Airbus has announced fleet enhancement agreements with multiple airlines to increase aircraft performance and help maximize their efficiency.
The airlines include Barcelona-based airline Volotea, French carrier Corsair, and Smartwings, taking in its subsidiary Czech Airlines.
On October 23, 2024, Airbus confirmed that its long-time partner Volotea had signed an agreement for Airframe Services during MRO Europe in Barcelona.
The service agreement includes various upgrades to Volotea’s current and future aircraft, including Descent Profile Optimiser (DPO).
DPO is a fuel saving initiative which updates the Flight Management System (FMS) performance database by optimizing the engine idle model in descent.
The software upgrade, which enables a longer cruise level, reduces deceleration level-off and results in fuel savings benefits, will be added to Volotea’s A320 Family aircraft.
“The innovative Descent Profile Optimization (DPO) system developed by Airbus optimises fuel consumption and reduces carbon emissions,” said Eduard Diviu, Chief Operating Officer of Volotea. “This integration into our fleet is crucial for advancing towards a more sustainable aviation industry and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Corsair signed an Airbus Flight Hour Services Component contract to progressively cover its growing A330neo fleet, starting with the four aircraft delivered in 2024.
FHS (Flight Hour Services) provides component services, including on-site stock at Corsair’s main base at Paris Orly Airport (ORY).
Corsair will gain access to Airbus’ mutualized regional spares pools, as well as repair and engineering services for a wide range of aircraft parts.
Bertrand Vitet, Technical Director at Corsair, said: “Through this contract with Airbus, Corsair is making a strategic choice to drive its operational efficiency. Thanks to an enhanced Original Aircraft Manufacturer commitment, this collaboration aims at keeping our fleet at the highest availability levels and technical standards.”
Smartwings and Czech Airlines also signed a long-term agreement with Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) to cover the rotable component support requirements for their A220-300 fleet.
FHS will provide a complete Power By the Hour (PBH) service, including dedicated on-site-stock in Prague, access to FHS pools around the world and a comprehensive component repair service.
“The conclusion of a long-term contract for the provision of FHS services is a very important step for us to ensure the smooth operation of our A220 fleet,” said Jiri Zemek, Technical Director, Czech Airlines. “We believe that our cooperation will be beneficial not only to us, but especially to our passengers.”