Airbus deals
The Airbus show orderbook, valued at $10.6 billion, featured a memorandum of understanding from Abu Dhabi's Etihad for four A380s, four long-range A340-500s, four A340-600s and 12 A330-200s. Turkish Airlines also signed an MoU for the purchase of 19 A320s, 12 A321s and five A330-200s. And Indian newcomer Kingfisher Airlines has signed an MoU to acquire four A320s with options for more.
Boeing studies
Boeing revealed the first details of its latest 747 study at the show. The 747 Advanced would feature a small stretch to 450 seats and 7E7 engine technology for possible launch in two years. Boeing is also talking to carriers about a further small stretch of the 777 and will make a decision on whether to continue 767 production in early 2005.
Bombardier orders
Spanish regional Air Nostrum, an Iberia feeder, ordered another 20 Bombardier CRJ200s to its commitments for 31 of the type. Under the terms of the deal, the carrier can swap these orders for CRJ700s/900s or Q400 turboprops.
Turboprops booked
ATR and AvCraft booked orders for new turboprops. Air New Zealand will add its 11th ATR 72 in November, while Sweden's Sun-Air is buying two Dornier 328s from AvCraft, adding to the six used types it is taking from lessor Debis AirFinance.
Head-up contract
JetBlue Airways will equip its Embraer 190s with a dual head-up guidance system being developed by Embraer and Rockwell Collins' Flight Dynamics unit under an initial $60 million contract. Designed to provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness in all phases of flight, the 190 system will represent the first commercial use of dual head-up displays, giving both pilots the capability.
Staying in touch
A new company being formed by Airbus, SITA and Tenzing aims to introduce inflight mobile telephone service in mid-2006. It will offer its service for short- and long-haul aircraft and will include internet and corporate intranet access, e-mail, messaging and conventional in-seat telephony.
Source: Airline Business
