Farnborough International Airshow, the biennial airshow held every even year (with Parish Airshow taking on the odd years), went underway yesterday. The airshow is used by airlines to announce their new initiatives and commercial orders. Here is a roundup of everything that happened on Day 1 of the Farnborough Airshow.

Turkish Airlines unveils its new Crystal Business Class.

Turkish Airlines formally unveiled the new Business Class cabin that it intends to roll out on its 777 widebodies in the coming year (2025) and new A350 jets. The cabin product has been designed by their subsidiary, TCI Interiors, and is heavily inspired by Turkish colours. Here is a detailed post on what to expect.

Both Boeing and Airbus win orders on Day 2

On Day 2, both OEMs had announcements to make with respect to large orders with customers. Here are the announcements that came our way:

Virgin Atlantic Orders Seven Airbus A330neos

Virgin Atlantic placed a firm order for seven additional Airbus A330neos for its wider fleet transformation. The agreement brings Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to the A330neo to 19 aircraft. These additional A330-900s will be delivered from 2027 onwards and purchased directly from Airbus as the airline looks to increase the number of aircraft owned in its fleet. Virgin Atlantic currently operates five A330-900s, and another seven will be delivered to the airline by 2026.

As part of its fleet transformation, Virgin Atlantic plans to replace its A330-300s with A330neos starting in September 2024. By 2028, the UK-based carrier plans to operate a fleet of 45 aircraft comprised of 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 787-9s, with an average age of just 6.4 years.

On this occasion, Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic, said,

Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic.

Japan Airlines Finalises Order For A350, A321neo

Japan Airlines (JAL) firmed up an order for 20 Airbus A350-900 and 11 A321neo aircraft, a commitment that was announced earlier in the year. The airline currently has 18 A350 aircraft operated on domestic segments. However, the new A350-900 aircraft will be deployed on international routes. The A321neo, ordered for the first time by JAL, will be operated on domestic routes.

Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Procurement of Japan Airlines, said on the occasion,

We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.

Qatar Airways Orders 20 Boeing 777-9s

Qatar Airways placed an order for an additional 20 Boeing 777-9s aircraft, bringing the total to 94 commercial and cargo Boeing 777X family aircraft. This order also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said on the occassion,

Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. We, as the World’s Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry.

Macquarie Air Finance Orders 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8

Macquarie AirFinance, an aircraft lessor, ordered 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Boeing. The lessor currently has a portfolio of 236 aircraft leased to 85 airlines across 49 countries and a firm order book of 86 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft. In 2023, Macquarie acquired a large chunk of the assets from Kuwait-based leasing firm ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co.

Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance, said on the occasion,

The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Berniq Airways Orders 6 A320neo family aircraft

Berniq Airways, a Libyan airline, placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo Family aircraft. The airline already operates six A320s and intends to develop its regional and international routes further with the additional A320neo Family aircraft.

Waseem Ezzway, Chairman of Berniq Airways, said,

We are proud to be the first airline in Libya to order the advanced A320neo Family aircraft. This significant investment marks a new chapter for Berniq Airways as we continue to lead the way in modernizing our fleet and enhancing our service offerings.

Bottomline

On the second day of the Farnborough Airshow, Boeing and Airbus received wide and narrowbody orders from major airlines and lessors. Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines were the airlines that placed orders on the second day. Follow our coverage for more details.

What do you think of day two at the Farnborough Airshow?

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