The third day of the Dubai Airshow saw companies continue their buying spree, with some manufacturers reaping rewards and others disappointed, making it a busy and somewhat controversial day for the world’s press attending!
Aviation Capital Group (ACG), the US-based aircraft leasing company, signed an agreement with Airbus for 30 eco-efficient A320neo (new engine option) aircraft, valued at US$2.7 billion at list price. “Faced with increasing fuel prices and tough competition, we are seeing a stronger than ever demand from our customers for modern fuel-efficient aircraft such as the A320neo,” said Stephen Hannahs, CEO & GMD of ACG.
Airbus was not so fortunate in their contract negotiations with Qatar Airways for a predicted aircraft order, leaving the glory to Boeing, which clinched a deal with the Doha-based carrier for two Boeing 777 freighters, valued at US$560 million at list price.
Bombardier Aerospace and Turkey’s Atlasjet Havacilik A.S. have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire 10 CS300 jetliners, with options for a further five. The firm order contract is valued at US$776 million, which could increase to US$1.18 billion if the options are converted to firm orders.
At another press briefing, PT Nusantara Turbin dan Propulsi (NTP) of Indonesia and Joint Stock Company (JSC) BEK Air Kazakstan announced a maintenance agreement worth US$13 million for the field service, repair and overhaul of TAY 650-15 engines for its Fokker 100 aircraft.
This year’s Dubai Airshow is the biggest yet, with nearly 55,000 trade visitors expected over the week.
Alison Weller, Managing Director of airshow organiser F&E Aerospace, said: “We have now reached an order book of US$47 billion, three times more than the tally of the last show in 2009. However, the day nor the Dubai Airshow is yet over and we anticipate more exciting announcements!”
The Dubai Airshow is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in co-operation with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.
