Aircraft News - Europe

Airguide Online, June 25, 2007

Dassault Aviation, NetJets Europe

NetJets Europe is to upgrade its fleet of eight Dassault Falcon 2000EX business jets to the LX model in an effort to "create a better performing and more fuel-efficient fleet", says the operator. Work will begin at the end of the year to retrofit the aircraft with the new aerodynamic wing and Aviation Partners blended winglets. The LX is developed from the 2000EX, which it will replace in service in 2010. It can fly an extra 370km (200nm) - up to 7,400km - and climb to 41,000ft (12,500m) in 18min. The blended winglets are designed to reduce drag by up to 5%, at Mach 0.80, increasing range and cutting fuel consumption. NetJets Europe is Dassault's largest customer on the continent operating a fleet of 17 Falcon jets. In September 2006 the company signed the largest jet order in European history for 24 Falcon 7X business jets valued at $1.1 billion. Jun 21, 2007

EasyJet, Airbus

EasyJet is set to order about 35 Airbus A319 single-aisle aircraft in a deal worth USD$2.4 billion at list prices, industry sources said on Thursday. The deal is expected to be announced towards the end of the Paris air show, they said. Airbus declined comment. EasyJet could not immediately be reached for comment. Jun 21, 2007

Flybe, Bombardier, Embraer, BAE Systems

Flybe is looking to differentiate itself from airlines offering only a carbon offset program with a new "ecolabel" system that grades the environmental impact of each flight based on emissions, noise level and fuel use. The ratings will be available to each passenger on every Flybe flight. The UK-based LCC said it believes customers can be swayed to travel with eco-friendly companies. Newer aircraft like the Bombardier DHC-8-Q400 or Embraer E-195 receive marks in the A/B range while older BAe 146s, which will be replaced next year, receive a D, Flybe CCO Mike Rutter said. The carrier also participates in a carbon offset program. Over the past several years it has invested some $2 billion to ensure it operates a low-emission, fuel-efficient fleet, Rutter said yesterday at the Paris Air Show, adding that a recent UK survey revealed that some 22% of travelers would take environmental issues into account when selecting an airline. Jun 20, 2007

Flystar, Astraeus, Boeing

Flystar Astraeus has a fleet of four Boeing 757-200s and two Boeing 737-700s. Chairman is Brad Burgess formerly of City Flyer Express and managing director is Hugh Parry who, in his time, was chief executive of British World Airlines. The London Gatwick-based airline established in 2002. Jun 22, 2007

KLM Engineering, Boeing

KLM Engineering & Maintenance Executive VP Peter Somers said at the Paris Air Show that Air France Industries and KLM M&E intend to increase their collective profile among the world's largest MRO providers and narrow the gap with Lufthansa Technik through both the addition of new capabilities and acquisitions. "Several of KLM M&E's present customers and/or KLM alliance partners, such as Northwest Airlines and Kenya Airways, have ordered the Dreamliner and they have approached us to see if can support them. We have presented a business case [to the board] supporting the addition of Boeing 787 capability," Somers said. Jun 21, 2007