Virgin’a Australia’s acquisition of Skywest Airlines has been approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board, clearing another hurdle for the deal to go forward. Skywest shareholders last week approved the deal, which would see Virgin purchase 100 per cent of Skywest’s issued share capital. Under the agreement, Skywest would become a part of the Virgin
Lufthansa has been re-confirmed as Airbus’s largest customer following the airline’s order for 100 A320-family aircraft and two more A380s. Worth an estimated US$11.2 billion, the order comprises 35 A320neo and 35 A321neo aircraft, and 30 A320 current model aircraft fitted with sharklets. The two additional A380s will join 10 A380s already in service with
In what is a stark departure from recent history, Swiss International Air Lines has selected the 777-300ER for its long haul fleet renewal program, breaking its all-Airbus traditions. The last Boeing type operated by Swiss was the 747. Boeing announced a commitment for six 777-300ERs valued at US$1.9 billion. No dates have been released on
Boeing will work with GE to develop engines for its 777X, a future widebody planned to enter service near the end of the decade. The planemaker has released few details about development of the next-generation widebody, though reports have speculated the program could include three variants, the largest of which would seat as many as
Jetstar Japan has taken delivery of its 10th A320, the 100th Airbus aircraft delivered to carriers in a country that has long been a stronghold of rival Boeing. Airbus said its growing footprint in Japan had been driven by low-cost carriers. Along with Jetstar, AirAsia Japan and Peach Aviation both operate all-Airbus fleets. The partly
Turkish Airlines has placed a major order for A320 Family aircraft in what Airbus described as the largest commercial aircraft order ever by a Turkish carrier. The deal includes firm orders for 53 next-generation A321neos, four A320neos and 25 current-generation A321neos. It also includes options for 35 additional A321neos. Airbus said the deal pushed orders
