Farnborough Air Show

Airliner Deals Heat Up at Sun-kissed Farnborough Show

 - July 19, 2022, 12:16 PM
Embraer E190-E2. (Photo: David McIntosh)

As if to galvanize consensus among assembled aviation executives on the imperative to achieve net-zero carbon operations, the sun once again roasted the Farnborough show site on Tuesday as the UK government launched its Jet Zero Strategy for decarbonization. But the epic heat did little to wilt executives’ appetites for commerce, with deals done on the first two days of Farnborough International 2022 for almost 300 new and converted airliners.

Delta Air Lines was one of the show’s big spenders, signing firm orders for at least 100 Boeing 737 Max 10 narrowbodies. The U.S. group also favored Airbus by adding an order for a dozen more of its A220-300s, taking its total firm order count to 107.

All Nippon Airways parent ANA Holdings agreed to acquire twenty 737 Max 8s and a pair of 777-8F freighters. The Japanese carrier said it has been expanding its cargo operations after seeing a significant uptick in demand during the Covid pandemic.

Lessor Aviation Capital Group is beefing up its stock of 737 Max 8s by declaring its commitment to 12 of the single-aisle model. The deal takes its total order tally for the type to 34 airplanes since it had previously ordered nine in May 2022.

Private investment firm 777 Partners expanded its portfolio with firm orders for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8-200s, growing its backlog by around 50 percent to add to the 66 narrowbodies it already has under contract. The Miami-based group establishes new airlines around the world.

From the Caucasus region straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, Aircompany Armenia and its partner Georgian Airlines ordered a trio of 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024, will undergo conversion by Gameco and Staeco in China. More sales for the BCF conversions come from lessor BBAM with a firm order for nine more of the 737-800 version.

Embraer received a welcome boost to its backlog from a pair of North American regional carriers. Canada’s Porter Airlines ordered 20 E195-E2s. Alaska Air Group signed a $1.56 billion contract for eight of the Brazilian airframer’s smaller E175 jets and options for 13 more.

On Monday, Feel Air kicked off its plans to launch new regional services in Japan with a letter of intent for 26 ATR twin turboprops to include a mix of the 50-seat ATR42-600, the 70-seat ATR72-600, and the new short takeoff and landing ATR42-600S. The next day new leasing company Abelo signed a heads of agreement document that should see it buy 10 ATR72-600s and 10 of the ATR42-600S STOL model.