[ad_1]
The 2019 edition of the Paris Air Show is happening this week. The biennial show is traditionally a place where new aircraft are launched and new orders flow in. Follow along here all this week as we recap each day’s happenings.
Day 1
The big news of the day was Airbus’ launch of the A321XLR. With a range of 4,700 nautical miles, the aircraft becomes the narrowbody with the longest range ever. The XLR expands on the A321LR that was launched in 2015.
As with the first range extension, Air Lease Corporation became a launch customer for the A321XLR. The aircraft lessor ordered 27 of the long range narrowbodies as part of a larger, 100 aircraft order. Also ordered were 23 A321neos and 50 A220-300s.
The other A321XLR order came in from Beirut-based Middle East Airlines. The small airline ordered 4 XLRs, bringing its total Airbus orders to 15. MEA intends to use the A321XLR to expand its presence in Africa and Asia.
Meanwhile, Boeing saw no new orders on day one of the show. This was not a big surprise as the airframer looks to rebuild confidence in its 737MAX program and get the 777X flight test program started. Meanwhile, the NMA program continues to wait in the wings.
Boeing started their Paris Air Show with continued apologies for the Lion Air Flight 601 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes. They stressed that the timeline for returning the grounded narrowbody to flight is up to the regulators, not them.
Meanwhile, there was bad news for the 777X’s first flight. Engine maker General Electric had previously disclosed that an “anomaly” had been discovered in an engine during pre-delivery checks. Today, it was announced that a part needs to be redesigned, pushing the first flight to later this year. Until today, first flight had been anticipated to finally occur this month, perhaps as early as this week.
As for the NMA, the potential all-new middle of the market aircraft, things remained quiet. Boeing would only say that they continue to evaluate the business case for the new airplane.
Finally, there was a little bit of news on the regional jet side of things in Paris. Embraer and United Airlines announced an order for 20 E175s, with an option for an additional 19. These aircraft will be operated by regional partners operating under the United Express brand. They are thought to be replacements for the CRJ700s that are being converted to 50 seat CRJ550s.
[ad_2]
Source link