The Farnborough International Air Show has convened again this year, marking a key event for the aerospace industry.
Held biennially, Farnborough traditionally serves as a key UK platform for showcasing advancements and fostering industry collaboration.
Major manufacturers – notably Boeing, Airbus and regionals Embraer and ATR – typically leverage the event to unveil new technologies and potentially secure new orders.
Farnborough Air Show 2024
However, uncertainty has surrounded the 2024 edition for the US plane manufacturer. Boeing, a longstanding industry leader has been mired in recent quality and production issues.
This has seen it take a more subdued profile at this year’s Farnborough showing. Ahead of the air show opening, Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope signaled Boeing’s focus on production and delivery, rather than new aircraft orders.
That being said, Boeing has been at the forefront of new order announcements on Day One of the event.
Having dominated the morning’s order proceedings, Airbus locked in its first firm order, which included its new A321XLR variant, in the afternoon session.
Let’s recap the major events of FIA2024 Day 1:
Boeing
With the global air cargo market showing consistent rebound signals in recent months, a freighter order led Boeing’s new order entries for the opening day.
National Air Cargo 777 Freighter Order
The first commercial order of the day from Boeing is a deal signed with National Air Cargo for 4 777-200 Freighters.
This is currently the longest-range twin-engine freighter with unrivalled payload capacity. The 777 Freighter will help maximize the airline’s commercial cargo service and boost market share across its global operations.
“We are elated by this remarkable order of four Boeing 777 Freighters,” said Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Airlines.
” This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers’ increasing transportation demands.”
“The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National. We sincerely appreciate the support by Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead.”
The 777 Freighters will join National Airline’s expanding fleet of nine 747-400 freighters.
Korean Air 777 and 787 Widebody Order
Boeing followed up National freighter order with a 40-strong widebody order. Korean Air ordered 20 777-9X aircraft & 20 firm 787-10s, with options for 10.
This represents a major milestone for the aircraft program and for Boeing. Korean Air now becomes a new customer of the 777X.
Korean Air’s selection of the 777-9 and 787-10 supports planned growth and renewal of its fleet. The objective is to meet size, range and capacity to reach high-demand markets in Europe and North America.
It will also operate them on popular regional routes within Asia. These widebody jets will enhance its fleet while adding flexibility to its global network. This move comes ahead of its anticipated merger with Asiana Airlines.
Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air offered comment on the order. “The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet,”
Luxair 737-10 Order
Luxair has today placed an order for two single-aisle 737-10 airplanes with options for two more. The Farnborough 2024 order comes a year after the airline purchased the Boeing 737-7 and 737-8 models.
In addition to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the 737 MAXs will help create a 50 percent smaller noise footprint. The idea is to reduce noise generated by takeoffs and landings at Luxembourg Airport.
Luxair plans to operate its new 737-10s to offer passengers a minimum of 30-inch seat pitch. In this configuration, the aircraft can fly up to 213 passengers.
The European carrier currently operates a regional fleet of 21 airplanes, including two leased 737-8s and eight Next-Generation 737s.
Japan Airlines 787 Dreamliner Order
Another widebody order fell Boeing’s way, with Japan’s flag carrier committing to 10 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 10 more.
This adds to JAL’s current fleet of more than 50 of the popular Boeing widebody jet. The airline currently operates both 787-8 and 787-9 variants on long-haul operations.
Lufthansa Technik – 787 BLSC
On the technical front, Boeing has designated Lufthansa Technik as the first Boeing-licensed Service Center (BLSC) for cabin modifications on 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
As a BLSC, Lufthansa Technik is licensed to perform interior modifications on the 787. It acts as an external MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) service provider.
Lufthansa Technik will start its first 787 cabin modification project in 2025.
Airbus
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus eased into Farnborough Air Show FIA 2024 rather more sedately on Day 1, with a focus on furthering green aviation initiatives.
Airbus and Airports Council International (ACI) World association signed a cooperation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation at Farnborough this morning.
This alliance will address key areas including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operations efficiency, and aircraft noise management practices.
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines A320neo & A321XLR
Airbus opened its new aircraft order proceedings with a single aisle order which included its new A321XLR (Extra Long Range) variant.
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft.
The new aircraft are anticipated to start delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub.
From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, South East Asia and Australia. Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.
Summary: Farnborough Air Show Day 1
A positive opening for the US plane manufacturer Boeing on Day One of the Farnborough Air Show.
Notably, first day orders included the widebody 787 and single aisle 737 MAX variants, which have been the proverbial thorns in Boeing’s side with recent production and safety issues.
The firm orders for these variants straight off the bat on Day One may come as a welcome perceptual win for the beleaguered manufacturer.
With many watching how the US manufacturer fares in the event this year, the next couple of days will certainly garner further interest.
For Airbus, a satisfying opening order which included the new A321XLR extended range variant. The aircraft has recently received type certification from EASA, paving the way for its entry-into-service.
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