Aerospace News – Early November 2024
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Ethiopia’s national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from Airbus.
The first of its kind to be operated by an African-based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington DC, London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Spanish flag carrier, Iberia, has taken delivery of its first A321XLR aircraft, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft manufactured by Airbus.
The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.
Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has seen revenues increase in the nine months to September 30, 2024, although adjusted EBIT declined.
The group, which employs around 4,500 staff at its wing-making plant at Broughton near Chester, and several thousand staff in Filton, near Bristol, also announced that Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 60 A321neo (new engine option) family aircraft.
The consolidated financial results for the nine months period revealed a 5% increase, year-on-year, to €44.5bn.
A total of 497 commercial aircraft were delivered, up from 488 in the same period last year, comprising 45 A220s, 396 A320 family, 20 A330s and 36 A350s.
Derby is set to benefit from a huge Government investment in aerospace, the Government has said.
As trailed in the recent Budget speech, thousands of highly skilled jobs will be supported across the UK after the Prime Minister a £975m investment into the industry over the next five years for this key growth sector.
