Latest news with #AirbusA350-1000
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Boeing keeps low profile at Paris Air Show as Airbus hits $27 billion orders
An Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft performs during an exhibition flight demonstration as the Paris Air Show on June 18. PHOTO: AFP PARIS – Every other year, thousands of visitors flock to a Paris suburb for the Paris Air Show, one of the aerospace industry's biggest events. The atmosphere is typically celebratory, but the recent deadly crash of an Air India flight cast a shadow over the show this week. The contrasting moods were apparent in the rivalry between two of the show's most prominent aircraft manufacturers: Airbus and Boeing. Airbus said it had withheld some announcements, but still secured US$21 billion (S$27 billion) of orders for new commercial jets, while rival Boeing opted not to announce new sales following last week's Air India 787 crash. The cause of the crash, in which at least 270 people died in the plane and on the ground, has yet to be determined. But it happened at a delicate moment for Boeing, which had appeared to be moving past a series of setbacks in recent years. The company reported nearly 350 orders in May, some of which were part of a trade deal between the United States and Britain. That made May Boeing's best month for sales in a year and a half. Boeing also reached a crucial production target in May for its most popular plane, the 737 Max. Boeing's chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, and the head of its commercial plane unit, Stephanie Pope, were scheduled to attend the air show, but cancelled their plans after the Air India crash. The sober atmosphere for Boeing was a contrast to Airbus, which boasted major orders for its most popular jets, including 40 A220 single-aisle jets for LOT Polish Airlines and a deal with VietJet for up to 150 single-aisle jets. Airbus also scored big wins in Saudi Arabia, which wants to become an international air travel hub: Riyadh Air ordered 25 A350 wide-body aircraft, while AviLease, a Saudi jet leasing company, ordered 40 commercial and cargo jets. Still, Airbus said it had chosen to hold back some announcements. 'The cold shower we all had was the Air India accident, so we've actually scaled back,' said Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus' commercial aircraft business. He added that although aerospace was extremely competitive, Airbus never used safety to its advantage: 'You don't go there.' Boeing has been in catch-up mode the past few years as its rival has pulled ahead in orders. Even if it does see any slowdown in business because of the crash, it will probably be temporary if the investigation clears the plane itself, said Richard Aboulafia, a managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, a consulting firm. 'If there's any pullback from orders in the aftermath of this tragedy, it's purely for optics,' he said. Airlines remain confident in Boeing's planes and have only one major alternative in Airbus. It could take months to determine the cause of the crash. The plane's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, both of which have been recovered, should yield a wealth of information, experts said. It was the first fatal crash involving a Dreamliner, a popular choice for long-distance routes because of its range, fuel efficiency and other factors. More than 1,100 are in service today, according to Cirium, an aviation data firm. India's aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said on June 17 that a review of Air India's remaining Dreamliner planes 'did not reveal any major safety concerns.' NYTIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Riyadh Air, Rolls-Royce Partner to Power A350-1000 Fleet, Accelerating Global Expansion
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's newly launched national carrier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce to acquire 100 Trent XWB-97 engines for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement was announced at the 55th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. The Trent XWB-97, the most efficient large aero engine currently in service, is designed specifically for the A350-1000 and can generate up to 97,000 pounds of thrust. This strategic deal represents a significant step in Riyadh Air's ambitious expansion plans, as the airline works toward building a global network serving over 100 destinations by 2030. The airline is set to operate a diverse fleet of 182 aircraft across three models. With operations expected to launch later this year, Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a game-changer in international aviation by offering a refined and seamless travel experience. The addition of A350-1000 aircraft, powered by the Trent XWB-97, will greatly enhance the airline's long-haul capabilities, strengthening Riyadh's role as a major aviation hub among G20 nations. This partnership with Rolls-Royce highlights Riyadh Air's commitment to adopting advanced technology and fostering global collaborations to achieve operational excellence, it also meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers. Related Topics: Riyadh Air Officially Obtains GACA's Operational License 1st Group of Indonesian Pilgrims Departs for Saudi Arabia via Makkah Route Initiative Riyadh Air Unveils Dazzling New Livery at Dubai Airshow, Signaling Fresh Horizon Saudi Civil Defense Issues Alert: Heavy Rains, Flooding Until Tuesday Short link : Post Views: 1
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Air buys 25 Airbus A250-1000 jets at Paris Airshow
Saudi startup Riyadh Air signed a deal at the Paris Airshow on Monday to buy 25 Airbus A350-1000 jets, the plane-maker said. The deal, announced shortly after Saudi leasing company AviLease placed an order for Airbus passenger and freighter jets, also includes purchase rights for another 25 planes, Airbus said. Airbus does not publish catalogue prices but the firm part of the Riyadh Air deal is worth around $4.6 billion after typical airline discounts, according to Cirium Ascend estimates. Also read: Riyadh Air Orders Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 Jets to Ahead of 2025 Launch 4 minutes ago 10 minutes ago 15 hours ago
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Air Orders Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 Jets
Riyadh Air has signed a major agreement with Airbus to purchase up to 50 A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing its ambitious plans to become a global aviation leader. The deal, unveiled at the 55th Paris Airshow, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by top aviation and government leaders, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer. With an operational range of more than 16,000km, the Airbus A350-1000 will empower Riyadh Air to connect the Saudi capital with major cities worldwide, supporting its goal of flying to more than 100 global destinations by 2030. The aircraft's range and capacity align perfectly with Saudi Arabia's plans to host global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF Governor and Chairman of Riyadh Air said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. 'With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 with a three-type aircraft fleet, of which the A350-1000 will serve as a cornerstone. With up to 182 aircraft now on order, the airline aims to offer best-in-class passenger experiences through innovative cabin design, stylish First-Class options, and state-of-the-art digital and entertainment systems. Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent. 'Already in 2025, we have received our AOC and unveiled our new cabin interiors and having now completed our initial three aircraft orders, we are in a position to fulfil our ambitious network goals. 'We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20bn to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.' Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: 'We are honoured to support Riyadh Air's bold vision with the A350-1000, the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft. 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world! Riyadh Air's selection of the A350-1000 underscores the aircraft's unmatched capability to deliver premium passenger experience and operational excellence—perfectly aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.' Backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, Riyadh Air is a key driver of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and elevate its global connectivity. The airline is expected to play a significant role in: Boosting international passenger and cargo traffic Supporting the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy Enabling tourism by linking travellers with Saudi Arabia's cultural, historic, and natural sites Positioning Riyadh as a global business and travel hub With operations launching in late 2025, Riyadh Air is poised to become one of the most advanced carriers in the world, setting new standards in aviation experience, sustainability, and connectivity. Also read: UAE Airline Flight Suspension Update: Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates Travel Latest
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Riyadh Air Orders 25 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft, Eyes Future Expansion
AFP | The Hague, Netherlands Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new premium international airline, has confirmed a major order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the potential to double the number to 50 in the future. The deal was officially signed during the Paris Air Show and attended by key figures including H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. This makes Riyadh Air the first Saudi airline to operate the A350-1000, a long-range aircraft known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. The purchase supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to increase air traffic to 300 million passengers annually and position the Kingdom as a global hub for aviation and tourism. Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, called the order 'a significant step' in building a world-class airline. He said the A350-1000 will help the airline meet sustainability targets and provide passengers with a premium travel experience. Airbus executive Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the aircraft will help Riyadh Air achieve its growth ambitions. 'The A350-1000 is the perfect aircraft for expanding long-haul routes while meeting efficiency and comfort expectations,' he added. The A350-1000 is one of the most modern wide-body aircraft in the world, offering the longest range of any commercial airliner currently in production. It is also designed to fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus aiming to make all its aircraft fully SAF-compatible by 2030. As of May 2025, more than 1,390 A350 aircraft have been ordered by over 60 airlines globally, with 657 already in operation on routes of varying distances.
