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Yahsat contracts Airbus for new telecommunications satellites

Airbus will design and build the AY4 and AY5 satellites based on the Eurostar Neo platform, with each having flexible payloads and benefiting from the strong heritage of the Eurostar family…reports Asian Lite News

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), announced on Monday that it has contracted Airbus Defence and Space SAS (Airbus) for its new geostationary telecommunications satellites, Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5).

The step follows the signing of an Authorisation-to-Proceed with Airbus (Airbus ATP) in Q2 2023 to commence initial activities in relation to the AY4 and AY5 satellite programme, and the subsequent award by the UAE Government in Q3 2023 of an AED18.7 billion [US$5.1 billion] mandate for the provision of satellite communications capacity and managed services for 17 years, primarily on AY4 and AY5.

Airbus will design and build the AY4 and AY5 satellites based on the Eurostar Neo platform, with each having flexible payloads and benefiting from the strong heritage of the Eurostar family. The flexible multi-band payloads can be fully reconfigured while in orbit, capable of adjusting the coverage area, capacity and frequency “on the fly” to meet evolving mission scenarios.

Both AY4 and AY5 satellites will offer secure governmental communications over a wide geographical area across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The new advanced satellites will eventually replace Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2, which were launched in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and based on a previous version of the Airbus-built Eurostar platform.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, commented, “This is a significant step in Yahsat’s growth trajectory. The Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites will enable us to provide the UAE Government with new cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, the two new LEO satellite platforms will support Yahsat’s future direction of providing multi-orbit satellite solutions to its customers.”

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said, “Today marks a real milestone with Yahsat selecting our pioneering fully flexible satellite technology. Sixteen years ago, we signed our first contract with Yahsat, bringing the first sovereign telecommunications satellite to the UAE. And now, our long-standing relationship is moving up a gear with this contract for two Eurostar Neos, further strengthening Yahsat’s in-orbit resources.”

Airbus will design and manufacture both satellites and will also provide ground control segment components. Both spacecraft will have a design life of 15 years and are planned to be launched in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

The full cost of the AY4 and AY5 procurement programme, encompassing spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure, launch and insurance, is expected to reach approximately AED3.9 billion [US$1.1 billion]. The programme will initially be funded using Yahsat’s own resources ahead of the receipt of AED3.7 billion [US$1.0 billion] in the form of an advance payment from the UAE Government.

Airbus is currently developing the Thuraya 4 satellite (T4) for Yahsat Government Solutions as well as Yahsat’s commercial satellite solutions arm, Thuraya. T4 is also based on the Eurostar Neo platform and is due to be launched in the second half of 2024 and enter service in the second half of 2025.

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Arab News Business Economy

Middle East’s Aircraft Service Market Set to Skyrocket

Airbus

The Middle East boasts five of the globe’s largest aviation hubs, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, collectively handling over 10,000 long-haul travelers every day, signaling significant growth potential for the region…reports Asian Lite News

The commercial aircraft services market in the Middle East is projected to more than double by 2042, reaching a value of $28 billion from the current $12 billion, According to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast (GSF).

This expansion, growing at an average annual rate of 4.4%, surpasses the global average growth of 3.6%.

With five of the world’s largest aviation cities located in the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which together serve more than 10,000 long-haul passengers daily, the region is poised for substantial growth. Airbus anticipates 3,120 new passenger and freight aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years.

Driven by the rise in annual air traffic – set to increase by 4.6% in the Middle East – and the requirement for more digitally-enabled and connected aircraft, the growth in demand for services will be reflected in sustainable solutions implemented across all phases of the aircraft lifecycle including training, aircraft modernisation as well as fleet maintenance.

Airbus expects the market for ‘Maintenance’ to grow from US$ 10 billion to US$ 23 billion. Meanwhile the market for enhancements and modernisation is set to register the biggest average annual growth (5.5%) across the categories between 2023 and 2042, from $1.3 billion to $3.6 billion. This is driven specifically by cabin and system upgrades, which will be in particularly high demand until 2030 as part of fleet modernisation.

The market for training and operations is expected to double in 2042, reaching $1.6 billion. Recognising the sector’s significant progress and strength of the Middle East’s economy (GDP) – forecast to expand by 2.3% annually – regional governments are also investing in localising MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services by developing infrastructure and enhancing job opportunities, education and training.

As a result, Airbus anticipates a further 208,000 highly skilled professionals in the Middle East over the next 20 years, comprising 56,000 new pilots, 52,000 new technicians and 100,000 new cabin crew members.

Offering material, engineering and maintenance solutions in the region, Airbus is a major player in the industry, with customers who trust its OEM expertise in enhancing aircraft availability through flight hour services (FHS), across various programs.

Taking place from 5 – 6 March 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Airbus executives will be highlighting some of the key trends in the industry and latest opportunities.

Among the speakers, Gregoire Demasures, Head of Upgrade Marketing and Sustainability Solutions at Airbus, will take the stage to delve into the topic of sustainability within the MRO domain. Scheduled for March 6 at 1:50 pm, Demasures will explore the current landscape and future prospects of sustainability initiatives in the industry.

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Sunak lauds IndiGo deal with Airbus  

New Delhi, June 19 (ANI): Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo Airlines, Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus and others at the signing of purchase agreement of 500 aircraft with Airbus at the Paris Air Show 2023 on Monday. (ANI Photo)

IndiGo’s order for 500 A320 Family aircraft sets a new record for the largest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation, Airbus said in a statement…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that Airbus’s multi-billion dollar deal with IndiGo to supply 500 aircraft is a major boost for the UK aerospace sector, which will benefit from billions of pounds in investment and thousands of new jobs.

IndiGo on Monday announced a firm order to buy 500 narrow-body planes from Airbus, making it one of the largest-ever aircraft purchases by an airline in civil aviation history.

“This contract is a major win for our aerospace sector. Airbus’s deal with IndiGo will be worth billions to the UK and support thousands of jobs across the country – helping to grow the economy,” PM Sunak said.

IndiGo’s deal has topped the 470-aircraft agreement recently signed by Airbus and Air India, and sparks a race to capitalise on India’ growing base of fliers and vast expat population.

IndiGo’s order for 500 A320 Family aircraft sets a new record for the largest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation, Airbus said in a statement.

“This landmark order marks a new chapter in Airbus and IndiGo’s relationship that is democratising affordable air travel for millions of people in the world’s fastest growing aviation market. It is also a resounding endorsement of the A320 Family’s best-in-class operating economics that have been powering IndiGo’s growth for almost two decades,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.

“It is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. An order book now of almost 1,000 aircraft well into the next decade, enables IndiGo to fulfil its mission to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.

IndiGo’s fleet of over 300 aircraft currently operates over 1,800 flights a day, connecting 78 domestic and over 20 international destinations. With orders for additional aircraft yet to be delivered, the airline’s fleet strength is expected to reach 480.

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IndiGo inks historic aircraft deal with Airbus

With this new firm order for 500 aircraft in the 2030-2035 time-frame, IndiGo’s order-book now boasts almost 1,000 aircraft, securing a steady stream of deliveries well into the next decade…reports Asian Lite News

IndiGo Airlines has made a ground-breaking announcement regarding the placing of an order for a staggering 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft, scheduled to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.

The purchase agreement was finalised at the Paris Air Show 2023, with representatives from IndiGo and Airbus present.

In a statement on Monday, IndiGo confirmed that the engine selection and the precise mix of A320 and A321 aircraft will be determined in due course.

Currently operating a fleet of over 300 aircraft, IndiGo already has outstanding orders for 480 aircraft, expected to be delivered by the end of this decade.

With this new firm order for 500 aircraft in the 2030-2035 time-frame, IndiGo’s order-book now boasts almost 1,000 aircraft, securing a steady stream of deliveries well into the next decade.

IndiGo’s order comprises a combination of A320NEO, A321NEO, and A321XLR aircraft.

“This substantial investment further strengthens the strategic partnership between IndiGo and Airbus, which has been evolving since the airline’s inception in 2006. In fact, IndiGo has now ordered a remarkable total of 1,330 aircraft from Airbus, reflecting their confidence in the A320 Family and their commitment to growth,” it said.

The fuel-efficient A320NEO Family aircraft align perfectly with IndiGo’s vision of reducing operating costs and enhancing fuel efficiency, while maintaining exceptional reliability standards.

“With a young and fuel-efficient fleet, IndiGo aims to achieve its sustainability goals, building upon the already impressive 21 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions between FY16 and FY23. The airline anticipates welcoming 100 million passengers on board this year, solidifying its role as a vital contributor to India’s aviation landscape,” it said.

Expressing the magnitude of the order, Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said that it is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

“An order book now of almost 1.000 aircraft well into the next decade, enables IndiGo to fulfill its mission to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India. At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline for connectivity in and with India; and by doing so, being one of the leading airlines in the world. This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in the growth of India, in the A320 Family and in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Elbers.

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