- Asiana Celebrates 100th Aircraft Delivery with Another A330[Dec. 18, 2006]
On December 18, Asiana Airlines of South Korea celebrated the 100th aircraft to join its fleet by taking delivery of an A330-300 at Airbus' base in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the fifth A330 to be delivered to Asiana and the first to appear in the airline's bold, new livery. A further A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2007.
- Boeing, Qatar Airways Announce 777 Freighter Order[Dec. 17, 2006]
Boeing and Qatar Airways have announced an order for two 777 Freighters. Launched in May of 2005, Boeing's 777 Freighter Program has tallied 51 orders for the world's most capable twin-engine freighter. This order was listed as unidentified last week on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site.
- Boeing, Kenya Airways Sign Deal for 3 Additional 787s[Dec. 17, 2006]
Boeing and Kenya Airways signed an order in Nairobi on Dec. 15 for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline now has nine 787s on order, and also holds four options for Boeing's fast-selling new airplane. The airline's original order for six Boeing 787s was made in March and included six options. The three additional 787s will be added to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site this week.
- AerCap Orders 20 A330-200s[Dec. 15, 2006]
AerCap has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-200 passenger aircraft. With its proven benefits in terms of economics and a wide customer base, the A330-200 will assist AerCap in the growth of their portfolio which already includes more than 70 A320 Family aircraft. Headquartered in The Netherlands, AerCap is an integrated global aviation company with a leading market position in aircraft and engine leasing, trading and parts sales.
- Air India Express Receives New Boeing Next Generation 737-800 Jet[Dec. 06, 2006]
On December 6, Air India, India's flagship carrier, celebrated the delivery of the first of its planned order of 68 Boeing jetliners at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Boeing Next Generation 737-800 Commercial Jetliner arrived amidst traditional Indian revelry and the august presence of Shri. Praful Patel, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent charge) and Senior Air India officials.
- Merger Talk Hits U.S. Airlines[Dec. 14, 2006]
UAL Corp's United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc are discussing a possible merger as the industry moves toward finishing the consolidation begun after the 2001 terror attacks, two people familiar with the talks said, according to Bloomberg News.
- Qantas Recommends Revised Offer From APA[Dec. 14, 2006]
On December 14, the Chairman of Qantas Airways Limited, Margaret Jackson, announced that, following detailed negotiations, the Qantas Board had received a revised proposal from Airline Partners Australia (APA) to acquire 100 percent of the Company for $5.60 cash per share.
- Global Airlines Set for Bigger Profits in 2007[Dec. 12, 2006]
The global airline industry is expected to record a net profit of 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2007, up from the previously forecast profit of 1.9 billion U.S. dollars, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on December 12.
- Boeing Names Stan Deal and Rob Laird to Commercial Airplanes Sales Leadership Roles[Dec. 12, 2006]
On December 12, Boeing announced that Stan Deal has been named vice president Asia/Pacific Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, reporting to Larry Dickenson, vice president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales. Deal will be responsible for sales in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
- Virgin Blue Releases New Profit Expectations[Dec. 13, 2006]
On December 13, Virgin Blue said that the Company now estimates its reported profit after tax for 2006/07 will be in excess of $158 million, a 40% increase on the previous corresponding period result of $113 million.