Africa in demand from business, tourists
While trading conditions may be less than favourable, airlines around the world are positioning themselves to be more competitive and cost effective.
SeppVei via Wikimedia Commons - Airbus A350
Airbus
In June, for example, Airbus expanded its order book for the bestselling A320 family with contracts for 27 of the single-aisle jetliners in both the new engine option and current engine option versions.
Moreover, 64 aircraft were delivered during June from the A320, A330, A350 XWB and A380 product lines. The June bookings came from five undisclosed customers, covering 11 A320neo and four A321neo aircraft, along with 12 A321ceo versions. Taking cancellations into account, the net orders logged in 2016 by Airbus through June 30 totalled 183 aircraft.
The month's deliveries were led by 52 A320 aircraft, including another A320neo for Mumbai, India-based GoAir, along with eight A321ceo jetliners which were provided to six Chinese operators. Also in June, Airbus delivered six A330s, including aircraft for two new operators: Tibet Airlines and French Blue, bringing total users of the twin-engine wide-body jetliner to 118.
Receiving one A350 XWB each during the month was Finnair, Singapore Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines (Africa's first carrier to take delivery of the Xtra wide-body aircraft). Completing the month's deliveries were the handover of two A380s to Emirates (increasing its double-deck Airbus flagship fleet to more than 80), as well as one A380 for British Airways.
Boeing
Boeing is forecasting demand for 39,620 new airplanes over the next 20 years, an increase of 4.1% over last year's forecast. It estimates the value of those new airplanes at $5.9-trillion.
Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says: "Despite recent events that have impacted the financial markets, the aviation sector will continue to see long-term growth with the commercial fleet doubling in size. We expect to see passenger traffic grow 4.8% a year over the next 20 years."
The single-aisle market will be especially strong, with low-cost carriers and emerging markets driving growth. Some 28,140 new airplanes will be needed in this segment, an increase of more than 5% over last year.
The African aviation industry
Alex Cruz, new chairman and CEO of British Airways, says the African aviation industry is becoming increasingly competitive. "As connectivity and infrastructure within Africa improves air travel will become easier and more affordable. This should encourage international demand from business travellers seeking opportunities in Africa and tourists wanting to explore its natural beauty, wildlife, and many cultures."
British Airways this month increased capacity to Kenya and is considerably upping the number of seats to SA from October. It normally increases its daily Boeing 747-400 Cape Town/Heathrow schedule to a double-daily service over the southern hemisphere summer. This year it is adding two further Boeing 777ER services over the highest demand periods and is also introducing three Boeing 777ER services between Heathrow and Gatwick from November 24.
Source: Business Day
Source: I-Net Bridge
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