Page 36 - AAA JULY - AUGUST 2013 Online Magazine

AIRLINES

AIRLINES

Boeing estimates 35,000
new planes over 20 years

Boeing has released its annual Current
Market Outlook, and estimates the
number of aircraft globally will expand
by 100% over the next two decades.
Asia Pacific, including China, will likely
lead the way in total deliveries. In the
Boeing, TAI deliver education report, Boeing asserted it expects total
Thai Airways International (TAI) has the supplies and pleased that Thai sales of new aircraft to exceed 35,000
jumped on the CSR bandwagon with Airways International can carry them over this time period, vavlued at over
an initiative to deliver 1,000 backpacks to children in Thailand,” he said. The US$4.8 trillion. “This forecast gives us
full of school supplies such as pencils, backpacks, which will be delivered confidence as we increase our production
paper and crayons to underprivileged across the country on TAI’s newest 777- rates and invest in new products like the
children across Thailand. TAI president 300ER, will be distributed locally – but 777X and 787-10X,”said Randy Tinseth,
Dr Sorajak Kasemsuvan said that the at present there is no word on whether VP of Marketing, Boeing Commercial
initiative, co-sponsored by Boeing, the cost of delivery (airtime, extra jet Airplanes. Market watchers will note,
would help children in less well-off fuel etc) would have been better spent however, that this upbeat forecast will
areas to get a start in education. “I on conventionally delivered supplies to be shared amongst a wider range of
am thankful to Boeing for providing even more school destinations. manufacturers than presently in the
market, with new competitors to the
Airbus-Boeing duopoly coming from
China, Russia, Canada and Brazil.

Etihad expands

Etihad has signed a new codeshare
agreement with Korean Air, South
Korea’s largest airline for flights
between Seoul (Incheon) and Abu
Dhabi. Etihad President and CEO
James Hogan said the partnership
Firefly buzzes with first ATR 72-600 was a significant development in both
strategic and commercial terms.
Malaysia-based regional airline Firefly connectivity” amongst the airline’s “Korean investment in infrastructure
has taken ownership of its first brand- widely distributed ASEAN destinations. and projects in the UAE (approximately
new turboprop ATR 72-600 short- The new aircraft are scheduled to US$29 billion since 2009) has been
haul aircraft. The first of an order of enter service around mid-July. “We a catalyst for diplomatic, business
20 ATRs, with 16 further options, the are thrilled to finally receive our new and cultural exchange and a major
delivery is a significant bonus for the aircraft,” said Ignatius Ong, CEO of contributor to the growth of travel
EADS-derived ATR operation. With Firefly. ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato added between the two countries,” he said.
this sizeable fleet expansion, Firefly that the deal was a significant one for “The new codeshare … will enable the
expects to rapidly increase capacity on ATR in the key Asian market, and said, airlines to leverage the strength of
its domestic network, as well as offer “It is great to see the ATR 72s play an their brands for mutual commercial
what it describes as “better customer integral role in Firefly’s success.” and customer benefit,” he added.

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