The Farnborough Air Show witnessed a significant achievement for Airbus, with the company signing deals for 43 new aircraft. This includes commitments from major airlines like Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Drukair.
These agreements underscore Airbus’s powerful presence in the global aviation market and its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. The deals are likely to support job stability and growth in Airbus’s UK operations, particularly in Broughton and Filton.
Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, secured significant deals for 43 new planes at the Farnborough Air Show, breaking new ground in international aviation. The deals include 31 planes for Japan Airlines, seven for Virgin Atlantic, and five for Drukair. These agreements demonstrate Airbus’s strong position in the market, further solidifying their reputation as a leading aircraft manufacturer.
Airbus employs 5,000 staff in Broughton, near Chester, and 3,000 in Filton, Bristol, where they make wings for commercial aircraft. This substantial workforce highlights Airbus’s importance to the UK’s manufacturing sector. The new deals will likely contribute to job security and potentially new opportunities within these communities.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has finalised a firm order for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo planes. This order finalises a commitment announced earlier this year and was marked by a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business. The A350-900s will serve international routes, while the A321neos will operate domestically.
To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 already in service. This new order for A321neos represents the airline’s first venture into Airbus’s single-aisle product line, marking a noteworthy expansion of their fleet.
Yukio Nakagawa expressed excitement about accelerating the introduction of fuel-efficient aircraft to improve service quality and reduce CO₂ emissions. He believes that this move will deepen JAL’s partnership with Airbus. Meanwhile, Christian Scherer thanked Japan Airlines for their continued confidence in the A350 and celebrated the new milestone with the A321neo order, committing to support JAL’s fleet expansion both domestically and internationally.
Virgin Atlantic’s Fleet Transformation
Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of a broader strategy to transform its fleet. This new commitment brings their total order to 19 A330neo aircraft, which promise improved economics for the airline. The announcement was made aboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’ in honour of the airline’s 40th anniversary.
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, announced the completion of the airline’s multibillion-dollar fleet transformation with this purchase. He highlighted the A330-900s as crucial for decarbonising long-haul aviation and noted that Virgin Atlantic already operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.
Christian Scherer echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for Virgin Atlantic’s decision to expand their A330neo fleet. He emphasized that the A330neo enhances the airline’s fleet efficiency and supports its sustainability journey.
Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network. These new planes are expected to start being delivered in 2030, with plans to operate from Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The airline aims to enhance its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair currently operates four Airbus A320 family aircraft, consisting of three A319s and one A320.
Tandi Wangchuk, Drukair’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter in Drukair’s history, aligning with the development of GMC. He highlighted the investment in new aircraft as a demonstration of Drukair’s dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business, thanked Drukair for their trust in Airbus. He noted the long-standing partnership between Airbus and Bhutan and expressed pride that the latest generation of Airbus aircraft would play a role in Bhutan’s future development.
Airbus’s Commitment to Sustainable Aviation
Airbus has teamed up with several major companies to establish the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA) investment fund. This initiative aims to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The alliance consists of the Air France-KLM Group, Associated Energy Group, BNP Paribas, Burnham Sterling, Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc, and Qantas Airways, with Airbus as the anchor investor. Their combined commitment totals approximately $200 million.
A significant accomplishment for Airbus is the acquisition and renovation of the Monarch facility, an ethanol plant in Sauget, Illinois, USA. Originally closed in 2019, the plant has been upgraded and received the necessary environmental authorisations to resume operations. The goal is to produce low carbon intensity SAF and biochemicals, contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation.
The deals announced at the Farnborough Air Show are expected to have a positive impact on local economies, particularly in areas where Airbus has significant operations, such as Broughton and Filton.
The additional aircraft orders will likely ensure job stability for the thousands of employees in these regions. Moreover, the influx of new orders could create additional job opportunities, further boosting the local economy.
By securing these deals, Airbus continues to assert its dominance in the global aviation market, while also contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth in the UK.
The new deals at the Farnborough Air Show highlight Airbus’s robust growth and ability to secure major contracts with leading airlines worldwide.
With continued innovation and emphasis on sustainability, Airbus is well-positioned to remain a leader in the aviation industry. The company’s commitment to developing new, more efficient aircraft models aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable air travel.
As these new aircraft orders are fulfilled, Airbus’s role in the global aviation landscape is set to become even more prominent, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking and influential player in the industry.
The deals signed by Airbus at the Farnborough Air Show mark a significant milestone in the company’s growth and sustainability efforts. With commitments from major airlines, Airbus is set to bolster its position in the global aviation market.
Moreover, the benefits extend beyond the company itself, positively impacting local economies and promoting job security in key UK regions like Broughton and Filton. As Airbus continues to innovate and expand, it remains a crucial player in shaping the future of aviation.