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  • Cebu Pacific Equips Airbus A330neo fleet with SITA Swiftbroadband Cockpit Connectivity

    Cebu Pacific Equips Airbus A330neo fleet with SITA Swiftbroadband Cockpit Connectivity

    Cebu Pacific Air, the Manila, Philippines-based low cost airline, will equip its fleet of Airbus A330neo aircraft with an upgraded form of SITA for Aircraft’s AIRCOM cockpit connectivity technology with Swiftbroadband-Safety (SB-S).

    The AIRCOM connectivity is being factory-installed on a fleet of 16 new A330neos from an Airbus order first placed by Cebu Pacific in 2019, that now also includes a Flight Hour Services (FHS) materials management contract signed by the two companies during the 2022 Singapore Air Show last month. SITA first signed a global connectivity services distribution agreement with Inmarsat in 2017 to start leveraging Swiftbroadband-Safety within its suite of cockpit communication applications that it now brands as AIRCOM Cockpit Services.

    SB-S is Inmarsat’s Aircraft Communication, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) over Internet Protocol (IP) networking technology that permits previous aircraft data transmissions solely done over the legacy ACARS network to be done faster and cheaper using IP as a gateway for air-to-ground and aircraft-to-controller data transmissions and messaging.

    Sumesh Patel, President of Asia Pacific, SITA, said in a statement that “Cebu Pacific is the first airline to take advantage of these capabilities to boost safety and deliver greater operational efficiencies on their new fleet.”

    Three specific connection types are provided over SB-S, including character-based ACARS data services for Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC). ADS-C, CPDLC, real-time prison reporting, and flight data streaming along with aircraft performance data downloads can also be provided over the SB-S prioritized IP channel. Additionally, the regular IP channel can be used as a voice and data communication channel for Airline Administrative Control (AAC) and Airline Operations Center (AOC) applications.

    According to SITA, some of the specific applications Cebu Pacific can use on AIRCOM with SB-S that are not enabled without Swiftbroadband include real-time updates for flight optimization tools and graphical weather applications.

    The SITA cockpit connectivity agreement for Cebu Pacific comes following the airline’s announcement earlier this month that it will begin expanding its domestic network, including re-starting flights to Siargao, Surigao, and Calbayog after closing those and many other routes due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

    Cebu Pacific received its first A330neo in December and now has two of the 459-seat aircraft in its fleet. Mike Szucs, Chief Executive Adviser at Cebu Pacific, expects every Airbus model aircraft in its fleet to feature the new engine option variant by 2027.

    “We turned to SITA given their expertise in the aircraft domain to help us navigate the challenges and complexities of the aircraft communications landscape, and prepare us for that future,” Javier Massot, Chief Operations Adviser, Cebu Pacific Air, said in a statement. “Having high-speed connectivity and greater capacity is essential to access more advanced digital applications that support decision-making onboard. It will enable our pilots and operational staff to access information in real-time and deliver a better service for our passengers.”

  • Cebu Pacific receives first Airbus A330neo; targets all-neo fleet by 2027

    Cebu Pacific receives first Airbus A330neo; targets all-neo fleet by 2027

    Philippine low-cost airline Cebu Pacific received its first Airbus A330neo on November 28,2021 as it begins its widebody fleet modernization program.

    The aircraft features 459 lightweight Recaro seats, which have been ergonomically designed, and offer versatility for a wide range of routes from shorter regional services to medium and long-haul operations. The Airbus A330neo will be used to operate trunk routes within the Philippines and the rest of Asia, as well as on longer-range services to Australia and the Middle East.

    The A330neo brings a step-change in efficiency, consuming 25% less fuel than previous generation aircraft and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions. The efficiency of the A330neo also ensures compliance with current and future sustainability requirements in terms of noise and emissions.

    “Cebu Pacific’s first A330neo brings us closer to our target of having an all-Neo fleet by 2027, and shows our commitment to making air travel accessible while ensuring environmental and social sustainability,” Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer Alex Reyes said in a statement.

    Reyes added: “We believe that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and should in fact be inclusive if we want to work towards the greater good. This is why we will always choose the greener options – increased aircraft efficiency, reduced noise, and carbon emissions, to ensure that lower fares will be available for every Juan.”

    In total, Cebu Pacific has ordered 16 A330neo, and also has 16 A320neo and 22 A321neo still to be delivered. The low-cost carrier currently operates 50 Airbus aircraft, comprising 43 A320 families and 7 A330ceo.

    “We thank and applaud Cebu Pacific for selecting our latest-technology A330neo as part of its fleet modernization drive to fly the greenest aircraft for a sustainable future. The A330neo is the first aircraft in the world already certified to comply with ICAO’s CO2 emissions standards beyond 2028. The airline will benefit from the aircraft’s step-change in performance and economics while maintaining passenger comfort and lowest operating costs,” said Airbus Asia-Pacific President Anand Stanley in a press statement.

    The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new composite wing with increased span for enhanced aerodynamics.

    The A330 remains the most popular widebody family aircraft for Airbus, with an order book of more than 1,800 aircraft at the end of October 2021.

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  • AirAsia Seeks Up to $600 Million Cash Injection to whitstand Crisis

    AirAsia Seeks Up to $600 Million Cash Injection to whitstand Crisis

    AirAsia Group is seeking to raise as much as 2.5 billion ringgit ($600 million) by the end of the year as it tries to survive a business slump exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Subang, Malaysia-based budget carrier may borrow up to 1.5 billion ringgit from banks and another 1 billion ringgit from investors, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. AirAsia is also in talks with local and foreign investors including private equity firms, strategic partners, and conglomerates, she said, confirming an earlier report that cited Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes.

    Airlines around the world are losing money after grounding thousands of planes as countries shut borders and restrict people’s movements. AirAsia, which last month posted its largest quarterly loss on record, resumed domestic operations in late April but its long-haul unit, AirAsia X Bhd., still isn’t flying. Auditor Ernst & Young said in July their ability to continue as going concerns may be in “significant doubt.”

    South Korea’s SK Group said in June that it was in talks to buy a small stake in AirAsia, without providing further details. AirAsia has also cut the salaries of management, trimmed jobs, and deferred plane deliveries in an attempt to shave costs by 30% this year.

    AirAsia is also evaluating its operations in Japan and will make a decision very soon, the company’s spokeswoman said Tuesday. Its India venture remains as is, she said without elaborating. The airline is looking to consolidate and strengthen its business in Southeast Asia, even if that means exiting Japan and India, Reuters reported earlier.

    AirAsia said last month that it needs to reach agreements with major creditors to restructure outstanding debt because it faces “severe liquidity constraints” that threaten its ability to resume flying and continue as a going concern.

    The long-haul budget unit and its AAX Leasing Two Ltd. have received a claim from BOC Aviation Ltd. regarding $23 million of outstanding amounts due under lease agreements, according to an exchange filing Friday. AirAsia X, which said it is seeking legal advice, leases four aircraft from BOC.

    AirAsia is one of Airbus SE’s major customers for A320s while AirAsia X is the world’s biggest customer of Airbus A330neo planes. AirAsia X has 78 of the aircraft on order, according to Airbus’s website, and has already deferred the delivery of some A330neos.

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  • AirAsia crowned world’s best Airline again

    AirAsia crowned world’s best Airline again

    AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019 for the 11th consecutive year.

    The airline won the title based on a survey of over 21.6 million passengers of 100 nationalities and over 300 airlines between September last year and May.

    AirAsia also won Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline award and the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Cabin award for its premium flatbed on widebody long-haul AirAsia X aircraft.

    The prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards are considered the global benchmark of airline excellence.

    AirAsia Group Berhad executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia X Berhad chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz were among those who accepted the awards at the Paris International Air Show yesterday.

    Kamarudin said it was an honour for the airline to be recognised for its commitment to provide “affordable travel and guest-obsessed service”.

    “The fact that these awards are based on direct feedback is a gratifying and wonderful recognition for the Allstars who put so much effort and commitment into service excellence for our guests,” he said, referring to AirAsia employees.

    Rafidah also expressed her appreciation for the airline’s employees for AirAsia’s win in the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier Premium Cabin category.

    “(This year’s) win represents nine years of being the world’s best in this category, and is dedicated to our Allstars who have been steadfast in upholding our corporate culture, mission and vision,” she said.

    She added that AirAsia X will introduce the new Airbus A330neo, an aircraft which will bring even greater inflight comfort to passengers.

    “Combined with our renowned inflight service as a long-haul low-cost carrier, AirAsia X will strive to continue to offer excellent value for money to our guests to 30 destinations in 10 markets across the AirAsia Group long-haul network,” she said.

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  • AirAsia X Wants To Launch A330neo Flights To Europe

    AirAsia X Wants To Launch A330neo Flights To Europe

    AirAsia X is looking to launch flights to Europe using the Airbus A330neo. Flights could commence as soon as 2019, with the airline keen to reenter the market as quickly as possible.

    AirAsia X previously operated flights to Europe, but suspended these flights back in 2012. Now, it seems that the airline is ready to restart these flights. AirAsia X have 100 A330neo aircraft on order, with deliveries due to start later this year. As well as eyeing European service for these new planes, they may also look to start flying to the US too.

    Europe Again

    When AirAsia X abandoned their European flights in 2012, they said this was to “focus on markets where it can build a leadership position”. It seems that now they are happy with their place in the world, and are ready to start service to Europe once again.

    When it flew to Europe, AirAsia X flew to Paris’ Orly Airport (ORY), London’s Stansted Airport (STN), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Given the airline’s low-cost operation, it is likely that AirAsia would look at flying to Stansted Airport again. In September last year, the airport announced that it plans to launch direct services to at least 25 new long-haul destinations in the next five years. This includes services to Los Angeles, Shanghai, Vancouver, and Manila. As such, Flights to Malaysia with AirAsia X could be an attractive route for them.

    The A330neo

    The A330neo, the newest iteration of the family, would be used by AirAsia X for flights to Europe. The neo in its name stands for New Engine Option, as the aircraft are equipped with newer, more fuel-efficient engines.

    There are two models of the A330neo; the A330-800 and the A330-900. While the A330-900 has sold relatively well, the -800 has not sold well at all. In fact, as of January, only eight had been ordered in total, all by the same carrier, Kuwait Airlines.

    AirAsia has ordered a total of 100 A330-900 aircraft, with the most recent order being for 34 at the Farnborough Airshow in 2018. The airline will be the first airline in Asia to operate the A330neo, and deliveries of the aircraft are due to begin in late 2019. The total list price of the order was just short of $30billion.

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  • AirAsia X chasing Europe; open to other aircraft types

    AirAsia X chasing Europe; open to other aircraft types

    AirAsia X wants to relaunch services to Europe “as quick as possible”, and is looking at aircraft other than Airbus A330s to get there.

    Speaking to FlightGlobal,the chief executive of AirAsia X‘s core Malaysian operation, Benyamin Ismail, says that its fleet plans have changed.

    The carrier had not planned to take delivery of any aircraft in 2017, but is now speaking with “some parties to see what aircraft are available”.

    “If we can get the aircraft we need… when the A330neos arrive, the focus for them will be to grow frequencies in our current markets, like China and North Asia,”

    Earlier in the year, Benyamin said that the carrier would not re-enter the European market until it starts receiving the A330-900s from the second half of 2018 onwards.

    On the A330-900 seat configuration, AirAsia X expects to confirm the details “in the next couple of months”, but could install more business class seats on those units initially planned to take on European routes.

    “We are working with Airbus to get the assurance that the A330neos can get us direct to Europe (from Kuala Lumpur).”

    Asked whether AirAsia X might take on A350s that may be available in the short-term, Benyamin re-iterates that the carrier “is open and has various options”, but would not confirm if it has held talks with lessors.

    Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that AirAsia X has 66 A330-900 and 10 A350-900s on order. It currently operates 22 A330-300s.

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  • Garuda Indonesia to receive 14 Airbus A330neo jets

    Garuda Indonesia to receive 14 Airbus A330neo jets

    Garuda Indonesia has confirmed an order with Airbus for the purchase of 14 A330-900neo, the new re-engined version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, to support the company’s growth and business expansion in the future.

    The deal was signed at a ceremony in London in the presence of the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo and British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP.

    Garuda Indonesia plans to use the A330neo to develop its medium and long haul network, with the aircraft offering cutting edge technology along with more efficient operations. The order replaces and extends an existing order for seven A330-300 aircraft, and the A330neo will be delivered from 2019 onwards.

    “We are pleased to announce that we continue our long-standing relationship with Airbus. Both Garuda Indonesia and Airbus fully understand the aim of the deal as a long-term strategy to win the global challenge,” said Arif Wibowo, CEO of Garuda Indonesia.

    Arif explained, “The A330neo represents a more-efficient future for Garuda Indonesia. This order restructuring is believed to support our continued commitment to deliver the most modern, comfortable and excellent air travel service to all customers as well as to strengthen the sustained positive growth and business expansion of the company.

    “Furthermore, we are confident that this latest technology aircraft will support us to compete better in the industry.”

    Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This deal underlines the increasing importance of our ties with Indonesia – a fast growing economy and set to become the seventh largest in the world by 2030.

    “We are the fifth biggest investor in Indonesia and our relationship has more untapped potential. We want to encourage more British businesses to seize on these opportunities and we will continue to support them by banging the drum for British skills and expertise.”
    Airbus Chief Operating Officer Tom Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Garuda Indonesia as a new customer for the A330neo.

    “The A330neo will bring a range of benefits from unbeatable operating economics including significant reductions in fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs and extended range capability. The aircraft will have Airbus’ all new Airspace cabin which will ensure the A330 continues to be a benchmark for passengers and airlines alike.”

    The deal is the latest milestone in a long standing partnership dating back more than 30 years, when the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A300.

    The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, long range widebody aircraft on the market.

    In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.