FARNBOROUGH – Embraer & Boeing have stolen the show today with more orders for the MAX as well as a huge letter of intent for the next-generation turboprops.
Airbus is having a very slow week thus far, only securing one firm order today, which gives them a figure to add to the scoreboard.
Boeing has also been able to secure its first orders for the 787 Dreamliner in the air show, which means the American plane maker has added to the backlog on all of its main programs.
Boeing Secures Strong Momentum on 737 MAX Program
Boeing has sold another 70+ MAX aircraft today, with the main source of business today coming from leasing companies.
The manufacturer started things off with 777 Partners, who placed an order for 66 737 MAX aircraft, consisting of both the MAX 8 and MAX 200 Gamechanger aircraft.
These aircraft will be bound for Bonza in Australia and Flair in Canada.
“This new order marks another milestone in the robust growth of our aviation businesses and concurrently, our partnership with Boeing,” said Josh Wander, managing partner of 777 Partners.
“We are excited about the possibilities the MAX aircraft provide our growing group of carriers to facilitate and democratize low-cost travel around the globe while respecting our commitment to sustainable flying.”
“777 Partners is leveraging the cost efficiencies of the 737-8 and 737-8-200 for its diverse network of airlines, while also providing an excellent passenger experience and meeting sustainability goals,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“777 Partners has had tremendous success establishing new carriers worldwide with the 737-8, and the 737-8-200 will allow for continued growth as an even more efficient addition to its portfolio.”
After that, AerCap was announced as the next customer announcement, with the leasing giant topping up its portfolio with five 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This order means that the company’s orderbook for this is at 125 aircraft.
“AerCap is the world’s largest 787 customer and we are very pleased to strengthen that position with this order for five additional aircraft,” said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap.
“This transaction is in line with our portfolio strategy of investing in the most in-demand new technology assets and will help us continue to support our airline customers meet their sustainability commitments.”
“AerCap oversees a world-class leasing portfolio, epitomized by the most utilized widebody in the industry, the 787 Dreamliner,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
“With its unparalleled fuel efficiency and passenger appeal, the 787 Dreamliner family is playing a major role in sustaining, reopening and pioneering new routes in the long-haul travel market.”
Next, Aviation Capital Group signed for 12 737 MAX 8 aircraft, expanding the lessor’s orderbook to 34 aircraft. This was built upon a previous order for nine MAX 8s back in May 2022.
The last order of the day came from BBAM Aircraft Leasing who placed an order for nine 737-800BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighter). This new deal takes BBAM’s orderbook to 40 aircraft.
“We continue to extend the life of the 737-800s in our fleet and support strong demand from our customers by further growing our 737-800BCF order book,” said John Lynch, Senior Vice President, Head of Freighter Programs at BBAM.
“By taking conversion slots at KF Aerospace in Canada, we are delighted to leverage Boeing’s global network of conversion lines to offer our customers convenience and flexibility by being where they need us to be.”
“Our partnership with BBAM on the 737-800BCF began with an order for three conversions in 2020, and after a series of incremental orders, BBAM is now one of the largest customers for the 737-800BCF with orders for 40 of the type,” said Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing’s commercial modifications, engineering & specialty products business.
“We are honored by BBAM’s continued trust in Boeing and are pleased to offer high-quality and reliable conversion capacity across a global network of MRO suppliers, where our customers need it most.”
This means in total that around 92 aircraft have been sold today, which brings their total sales count at Farnborough to over 200 aircraft. The manufacturer has been dominating its rival Airbus in this airshow so far. There is still a couple of days left to roll in this airshow, however.
Embraer Signs Blockbuster LoI For Future Generation Turboprops
Embraer looks like they did exactly what they did four years ago. Announce their orders all in one go.
They have signed a deal with Alaska’s Horizon Air for 8 E175-E1 aircraft, valued at $1.12bn, which adds more to the E1 backlog. In this deal, there are options for 13 more units if they so choose to exercise.
Mark Neely, VP Americas, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “The E175 is the backbone of the US regional network, feeding airport hubs across the country as well as producing the connectivity all communities need to thrive, both economically and socially.”
“While this market is currently under pressure, it is essential that carriers are able to provide these essential services to the entire United States.”
“The Embraer E175, with 85% market share in its segment, is keeping the US on the move and in touch.”
“The E175 is an extremely efficient aircraft,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances for Alaska Airlines.
“The jet is the perfect aircraft to serve Horizon’s regional network in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”
“Our guests will enjoy a consistent, three-class cabin experience as they travel from smaller communities to catch flights across Alaska’s larger hubs or on one of our many global airline partners.”
However, in some good news for the E195-E2 program, Canadian carrier Porter Airlines signed for 20 units of the type, valued at $1.56bn. Porter will be using these aircraft as part of wider fleet renewal and for better cost efficiencies.
Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said, “Embraer has a proven aircraft, representing the best of environmental efficiency, operating performance and passenger comfort.”
“We are in final preparations to introduce the E195-E2 to North America, joining other global airlines already benefiting from its use.”
“The aircraft will become core to our fleet, as Porter reshapes passenger expectations for air travel in same way we did over 15 years ago.”
“Announcements are forthcoming that will detail our initial routes, in-flight product and other details.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “Porter Airlines’ ambition for growth while delivering an upgraded passenger experience is set to shake up the industry in North America.”
“With 50 E2s now on firm order, Porter is set to make a stunning debut as North American launch customer for the E195-E2.”
“Their commitment today to a further 20 jets, so soon after their first order, demonstrates the unbeatable performance and economics of the E2 family; the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the segment.”
“The E195-E2 also delivers 25% lower carbon emissions than previous generation aircraft.”
Porter will be the launch customer for the E195-E2 in Canada and the rest of North America.
Then the highlight of that briefing was the Letter of Intent signed my multiple airlines for the Turboprop Next Generation Program, with 250 aircraft sold. The key to this is that no lessors are amongst the customer list, which is an impressive feat for Embraer.
Embraer expects to launch the new turboprop platform in early/mid 2023, and will be the beginning of a new generation with sustainability at the forefront of this.
Airbus Adds to A220 Backlog
Airbus featured an addition to the A220 backlog with an order from Delta Air Lines today. The airline will receive an additional 12 A220-300s, bringing the total backlog to around 107 aircraft.
“The A220-300 is economical, efficient and delivers superior performance,” said Mahendra Nair, S.V.P. – Fleet & TechOps Supply Chain at Delta.
“These additional aircraft in the A220 Family are an excellent investment for our customers and employees and will be fundamental as we work toward a more sustainable future for air travel.”
“Delta was the U.S. launch customer for the A220 and it is great to announce this incremental order that demonstrates how satisfied it is with the A220, economically and from a passenger perspective,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
“On top of that, the versatility of this aircraft with the long range and short airfield performance makes it a real winner for our customers. Thank you, Delta, for your confidence in further expanding your fleet with all our new generation aircraft!”
This order means that Airbus gets some numbers onto the scoreboard, but still have a long way to go for when it comes to trailing Boeing.
Another Strong Day for ATR
ATR have had a strong day today, securing the sale of just the one ATR 42-600 through Oriental Air Bridge (ORC).
This continues ATR’s sales in the Japanese region, especially with the previous order from Feel Air yesterday for up to 36 aircraft.
Kazuhito Tanaka, ORC Senior Managing Director and Representative Director, says “We will start renewing our fleet with the most efficient, affordable and responsible aircraft in the market.”
“With our ATR 42-600, we are investing in a responsible future in line with our strong commitment to operate in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.”
“Our ATR aircraft will allow us to revitalise remote islands around Nagasaki Prefecture by providing lifeline connections with high efficiency and reliable services thanks to our ATR Global Maintenance Agreement.”
“Overseas travel restrictions will be gradually relaxed. We hope many people visit Japan and enjoy the trip by ORC in the remote island of Nagasaki where some beautiful world heritages are located.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, comments “Air routes constitute an essential part of the archipelago’s domestic travel and transportation and as such taking a brand new aircraft with optimised support from the manufacturer is the perfect choice.”
“Our aircraft have demonstrated that they are the right solution to Japan’s requirements, now and in the future.”
“We are pleased to count ORC as one of our new customers and to be able to support them with a common purpose: to provide reliable and sustainable essential connections for communities and businesses from remote places.”
Later on in the afternoon, ATR announced another order. This time from leasing company Abelo. They have signed on for 10 ATR 72-600s, which will join the previously ordered 10 ATR 42-600 STOL aircraft made in 2019 under the Elix Aviation name pre-merger.
Steve Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Abelo, said: “We firmly believe that turboprops are the technology of today and tomorrow and this is why we are investing in the ATR platform.”
“This new deal is further proof of our commitment to create growth and value for regional operators, providing them with the most modern, profitable and sustainable aircraft on the market.”
“As we are looking to expand and become the go-to lessor of turboprops, our strong links with ATR will prove invaluable.” Stefano Bortoli, ATR Chief Executive Officer, commented
“Abelo is a perfect partner for ATR and a force to be reckoned with in the regional aviation market. With today’s order for 20 aircraft, they demonstrate their long-term confidence in our product family and shine a light on the many opportunities that exist for operators across the globe.”
“The financial community and leasing companies in particular have been unswerving supporters of ATR throughout the years, and will keep playing a key role.”
ATR are creeping ever closer towards the triple figure mark, and this will no doubt continue as the airshow progresses today.
The Scoreboard
| Manufacturer | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Total |
| Airbus | 0 | 12 | 12 | |||
| Boeing | 130 | 92 | 222 | |||
| Embraer | 0 | 278 | 278 | |||
| ATR | 36 | 21 | 57 |
This scoreboard will be handling firm orders, Memorandum of Understandings, Letter of Intents as one collective figure. Conversion orders are not applicable in this table.
Overall
It has been a far busier day here at Farnborough today, and Embraer currently leads out of the pack, with Boeing coming second and ATR in third.
Airbus still has to announce some more orders, but again we have a lot of time to go until the airshow concludes on Friday.
Boeing have done incredible work continuing on the sales success of the MAX, as well as acquiring orders for the Dreamliner today too.
With a grand total of 549 aircraft sold across the four manufacturers, this airshow is beginning to get active with orders. And that is exactly what the industry will need going forward.
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