GECAS takes delivery of its 394th – and last – Next-Generation 737

With an initial order placed in 1996, GECAS’ NG orderbook accounts for roughly one of every 15 NGs delivered to date. Surpassing other lessor’s skyline orders for the type, GECAS’ placements of NG’s have been leased to 64 operators across 32 countries. Exclusively powered by CFM-56 engines, the narrowbody has served the airline industry for decades and is ideally suited for both commercial passenger and cargo aircraft. 

“An exceptionally valuable asset in our portfolio, the Next-Generation 737 has been incredibly reliable for our customers,” states Declan Kelly, GECAS Executive Vice President, noting “Much of our success since the late 1990’s is in some way attributable to the NG and the relationship we’ve developed with the team at Boeing.”

In addition to new orders, GECAS has also provided new aircraft lease financing on an additional ~270 737NGs to customers around the world.

“The Next-Generation 737 has been an icon of the aviation industry for two decades,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. “It’s been a workhorse for airlines and lessors alike and we’re proud to have delivered so many of these airplanes to GECAS. We look forward to beginning a new chapter of success together when GECAS takes delivery of its first 737 MAX next year.”

GECAS currently has 170 737 MAX airplanes on order, with the first delivery scheduled for January 2018.

Pilatus obtains PC-24 Type Certificates

Pilatus has obtained type certificates from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US-American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the first ever Swiss business jet.

Certification of the Super Versatile Jet prepares the ground for initial customer deliveries, which will see the PC-24 business jet take off from Central Switzerland for its entry on the global market.

In any project to develop a new aircraft, certification by the aviation authorities is by far the most important milestone, given that it means deliveries to customers may go ahead, generating revenue for the manufacturer. The PC-24 development project was officially announced in 2013, but work on the Super Versatile Jet has in fact been in progress for the past eleven and a half years.

Complex project with a tight schedule

The first PC-24 prototype completed its maiden flight in May 2015. All three prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 2205 hours worldwide so far. Some flight tests were conducted in extreme environments: in icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually encountered in everyday operations. Other tests have included bird impacts, structural stress tests, noise tests and general function. All this to prove that customers may depend on this aircraft to operate safely and reliably at all times, in line with statutory requirements. In fact, Pilatus test pilots took the aircraft to the very boundaries of its limits and even beyond, flying it in configurations and maneuvers forbidden to the commercial pilots who will subsequently occupy the cockpit.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman at Pilatus, said: “The PC-24 is the first ever Pilatus business jet. Naturally, the requirements associated with obtaining certification for this sort of aircraft are extremely rigorous, and I need hardly mention that we faced some big challenges. In 2013 we announced that the PC-24 would be ready in 2017, and now, shortly before the end of the year, we have achieved exactly that. And all performance data promised to our first 84 customers have been achieved or even exceeded. The PC-24 delivers a maximum speed of 440 knots (815 km/h) compared to the contractually agreed 425 knots (787 km/h) – to cite just one example. That is pure Pilatus, and typical of the qualities which set us apart!”

EgyptAir on cloud nine with latest 737-800 delivery

EgyptAir has received its ninth and final Boeing 737-800NGs on a lease deal from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and valued at $864 million. All nine were handed over during in the course of the past year.

Capt Sherif Ezzat, chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Airlines said the new addition would seat up to 154 passengers divided into 16 seats for business cabin and 138 for the economy class.
He said that for the first time, the aircraft will feature the Audio/Video on Demand System (AVOD), a refreshed interior and the signature elements of Boeing's innovative Sky Interior with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, larger pivoting overhead stowage bins and LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness. 

“The design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom that reaches 48 inches. The business class cabin is also provided by electricity outlets for recharging, personal computers (PCs), and cellular, this is in addition to the personal in-flight entertaining system that offers our customers a variety of recent documentary and newly released movies, as well as radio channels,” Ezzat said

Safwat Musallam, chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company said: "This aircraft is the fleet's 69th aircraft and No. 29 of this type considered one of the best-selling in the Boeing 737 Next Generation," He congratulated Boeing and DAE for the completion of the deal on time.