FARNBOROUGH — Day two at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow yielded major orders from key players in commercial aviation. Seemingly making up for lost ground from day one, Airbus took center stage in aircraft orders today, scoring 44 orders over three customers.

Airbus

Airbus' first order came from Virgin Atlantic (VS), a London-based carrier placing an order for seven Airbus A330-900NEOs. The airline currently operates five examples from an original order of 14 aircraft, with a view to replacing its ten A330-300s. Minus the five it already has, this new order brings its a330-900NEO backlog up to 18 units, and its total will be 23 of the type.

Next came Japan Airlines (JL) with an order for 20 A350-900s and 11 A321NEOs. This was JL's second order of the show, placing the first with Boeing for 10 Boeing787-9s and a further ten options on day one of the airshow.

Despite the Boeing order, this JL-Airbus deal could signal a steady shift away from Boeing products. The order from the Japanese flag carrier was the airline’s first-ever selection of Airbus narrow-body aircraft, whose deliveries will begin in 2028.

Airbus’s last order of the day came from the new Libyan startup Berniq Airways (NB).They placed today’s order for six Airbus A320NEOs. Information on this airline was limited.

Boeing

Boeing sales ran slower than Airbus’ with the former securing two firm orders.

The first was from Qatar Airways (QR) for 20 additional 777-9Xs. While this is a repeat order, this, the second order for the type at the show, signifies a somewhat increased confidence in the 777X, which has suffered delay after delay but has made significant certification progress in recent weeks.

Aircraft lessor Macquarie AirFinance also firmed up an ordered, taking 20 Boeing 737-8’s.

Embraer

While Embraer received no orders on day two, the Brazilian aerospace company made significant announcements regarding its E175 and E2 programs. 

Starting with the E2, Embraer announced an efficiency increase of 2.5% for the E190 and 195 E2s. The Brazilian manufacturer accomplished this increment by slightly reducing the rate of air bled into the cabin, channeling more thrust out of the engines. This is said to increase the E190 and 195 E2’s range to 2,950 and 3,000 nautical miles, respectively.

Staying with the E2, Embraer announced a groundbreaking new technology: autonomous takeoffs. The system will be available starting in 2028 and will optimize the rate of climb and climb path so fuel burn is optimized and not wasted.

In addition to the E2, the E175 also received attention with an update incorporating mood lighting and larger overhead bins, providing a more convenient and comfortable passenger experience to what is now a pretty dated aircraft.

De Haviland Canada

Finally, De Havilland Canada (DHC) and Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales S.A., also known as SATENA (9R), have signed a firm agreement at FIA2024 for the purchase of eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

The aircraft included in this purchase agreement will add to 9R’s growing fleet and to support its strategic growth plans for Colombia. The DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will provide essential air connectivity in the South American country, opening up improved access to remote communities throughout the country.

FIA2024 LIVE COVERAGE

The 2024 Farnborough Airshow takes place July 22-26, so stay tuned to Airways for our live coverage of FIA2024 from the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK.

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