25 Jun 2018

China Aviation News Newsletter 25 June

Cathay Pacific becomes second operator of the A350-1000 widebody Cathay Pacific Airways has become the second airline to operate the A350-1000. The airline took delivery of the aircraft at a special event in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of 20 A350-1000s ordered by Cathay Pacific and will join the carrier’s growing fleet of A350 XWB aircraft, which already includes 22 A350-900s. Paul Loo, Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, says: “We already have one of the youngest long-haul fleets in the sky, and with the arrival of the A350-1000, our fleet is only going to get younger. The aircraft follows the successful entry of the A350-900 variant which has enabled us to expand our long-haul network at a near unprecedented rate. The A350-1000 has an incredible range, is remarkably fuel efficient and quiet, provides customers with an unsurpassed cabin environment and has extremely attractive operating economics.” China's general airplane flies into African market The LE500, the first Chinese general plane model to enter the African market, has completed a successful first flight in South Africa, according to China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). Two LE500 planes, dubbed Little Eagle 500 in Chinese, have successfully conducted their first flights at a pilot training school in South Africa, said the state-owned aviation giant. China’s Sichuan Airlines applies for Boston service According to Air Transport World (20 June) China’s Sichuan Airlines is seeking approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to open service to Boston accelerating its international expansion. The carrier plans to launch the service on 17 December with twice-weekly flights operated by an Airbus A350-900. China Airlines to Launch Kaohsiung - Hong Kong - Jakarta Flights China Airlines will launch flights between Kaohsiung and Jakarta via Hong Kong on 1 July 2018. The daily service will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft. China To Raise Pilot Retirement Age to 62 After much thought and debate, China plans to raise the retirement age of pilots working with local airlines from 60 to 62 in 2021 as part of its plan to help ease an acute shortage. According to Chinese state projections, the country’s airlines will require 5,000 pilots per year to meet the rapid expansion and growth of the local civil aviation industry. China’s aviation market grew 13.1 percent in 2017, as 549.7 million Chinese traveled that year. Doric Opens Hong Kong Office Doric has officially established its presence in Asia Pacific with the opening of an office in Hong Kong, one of the world’s largest financial hubs. Anup Mysoor, who spent 14 years in the region, will be responsible for the Hong Kong office, in addition to his continuing duties towards investor coverage and aviation. First mainland airline to get new A350 by year-end Airbus plans to deliver the first of its new Airbus A350 to a Chinese mainland carrier by the end of the year, and it is bullish on the nation's demand for widebody aircraft, fueled by fast-growing long-haul international routes. Hong Kong Airlines currently operates four A350s, and Cathay Pacific Airlines received its first A350-1000 last Wednesday. "It has been undecided which Chinese mainland airline will get the first A350, and it would depend on the specific demand of airlines," said Hu Qin, marketing manager of Airbus China. Grounded COMAC C919 test aircraft fly again after modifications The first two Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) C919 flight test aircraft returned to the air on June 22 after weeks on the ground for what industry sources described as modifications reported Air Transport World 22 June. Hong Kong billionaire family buys Irish aircraft leasing firm Hong Kong’s billionaire Cheng family has acquired an Irish aircraft leasing firm Goshawk Aviation, owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and NWS Holdings, agreed to buy a unit of Sky Aviation Leasing International that has grown into a $3 billion (€2.6 billion) business, according to a June 21st statement from investment groups selling the asset. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and set to close in the third quarter. Acumen Aviation © 24 June All Rights Reserved.