News

The Latest: Virgin Atlantic to buy 8 Airbus A-350-1000s

FARNBOROUGH, England – The Latest on the Farnborough International Airshow (all times local):

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3 p.m.

Virgin Atlantic Airways will buy eight A-350-1000s from Airbus in deal that also involves four new aircraft on lease terms.

The A-350-1000s are scheduled for delivery starting in 2019 and four aircraft on long-term leases will start in 2020. There will be a lease option for a fifth aircraft. Terms were not disclosed.

The aircraft will be deployed initially at London Heathrow to strengthen the company’s trans-Atlantic network and subsequently at Gatwick airport on routes to the Caribbean.

“The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet program, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky,” said Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger.

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2:10 p.m.

Boeing said that Norwegian has committed to its GoldCare maintenance coverage for the airlines 737 Max fleet and expanded coverage for the airlines entire 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The new services agreement represents the largest commercial services order in Boeing history, the company said.

The service will be launched when the first plane is delivered in May of 2017 and coverage will be provided through 2034.

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1:45 p.m.

Boeing and Standard Chartered Bank announced that the financial institution ordered 10 737-800s in a deal valued at $960 million.

In a deal announced Monday at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow Standard Chartered, said the deal will add to the already 110 aircraft it has on operating lease to clients globally as it grows and diversifies its client base.

The company’s key markets are Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with a focus on emerging markets.

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12:40 p.m.

China’s Donghai Airlines and Boeing have announced that the airline intends to purchase 25 737 MAX 8s and five 787-9 Dreamliners in a deal valued at more than $4 billion.

In a deal announced Monday at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow, Shenzhen-based Donghai Airlines says its fleet expansion will help satisfy the growing travel market and help build its home base as the transportation hub in southern China.

Donghai is converting its business model from cargo services to passenger services and has already order 15 Next-Generation 737-800s and 10 737 MAX 8s in 2013.

Wong Cho-Bau, the chairman of the airline, says it is “committed to introducing new next-generation airplanes that deliver the industry-leading fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.”

Donghai Airlines currently has a fleet of 11 Boeing 737-800s serving for more than 10 cities across China.

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11:50 a.m.

Britain has signed a contract for nine new P-8A Poseidon military aircraft in the first big deal announced at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The Defence Ministry says the cost of delivering the deal, including paying for training of people, infrastructure and necessary support, will be around 3 billion pounds ($3.88 billion) over the next decade.

Boeing said Monday it planned to work with the U.K. government to build a new 100 million pound ($129 million) support and training base for the aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Boeing and the U.K. say a new long-term partnership will bring 2,000 new jobs to the U.K.

The deal offers a boost to a government reeling from fears that jobs will be lost amid Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.