Air aviation news -The Dubai Air Show is taking place this week, November 13-17. A significant number of aircraft orders are expected to be announced throughout the event. The show occurs in odd years and has become the largest aerospace and defense event in the Middle East, with exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
Emerging carrier Riyadh Air debuted its second livery, a predominately white affair, complete with a mask detailing around the cockpit windows.
Sun Express starts the show
The day’s first order went to Boeing for 90 737 MAX aircraft. The purchaser was Turkey-based low-cost carrier SunExpress, which placed 45 firm orders and 45 options for the popular narrowbody aircraft.
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The airline’s CEO Max Kownatzki, explained how the recent orders will help the airline achieve its goals.
“Over the next decade, we will more than double our fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. Also, the addition of the 737-10, the newest 737 MAX plane with up to 230 seats, to our fleet will allow us to strengthen our capacity further. SunExpress is well-positioned for the future and will expand its network with a more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable aircraft fleet, while continuing to fulfill its role as Türkiye’s tourism ambassador.”
The airline flew nearly 11 million passengers across 175 routes to 30 countries in 2022.
Emirates expands its 777 fleet
Emirates, Dubai’s home carrier, was the next to announce a significant deal. The airline disclosed a substantial order worth $52 billion for 95 additional widebodies, bringing the carrier’s total order book to 295 aircraft. The order is split between 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s. The airline outlined how the new aircraft will allow it to expand its route map, a goal set by Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world.”
The order also shuffles the number of Dreamliner variants, as Emirates now plans to take delivery of 35 787s, comprising 20 787-8s and 15 787-10s.
flydubai dreams of something bigger
Dubai’s low-cost airline, flydubai, took the spotlight with a major reveal. The carrier signed an $11 billion order of 30 787-9 Dreamliners, marking the first time the airline will operate widebodies. When the Dreamliners arrive in 2026, they join flydubai’s narrowbody fleet of 79 737s and the 137 more that are on order. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal, spoke about how the 787s would fit with the carrier’s overall mission.
“The 787-9 is perfectly suited for the needs of flydubai as it looks to open up longer-range routes and add capacity across its network,” Deal explained. “flydubai passengers will enjoy the Dreamliner effect, an experience like no other in the air, flying with more comfort and arriving at their destinations feeling more refreshed.”
airBaltic goes all in on Airbus
With an incremental order of 30 A220-300s, airBaltic will become the largest Airbus A220 customer in Europe. The airline’s recent order brings the total amount of firm orders to 80 aircraft.
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Lativia’s flag carrier was the launch customer for the type in 2016, and gradually phased out its other aircraft to exclusively operate fuel-efficient jets. Currently, the airline operates 44 examples in its fleet. Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, noted how vital the type is to the carrier’s operation.
“This day marks a significant milestone in the history of airBaltic – our plans for the first time ever to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. For almost seven years already, the Airbus A220-300 has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic”.
The airline has already performed 150,000 flights with the A220 and anticipates the arrival of its 50th aircraft next year.
Royal Jordanian reconfirms Dreamliners
After being the first in the Middle East to order the 787 over 16 years ago, Royal Jordanian announced an order for four 787-9 Dreamliners to expand its widebody fleet. The airline further reconfirmed a previous order for two 787-9s, which brings its total 787-9 backlog to six. Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, expressed excitement about the updated order.
“Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience. This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the Dreamliner’s cutting-edge technology will play a pivotal role in elevating our operational capabilities.”
The carrier signed another agreement with Boeing to refurbish its 787-8s to extend the aircraft’s lifespan as long as possible.
Royal Air Maroc orders additional 787s
The flag carrier of Morocco closed out the major announcements, confirming an order for two Boeing 787-9s. The airline already operates nine Dreamliners and hopes to expand its fleet exponentially over the next 15 years.
“The two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable Royal Air Maroc to expand in the short-term its long-haul network in response to the highly favorable market conditions in 2023,” said Abdelhamid Addou, carrier’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing a significant tender to quadruple the fleet before 2037.”
source: https://simpleflying.com/dubai-airshow-2023-day-1-roundup/