Aircraft News - Europe

Airguide Online, April 30, 2007

Apr 30, 2007

Airbus

Gallois to begin three-stage Power8 talks with Airbus labor leaders today EADS co-CEO and Airbus CEO Louis Gallois said negotiations with labor unions on Airbus's Power8 restructuring plan, which calls for 10,000 job cuts, will begin today with an aim toward concluding by mid-July. Apr 27, 2007

Airbus

Airbus A380 could determine Airbus' reputation. The Airbus A380 superjumbo jet could make or break the jetmaker's reputation, analysts say. European leaders have called the plane a symbol of European cooperation. However, problems with the plane's electrical system have forced Airbus to delay deliveries and spurred some airlines to purchase Boeing jets. Airbus is now in the middle of a restructuring plan that involves shedding six plants and cutting thousands of jobs. Apr 27, 2007

Airbus

Airbus: A380 program 'on track,' 20 new orders possible this yearThe first A380 designated for launch customer Singapore Airlines is "in the paint shop" and on schedule for an October delivery, a sign that the troubled aircraft program finally is progressing normally, Airbus executives said. Apr 26, 2007

Airbus, EADS, United Aircraft Building

EADS and United Aircraft Building Corp. will operate a joint venture to convert A320s and A321s to freighters for entry into service beginning in 2011. Speaking yesterday at Airbus's annual Technical Press Briefing in Toulouse, COO-Customers John Leahy said the conversions will take place a t facilities in Dresden and north of Moscow. The cost for an A320P2F will be $4.5 million, rising to $5 million for an A321P2F. The converted A320 freighter will carry a payload of 23 tons while the A321 will carry up 27 tons. Apr 26, 2007

Airbus, Kingfisher Airlines

A380 To Fly To India For Kingfisher Airlines. The Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft will arrive in Indian skies next month on a promotional flight for Kingfisher Airlines, the carrier said on Thursday Apr 26, 2007

Airbus, Virgin Atlantic

Airbus misses Virgin long-haul order. Airbus has admitted that delays to the A350 program kept it out of the running for the valued order for Virgin Atlantic long-haul. Apr 25, 2007

Airbus, Virgin Atlantic Airways

Airbus did not contend for this week's $2.8 billion aircraft order by Virgin Atlantic Airways, the manufacturer admitted. Virgin placed orders for 15 787-9s plus options and purchase rights for an additional 28. With deliveries to begin in 2011, the A350 XWB, which won't begin delivering until 2014, was unable to compete, Airbus COO-Customers John Leahy conceded this week in Toulouse at the company's Technical Press Briefing. "We didn't put an offer in on the A350 at Virgin," he said. "They asked for a 2011 delivery and if you want 2011, I'm not going to try to convince you that 2014 is the right thing to do." Apr 27, 2007

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

New simulator centre opens at Schiphol Independent simulator training company FSC has opened a new 12-bay simulator facility at Amsterdam[sup.1]s Schiphol airport. Commercial operations. Apr 25, 2007

ATR

ATR said Swiftair of Spain ordered three 68-seat ATR-72-500s worth a combined $55 million for delivery between December and mid-2008. Swiftair currently operates 16 ATR aircraft and expects to increase that number to 30 by 2010. Apr 26, 2007

Austrian Airlines Technik, Lufthansa Technik

Austrian Airlines Technik and Lufthansa Technik signed an MOU for "long-term cooperation" that AAT said will help "make a lasting improvement to its competitiveness and consolidate its market position, particularly at the Vienna location." The deal includes no capital integration between the companies but will help AAT reduce costs, retain Vienna as an independent MRO center and "redevelop joint locations." More details will be announced "in the coming weeks." The move is part of Austrian's plan to reduce costs associated with its 1,100-employee MRO department, which came to [euro]270 million ($366.8 million) last year. Apr 24, 2007

Olympic Airways

An Olympic Airways plane carrying Greek EU officials made an emergency landing at Munich Airport in Germany on Monday after a bomb threat was made, a spokeswoman for the German air traffic control authority said. Apr 23, 2007

SAS Sweden, SAS Braathens, Boeing

SAS Sweden operates four Boeing 737-800s, 16 737-600s, 15 MD-80s and seven Dash 8s, along with one Avro RJ leased from Transwede for its London City operation. It is looking to add two more aircraft and is exploring up to four new leisure destinations. The carrier, along with SAS Braathens, is adding eight seats to its Boeing 737-600s, bringing capacity on each aircraft to 120. Apr 24, 2007

Sepecat

UK operations of the Sepecat Jaguar are to end far sooner than expected, with the Royal Air Force revealing that training activities with the type. Apr 25, 2007

Transavia, Boeing

Transavia.com took delivery of its 18th Boeing 737-800. It also operates 10 737-700s. Apr 25, 2007

Virgin Atlantic, Boeing

Virgin announces surprise 787 order Virgin announces surprise Boeing 787 orderIn something of a departure for Virgin Atlantic Airways, the UK carrier has placed an order for 15 twin-engined 787 aircraft. Apr 24, 2007