Turkish Airlines Looking to Expand its Fleet With Large Aircraft Order at Dubai Airshow

Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey, is currently in discussions with Airbus to significantly expand its fleet through an order for 355 new aircraft. If finalized, this move could mark the airline’s largest order in its 90-year operational history.

The Istanbul-based airline is aiming to expand both its wide-body and narrow-body aircraft fleets with plans to add 85 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s – the largest variant in the A350 family. Additionally, the historic order will potentially include five A350Fs dedicated to serving Turkish Airlines cargo operations, as reported by Anadolu news agency on November 10, 2023. 250 narrow-body A321neo aircraft are also planned to be ordered.

People familiar with the matter have confirmed to Turkish state-run media that the airline has already engaged in discussions with Rolls-Royce regarding the terms of supplying A350 spare engines and engine maintenance services.

This potentially record-breaking order in Turkish Airlines’ history will also significantly boost its narrow-body fleet capacity, with the carrier looking to add 250 A321neo jets as part of the deal.

In September 2023, Turkish Airlines unveiled an order for an additional ten A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total for this type to 40 at the time. This agreement followed a previous announcement in August 2023, where the airline committed to adding four -900 variant wide-bodies.

In May, Turkish Airlines chairman Ahmet Bolat said the company was planning to order a total of 600 new aircraft in June and they would be delivered within 10 years. Part of the order would be optional and the final order would depend on a government decision, expected in two months, he said in June. The airline also wants to expand its network to include destinations in Australia, for which it has been considering the 777X and the A350-1000. It is unclear whether the airline is still planning to order both models.

Talks with Boeing are also progressing, but industry sources believe an agreement may not be reached before the end of the show. A Boeing deal is understood to include several 737 MAXs alongside the widebodies. Turkish is targeting a fleet of around 800 aircraft by the year 2033 as it seeks to expand its hub in Istanbul.

Turkish currently has outstanding orders for 26 more A350-900s and 47 A321neos. The carrier also has 10 Boeing 787-9s still to be delivered—five in 2024, four in 2026 and one in 2027.

Currently, Turkish Airlines operates a mixed fleet consisting total of 339 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. This includes 14 Airbus A350-900s, 21 A330-200s, 36 A330-300s, 65 A321-200s, 41 A321neos, 12 A320-200s, and six A319-100s. The carrier also flies 35 Boeing 777-300ERs, eight 777F cargo airliners, and 21 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Boeing is closing in on a major order for its 777X widebody model from Emirates, according to people familiar with discussions, in what would provide an important boost to a program that’s years behind schedule. This would add to Emirates’ existing order backlog for 155 of the 777X aircraft.

Already the biggest buyer of the 777X, Emirates is poised to order a high double-digit number of the widebody, said the people, asking not to be identified as discussing private negotiations was quoted saying by Bloomberg. As part of the deal, regional affiliate FlyDubai could take on some orders for the smaller 787 Dreamliner earmarked for Emirates, the people said. Boeing and Emirates declined to comment.

An accord with the biggest international airline would be a vital endorsement of Boeing’s newest and largest aircraft, which has struggled to pull in sales as it remains behind schedule for entry into service. Any additional purchase of the plane, which comes with novel folding wing tips, would add to a backlog of 115 777X that Emirates previously ordered.

Emirates is also reportedly looking to add some of Boeing’s 787 aircraft to the order, as well as negotiating with Airbus for an order of A350 planes.

The state-owned carrier is among the largest operators of widebody aircraft, using its hub in Dubai as a global link between the US, Europe and Asia. With the Dubai Air Show kicking off today, the event will provide a backdrop for major deals as carriers rush to replenish and upgrade their fleets.

Sales of widebody aircraft have gained momentum back this year after the market for narrowbodies recovered more quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry officials estimate airlines worldwide are negotiating behind the scenes to buy some 700-800 new jets, including 200-300 of the world's largest, as they catch up on fleet replacement plans set aside during the pandemic.

Other operators likely to announce major commitments at the event include Turkish Airlines, which is close to an order for about 350 Airbus SE aircraft, including both narrow- and widebody jets, people close to the talks said earlier.

Expanding its fleet with widebody aircraft like the 787 would mark a strategic shift for FlyDubai, which now relies on the Boeing 737 single-aisles for shorter routes around the Middle East, parts of Africa and as far as Malaysia, according to the carrier’s website.

Emirates is also in negotiations with Airbus about an order for the European manufacturer’s flagship A350 aircraft. That purchase and the accord with Boeing are still under final negotiations, and terms of the deals and the timing of any announcements could change, the people cautioned.

New Freighter Orders also in Books

Emirates is torn between continuing with Boeing freighters or investing in an Airbus model as the airline looks to double its existing capacity over the next decade. According to Bloomberg, the United Arab Emirates flag carrier is weighing up the pros and cons of the Boeing 777-8 freighter and the Airbus A350F.  

Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates, Nabil Sultan, spoke to the news outlet at an industry conference in Singapore, where he indicated a decision may not be made for another four years. Sultan said that the carrier will “evaluate, hopefully by 2027, whether we require a different mix to what we have already”. Further capacity expansion will be achieved through converting some of the fleets’ Boeing 777-300ERs from commercial planes into cargo aircraft. Sultan also indicated that Emirates SkyCargo was seeing a rise in demand for its services following the COVID-19 pandemic.  

According to ch-aviation.com, Emirates is currently waiting to increase its fleet of 11 777-200s with the delivery of five more. In May 2023, Emirates also announced the arrival of two new wet-leased Boeing 747-Fs. In total Emirates cargo division is expecting 15 more freighters to boost its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion program. 

Emirates SkyCargo aims to replace its Airbus A380s over the next decade with widebody planes and convert 10 Boeing 777-300ER passenger jets for cargo use. This strategy is part of a broader effort to meet increasing demand for air freight services, particularly ahead of the Christmas season. In addition to these plans, Emirates has a backlog order of 200 widebody planes. The combination of these strategic moves underscores the airline's commitment to expanding its footprint in the global air cargo industry.

(With Inputs from Bloomberg)

Jetstar has unveiled a multi-million-dollar cabin product upgrade for its Boeing 787-8 fleet, as it hints at expanding operations to South Asia and Africa.

The low-cost arm of Australia’s Qantas says the upgrade will see new economy- and business-class seats – both to be manufactured by Recaro – as well as onboard Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated crew rest area.

The first aircraft with the refreshed cabin will enter service in late 2025; retrofit works will be carried out during scheduled heavy maintenance. As part of the changes, the fleet will also receive an updated Jetstar livery to match the latest aircraft in the fleet, the Airbus A321neo LR.

Upgraded Seats

Jetstar will also more than double the number of business-class seats on its 787s – from the current 21 seats to 44. The airline says the move is “in response to growing customer demand for more choice and extra comfort when flying long-haul”. As a result, the total seat count on Jetstar’s 787s will now be 325, 10 fewer seats than the current configuration. The new Recaro seats in both classes will feature seat-back device holders, as well as power outlets.

To accommodate the extra business seats, the total number of seats across the aircraft (business and economy) will drop by 10 to 325. The airline operates its business class seats in a 2-3-2 formation and its economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

Enhanced on-board Connectivity

It seems that the Jetstar long-haul aircraft will gain inflight connectivity to allow passengers to stay connected in the air. This allows for surfing the internet or streaming content from Jetstar’s entertainment collection. Customers will be able to access in-flight connectivity using their own devices.

A supplier has not been identified at this time. In the past, Qantas has partnered with Viasat to deliver inflight connectivity. However, inflight screens that may exist on the aircraft will be removed to be more sustainable (and not pay for the maintenance of a seatback IFE system).

Direct Flights to India

Jetstar is looking beyond its current network, with them eyeballing direct flights from Australia as far as India, Sri Lanka or Africa. The addition of a crew rest area on the aircraft unlocks ”the possibility of exciting new destinations like Sri Lanka and India”, says airline chief Stephanie Tully.

Jetstar stresses that it has not made a decision on which new destinations it will deploy the type on. Adds Tully: “This multi-million-dollar fleet revamp will allow us to offer our customers more choice, comfort and amenities when flying longer distances internationally. Our existing 787 business class offering is extremely popular, so we’re doubling the number of business class seats, and to keep customers connected in the air, we’re introducing on-board Wi-Fi.”

According to Cirium fleets data, Jetstar has an in-service fleet of 11 787-8s, which are all powered by GEnx-1B engines. The aircraft, which operates medium- to long-haul flights to cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok and Honolulu, is between eight and 10 years old and has operated more than 54,000 flights so far.

The B787 burns up to 25% less fuel than previous generation aircraft, with an equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This is achieved through lighter-weight composite construction, modern engines, improved aerodynamics and state-of-the-art flying systems. To further reduce overall aircraft weight and fuel burn, the fleet’s current seat back screens will be removed, a change facilitated by the rollout of inflight wi-fi and content streaming to personal devices, and the new RECARO seats and exterior paint will also weigh less.

Q-Codes, a set of three-letter codes originally developed in the early 20th century, have played a crucial role in facilitating effective communication in radio transmissions. Initially created by the British government for maritime communication, these codes have transcended their origins and continue to be an integral part of radio procedures, including applications in aviation and emergency services.

Historical Background

The roots of Q-Codes trace back to 1909 when the British government compiled a list of abbreviations for the use of radio communication in British ships and coast stations. The aim was to streamline communication among maritime radio operators speaking different languages.

This list, known as Q-Codes, gained international recognition and was included in the Service Regulations of the Second International Radiotelegraph Convention in London in 1912. Over time, the number of Q-Codes expanded, covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to radio operators, including meteorology, radio direction finding, and search and rescue.

International Adoption

The international adoption of Q-Codes highlights their effectiveness in overcoming language barriers and promoting standardized communication in radio transmissions. As a result, these codes have been allocated and utilized by various international organizations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R).

Q-Codes in the Modern Era

Despite the advancements in technology and the shift from Morse code to voice transmissions, Q-Codes have maintained their relevance. In the modern era, they find application in diverse fields, with aviation being a prominent example. Aviation employs specific Q-Codes like QNE, QNH, and QFE for altimeter settings, ensuring unambiguous shorthand communication in radiotelephone conversations with air traffic control.

Aviation Applications

• QFE (Field Elevation): Specifies atmospheric pressure at a specified datum, such as an airfield runway threshold. When set, the altimeter reads the height above the specified datum.
• QFF: Atmospheric pressure at a place, reduced to MSL using the actual temperature at the time of observation as the mean temperature.
• QNE (No Altimeter Error): Indicates altitude at the landing runway threshold when the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level (1013.25 hPa or 29.92 inHg) is set as the altimeter setting. This is crucial for aerodromes at high altitudes where setting QFE might not be feasible.
• QNH (Sea Level Pressure): Represents atmospheric pressure at mean sea level, either as a local measured pressure or a regional forecast pressure (RPS).

Radio Navigation and Procedures

Q-Codes also play a significant role in radio navigation and procedures. In aviation, codes such as QDM, QDR, and QTE assist in providing information on magnetic bearings, distances, and true bearings/track to or from stations. Additionally, Q-Codes like QGH are used in controlled descent through clouds, particularly by the Royal Air Force.

Navigation

Procedures

Contemporary Usage Beyond Aviation

Remarkably, Q-Codes have found applications beyond aviation. In Miami-Dade County, Florida, local government utilizes a subset of Q-Codes for law enforcement and fire rescue communications in ground voice communication—an unusual but effective implementation.

Conclusion

The legacy of Q-Codes, born out of the necessity for efficient international radio communication, persists in the modern era. From their inception in the early 20th century to their contemporary applications in aviation, emergency services, and beyond, Q-Codes stand as a testament to the enduring importance of standardized communication in a world where efficient transmission of information is paramount.

With Inputs from Skybrary, Angel Fire

In the face of soaring operational costs and economic challenges, Aeroflot, Russia's flagship carrier, has proposed the establishment of a mechanism to provide preferential loans to the country's airlines. The move is driven by the airline's recognition of the historically low profit margins in the aviation sector and the need for financial support to navigate the current economic climate.

Current Financial Landscape

Aeroflot's Deputy Chief Executive for Corporate Governance, Mikhail Fedosov, disclosed that the airline's existing banking and bond debt stands at approximately RUB111 billion (USD1.2 billion), with an average interest rate of 9%. Acknowledging the low-profit margins in air transportation, Fedosov highlighted the necessity of exploring avenues for lending at preferential rates.

Challenges in Air Transportation

The aviation industry is grappling with multiple challenges, including escalating costs in key expenditure categories. Aeroflot noted a discernible upward trend in aircraft leasing and airport tariffs. Particularly concerning is the substantial spike in jet fuel prices, a critical component of operational costs. Fedosov emphasized that the high cost of aviation fuel, currently around RUB82,000 (USD890) per metric ton, presents a significant challenge. Fuel costs constitute approximately 35% of the airline's overall expenses.

Proposal for Preferential Loans

Given the precarious financial situation and the historical context of slim profit margins, Aeroflot is urging the consideration of a mechanism that facilitates lending to airlines at preferential rates. Fedosov underscored the importance of this proposal by noting that, due to existing interest rates and recent changes in key rates, replacing loans may become necessary at significantly higher rates, posing a potential financial burden on the airline.

Financial Performance in 2023

Aeroflot's financial statements for the first nine months of 2023 revealed a net loss of RUB94.64 billion (USD1.03 billion), inclusive of exchange rate revaluations. This marks a stark contrast from the previous year, when the airline reported a profit of RUB58.38 billion (USD634 million). However, Aeroflot clarified that excluding the impact of negative exchange rate differences would have resulted in a net profit for the period.

Conclusion

In navigating the challenges posed by escalating operational costs, Aeroflot's proposal for a mechanism facilitating preferential loans underscores the need for proactive measures to support airlines in the current economic environment. As the aviation industry grapples with volatile fuel prices and other financial pressures, the proposal seeks to ensure the sustainability of airlines amidst a complex and evolving landscape. The industry and relevant stakeholders will be closely watching how this proposal progresses in the broader context of economic recovery and support for the aviation sector.

With Inputs from ch-aviation

Boeing, a leading aviation giant, has released its Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), projecting a remarkable surge in the Middle East's commercial aircraft fleet. The forecast anticipates a more than twofold increase by the year 2042, with a substantial demand for approximately 3,025 new jets in the region over the next two decades.

Projections for New Jets

Boeing's comprehensive forecast delves into the specifics of the expected growth. Of the projected 3,025 new aircraft, approximately 1,570 are expected to be narrow-body planes, catering to the expansion of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and short-haul networks. Simultaneously, at least 1,350 wide-body aircraft are anticipated, with deliveries in this segment expected to constitute 45% of all aircraft deliveries to the Middle East over the next two decades.

Wide-Body Segment Dominance

Boeing's report highlights a significant growth trajectory in the wide-body aircraft segment. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for efficient connectivity between major population centers in Asia, Africa, and Europe. With airlines in the Middle East acting as pivotal international air transit hubs, the need for wide-body aircraft capable of handling larger passenger volumes becomes evident.

Narrow-Body Fleet Expansion

The CMO underscores the expectations of a more than twofold increase in the narrow-body fleet in the Middle East. This expansion is linked to the ongoing development and expansion of low-cost carriers and short-haul networks in the region. Boeing envisions that nearly half of the total Middle East fleet will consist of narrow-body jets by 2042, reflecting the dynamic changes in the aviation landscape.

Freighter Fleet and Sustainability

The report also sheds light on the freighter fleet, projecting it to reach 180 aircraft. Two-thirds of these freighters are expected to contribute to the growth of air traffic and cargo, while the remaining one-third is anticipated to replace older, less fuel-efficient jets. This emphasis on sustainability aligns with global efforts to enhance the environmental efficiency of the aviation industry.

Transformation into a Key Air Transit Hub

Darren Hulst, Vice President of Commercial Marketing at Boeing, emphasizes the progressive extension of influence by airlines operating in the Middle East. This transformation is turning the region into a key international air transit hub. Hulst notes that the increasing air travel and cargo demand are driven by significant economic growth and national development plans.

Market Implications and Economic Impact

As a result of this expected fleet growth, Boeing anticipates a demand of approximately $335 billion in aviation services. This includes aircraft maintenance, repair, training, and spare parts supply services. The economic implications of this growth are substantial, with the aviation sector poised to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the Middle East.

Conclusion

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook provides a comprehensive and optimistic view of the future of aviation in the Middle East. With a focus on both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, the projections indicate a robust and dynamic aviation landscape. As the Middle East solidifies its position as a key international air transit hub, Boeing stands ready to meet the evolving demands of the market with efficient and versatile fleet solutions.