Airlines in buying spree

MAJOR airlines have embarked on a multi-billion dollar buying spree at Britain’s Farnborough Airshow, confirming orders for hundreds of workhorse aircraft.

Orders announced by the major aircraft manufacturers have been dominated by the latest versions of their single-aisle mainstays - the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo.

Indian carrier JetAirways has signed the biggest order, having struck a US$8.8 billion deal to purchase 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes to help meet demand domestically in the fastest growing air market in the world.

Brazilian carrier GOL Airlines has upgraded an existing order for 30 737s to involve the larger 737 MAX 10, while also adding a new order for 15 MAX 8s.

The airline said the MAX orders were part of a plan to standardise its fleet and allow the introduction of new destinations across Brazil.

United Airlines confirmed an order for four more Boeing 787-9 aircraft, worth US$1.1 billion.

The latest purchase brings to 55 the total number of 787s ordered by United to upgrade its medium and long-haul fleet, having already deployed them on routes including Houston to Sydney.

Airbus has signed a deal with Oman budget carrier SalamAir to purchase six new A320neos, which will join its existing fleet of A320ceo planes.

The European manufacturer will also provide 17 A350 WXBs to Taiwan start-up carrier Starlux, as well as 10 of its A350-900s to Sichuan Airlines.

Both aircraft manufacturers also announced orders for dozens of aircraft made by international leasing companies, including Australia’s Macquarie AirFinance Group which will purchase 20 Airbus A320neos.

MEANWHILE, Embraer forecasts demand for more than 10,000 new aircraft of up to 150 seats over the next 20 years.

It says new aircraft worth US$600 billion will be needed, increasing the global fleet of smaller airliners to 16,000.

About 35% of new aircraft will replace older planes.