Page 28 - AAA JULY - AUGUST 2015 Online Magazine

NEWS

INduSTRy NEWS ANd uPdATES

Transaero Airlines Takes
Delivery of Airbus A321
Russian airline Transaero has taken
delivery of its maiden A321, as part of its
contract with ICBC Leasing Company.
Transaero has chosen to configure
the A321 in a two-class 184 passenger
Gulfstream G500 Completes Five Flights layout, with eight Business Class
Gulfstream’s G500 has completed five The first prototype which is now seats and 176 seats in Economy Class.
test flights since its maiden flight on being modified, will return to the test Powered by CFM56 engines, Transaero
May 18. Two more prototype aircraft are flight program in August. The airplane plans to operate its A321 fleet on
now preparing for their first flights and a has completed more than 15 flight hours, premium international routes.
fourth example is in production. “The first achieving a top speed of Mach 0.80 and a Olga Pleshakova, CEO Transaero
five flights exceeded our expectations,” maximum altitude of 38,500 feet/11,735 Airlines said, “We are very pleased with
said Dan Nale, senior vice president, meters. The aircraft’s longest flight was this important step made towards further
Programs, Engineering and Test, more than four hours. Gulfstream has development of our cooperation with Airbus.
Gulfstream. “And they demonstrated also announced that the first G600 flight- I would like to express our sincere gratitude
that our testing facilities on the ground test aircraft is now in the initial stages of to the largest Chinese bank – ICBC Bank
are having very real benefits in the air, production. The G500 and G600 family of and its subsidiary ICBC Leasing, who trust
allowing us to identify and address aircraft were announced by Gulfstream Transaero as a reliable partner, which is
issues before they’re ever seen in flight.” on in October, last year. highlighted by the implementation of the
signed contract. The addition of highly
efficient aircraft to the company’s fleet will
Ortiz, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of contribute to enhancing the company’s
commercial sales in Latin America. “Our profitability, optimizing the airline’s
commitment to this market is evident by passenger capacity, and will see withdrawal
our growing local presence of personnel.” of aircraft, which are of low demand in the
The Bell static display at the show current market conditions.”
had the Bell 429WLG, Bell 407GX and
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X mock-up in
parapublic configuration. All three types EL AL to Buy 15 Dreamliners
are well represented in the region; the Boeing has announced the Israel’s flag
Bell 505 having received 35 LOIs from carrier, EL AL Israel Airlines will acquire
Bell Helicopter Displays Brazilian customers alone, out of a up to 15 787 Dreamliners. “We are
429WLG, 407GX and 505 Jet total of nearly 350 letters of intent (LOI), honored that EL AL has selected the 787
Ranger X at LABACE received worldwide. for its fleet renewal plan,” said Boeing
Bell Helicopter and sister company Nearly 60 Bell 429S and 200 Bell Commercial Airplanes President and
Textron Aviation displayed a range 407GXs are operational in Latin America. CEO Ray Conner.
of products at the 12th annual Latin “We have a superior product line-up with “The Dreamliner will be an excellent
American Business Aviation Conference customizable options for a wide range of addition to EL AL’s all-Boeing fleet and
and Exhibition (LABACE), held in Brazil. mission sets and our customers have marks another chapter in a partnership
“Bell Helicopter is a major player in the taken notice,” adds Ortiz. “LABACE between our two companies that spans over
Latin American region, and we continue gives us a great opportunity to engage half a century.” The aircraft will acquired
to make investments to support our with the business aviation community in via a mix of purchase and lease. El Al has
current and future customers,” said Jay Brazil and throughout Latin America.” retained options for 13 more 787’s.

28 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS JULY / AUGUST 2015 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM