787 Dreamliner Fatigue Airframe Departs Factory
Boeing yesterday moved the 787 Dreamliner designated for fatigue testing from the final assembly factory in Everett, Wash., to another production bay at the facility, where assembly work will continue. The move paves the way for the second flight-test airplane to advance to the next position in the production line today. The first Dreamliner remains in the nose-to-door position and the third flight-test airplane is in the first position. It will remain there until the fourth flight-test airplane is ready for assembly to begin later this month.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing Complete Power On For 787 Dreamliner
Boeing has completed the Power On sequence for the first 787 Dreamliner, marking the completion of the next major milestone on the path to first flight later this year.
Power On is a complex series of tasks and tests that bring electrical power onto the airplane and begin to exercise the use of the electrical systems. The 787 is a more-electric airplane with the pneumatic, or bleed air, system being totally replaced by electronics.
The Power On sequence began in early June with a series of pretest continuity checks to verify that the wiring installed in the airplane had been connected properly. Upon completion of those checks, the Boeing team plugged in an external power cart and slowly began to bring full power into each segment of the system, beginning with the flight deck displays. From that point forward, the pilot's controls were used to direct the addition of new systems to the power grid.
Work will continue to finish building the first 787 and further test its readiness for operations. First flight is expected in the fourth quarter.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing Turns On Power In First 787
Boeing has turned on electrical power in the first of its 787 Dreamliners, the plane maker said today, more than a year after it was due to start testing systems on its new carbon-composite plane.
The initial turning on of power, which Boeing said happened on 11 June, signals the start of tests on the plane's cockpit and cabin systems, which should take about two weeks. The tests are crucial for Boeing, and will likely determine whether the delayed plane will start test flights by the end of the year, as promised.
"We did put power on to the airplane for the first time yesterday (11 June)," said Yvonne Leach, Boeing's spokeswoman for the 787 program. "It gives us confidence that we'll have that milestone completed by the end of the month."
Boeing said on Monday, 9 June, its 787 Dreamliner would make its first flight in the fourth quarter of 2008, repeating the revised schedule for the new plane's launch announced in April. The fuel-efficient 787 broke early sales records for Boeing and is seen by some analysts as key to the company's financial future.
Blue Air Orders Three Boeing 737-900ERs
Boeing and Romanian low-cost carrier Blue Air have reached agreement for an order for three Next-Generation 737-900ER jetliners. Earlier this year, the Bucharest-based airline ordered two 737-800s. Today's order is worth $238.5 million at current list prices. The airplanes will be equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.
(Media and Photo: Boeing)
Boeing and Cathay Pacific Celebrate First 747-400ERF Delivery
Boeing and Cathay Pacific celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 747-400ERF (Extended Range Freighter) last Friday. The first of six Boeing 747-400ERFs to be delivered to Cathay Pacific, was unveiled last week at a pre-flight ceremony at the Boeing Delivery Center in Everett, Wash. Among those present were Cathay Pacific's Ron Mathison, director and general manager for Cargo; senior managers from Cathay's North America and Hong Kong cargo team and invited senior cargo industry executives.
Cathay Pacific currently operates 115 airplanes, 18 of which are freighters, including six 747-400BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters), six 747-400 and six 747-200 Freighters. The airline has remaining orders for two 747-400BCFs to further expand its freighter fleet. Cathay Pacific also has an order for 10 747-8F freighters.
The 747-400ER Freighter, which entered service in October 2002, has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,770 kg). This takeoff weight increase over existing 747-400 Freighters allows the 747-400ER Freighter to fly an additional 525 nautical miles (972 km), or it can carry an additional 22,000 pounds (9,980 kg) of payload on long-range flights at maximum takeoff weight.
The new aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4062A engines and will be deployed on trunk routes to North America to take full advantage of the airplane's superior payload range capability.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Kalitta 747 Freighter Crashes at Brussels
KALITTA Air’s Boeing 747-200F (reg N704CK) was destroyed on 25 May after running off the end of the runway during take-off at Brussels airport and splitting in three pieces.
The aircraft was carrying 76 tonnes of mainly diplomatic cargo, bound for Bahrain. The crew reportedly heard one or two loud bangs during the take-off run and aborted the take-off, before overrunning onto the grass by some 400 m. It had four crew and one passenger aboard, but no serious injuries were reported.
The B747 freighter was built in 1980 and had previously operated for China Airlines, before being purchased by Kalitta in 2003.
Boeing 777 Flighter Debut
Adorned in the Boeing livery, the first 777 Freighter was moved from the Everett, Wash. paint facility to Everett field this morning, bringing the airplane one step closer to its world debut.
The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range) passenger airplane and will fly farther and provide more capacity than any other twin-engine cargo airplane. On May 21, Boeing will debut the 777 Freighter at employee celebration events in the Everett factory where the airplane is built on the same production lines as all other 777 models.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing Delivers 300th Jetliner to GECAS for Lease to XL Airways
Boeing and GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) on Tuesday celebrated the delivery of the leasing company's 300th Boeing jetliner, a Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane, that GECAS customer XL Airways will operate under lease. The airplane, shown here during a test flight, is equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent, and will be the first 737-900ER to join the XL Airways fleet.
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing businesses of GE, ordered its first Boeing airplane, a 767-300ER, in August 1995, and has ordered 433 Boeing airplanes to date including 737 Classics, Next-Generation 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. Currently, it has a fleet of 1,475 owned aircraft it leases to more than 230 airlines in 70 countries.
XL Airways is a charter airline based in the UK and is part of the XL Leisure Group, the third largest travel group in the UK. The airline flies to more than 100 destinations across three continents with a fleet of 37 aircraft
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing Delivers 400th 737 to ILFC for Lease to Travel Service
Boeing and International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) on Monday celebrated the delivery of the leasing company's 400th Boeing 737 airplane, a Next-Generation 737-800 that ILFC customer Travel Service will operate under lease. The airplane, shown here during a test flight, is equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.
ILFC, an international market leader in the leasing and remarketing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines around the world, received its first 737, a 737-200, in June 1978. With this delivery, ILFC has received a total of 660 jetliners from Boeing including MD-11s, MD-80s, 727s, 737 Classics, Next-Generation 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. Currently, ILFC's portfolio includes more than 900 jet airplanes valued at more than $50 billion.
Travel Service, a Prague-based carrier, operates an all-Boeing fleet of 12 737s, including 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The airline also has one 787 Dreamliner and two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes on order.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
El Al Israel Airlines Orders for Four 777-200ER Jetliners
Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and El Al Israel Airlines have completed an order for four 777-200ERs (Extended Range). The Israeli airline has secured options for two additional 777s and holds conversion rights for the 777-300ER, a larger version of the 777 with increased payload and range capability. The order is valued at $850 million at list prices. El Al's long-haul fleet already includes six Boeing 777s. Pictured here is an El Al 777 which Boeing delivered to the airline in 2007.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Asiana Airlines Finalize Order for Two 777-200ER Jetliners
The Boeing Company and Asiana Airlines have completed an order for two 777-200ERs (Extended Range). The order is valued at $438 million at list prices. The South Korean airline holds rights to substitute the larger 777-300ER which features increased payload and range capability, if needed, in the future.
Asiana currently operates 40 Boeing airplanes including nine Boeing 777s. "The additional 777s are ideal for Asiana's future plans," said Rob Laird, vice president of Sales for China and East Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 is a valuable asset to Asiana's successful long-haul operations and we welcome this opportunity to demonstrate and validate our twin-aisle product strategy success in meeting the airline's high standards of quality."
The twin-engine Boeing 777 is the most fuel-efficient airplane in its category, a key element in its leading economic and environmental performance. To date, 56 customers around the world have ordered more than 1,070 777s, making it the most successful twin-engine wide-body airplane on the market. Currently, Boeing has a backlog of more than 360 777 orders.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing last week delivered Europe's first two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and its leasing customer, Spanish carrier Futura International Airways, based in Palma de Mallorca.
"We are very satisfied to take delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER for Europe through our lessor GECAS," said Román Pané CEO of Futura. "Our experience in operating the 737 will be expanded with this new aircraft model, allowing us the longest range possible for our international fleet." Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005. The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the 737-900ER April 22.
(Media and photo: Boeing)
Boeing and Iraq Announce Airplane Order
Boeing and the Government of Iraq today announced an order for 30 Boeing 737-800 commercial airplanes, the first step in re-establishing that country's scheduled commercial aviation operations. Iraq has also contracted options for 10 additional 737s. Valued at $2.2 billion at current list prices, the order was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer.
In addition, Iraq and Boeing are finalizing an agreement for 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will allow an Iraqi national airline to provide longer-range commercial service. The 787s will be added to Boeing's order book when the contract is completed.
Air France Take Delivery of 50th 777 From Boeing
Boeing and Air France reached a historic milestone last week with the delivery of Air France's 50th 777. The Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) is the carrier's 25th of that model type and joins a fleet of another 25 777-200ERs that together comprise the core of the airline's long-haul fleet.
"This is truly a great day for Air France and Boeing," Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France. "The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane later this year, when Air France takes delivery of the world's first 777 Freighter."
Air France is the launch customer for Boeing's newest addition to its freighter family, the 777 Freighter -- the first of which is scheduled to enter flight test in late May. With more than 50 percent of its twin-aisle fleet composed of Boeing 777s, Air France has drawn upon the 777's renowned efficiency and reliability to help it achieve strong economic performance. With the delivery of its first 777 Freighter this year and through the operation of a single 777 platform, Air France will achieve significant synergies between its cargo and passenger business.
"Air France's robust utilization of the 777 speaks volumes about the airplane's performance and capabilities," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We congratulate Air France on its 50th 777 delivery and it's rewarding to see yet another 777-300ER join the airline's fleet."
Air France's new 777-300ER, the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, will be based at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.
Boeing, Lion Air Celebrate 10th 737-900ER Delivery
The Boeing Company and Jakarta-based Lion Air today celebrated the delivery of the airline's 10th Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. The airplane, shown here during a test flight, will be used by the airline to expand its service with new destinations throughout South and Southeast Asia. The airline's 737-900ERs are equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.
Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. The airline received the world's first 737-900ER in April 2007 and has ordered a total of 178 737-900ERs.
The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over competing models, including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat than its competitor -- which is more than 9,550 pounds (4,340 kg) heavier. The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.
Lion Air, which operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the largest low-fare airline in Asia, serves nearly 1 million passengers per month. The airline began operations in June 2000.
Final Assembly Begins on Fifth Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Final assembly began today on the third flight-test airplane for the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This is the fifth Dreamliner to be loaded into the first position of the 787 production system. The static test airframe moved April 25 from the Final Assembly to its test rig in another bay of the Everett, Wash.-based factory. Both the fatigue test airframe and the second flight-test airplane have advanced to the next position in production, where assembly and systems installation work continues.
"We are receiving assemblies that are much more complete," said Jack Jones, vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation. Jones replaces Steve Westby, who retired from Boeing yesterday after a 31-year career. "The second flight-test airplane had a 50 percent reduction in the amount of incomplete work as compared to the first airplane. 'Traveled work' on this airplane is 65 percent less than on the first."
After assembly is complete, this airplane will be fitted with an interior as part of the comprehensive flight-test program and certification process. "When that happens this summer, it will be the first time we'll see the 787 in what is close to a final delivery configuration," Jones said.
The first airplane to fly is on track for "power on" in June.
First Boeing 777 Freighter Leaves Factory
Progress continues on the first Boeing 777 Freighter as the company's newest cargo airplane was towed out of its factory in Everett, Wash. and onto the flight line Tuesday night. Work will continue on the 777 Freighter to prepare for flight test this summer and to paint the airplane in the Boeing livery.
The 777 Freighter will fly farther and provide more capacity than any other twin-engine cargo airplane. Boeing will deliver the first 777 Freighter to its launch customer Air France in the fourth quarter of 2008. The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR Worldliner passenger airplane and is built using the same production line as all other models of the 777. Eleven customers around the world have ordered 78 777 Freighters.
Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Sign Deal for 777s, 787s
Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Boeing today announced the airline's order for four 777-300ER (Extended Range) and four 787-8 Dreamliner airplanes at a signing ceremony in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The airline also has purchase rights for four 777s and four 787s. Boeing's 787-8 Dreamliner (top) and 777-300ER are depicted here in Biman's livery.
Boeing and Airbus Join Forces to Improve Aviation's Environmental Performance
Boeing and Airbus have signed an agreement to work together to ensure global interoperability in air traffic management as part of an effort to help reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. The companies will seek the acceleration of improvements to the world's air transportation management system in order to increase efficiency and eliminate traffic congestion.
Boeing, Aviation Capital Group Announce 737 Order
The Boeing Company and U.S.-based commercial jet airplane leasing company Aviation Capital Group today announced an order for 17 Next-Generation 737 airplanes. This order, valued at more than $1 billion at current list prices, was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. The airplanes will be equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.
Boeing Revises 787 First Flight and Delivery Delays
Boeing today announced a revised plan for first flight and initial deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner that includes additional schedule margin to reduce risk of further delays on the program. First flight of the all-new airplane will move into the fourth quarter of this year rather than the end of the second quarter, and first delivery is now planned for the third quarter of 2009 instead of first quarter. That schedule now targets approximately 25 deliveries in 2009.
More Boeing News: Jan-Mar
