which will be used for regional operations.   

鈥淭his order marks a new phase in our relationship with EVA Air and we thank the airline for its confidence in Airbus. In the long-range market, it精东影业 another major endorsement for the A350-1000 as the natural replacement for previous generation aircraft in the larger widebody size category,鈥� Beno卯t de Saint-Exup茅ry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, said. 鈥淲e also thank EVA for reaffirming its commitment to the latest generation Airbus single aisle family with its first direct purchase of the A321neo and we look forward to working closely with the airline as it prepares for its new Airbus fleet.鈥� 

The A350 is available in two sizes, with the A350-900 typically seating up to 350 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and the larger A350-1000 seating up to 410 passengers.   

The A350 family has won more than 1,000 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 570 aircraft currently in the fleets of 39 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes. 

In March 2023, EVA Air purchased five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.听 聽聽

Capital A to merge Air Asia X with remaining Air Asia airlines聽聽

• Airlines
• Aviation Economics & Finance

byMiquel Ros

2024-01-08

The Istanbul-based airline is aiming to expand both its wide-body and narrow-body aircraft fleets with plans to add 85 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s – the largest variant in the A350 family. Additionally, the historic order will potentially include five A350Fs dedicated to serving Turkish Airlines cargo operations, as reported by news agency on November 10, 2023.

People familiar with the matter have confirmed to Turkish state-run media that the airline has already engaged in discussions with Rolls-Royce regarding the terms of supplying A350 spare engines and engine maintenance services.

This potentially record-breaking order in Turkish Airlines’ history will also significantly boost its narrow-body fleet capacity, with the carrier looking to add 250 A321neo jets as part of the deal.

Turkish Airlines leases an additional 21 aircraft聽

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2023-11-10

In September 2023, Turkish Airlines unveiled an order for an additional ten A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total for this type to 40 at the time. This agreement followed a previous announcement in August 2023, where the airline committed to adding four -900 variant wide-bodies.

Turkish Airlines orders 10 more Airbus A350-900s聽

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2023-09-04

Currently, Turkish Airlines operates a mixed fleet consisting total of 339 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. This includes 14 Airbus A350-900s, 21 A330-200s, 36 A330-300s, 65 A321-200s, 41 A321neos, 12 A320-200s, and six A319-100s. The carrier also flies 35 Boeing 777-300ERs, eight 777F cargo airliners, and 21 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, according to the Planespotters.com.

Turkish Airlines secures deal for new Boeing 787-9s and 25 737 MAX 8 aircraft

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2023-10-24

Let’s explore how fast planes fly by focusing on commercial, military, and private jet speeds.听

Different types of aircraft speed measurement

There are two main categories: ground speed and airspeed. Ground speed refers to the aircraft’s speed relative to the ground below. Airspeed is the more commonly used measurement in aviation and is usually measured in knots (kt), with one knot equivalent to 1.15 mph. This measurement considers the aircraft’s speed relative to the surrounding air, which is essential for safe and efficient flight.  

The two most common types of airspeed are indicated airspeed (IAS) and true airspeed (TAS). Indicated airspeed is the speed shown on the aircraft’s instrument panel and is based on the pressure differential between the pitot tube and static port on the airplane. However, due to a variety of factors such as instrument errors and atmospheric conditions, indicated airspeed may not always be an accurate representation of the aircraft’s true airspeed. 

Therefore, true airspeed is the actual speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air, independent of instrument errors or other factors. It is calculated by adjusting the indicated airspeed for temperature and altitude and is usually measured in kt or mph. 

Plane speeds

Mach and mph are two different units of measurement for speed. Mph is a unit of measurement commonly used for ground vehicles and aircraft, and it measures the distance an object travels within an hour. Mach number is a unit of measurement that compares the speed of an object to the speed of sound. 

The speed of sound, which is referred to as Mach 1, is approximately 767 mph (at sea level and at a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, Mach 0.85, which is the typical cruising speed of commercial airliners, means that the aircraft is traveling at 85% of the speed of sound, or approximately 646 mph at sea level. 

In comparison, the fastest human running speed ever recorded is approximately 28 mph 鈥� and needless to say, that精东影业 significantly slower than the cruising speed of a commercial airliner. Even the slowest commercial airliner takeoff and landing speeds are much faster than the fastest recorded human running speed. 

Specifically, the cruising speed of commercial airliners is typically around 550-600 mph, or Mach 0.85. Takeoff and landing speeds are much slower, typically between 130-180 mph, depending on the aircraft and weather conditions. The landing speed of a commercial airliner can be around 160-180 mph, while the takeoff speed can be around 130-160 mph. 

The fastest passenger planes

The Airbus A350-1000 first entered service in 2018 and has a top speed of Mach 0.89, which means it can travel at approximately 683 mph at sea level. This makes it the fastest commercial plane currently in operation. The A350-1000 is also known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among airlines. 

Another leading commercial airliner is the Boeing 747-8, which has been in service since 2011. It has a top speed of Mach 0.86, so it can travel at approximately 660 mph at sea level. The 747-8 is the latest variant of the Boeing 747, which has been a popular aircraft for over 50 years. The 747-8 is known for its large size and range, making it ideal for long-haul flights. 

The fastest civilian aircraft ever built is the retired Concorde supersonic jet. Supersonic refers to speeds that surpass Mach 1 – the speed of sound. The Concorde was a joint venture between British Aerospace and the French company Aerospatiale. It entered service in 1976 and was retired in 2003. The Concorde could fly at speeds of up to Mach 2.04, or just over 1,565 mph. As such, it could travel from London to New York in just over three hours, compared to the average seven-hour flight time for other commercial airliners. 

Despite its impressive speed, the Concorde was ultimately retired due to factors including high operating costs, environmental concerns and safety issues. 

The fastest military aircraft 

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a reconnaissance aircraft that was developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. It first entered service in 1966 and was retired in 1998. The Blackbird is known for its impressive speed, altitude, and ability to evade detection. It has a top speed of Mach 3.3, which means it can fly at over 2,512 mph, and a maximum altitude of 85,000 feet.  

The Blackbird was designed to conduct reconnaissance missions over hostile territory, and its high-speed and altitude capabilities allowed it to avoid enemy radar and surface-to-air missiles. Despite its performance, the Blackbird was retired due to high operating costs and the development of new reconnaissance technologies.

The Russian MiG-25, also known as the Foxbat, is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that first entered service in 1970. It has a top speed of Mach 2.83, or over 2,154 mph, and a maximum altitude of more than 80,000 feet.

The MiG-25 was designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at high speeds and altitudes. It was also capable of conducting reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. Used extensively by the Soviet Union and several other countries, only two units remain in service with the . 

In addition to the SR-71 Blackbird and the MiG-25, there are many other military aircraft that are capable of flying at supersonic speeds. These include the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Su-27 Flanker, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Tu-160 Blackjack, the Antonov An-22, and the Rockwell B-1 Lancer. These aircraft are designed for a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.  

Though the supersonic flight is an impressive technological feat, it is important to note that it comes burdened with several challenges, from high fuel consumption and environmental concerns such as sonic booms. 

The fastest private jets 

The Gulfstream G700 has a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.925, or approximately 710 mph. It can fly nonstop for more than 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km), making it a popular choice for long-range business travel. 

Another very fast private jet is the Cessna Citation X+, with a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.935 or roughly 717 mph. It can fly up to 3,460 nautical miles (6,408 km) and is used for short to medium-range business travel. 

The fastest private jet currently available is the Bombardier Global 8000 which has a . This long-range jet can fly up to 7,900 nautical miles (14,631 km) non-stop, making it one of the most capable business jets on the market. 

However, it is worth noting that the top speed of private jets can vary depending on various factors, such as altitude, temperature, weight, and even humidity. While private jets are typically designed to reach high speeds, the actual speed during a flight may be lower than the maximum speed possible, due to various factors such as air traffic control restrictions, turbulence, and weather conditions.

The SR-71 Blackbird: unveiling the fastest plane ever built

• Aircraft
• Aviation History
• Defense

byRosita Mickeviciute

2023-12-12

Airbus recently delivered its 500th A350-900 plane to the flag carrier of Spain, Iberia, it announced on September 30, 2022. According to the manufacturer, the handover also marks the introduction of a new Airbus production standard, under which it has improved both the performance and passenger cabin of the A350-900 and A350-1000 variants. 

鈥淐ompared to previous standards, it brings a weight reduction of up to 1.2 tonnes by optimizing systems and structures and increasing the use of advanced materials which already represent more than 70% of the aircraft,鈥� Airbus  

Airbus also explains that it has increased the A350 Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTW) by additional 3 tonnes, meaning the plane can maintain its maximum range capability while carrying an increased payload. 

Two F-16 fighter jets escort Singapore Airlines A350 after bomb threat

• Aviation Safety

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2022-09-28

鈥淚t also positions the A350 platform ready for future trends including decarbonization solutions, a key driver for operators,鈥� Airbus said. 鈥淲ith enhanced performance, 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and 50% less noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, the A350 family continuously attracts operators 8 years after its entry-into-service offering both high versatility – up to 9,700nm/18 000 km – and efficiency.鈥� 

Turning to cabin improvements, the upgraded A350 aircraft features a wider interior cabin, which gives airlines with the option to install more than 30 additional passenger seats in a typical 3-class configuration. 

鈥淲hen we designed the A350 and delivered the first one, we were extremely proud to have created a real clean sheet, state-of-the-art aircraft, delivering unmatched performance and economics. It offers outstanding space, comfort, and quietness to the passengers, and it contributes significantly to decarbonizing aviation,鈥� Airbus executive vice president for programs and services Philippe Mhun said. 

According to Airbus, the plane maker has more than 400 A350s in its backlog as of the end of September 2022. 

Turkish Airlines snaps up six Airbus A350-900s, some to be delivered in 2022

• Aircraft

byVictoria Bryan

2022-05-20

Ethiopian Airlines (EA) has become Africa精东影业 first airline customer of the A350-1000 after it 鈥渦psized four of its A350-900 on order to the largest variant of the A350 Family,鈥� the flag carrier announced in a .  

According to Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, EA is also the first airline in Africa to order and operate the A350-900. 鈥淚n another first, Ethiopian Airlines is once again leading the way in Africa精东影业 aviation sector by introducing the A350-1000, the largest version of the world精东影业 most efficient and technologically advanced passenger aircraft,鈥� Houari said.  

Airbus vs Boeing: who dominated the market during H1 2022? | Data

• Aircraft

byVyte Klisauskaite

2022-07-28

The first A350-1000 was assembled in 2016 and its inaugural flight was performed on November 24, 2016. Qatar Airways was the of the variant, taking delivery of the aircraft on February 20, 2018.   

Ethiopian Airlines fleet, which is the largest in Africa, currently consists of aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter and Bombardier Dash 8-400.  

Ethiopian Airlines resumes 737MAX8 order, receives first since 2019 accident

• Airlines

byMichael Jonga

2022-07-04