Industry FIA 2018: All orders from day 3

Altogether, the third day at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018 (FIA2018), one of the most important exhibitions for the aviation industry, saw announcements of 246 aircraft for five manufacturers. Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, ATR and Leonardo Helicopters announced new aircraft for its customers.

Undoubtedly, Boeing was the leading manufacturer in today´s race for new firm orders and commitments. The U.S. - American carrier won VietJet to sign an agreement for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, The Memorandum of Understanding includes the commitment for 80 737 MAX 10s and 20 737 MAX 8s. The deal is valued at more than $12.7 billion according to current list prices.

Furthermore, the manufacturer published the news, that four customers have signed commitments for altogether 93 737 MAX aircraft. However, Boeing did not mention these customers. The company just stated, that the commitments are coming from the airline and aircraft leasing industries. Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company commented: "Today's announcement is yet more proof of the strong demand that we continue to see around the world for the 737 MAX airplane family [...] The best-in-class capabilities of the 737 MAX - its superior efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort – are driving the long-term success of this popular program."

Boeing´s main rival, Airbus, was able to announce a total of 33 aircraft today. At first, an undisclosed customer ordered six Airbus A330neo Family aircraft. The deal was entitled as Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, Mexican carrier Viva Aerobus firmed up an order for 25 Airbus A321neo aircraft. Moreover, the carrier converted 16 of its current A320neo orders into A321neos. The carrier currently operates with a four-aircraft strong Neo fleet.

Today´s last order for Airbus comes from Uganda Airlines, the flag carrier of Uganda. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for two A330-800neo. The carrier will build up an international long-haul network and the A330-800neo will help the airline to achieve that goal, seating a total of 261 passengers in a three-class configuration. After all, it is the only order for the A330-800neo variant so far, after Hawaiian Airlines jumped off and changed to order B787-9 aircraft. Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330neo customers, the A330neo will bring a range of benefits offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with the most modern cabin. We look forward to see the A330-800neo flying in the colours of Uganda.”

Uganda Airlines signed a deal for a firm order for 4 new Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets as well, the manufacturer confirmed. The order is valued at approximately $190 million, according to list prices. Uganda Airlines will utilize the CRJ900 in a two-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats.

Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters announced two orders today. QME Mining Equipment Ltd of Ireland ordered a sole AW109 GrandNew helicopter. The second customer, Specialist Aviation Services (SAS), ordered a single AW169 helicopter for the UK EMS market.

European turboprop specialized manufacturer ATR was able to confirm to orders as well. Colombian carrier EasyFly announced a Memorandum of Understanding for five ATR turboprops. The MoU includes the commitment for three ATR 72-600s and two ATR 42-600s.

Second customer for ATR was Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd. The operator is a subsidiary in the JAL Group Company and signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of two firm ATR 42-600s. The airline holds options to order a third turboprop. ATR Chief Executive Officer, Christian Scherer, said: “We are delighted to see that ATR is the right aircraft for Japan. With economics that are unmatched by any other aircraft the ATR makes perfect sense financially but beyond this, JAL Group’s endorsement is testimony to the relevance of our product in a most advanced society that is concerned with comfort, environmentally-friendliness and the benefits of regional connectivity.”