Several OEMs signed commercial orders during the second day of the Farnborough Airshow, reflecting the industry's resilience as it emerges from the doldrums of the Covid pandemic and despite trepidation over geopolitical tensions and war.
Qatar Airways confirmed its purchase of 20 additional Boeing 777-9s, expanding its 777X order book to 94 aircraft. The Doha-based airline now has on order 60 of the 777-9 passenger airplanes and 34 smaller 777-8 freighters. Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the 777-8F. In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has ordered 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 737 Max jets.
Macquarie AirFinance purchased 20 Boeing 737-8s. The buy doubles the lessor's existing 737-8 order book, which it acquired from Alafco Aviation Lease and Finance in 2023. “The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport, proclaimed AirFinance CEO Eamonn Bane. "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."
Virgin Atlantic signed a contract for seven A330neo widebodies as part of its wider fleet transformation while Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed a commitment announced earlier this year with Airbus for 20 A350-900s and 11 single-aisle A321neos. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.
Libyan airline Berniq Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo family aircraft. The airline already operates six A320s and intends to further develop its regional and international routes with the new order.
Meanwhile, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada also announced several orders. Colombia’s Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales (Satena) signed a firm agreement for the purchase of eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft; Pegasus Air Services finalized the purchase of a new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otters; and an undisclosed airline signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire a Twin Otter Series 400. Deliveries of the Satena aircraft are scheduled to start later this year. In addition, De Havilland Canada announced a purchase agreement for a Twin Otter Guardian 400 with an undisclosed European country for surveillance operations. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in mid-2025.
Turning to engines, Avolon divided an order for 310 new engines to power 155 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft appearing in its order book between RTX’s Pratt & Whitney and CFM International. The lessor ordered 160 GTF engines and 150 CFM International Leap-1A engines, valued at more than $5 billion. The agreement also includes options to purchase a further 160 Pratt & Whitney engines and 150 Leap powerplants. The orders represent Avolon’s largest-ever engine commitment.
CFM International also won an order from Nordic Aviation Capital for 10 Leap-1A engines to power five Airbus A321neo-family aircraft. The agreement also includes options for two additional Leap-powered A321neos.