Air France (Paris) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) have outlines the changes for its upcoming Summer Schedule effective from March 29 through October 24, 2015. Overall the Air France-KLM Group capacity is increasing (+ 1.7%) compared with the summer 2014 season.

Long-haul operations are increasing by 1.8%. Medium-haul activity is continuing its reorganization and is decreasing by 1.9%. Transavia’s low cost operations (+ 7.8%) are undergoing strong development in France and are being consolidated in the Netherlands.

Here are the highlights:

Long-haul: Air France-KLM is increasing services to Canada and is launching two new routes: Vancouver operated by Air France from March 25, 2015 and Edmonton served by KLM from  May 5, 2015. The Group is also improving its position in South America thanks to the launch of a new KLM route to Bogota and Cali (Colombia) from March 31, 2015.

Medium-haul: Air France-KLM is developing its European network on departure from the Amsterdam-Schiphol hub by adding three new destinations operated by KLM Cityhopper as from May 18, 2015: Belfast (Northern Ireland), Krakow (Poland) and Montpellier (France). At Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France is increasing capacity to Bordeaux (France), Naples (Italy), Billund (Denmark), Bucharest (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary).

On departure from Paris-Orly and the regional airports, the Group continues to reorganize its short-haul activity, currently regrouped within HOP! Air France’s operations.

Low-cost operations: Transavia is continuing its rapid development in France (+30%) and is consolidating its activity in the Netherlands. The company is launching 14 new routes, while strengthening its offer of flights to the most popular summer destinations.

New products and services: Air France-KLM is continuing its move upmarket. At the end of the summer season, 20 Air France Boeing 777 (above) will be equipped with the latest BEST cabins. After renovating its World Business Class cabin on all its Boeing 747-400, KLM is gradually equipping its fleet of Boeing 777 with its new World Business Class and Economy Class. From April 2015, Air France is also introducing a new leather seat on 24 Airbus A319 on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. It will then equip 25 Airbus A320 in the first half of 2016.

Partnerships: As well as strengthening its joint ventures (Delta, Alitalia, China Southern, China Eastern, Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius) and its strategic agreements (GOL), Air France-KLM is continuing the development of its partnerships all over the world. To offer more and more flight frequencies and destinations, the Group is extending its cooperation with the Canadian airline WestJet. The Group also has strong ambitions In Asia, illustrated by the signing of a cooperation agreement between KLM and Xiamen Airlines and the code-share agreement with Garuda on flights between Amsterdam and Jakarta.

LONG-HAUL: +1.8%

Air France-KLM’s long-haul activity is increasing by +1.8%.

North America

For the 2015 summer season, Air France-KLM is increasing services to Canada. As of March 25, 2015, Air France is launching a new route to Vancouver, with up to 5 weekly flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. KLM is also introducing a new service between Amsterdam-Schiphol and Edmonton on May 5, 2015, with 3 weekly flights, then 4 weekly flights as of  June 22, 2015.

Air France-KLM is developing its partnership with the Canadian airline WestJet, by offering new connecting opportunities in North America in addition to the new Paris-Vancouver and Amsterdam-Edmonton routes. Moreover, the Group is maintaining its close cooperation with Delta Air Lines as part of the trans-Atlantic joint venture.

Between May and September 2015, the seasonal service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul (USA) will be resumed from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. To meet market demand, Air France will be operating a second daily flight to San Francisco (USA) during the peak summer season (from mid-June to the end of August 2015). KLM is also further extending its second flight to Los Angeles to the full summer period, offering 12 weekly frequencies.

Central and South America and the Caribbean

As from March 31, 2015, KLM is launching a new service to Bogota and Cali (Colombia) from Amsterdam-Schiphol with 3 weekly frequencies. As a continuation of the winter season, Air France is increasing capacity to Panama City, with 5 weekly flights. Services to Brasilia (Brazil), launched in summer 2014, are maintained with 3 weekly frequencies.

In addition, Air France-KLM is maintaining its close cooperation with the Brazilian airline GOL, in order to offer numerous connecting opportunities to its customers on the Brazilian domestic network.In the Caribbean, as a continuation of the winter schedule, Air France-KLM is adjusting capacity during the peak summer season. The Company will offer up to 13 weekly flights to Pointe à Pitre and up to 11 weekly flights to Fort de France. Moreover, during the peak summer period, KLM will be operating a second nonstop flight twice a week to Curacao, in addition to the daily flight from Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Asia

Air France is continuing its daily service to Hong Kong (China) by Airbus A380 (5 weekly flights) and by Boeing 777-300 (2 weekly flights). The Company is also increasing capacity to Seoul (South Korea), serving this destination by Boeing 777-300 with 383 seats as well as to Singapore, with three additional flights operated during the peak summer period. Air France is continuing to serve Tokyo-Haneda Airport (Japan) up to 13 times a week in addition to the daily flight to Tokyo-Narita which provides connections to Noumea (New Caledonia).

The Group is also continuing to strengthen its cooperation with its Asian partners to offer an even wider choice of flights and destinations. In particular, KLM and Garuda Indonesia have set up a code-share agreement on both airlines’ flights between Amsterdam and Jakarta (Indonesia). KLM has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Chinese airline Xiamen Airlines, illustrating their commitment to strengthening accessibility between the Netherlands and China.

Africa and the Indian Ocean

As a continuation of the winter season, Air France will serve Abidjan (Ivory Coast) daily, including 3 weekly flights by Airbus A380. The Company is also increasing capacity to Dakar (Senegal), by operating the route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle by Boeing 777-300 with 383 seats.

In East Africa, KLM is continuing to specifically adjust its network to market expectations by increasing capacity to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Entebbe (Uganda). Both destinations are served non-stop three times a week from Amsterdam-Schiphol, providing new connecting opportunities to Europe and North America in particular. On the other days these destinations are offered respectively as a continuation of the services to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Kigali (Rwanda). KLM is also strengthening its cooperation with its partner Kenya Airways by offering new connections to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean, as a continuation of the service to Nairobi airport which boasts new airport facilities.

In the Indian Ocean, Air France serves Reunion Island up to 11 times per week, including 5 night flights.

Middle East

Air France’s new BEST cabins have been flying to Dubai (UAE) since February 23, 2015. In September 2015, these cabins will also be available to Beirut (Lebanon). Furthermore, the Group maintains its code-share agreements with Middle East Airlines, Saudia and Etihad.

New long-haul products and services

Air France-KLM is continuing to roll out new products and services aiming to be among the best in the world.

By the end of the 2015 summer season, the new Air France BEST cabins will equip 20 aircraft and fly to 18 long-haul destinations:

North America: Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Washington;
South America: Sao Paulo;
Africa: Bangui, Douala, Libreville, Malabo, Yaoundé;
Middle East: Beirut, Dubai;
Asia: Beijing, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda.

On its BEST fleet (Boeing 777-200 and 777-300), Air France is adapting to customer demand during the peak summer period (from mid-July to the end of August) by adjusting in just ten hours the seating configuration of its aircraft. This ‘quick change’ can replace certain Business class seats with additional Economy seats. These additional seats correspond to the operation of the 3 additional Boeing 777-200 during the entire season.

Above Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Boeing 747-406 PH-BFT (msn 28459) now wears the updated 2014 livery.

Furthermore, having renovated its World Business Class cabin on all its Boeing 747-400 (above), KLM is gradually equipping its Boeing 777-200 and then its 777-300 with its new World Business Class and Economy Class. At the end of 2016, 80% of KLM’s fleet will be equipped with fully renovated cabins.

MEDIUM-HAUL: -1.9%

For the 2015 summer season, the Group’s medium-haul capacity is continuing to readjust and is down by -1.9%.

On departure from the hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol

For the 2015 summer season, KLM is expanding its European network on departure from its hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol by adding three new destinations: Belfast (Northern Ireland), Krakow (Poland) and Montpellier (France). These new services will be operated from 18 May 2015 with one daily flight. Furthermore, the number of daily KLM flights to Florence and Basel is increasing from 3 to 4.

On departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France is adding a daily flight to Bordeaux (France), Naples (Italy), Billund (Denmark), Bucharest (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary). As of April 2015, the company will be introducing an upgraded product (greater flexibility for business trips, new gourmet attentions) as well as a new leather seat which will be progressively installed on board 24 Airbus A319s. This seat will subsequently equip 25 Airbus A320s during the first half of 2016.

On departure from Paris-Orly and the French regions

As from summer 2015, HOP! Air France is regrouping the entire short-haul network under a single commercial offer. This unified network includes all short-haul routes from Paris-Orly and the French regions. These routes are operated by Air France Airbus or HOP! regional aircraft.

Above Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Hop! For Air France ATR 42-500 F-GPYL (msn 542) taxies at Nantes, France.

HOP! Air France is continuing to restructure its network during summer 2015 –

On departure from Paris-Orly, HOP! Air France is rationalizing its offer to Toulouse, Strasbourg and Mulhouse by decreasing the number of frequencies while increasing the capacity of its aircraft.

On departure from the French regions, as a continuation of the adjustments initiated in the winter, HOP! Air France is suspending its international flights. However, to meet customer demand, certain destinations will still be operated during the summer holiday period, notably routes to Beirut and North Africa on departure from Marseille; Spain, Italy and Greece on departure from Toulouse; Tel Aviv and Athens on departure from Nice.

Transavia: +7.8%

As a continuation of the winter season, Transavia is continuing its rapid development in France (+30%) and is consolidating its operations in the Netherlands (-0.8%).

With the ambition to be the leading low-cost airline in terms of destinations from Paris-Orly in 2015, Transavia France is launching 10 new routes this summer:

– On departure from Paris-Orly: Valencia, Dublin, Munich, Thessaloniki, Tirana, Warsaw, Casablanca, Fez and Amsterdam.

– On departure from Nantes: Madrid.

Furthermore, the company is increasing frequencies on many routes including Barcelona, Madrid, Oporto and Lisbon.

Above Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Now painted in the old 2005 livery, Transavia’s (Netherlands) Boeing 737-7K2 PH-XRE (msn 30668) arrives in Las Palmas.

In the same way, Transavia Netherlands is concentrating its activity on the hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol, where it will offer new frequencies to Tel Aviv, Larnaca, Malta and Paris-Orly. The Company is also increasing its offer of flights to Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga, Pisa, Naples and Thessaloniki.

Transavia Netherlands will also operate a new route from Rotterdam-The Hague to Berlin. On departure from Eindhoven, the service launched to Athens in February 2015 will continue this summer.

To accompany this rapid growth, Transavia has ordered 20 Boeing 737-800, with 17 firm orders and another three options. These aircraft will support the rapid growth of Transavia France and the development of Transavia Netherlands. The delivery of these aircraft will begin in January 2016 and will continue until 2018.

Top Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati/AirlinersGallery.com. Air France’s Boeing 777-328 ER F-GZNE (msn 37432) in the SkyTeam alliance livery taxies to the runway at the Paris (CDG) hub.

Air France aircraft slide show: 

KLM aircraft slide show: 

Transavia (Netherlands) aircraft slide show: 

Transavia (France) aircraft slide show: 

Hop! Air France aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) as planned, has completed its acquisition of Flybe Nordic (Helsinki) and its Flybe Finland (formerly FinnComm Airlines) (Helsinki) airline subsidiary. Finnair issued this statement:

Finnair has acquired Flybe UK Ltd’s 60% ownership of Flybe Nordic for a transaction price of 1 euro, and Flybe Nordic will transfer to Finnair’s ownership on an interim basis. The transaction has been closed on March 31, 2015. Finnair continues discussions about the continued ownership of Flybe Nordic. Finnair and StaffPoint Holding Ltd and G.W. Sohlberg Ltd. signed on January 7, 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding about an arrangement according to which Staffpoint and GWS would own together 60% of Flybe Nordic shares.

“Last November Finnair and Flybe UK decided to discontinue their Flybe Nordic co-operation and agreed, that Flybe UK will sell its 60% ownership in the company to a potential new majority shareholder or Finnair. While the discussions with Staffpoint and GWS still continue, Finnair will now acquire Flybe UK’s share of Flybe Nordic. We hope to sign a new share purchase agreement in the coming months,” says Pekka Vauramo, Finnair CEO.

Flybe Nordic owns fully the Finnish subsidiary Flybe Finland, which operates with a total of 26 ATR and Embraer aircraft a substantial part of Finnair’s domestic and European routes as purchase traffic. Flights operated by Flybe Finland will continue normally.

“Finnair aims to find together with its partners a business model that would enable the development of regional flying in a financially sustainable way. We will take an important step to this direction at the beginning of May, when all routes operated by Flybe Finland at their own commercial risk will become a part of Finnair’s contract flying arrangements, as we have communicated earlier. Flybe Finland has also implemented several internal measures to improve the company’s financial position,” says Vauramo.

The ownership change of Flybe Nordic does not have any immediate impact on Finnair’s result. Finnair continuously monitors the balance sheet valuation related to the Flybe Finland cooperation and will inform about possible financial impacts in more detail in connection with its interim review on 7 May, 2015.

In other news, Finnair has announced it will introduce its first onboard Wi-Fi service in autumn 2015.

Finnair Board of Directors has approved an investment program for bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to the majority of Finnair’s wide-body and narrow-body fleet. The total value of the investment is approximately 30 MEUR.

Finnair will introduce its first onboard Wi-Fi service in autumn 2015, with the arrival of the first Finnair A350 XWB aircraft. In 2016, the company will start Wi-Fi installations in Finnair’s Airbus A330 long-haul aircraft as well as its European short-haul Airbus fleet. Installations are expected to be completed by 2018.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Copyright Photo: OSDU/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) OH-ATL (msn 851) of Flybe Finland lands at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Air Pegasus (India) (Bangalore) is a new airline in India. The new airline has received its AOC and is planning to commence scheduled passenger operations on April 12 with two 66-seat ATR 72-500s (ATR 72-212As) with a third copy coming.

The new airline is planning to operate in southern India from Bangalore to Hubli, Kochi and Trivandrum.

Read the full story from The Economic Times: CLICK HERE

All images by Air Pegasus.

BQB Lineas Aereas (Montevideo) has announced it will suspend operations on April 11. The airline commenced domestic and later regional operations in May 2010 as a subsidiary of ferry operator Buquebus. The airline is seeking additional investors and plans to resume operations.

The airline was operating two ATR 72-500s at the shutdown.

Read the full story from Argentina Airline News, Photography & Spotting: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero/AirlinersGallery.com. BQB Lineas Aereas ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) CX-LFL (msn 570) is pictured at the downtown Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires.

BQB aircraft slide show: 

Video: The airline previously operated the Airbus A319:

LIAT (Antigua) is once again facing an uncertain future as there are new fractures in the delicate inter-island ownership alliance.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda, according to the Antillean Media Group, is “furious over a leaked document which detailed plans for Barbados to divest its majority share in regional airline LIAT and to take several aircraft from its fleet to form a new airline”

Under the leaked report, Barbados has given the proposed new airline a code-named “Newco” handle. This new airline, if implemented, would compete against the gutted LIAT.

Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne has condemned the LIAT board and its proposed plan.

LIAT is currently owned by seven Caribbean governments, with three governments being the major shareholders (73.4%). Private shareholders (10%) and employees (5.3%) own the remaining shares.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. Barbados wants to take the new ATR 72-600s (ATR 72-212As) to form the new airline. V2-LIA (msn 1077) was delivered to LIAT on June 13, 2013.

LIAT aircraft slide show: 

LIAT’s current route map:

Video: A view from a DHC-8-300 cockpit:

Amaszonas Linea Aerea (La Paz, Bolivia) is making a big move. The small regional airline from Bolivia has agreed to acquire the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of grounded BQB Lineas Aereas (Montevideo) according to this report by our partner Argentina Airline News, Photography & Spotting.

Above Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Amaszonas Linea Aerea). BQB’s ATR ATR 72-212A (marketed as the ATR 72-500) CX-JPL (msn 816) is pictured at Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery).

Under the agreed plan, Amaszonas would initially lease the three BQB ATR 72-212As (above) of BQB and restore operations starting on May 4 to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) and Asuncion pending all approvals. BQB suspended operations on April 11.

BQB aircraft slide show: 

Amaszonas currently operates a fleet of Bombardier (Canadair) CRJ200 regional jets (above). Eventually it would replace the ATR 72s with more CRJ200s.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Amaszonas current route map:

Flybe Finland (Helsinki) will become Nordic Regional Airlines in May reflecting the recent change in ownership. The name change still requires approval by the Trade Register, which is expected to take place in early May.

According to the airline’s CEO Maunu Visuri, “The new name reflects our company’s core business, i.e. the regional flying. Our goal is to continue to be a high-quality and skilled Nordic airline to offer excellent service to their customers.”

A new look will be unveiled in the early summer and the transformation will be implemented in stages during 2015.

Flybe Finland aircraft slide show: 

All images by Flybe Finland.

Oman Air (Muscat) is phasing out its remaining ATR 42s and Embraer ERJ 175s. The four E175s will be gone by the end of this year or early 2016 according to a report by Travel Daily Media which quotes CEO Paul Gregorowitsch.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Oman Air’s Embraer ERJ 170-200STD (ERJ 175) A40-EA (msn 17000323) prepares to land in Dubai.

Oman Air aircraft slide show: 

Island Air (Honolulu) on June 1 will discontinue service to Kauai (LIH) and slightly adjust service between Honolulu and Maui (OGG) from eight round-trip flights a day to seven round-trips (Monday-Friday) and ten round-trip flights on weekends.

In addition, two of the Honolulu-Maui flights will continue on to Lanai (LNY) after picking up additional passengers in Maui, replacing five nonstop round-trips per day from Honolulu.

Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-American Eagle/Executive Airlines ATR 72-210 N342AT (msn 345) prepares for its next flight at the Honolulu base.

Island Air aircraft slide show: 

ASL Aviation Group (Dublin) is combining and rebranding its four European airlines under the same name. Air Contractors, Europe Airpost, Farnair Switzerland and Faranair Hungary will begin operating under the ASL Airlines brand. The group issued this statement:

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The International Paris Air Show returns. 106 years old and 50 shows on, number 51 is here and it promises to be another great show.

For those who don’t know, the Paris Air Show is a bi-annual event, with the Farnborough Air Show filling in the gap year, in which aircraft manufacturers from around the world, both civil and military, showcase their latest and greatest models to potential buyers and the viewing public; that is the ones that can afford to go. But don’t worry, if you can’t attend, World Airline News will be giving you day to day coverage of the new aircraft orders that are due to come in next week.

Here is a preview of what is to come.

We’ll start with the “home team”. Airbus comes to the show with a line up of commercial aircraft. With its A319, A320, A380 and A350-900 XWB all being on the static display, the Toulouse-based manufacturer will also fly its long-haul aircraft, surprisingly all in the grey and burgundy livery of Qatar Airways (below).

Above Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross/AirlinersGallery.com. Qatar Airways Airbus A350-941 A7-ALA (msn 006) is seen at Frankfurt, its first destination from Doha.

The A319 and A320 aircraft are not part of Airbus’ official roster, with both showcasing Qatar’s all business class cabin and the A320 displaying the Doha-based airline’s newly upgraded cabins including its 180-degree lie flat-beds, new 15.4 inch smart monitors and touch-screen remote control handsets as well as power, USB ports and connectivity for smart devices in Business Class.

Last time around, Airbus secured $68.7 billion worth of business for a total of 466 aircraft, which shows the resilience of the commercial aviation industry. The deals comprise Memorandum of Understanding agreements (MOUs) for 225 aircraft worth $29.4 billion and firm purchase orders for 241 aircraft worth $39.3 billion. The previous time around, the A350 was a brand new airliner and only made a cameo visit, flying briefly over Le Bourget Airport as a treat to the public. This time it’s goes into next week with three of new type in service with Qatar Airways and others soon to be delivered to Vietnam Airlines, Finnair and TAM respectively.

Video above: Airbus. Before the show, Airbus is featuring the first Airbus A330 delivery to Tunisair. More videos are expected next week.

For the A380, it may be “make or break” time. With orders for the Super Jumbo slowing down (none in the past year) and also with the delaying and deferring of delivery dates by some customers, Airbus will be hoping to attract new orders for their double-decker giant or more from their established customers. Airbus is reported to be looking at a revamp of the aircraft towards the end of this year. Could an A380neo or sharklet equipped variant be in the cards for next week? Seems a bit desperate in my opinion. The aircraft isn’t 10 years old yet. It took the rest of Airbus’ in service aircraft 27 years (A320) and 24 years (A330 – expected neo introduction) to introduce a major upgrade to its DNA. Either the A380 takes off again or it doesn’t (pun intended).

Airbus will also be looking to get some firm orders for it’s newest project, the A330neo. Since being launched at the Farnborough Air Show last year the new wide-body only has seven customers in Avolon, AirAsia X, Delta Air Lines, CIT Group, ALC, Hawaiian Airlines and TransAsia Airways. Other guaranteed orders will be for the Airbus’ A320 and A320neo types, with the latter due to have its first delivery by October of this year with Qatar Airways.

Above Copyright Photo: Royal S. King/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner VN-A861 (msn 35151) arrives back at Paine Field near Everett, Washington in Vietnam Airlines colors after a test flight.

The other side of the aviation coin, U.S. manufacturer Boeing comes to the show with three of it’s aircraft: The Boeing 777-300 ER (in China Airlines livery) and both variants of the 787 Dreamliner. The 787-9 makes it’s Paris debut in the colors of Vietnam Airlines (above), with the aircraft set to join the carrier soon after it leaves the show.

Photo Above: Boeing. Boeing 777-36N ER N5017Q (msn 43980) lands at Le Bourget Airport today. It will eventually become B-18002 for China Airlines.

As previously reported, the aircraft manufacturer released this stunning practice video (above).

The other two aircraft will be in the livery of China Airlines and guess whose colors the other is wearing? If you didn’t guess Qatar Airways, you need to keep up with the latest trends. Qatar Airways is really stealing the show this time around.

Boeing recently released figures predicting a demand for 38,050 new airplanes over the next 20 years, an increase of 3.5 percent from last year’s forecast. As we previously reported, Boeing released its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) on June 11, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $5.6 trillion.

Do the manufacturers stack up potential orders and MOUs prior to the show to release them during the show? The “numbers game” is important to the manufacturers.

Last time around in Paris, Boeing fell to second place with firm and provisional orders for 442 aircraft valued at more than $66 billion, narrowly behind Airbus. That was the year Boeing launched the 787-10 and 777X projects and will be hoping to rack up huge orders for their new long-haulers; with the stretched Dreamliner only having seven customers in ALC, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, International Airlines Group/British Airways, Etihad Airways, ANA-All Nippon Airways and GECAS.

Image above: Boeing. Qatar Airways also has placed an order for the new 777X.

The 777X is doing just as well with only six customers in Lufthansa, Etihad, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and ANA.

Boeing’s narrow-bodies are another miss for the show but you can guarantee an order for the 737NG and 737 MAX will be flying in (again, pun intended) and most likely carrying Boeing’s orders.

Another big miss for the show is the Boeing 747-8. The type is in the same situation as the A380, with orders slowing down and production most likely set to slow down once more from the current 1.5 aircraft per month. It’s quite surprising the manufacturer isn’t trying to advertise their “Sky Queen” to the best of their ability.

The eye catchers of the show are, without a doubt, Bombardier. Trying to steal Qatar Airways’ thunder by bringing along their CRJ1000 variant for the third show running, the Q400 NextGen and both of it’s CSeries family: the CS100 and the CS300, are both making their Farnborough debuts and are being included in the flying display.

Video above: Bombardier. The first CS100 in Swiss livery heads to Paris.

The first delivery of the CSeries Family will be to Swiss International Air Lines. The first copy is due to happen next year, and the CS100 will pay a visit to Zurich shortly after the show as a sample of what’s to come for the Lufthansa subsidiary. The CS300 will also visit Bombardier’s Belfast facility on June 19 where Bombardier’s employees and partners eagerly await the arrival of the first CS300 aircraft. It will mark the first time the CSeries aircraft and its Belfast-produced wing will fly on site. Last time around, Le Bourget Airport wasn’t a happy hunting ground for the Canadians, with the CSeries failing to capture a single aircraft order, the CRJ only capturing one order from Arik Air, and the Q400 only securing orders from Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air) and Arik Air. Bombardier will hope for a major improvement  and for this year to be more like Farnborough of last year, where a total of 74 orders were captured.

Video above: The Bombardier CS300 ferries to Le Bourget Airport.

Video above: The Q400 in Falcon Aviation livery heads to Paris.

Video above: The CRJ manufacturing at the Montreal Mirabel plant.

The rest of the major players: ATR, Embraer and Sukhoi, will display one aircraft each. With the Brazilians displaying their ERJ 135, the French-Italians showing off their ATR 72-600 in the colors of Air New Zealand Link, and the Russians exhibiting the Superjet 100 in the colors of Interjet, marking the second anniversary of the first aircraft being delivered to the airline.

For ATR it’s more of the same, marketing their ATR 42 and 72 products. Le Bourget 2013 went down as the best show in ATR’s history, with the turboprop manufacturer announcing orders for 173 planes, including 83 firm orders, with the total value of the contracts exceeding $4.1billion; creating a new record for them. Unless they’re planning a shock reveal of the ATR 42/72-700/800/900, it will be business as usual.

Video above: The building of Lion Group’s 50th ATR 72-600.

For Embraer they will hope 2015 is just as good for them as Paris 2013 was. Two years ago, the E-Jets E2 was officially launched and they were the standout performers of the show, taking Day 1 by storm with the E2 dominating the orders when they announced the sale of over 300 customers, with the majority belonging to SkyWest Airlines and ILFC, and the rest going to unnamed customers around the world. For them, it is a case of gaining more orders for the E2 and maybe current generation of E-Jets.

Video above: Embraer. Embraer E2 – The Power of 2.

Sukhoi displayed this Superjet 100 at the previous Paris Air Show. Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss.

For Sukhoi, it’s the same situation. 2013 only got the SuperJet one order from Ilyushin Finance, with two of those aircraft going to VLM at some point next year. They will hope to go one better than the big zero they got last year at Farnborough.

The non-flying aircraft of the show: the Irkut MC-21 and the COMAC C919, may bring in a few orders at the show but only time will tell.

The Financial Times told us not to expect much from this year’s aviation event; but don’t let that deter you from keeping up to date on proceedings at Le Bourget Airport. We’ll be watching in anticipation and ready to update you on anything and everything. Nous vous verrons la semaine prochaine.

Assistant Editor Oliver Wilcock reporting from Manchester.

Video below: Boeing. Boeing is celebrating its historic relationship with the United Kingdom prior to the show:

Trujet (Turbo Megha Airways dba) (Hyderabad) has identified 18 Tier II cities in southern India as prospective destinations in its new regional network. The company hopes to launch operations soon pending final approvals.

The new airline is leasing ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) 9M-TAG (858) from Berjaya Air in their new livery.

According to the carrier, the “Trujet” brand and name (above) signifies “Unfolding the True Indian Sky” and the colorful “Peacock” logo represents India (National Bird) and its vibrancy.

The prospective airline describes its activities:

Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd had obtained NOC to operate Scheduled Air Transport (Regional) Services from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India. We’d be operating the schedule operations under the brand name Trujet. We have received our first ATR-72 500 aircraft (72 seats) and are in the process to receive the second one. We are undergoing the regulatory approvals process of getting our AOP and expect to start operations very soon!

Japan Air Commuter Company, Ltd (JAC) (Kagoshima) – a JAL Group Company and ATR announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of eight firm ATR 42-600s, plus 1 option and 14 purchase rights.

The signature of this deal represents a major milestone for ATR, as it represents the 1500th ATR aircraft sold since the beginning of the program. It is also the first contract signed between ATR and a Japanese airline.

The operations with these new 50-seat ATR 42-600s will start in 2017 with the remaining aircraft to be delivered over the next three years. With its brand new fleet, Japan Air Commuter will replace its current regional aircraft on its main routes as well as on operations to smaller islands of the country. The state-of-the-art ATR42-600 turboprop is equipped with a glass cockpit incorporating the newest navigation technologies, -also available on the A380-. The aircraft are also equipped with the new ‘Armonia’ cabin, featuring the latest standards of comfort, including large overhead bins, LED lightening and more legroom for passengers.

Founded in 1983, Japan Air Commuter is a JAL Group Company with Japan Airlines holding 60 percent as its principal shareholder, and the remaining shares jointly held by the 12 Municipalities of the Amami Islands of Kagoshima, Kyushu. Based in Kagoshima Airport, Japan Air Commuter operates 21 aircraft, 141 daily departures on 27 routes, and serves as the essential public air transport means for 1.8 million passengers annually between the beautiful Amami islands and Western Japan.

Top Image: ATR.

Binter Canarias – Lineas Aereas de Canarias (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands) today signed an agreement for the purchase of six new ATR 72-600 aircraft, following their first batch for six ATR 72-600s in February 2014, bringing total orders for ATR aircraft to thirty.

The new ATR order is a part of the Binter’s fleet modernization and network improvements program. By progressively replacing its current fleet of aging turboprops with the modern and fuel efficient ATR-600s, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design.

Deliveries of the 72-seat ATR-600 aircraft commence this year and will be completed by 2017.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Binter currently operates a fleet of 16 ATR 72-500s. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) EC-KSG (msn 907) approaches the runway on Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

Binter Canarias aircraft slide show: 

Air KBZ (Air Kanbawza) (Yangon) will start its first international route on August 1. The airline will launch a new route linking Yangon with Chiang Mai, Thailand per China Daily.

Air KBZ commenced scheduled passenger operations on domestic routes on April 2, 2011.

Copyright Photo: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) XY-AJJ (msn 1085) taxies at the Yangon base.

Air KBZ aircraft slide show: 

Cebu Pacific Air (Manila) ordered 16 ATR72 -600 from ATR, the European Turboprop aircraft manufacturer. At the Paris Air Show, Cebu Pacific and ATR announced that the deal includes options to acquire an additional 10 ATR72-600s, valuing the total aircraft order at $673 million, based on current list prices.

The order is part of Cebu Pacific’s fleet renewal program. Cebu Pacific currently operates a fleet of eight ATR 72-500 aircraft, which will be retired as the new aircraft enter service. The entry into service of the ATR 72-600 will see Cebu Pacific double its Turboprop fleet with new generation aircraft to meet growing demand in the Philippines for inter-island service.

The ATR 72-600 ordered by Cebu Pacific will be equipped, for the first time, with the high density Armonia cabin, the widest cabin in the turboprop market. It will be equipped with 78 slim-line seats and wider overhead bins with 30% more stowage space. These new technological innovations further enhance space and comfort for passengers.

About 330 ATRs – including more than 100 ATR 72-600s – are currently operated by 55 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, where for many years now, are seen as the reference regional aircraft. The ATR 72-600 has the lowest seat per mile cost on the 70 seat segment, with significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to similar class aircraft.

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. CEB currently operates a fleet of 55 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 31 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft.

Between 2015 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of seven more brand-new Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Image: ATR.

Cebu Pacific Air aircraft slide show: 

ATR and Sweden-based Braathens Aviation (Braathens Regional) (Stockholm-Bromma) today signed a contract for the purchase of five ATR 72-600s and 10 optional aircraft as part of the company’s fleet upgrade strategy. Deliveries will commence at the end of 2015.

The new aircraft, which will seat 72 passengers, will be operated on the carrier’s regional services in Sweden.. The ATR 72-600 will join an existing fleet of 5 ATR 72-500 airplanes operated by Braathens Regional from its base at Bromma Airport (Stockholm City Airport). The new ATR planes will enable Braathens Aviation to press on with an expansion plan and replace aging Saab 2000 units, while its overall ATR fleet will grow.

Braathens Regional is currently an operating carrier for SAS, Malmö Aviation and Sverigeflyg. Braathens Regional also performs charter operations within Europe. The company fleet consists of five ATR 42/72 aircraft, 11 SAAB 2000 and one SAAB 340. Today, Braathens Regional employs approximately 250 employees, with 8 bases in the Nordic region.

Image: ATR.

Air New Zealand (Auckland) today received its most recent ATR 72-600.

On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, held today at the Paris Air Show, the airline announced as well the purchase of an additional ATR 72-600 aircraft. Since 2011, Air New Zealand has purchased a total of 14 ATR 72-600s. Deliveries of the ATR 72-600 aircraft will continue until 2017. Once delivered, Air New Zealand will have 25 ATR aircraft in its fleet, including 11 ATR 72-500s and 14 ATR 72-600s.

The introduction of this additional ATR 72-600 aircraft marks yet another step in Air New Zealand’s fleet modernization strategy. The new ATR aircraft will join airline’s existing fleet of 6 other ATR 72-600s and 11 ATR 72-500s. The new aircraft will enter service in July across Air New Zealand’s regional domestic network.

As with other recent deliveries to Air New Zealand, the 68-seat ATR 72-600 is equipped with the most advanced technology for the aircraft type, including a new glass cockpit avionics suite and updated cabin interiors.

The new ATR 72-600 will be operated by Mount Cook Airline for Air New Zealand.

Copyright Photo: Oliver Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEC (msn 1228) became ZK-MVF on delivery.

Air New Zealand aircraft slide show: 

Air New Zealand-Mount Cook aircraft slide show: 

Bahamasair (Nassau), the national flag carrier of Bahamas, has placed a firm order for two ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, thus becoming a new ATR customer.

Bahamasair’s first ATRs will be delivered before the end of 2015.

The new generation ATRs will allow Bahamasair to upgrade its fleet allowing the airline to solidify excellent passenger experience on both domestic and regional routes from the airline’s main base at Nassau. The 70-seat ATR 72-600s are the perfect solution to bolster and complement the airline’s current Boeing 737 fleet, while the 50-seat ATR 42-600s are very well adapted to connect Bahamas Islands.

Image: ATR.

Bahamasair aircraft slide show: 

United Airlines (Chicago) and Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras (Azul Brazilian Airlines) (Sao Paulo) today (June 26) announced a new strategic partnership in which United will acquire an approximate 5 percent stake in Azul, Brazil’s third-largest airline, paving the way for the carriers to cooperate on a range of customer benefits including codesharing of flights (subject to government approval), expanded connection opportunities on routes between the United States and Brazil, in addition to other points in North and South America, and joint loyalty-program participation.

Through a wholly owned subsidiary, United will invest $100 million for its economic stake in Azul, which includes one seat on Azul’s board of directors.

As a result of the partnership, United and Azul will expand their frequent flyer loyalty agreement.

Copyright Photo Above: Rodrigo Cozzato/AirlinersGallery.com. The announcement ceremony in Sao Paulo today.

United began serving Brazil in 1992, with flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The airline currently operates five daily flights to Brazil from its Chicago (O’Hare), Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Newark and Washington (Dulles) hubs.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. United Airlines’ Boeing 777-222 ER N229UA (msn 30557) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.

United Airlines aircraft slide show: 

Azul aircraft slide show: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 727-202 PR-AZS (msn 523) arrives at the Viracopos International Airport (Campinas) base serving the Campinas area near Sao Paulo.