GKN´s A350 ramp-up on track; more rear-wing-spars shipped in H1/2014 than in 2013.

GKN, a supplier of aircraft structures to Airbus and Boeing, said it has doubled production rates for the A350 model as it nears service entry.

GKN makes 27-meter rear wing spars that hold key parts such as the A350’s main landing gear. Shipments of the high-value composite structures are surging with the jet nearing its commercial debut with Qatar Airways in late 2014.

“We’ve shipped more in the first half of this year than we shipped in the whole of last year,” said Nigel Stein GKN’s CEO. “It will step up further in the second half.”

GKN bolstered its status as a primary contractor to Airbus with the 2008 purchase of the planemaker’s Filton wing-parts plant in the U.K., doubling the airliner-structures order book to $10 billion and guaranteeing work through the lifetime of models including the A350. The company’s aerospace unit boosted its profit margin to 11% in the first half as gains in commercial revenue offset military declines, reported GKN.

Based on the article “GKN Doubles Airbus A350 Wing-Spar Output on Service Entry” published in Bloomberg.

A350-900 will join Iberia’s long-haul fleet

International Airlines Group (IAG) has converted 8 A350-900 options into firm orders for Iberia. The airline becomes a new customer for the A350XWB Family.

IAG secured commercial terms for the A350 aircraft as part of the Group long-haul order announced in April 2013 when 18 A350-900s were ordered for British Airways. One year ago, IAG disclosed that it had also reached agreement with Airbus and they were placed options for a total of 32 Airbus A350s to renew the Iberia long-haul fleet, “subject to its Spanish subsidiary's satisfactory restructuring”.

“We are very proud that IAG has chosen the A350-900 aircraft for Iberia. We welcome a new operator of the most efficient mid-size long-haul aircraft in the market,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO, Customers.

Based on the press release “IAG firms up for 8 Airbus A350-900”

Airline 1 new concept to ensure mature EIS of the A350.

One important feature in the maturity campaign has been what Airbus calls Airline 1. This entails mirroring airline operations by applying key performance indicators, such as reliability or interruptions. A dedicated hangar is used for daily maintenance. 

http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/thread-861029-1-1.html

“The concept is simple: to operate and test the aircraft as much as possible in an operational environment, use the maintenance and support systems that our customers would have, capture their findings as soon as possible, and fix small issues quickly,” explained Didier Evrard, Head of the A350 XWB Programme. “The Airline 1 concept is a means to accelerate the aircraft maturity at the end of development.”

Photo by Lufthansa.

Airline 1 comprises a dedicated staff that operates a hangar and maintenance control centre in coordination with Airbus’ flight-test team. This allows for daily maintenance, support and repair operations for the five-aircraft A350 XWB test fleet in an environment similar to what the jetliner will experience in commercial service.  

www.airbus.com

Taking lessons from previous aircraft service introductions across the industry, Airline 1 concept was developed specifically to ensure a smooth service entry for the A350.

Photo by @ ATC Blog

Based on the article “Shifting Gears” published in Aviation Week  

Aer Lingus to decide between already-ordered A350 or the A330neo.

Aer Lingus has announced that it will study the A330neo's "capabilities and its potential suitability" for its future long-haul operations.

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

Aer Lingus stated: "Discussions with Airbus regarding Aer Lingus’ A350-XWB long haul fleet order have substantially concluded with just some final matters relating to manufacturer communicated delivery delays to be agreed. 

Aer Lingus notes Airbus’ recently announced intention to produce the A330neo long haul aircraft. Aer Lingus will study this aircraft’s capabilities and its potential suitability for the Group’s long haul requirements and future plans."

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

Aer Lingus already operates the current A330 and it has 9 A350-900 on order, scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2020.

The A330neo, with new engines to help deliver 14% greater efficiency, “looks like a fantastic aircraft for our route profile,” airline Chief Executive Christoph Muller said. 

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

The A350 offers more range than Aer Lingus needs for its international flights, so the A330neo is a better match.

All photos © Airbus

Based on the article “Aer Lingus 'will study' A330neo” published in CAPA.

Russian titanium in the A350 program and EU sanctions.

Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders said the company isn't concerned about supply disruptions of titanium from Russia even as the European Union imposes new sanctions on Russia.

Airbus's relationship with Russian company VSMPO is "very stable," Mr. Enders said. “VSMPO is a key strategic partner."

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

Airbus purchases titanium raw material and forgings from VSMPO, the world's biggest titanium supplier.

"I do not expect the flow of it will be cut off short of all-out war," said Mr. Enders to  analysts when presenting the company's first-half results.

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

The European Union is imposing further sanctions on Russia over the country's efforts to destabilize Ukraine.

Airbus (and rival Boeing) rely heavily on titanium from Russia to build their jets. The A350  has 14% titanium content.

http://www.airbus.com/galleries/photo-gallery/

Mr. Enders said Airbus is continuing to explore mitigation actions –Airbus is in talks with potential alternative suppliers- while expressing "strong confidence" in the VSMPO ties.

All photos © Airbus

Based on the article “Airbus CEO Shrugs Off Concerns Over Supply Disruption Amid Sanctions” published in Dow Jones Business News.

Air New Zealand will consider the A350 for future Boeing 777 replacement.

Air New Zealand will run the ruler over both the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 as replacements for its current long-range Boeing 777 fleet, the airline revealed.

http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/thread-861029-1-1.html

Also in the mix is a second batch of 787-9s with more premium seating for the North American market.

https://nurhakhan.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/07d_8961.jpg

"In the next decade we’ll have to look at the replacement of our Boeing 777-200ERs as well as the Boeing 777-300ER" Air New Zealand  chief financial officer Rob McDonald told journalists in Seattle ahead of the delivery flight of the Kiwi carrier's first Boeing 787-9.

http://www.hkitalk.net/HKiTalk2/thread-861029-1-1.html

McDonald said "this will be a big contest" between the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350, although adding "that's many years away."

 

Closer on the calendar is a 2nd order for the Boeing 787-9, with Air New Zealand  holding options to buy 8 more of the Dreamliners on top of the current 10.

 

 

Based on the article “Air New Zealand considers Boeing 777X vs Airbus A350” published in Australian Business Traveller.

UAE nationals from Strata Manufacturing visits the A350.

 Last week a delegation of UAE nationals from Strata Manufacturing visited an Airbus A350 aircraft that underwent extreme climate testing at Al Ain International Airport.

The delegation had the opportunity to experience first-hand the innovative technologies used in producing this next-generation aircraft that is made from 53% composite materials.

www.mubadala.com

At present, the company has more than 650 employees from over 30 nationalities with 40% UAE national staff, among whom 85% are women.

The visit also provided a valuable learning experience as Abu Dhabi’s Strata Manufacturing, which already produces composite aero structures, will begin producing flap track fairings for Airbus A350 aircraft by year-end.

www.airbus.com

Set up in 2010 by Mubadala Development Company, Strata manufactures A330/340 flap track fairings, A330/340 aileron panels with assemblies, A330/340 spoilers, A380 flap track fairings, Boeing 777 ribs, Boeing 787 ribs and the ATR vertical fin.

Strata has partnerships with some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus and Alenia Aermacchi, as well as tier-one suppliers FACC and Sabca.

By 2018, Airbus’ order book with Strata will reach approximately $100 million a year, making Strata a significant supplier to Airbus.

 

 

Based on the article “New A350 aircraft project for Strata” published in Khaleej Times