November 22, 2006
Boeing Adds Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales to 787 GoldCare Team
787 Dreamliner Support.
Photo: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
SEATTLE, Nov. 21, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today named Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales as partners for GoldCare, the lifecycle support solution for the 787 Dreamliner.
GoldCare helps any airline become a lower-cost carrier. Under GoldCare, Boeing leads and integrates a global team to deliver maintenance, engineering and materials management tasks within a predictable per-flight-hour cost.
Photo: Increased Cabin Comfort with 787 Dreamliner
With maintenance operations and logistics simplified, GoldCare customers can focus on their passengers -- all the while knowing that their airplane assets achieve maximum utilization and are maintained to the highest standards by Boeing through GoldCare partners.
Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace provides the navigation package, the Crew Information System/Management System (CIS/MS), external lighting and the flight control electronics for the 787.
Thales, a leading international electronics and systems group based in Neuilly sur Seine, France, provides flight controls, in-flight entertainment, navigation and power conversion systems for the 787.
Boeing offers GoldCare as a strategic business choice for 787 customers, helping them leverage the game-changing innovation of the Dreamliner to reduce introduction and infrastructure costs, minimize financial and operational risk, improve operating costs and simplify maintenance.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:30 PM | Link to this Post
November 21, 2006
MIDWEST AIRLINES PREMIER PET TRAVEL PACK
PHOTO: When canines check in for travel on Midwest Airlines, they receive a doggy bag full of goodies - the Premier Pet Travel Pack. The pack is loaded with products to make travel for dogs more comfortable including an after-flight meal. Midwest Airlines Premier Pet Program is the first of its kind to offer pets travel packs. It is also the first US domestic airline to offer pets that travel with their owners the opportunity to earn free travel.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:45 PM | Link to this Post
November 16, 2006
US AIRWAYS PROPOSES TO MERGE WITH DELTA
Transaction Valued at Approximately $8.0 Billion in Cash and Stock.
Consumers Will Have the Advantages of a Larger, Full-Service Provider with the Cost Structure of a Low-Fare Carrier.
US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) announced yesterday that it has made a merger proposal to Delta Air Lines, Inc. (OTC: DALRQ.PK) under which both companies would combine upon Delta’s emergence from bankruptcy. The proposal would provide approximately $8.0 billion of value in cash and stock to Delta’s unsecured creditors.
PHOTO: US Airways proposes an $8 billion takeover of bankrupt Delta Airlines on November 15, 2006. (Kamenko Pajic/UPI Photo)
The combination of US Airways and Delta would create one of the world’s largest airlines and would operate under the Delta name. Customers would benefit from expanded choice as well as the reach and services of a large-scale provider within the cost structure of a low-fare carrier. As a combined company, the “New” Delta would be the number one airline across the Atlantic and the second largest airline to the Caribbean. The New Delta would reach more than 350 destinations across five continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., the combination would create a leading competitor in the Eastern U.S. and an enhanced position in the Western U.S. The combined company would be the number one airline at 155 airports.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:29 AM | Link to this Post
November 14, 2006
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS AND FRONTIER AIRLINES MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
A Tail of Two Partners.
PHOTO: Plane tails for AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines lined up at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport before the Low Cost Carriers announced a marketing partnership on Nov. 14, 2006. The relationship enables passengers to earn frequent flyer rewards between both airlines through AirTran Airways' A+ Rewards program and Frontier's Early Returns program. (Terri Hanson Photography)
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:06 PM | Link to this Post
November 4, 2006
Irvin Aerospace Selected to Design Parachutes for NASA's Orion Spacecraft
Irvin Aerospace, the world's first parachute engineering, design and manufacturing company founded in 1919, has been selected to develop parachutes for NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Following the space shuttles retirement in 2010, NASA plans to replace the aging shuttle fleet with a number of reusable Orion spacecraft. Orion is expected to carry crew members to the International Space Station, the Moon and beyond.
Irvin Aerospace is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of best-of-class parachutes for space and air vehicle recovery systems, deceleration systems for high-performance aircraft, military, personnel, and cargo parachute systems as well as ordnance flare chutes, airbags, and weapons delivery systems.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:07 PM | Link to this Post
October 30, 2006
Boeing Business Jets Launches Widebody VIP Airplanes
Boeing Airplanes for VIP's.
PHOTO: Boeing Business Jets has announced it has won seven orders for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 747-8. Undisclosed customers have ordered one 787-8, three 787-9 and three 747-8 airplanes specifically designated for the VIP market. The VIP-configured widebody airplanes, shown in the Boeing Business Jets livery, offer between 2,404 square feet (223.3 square meters) to 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters) of cabin space. Typical interiors could include staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, dining areas, lounge areas, meeting rooms and private offices.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:27 PM | Link to this Post
Boeing Phantom Works X-48B Blended Wing Body (BWB)
PHOTO: In cooperation with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Boeing Phantom Works soon will begin ground testing of its X-48B Blended Wing Body (BWB) concept in preparation for flight testing early in 2007. The X-48B ground and flight testing will take place at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where two high-fidelity 21-foot wingspan prototypes have been delivered.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:53 PM | Link to this Post
October 18, 2006
Honda Begins Sales of its HondaJet Advanced Light Jet
Price, Sales and Service Network, Production Specifications Announced.
ORLANDO, Fla., -- Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. today began sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention with the announcement of the price, specifications, and a sales and service network for the production version of its advanced light jet. Scheduled to go into production in the U.S. in 2010, pricing is set at $3.65 million for HondaJet in its standard configuration.
Photo: Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announces the start of sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Fla.
Key specifications and performance figures establish HondaJet as the fastest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, while setting a new standard for interior space and comfort. HondaJet features a class-topping cruise speed of 420 knots with an IFR range of 1180 nautical miles(1), and a 30-35 percent gain in fuel efficiency at cruise speed versus other jets of comparable performance. HondaJet's cabin is about 1-foot longer than even larger 'light jet' offerings and features a fully-private lavatory along with a spacious 57-cubic foot aft cargo hold.
Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer, producing more than 21 million products annually at more than 120 factories around the world. Honda products cover a broad spectrum of categories, from automobiles, motorcycles and motor scooters to all-terrain vehicles, marine engines, general purpose engines and power equipment products. Widely recognized for its world-class engineering and technology development, the company is responsible for innumerable product and technology firsts, including the first and only U.S. EPA-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Honda FCX) and America's first gas-electric hybrid vehicle (Honda Insight).
Honda also took another step toward the market introduction of HondaJet with the announcement that it submitted, on October 11, its application for FAA type certification of HondaJet. The company anticipates achieving both type and production certification within 3 to 4 years.
"A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the customer," said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "In every one of our business activities, our goal is to create new value for the customer. HondaJet meets this challenging objective."
Sales and Service Network
HondaJet will be sold through five regional sales groups -- HondaJet East, HondaJet Southeast, HondaJet Midwest, HondaJet Southwest and HondaJet Northwest -- operating 14 offices around the country to provide HondaJet customers' with a truly superior sales and ownership experience. The HondaJet dealer network was developed in collaboration with Piper Aircraft, Inc., as a result of a business alliance announced in July 2006. Honda Aircraft Company will also seek to establish a network of service facilities within 90-minutes flight time from any location in the U.S. to further advance its goal of creating a new level of customer service and support.
"Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative sales and service network," said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. "We will be working with our retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life of their ownership experience."
HondaJet innovation
HondaJet sets new standards for performance, quality and comfort with a series of new technologies and design features that signify a revolutionary departure from conventional light jet designs. It's most unique and recognizable feature -- the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration -- liberates precious fuselage space by eliminating the carry-through structures of conventional fuselage-mounted engine designs while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag at high speeds. Its natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose further reduce drag, contributing to HondaJet's class-topping speed and fuel efficiency.
HondaJet's all-composite fuselage uses a combination of honeycomb sandwich and stiffened panel structures cured integrally using a patented co-curing process. This unique construction results in lower fuselage weight and larger cabin while contributing to HondaJet's unusually sleek and smooth appearance.
An advanced, customized, all-glass cockpit based on the state-of-the-art Garmin avionics platform, will boast new features and capabilities unique to HondaJet.
HondaJet Performance
With a top speed of 420 knots, a 43,000-foot service ceiling and a 30-35 increase in fuel efficiency versus comparable light jets, HondaJet embodies Honda's commitment to superior efficiency and performance through the application of advanced technology. In addition, HondaJet's optimized control surfaces results in a highly refined, sporty and responsive flying characteristic.
Two GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each rated at 1880 pounds (at take- off thrust) deliver higher fuel efficiency and the lowest engine emissions and quietest operation in their thrust class(2).
HondaJet Comfort
HondaJet will be offered in two interior configurations: with seating for seven (2 pilots and 5 passengers) in standard configuration; and with seating for eight (2 pilots and six forward-facing passenger seats) in air taxi configuration.
HondaJet's cabin offers its passengers unprecedented levels of comfort with as much as six inches more leg room (per passenger) than competitive offerings. HondaJet's 57 cubic-foot aft cargo hold is as much as 50 percent larger than other jets in its class. Additional cargo storage is provided by a nine cubic-foot nose cargo hold.
HondaJet Quality
HondaJet was developed with Honda's legendary commitment to quality and world-class engineering. Attention to detail in every aspect of its design, testing and construction ensures an aircraft of the highest quality and design integrity. To date, HondaJet has logged more than 260 hours of in-flight testing with superior results.
Production Plans
HondaJet will be produced in the United States beginning in 2010 with a projected production volume of 70 jets per year. The company will maintain a significant degree of flexibility in its production plan and will continue to evaluate demand as it moves closer to actual production.
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., established in August 2006 to oversee certification, production, sales and service of HondaJet. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at www.hondajet.com.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:10 PM | Link to this Post
October 12, 2006
Northwest Announces European Expansion
Airline to Add Six Trans-Atlantic Flights and Two New European Destinations to Its Global Network.
Northwest Airlines today announced an expansion of its European flight network with new service to Brussels, Belgium and Dusseldorf, Germany, as well as the first and only nonstop service between Hartford, Conn. and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The airline, in cooperation with its joint venture partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also announced that it will add more flights in the Detroit - Amsterdam and Boston - Amsterdam markets.
Northwest will add to its existing service to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris by offering new flights.
Through its Amsterdam hub, Northwest and KLM connect North America to Europe through daily service from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston (Intercontinental), Los Angeles, Memphis, Tenn., Mexico City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Montreal, New York (JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, British Columbia and Washington D.C.
Northwest Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world's most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 900 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:46 PM | Link to this Post
October 11, 2006
Regus Group Joins Forces with American Airlines to Provide Workplace Services to Business Travelers Worldwide
American's Admirals Club Members Gain Access to Regus' Global Network of 750 Locations.
Regus Members Gain Access to American's Admirals Club Lounges.
DALLAS -- American Airlines (NYSE:AMR) and Regus Group , the world's largest provider of fully furnished and fully equipped offices, meeting rooms, videoconferencing and business lounges, have announced a relationship that will provide American Airlines Admirals Club members access to the Regus network of more than 750 business centers in 60 countries. Regus clients also will have access to American's Admirals Club conference room facilities at Admirals Club member rates under the new agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, all Admirals Club members will receive complimentary enrollment in the Regus Executive Club membership effective immediately.
American operates more than 40 Admirals Club lounges worldwide. The Admirals Club has become synonymous with comfort, productivity and convenience at major airports throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Membership provides the key to private surroundings where members can relax or work before, after or between flights and enjoy personalized, professional service from club staff.
Admirals Club members will receive unlimited access to Regus' prestigious business lounges in downtown areas and major suburban markets in 350 cities providing additional locations to the more than 40 Admirals Club airport business lounges. Regus business lounges and Admirals Club conference room facilities provide professional work environments that travelers need to be more efficient. In addition, as members of the Regus Executive Club, Admirals Club members also will be able to rent fully furnished offices per hour or day, meeting rooms, videoconferencing studios and business support services at preferred rates.
American operates more than 40 Admirals Club lounges worldwide. The Admirals Club has become synonymous with comfort, productivity and convenience at major airports throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Membership provides the key to private surroundings where members can relax or work before, after or between flights and enjoy personalized, professional service from club staff.
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft.
Regus Group Plc is the global market leader in providing professional workplaces for businesses of any size. The Regus Group Network includes 750 business centers in 60 countries and features four brands: Regus Business Centers, HQ Global Workplaces, Stratis and Business Meeting Places. All locations are strategically situated in world capitals, premier business hubs and developing markets.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:20 PM | Link to this Post
September 9, 2006
Boeing Delivers 1st In-Seat Video System on Next-Generation 737
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Next-Generation 737 equipped with an in-seat video entertainment system.
The airplane, a Jet Airways 737-800, has 7-inch video monitors mounted in the back of every seat in economy class and 9-inch video monitors mounted in the seat arms in business class. The system offers passengers audio and video on-demand movies, games and in-fight information.
"Our goal is to help our customers continue to succeed by providing technologies that add value to their operations and make flying more enjoyable for passengers," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.
To date three customers have ordered the in-seat video system option, which is manufactured by Panasonic and Thales.
In addition to the Panasonic eFx in-seat video system, the Jet Airways 737-800 also is equipped with 110-VAC power outlets throughout the cabin and gooseneck personal reading lights in business class.
"Jet Airways strives to provide service of the highest standard to our customers, both while on the ground and in flight," said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways. "We are especially proud to be the first 737 operator both in India and the world to offer this service to its customers. We strongly believe that we are bringing innovative ideas and setting new standards in commercial aviation."
The India-based carrier currently operates a fleet of 43 Boeing Classic and Next-Generation 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world.
The Next-Generation 737 airplane family is the most technologically advanced single-aisle jet family on the market today. Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world, and continue to be the company's best-selling airplane model.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:12 AM | Link to this Post
August 27, 2006
A380 powered by Engine Alliance completes first flight
The first A380 Airbus aircraft powered by Engine Alliance engines successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday August 25th, 2006, touching down at Blagnac International Airport in Toulouse, France.
The A380 MSN9 is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines which have the capability of delivering a thrust up to 81,500 pounds (37 tonnes) each. The aircraft is equipped with heavy flight test instrumentation and ballast to produce a take off weight of 430 tonnes.
Six A380 customers have selected the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine for a total of 82 firm aircraft orders. These include Air France, Emirates Airlines, FedEx, ILFC, Korean Air and UPS.
Designed to operate out of any airport where today’s largest aircraft can, using shorter runways and generating half the noise, the A380 complies with some of the world’s strictest noise restrictions (QC1 for landing and QC2 for take off at London’s Heathrow), reinforcing the A380’s growing recognition as the quietest large aircraft in the world.
The A380 airframe and engines are the world’s most advanced using the latest generation materials and systems to significantly reduce weight and boost performance and economy. The A380 also boasts the world’s most advanced cockpit and avionics providing its customers with the unique benefits of Airbus’ operational commonality between fly-by-wire models.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:00 PM | Link to this Post
August 8, 2006
Falcon Business Jets
The How and Why of Falcon's Efficient Performance.
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the renowned Mirage and Rafale fighter jets as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on both continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000.
According to Dassault Falcon, Falcon superiority is based on a unique philosophy:
Focus engineering, technology and design into a single integrated discipline -
to create one winning aircraft after another.
Not simply an assemblage of parts and systems bolted together to fly, every aspect of a Falcon is designed to optimize the strength and efficiency of the others. And the advances they make building supersonic jet fighters are built into every Falcon.
The Architecture:
A Falcon's superstructure uses aerospace materials - titanium, magnesium, composite laminates, hybrids and alloys - skillfully incorporated to be lighter-yet-stronger and longer-lasting than ordinary business jets. And extract every extra mile of fuel efficiency - without giving up an ounce of tensile toughness.
The Power:
To achieve the industry's most efficient thrust-to-weight ratios - and satisfy some of the world's most sophisticated business jet owners - Falcon engineers work closely with engine manufacturers. And each set of power plants is integrated into the aircraft's design to optimize thrust and minimize drag - while maintaining their reputation for "the quietest cabin in the sky."
The Aerodynamics:
The exterior of a Falcon, with its trademark gleaming-smooth skin, is designed to surf the air more efficiently at every altitude than other business jets - the result of their 80-year obsession with aerodynamics and 40-year experience in aerospace.
Falcon's unique wing design allows it to land slower than other planes in its class - giving it access to hundreds more small airports than other planes its size.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:47 AM | Link to this Post
July 27, 2006
Boeing Delivers the 2,000th Next-Generation 737
SEATTLE, July 26, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] made history today by delivering the 2,000th Next-Generation 737 nearly seven years sooner than any other commercial jet airplane model.
The milestone delivery -- a 737-700 to Southwest Airlines -- occurred nearly nine years after Southwest received the first Next-Generation 737.
"This is a tremendous day for the Boeing team and our customers. The 737 family just keeps getting better and better, and this milestone is a reflection of the continued value our customers place on the airplanes and the people who design, build and support them," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.
Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world. The Next-Generation 737 airplane family, which includes the 737-600, -700, -800, -900 and the new -900ER and -700ER, continues to be the company's best-selling airplane model.
Earlier this year, the current airplane family eclipsed order totals for Classic 737s. As of June 30, 2006, 97 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 airplanes. The program has 1,365 unfilled orders with a value of $91 billion at current list prices.
So far this year, the Next-Generation 737 has won net orders for 399 airplanes. The order total represents 78 percent in units of all Boeing commercial airplane orders for the year.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:25 AM | Link to this Post
July 16, 2006
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Livery Change Enhances Airplane Performance
Boeing 787 Program Changes Airplane Livery, Improves Efficiency.
SEATTLE – The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 program has made a subtle but important change to the airplane’s livery to enhance airplane performance. By developing a method for maintaining a smooth flow of air – called laminar flow -- over more area on the 787 nacelle inlet, Boeing is able to reduce aircraft drag and fuel consumption.
The 787 nacelle has a tightly controlled smooth surface to preserve laminar flow over a greater distance than that on a standard design. “Aircraft drag is reduced because laminar flow has much lower skin friction drag than turbulent flow,” said Ron Hinderberger, propulsion leader for the 787 program.
To achieve laminar flow over the inlet it is necessary to maintain a very smooth, continuous surface without paint edges, which can occur when paint transitions from one color to another, or as paint details are added. The design parameter for the nacelles is based on thickness of the paint formulation for a single color; Boeing has chosen gray to complement the metallic appearance of the nacelle’s inlet.
“If you interrupt the laminar flow by adding paint layers, which are common with airline liveries, you could increase fuel burn by 30,000 gallons per year per airplane,” Hinderberger added. “An improvement like this — especially with rising fuel prices — can contribute positively to the bottom line for an airline.”
Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, the Dreamliner provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Because it uses 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting. To date, 28 airlines have logged 403 orders and commitments worth more than $55 billion at current list prices since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:15 PM | Link to this Post
June 7, 2006
Boeing, Continental in Deal for Dreamliners and Next-Generation 737s
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) have announced that the airline has ordered another 10 787-8 Dreamliners and an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s as part of Continental's ongoing growth plans.
This order brings to 20 the number of 787s the airline has on order, the most of any U.S. airline. The value of the 10 new 787s and 24 737s is approximately $3 billion at average list prices.
With the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing continues its leadership and innovation with a mostly composite airplane that consumes 20 percent less fuel, provides airlines with up to 60 percent more cargo revenue capacity and offers passengers a better flying experience. The 787 sets the standard for interior passenger comfort, allowing higher cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude, wider seats and aisles, innovative LCD lighting, larger windows and unmatched stowage capacity.
The first of Continental's 787s will deliver in 2009. The Next-Generation 737s contained in the new order are scheduled to begin delivery in 2008.
"The game-changing 787, in combination with the popular 777, will provide Continental with long-range, fuel-efficient capability and the fleet flexibility to react to an ever-changing market," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
With today's order, Boeing now has 403 orders and commitments from 29 carriers worldwide for the Dreamliner. Continental was the first major U.S. carrier to commit to the technologically advanced 787, which is slated to enter service in 2008.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:59 AM | Link to this Post
May 27, 2006
Boeing Celebrates Delivery of ILFCs 600th Airplane; Leased to Shanghai Airlines
SEATTLE, May 2006 - The Boeing Company, in conjunction with International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), held delivery ceremonies yesterday with Shanghai Airlines for the airlines newest Next-Generation 737-800. The airplane is the 600th Boeing aircraft delivered to ILFC and will join 11 other Next-Generation 737s that ILFC currently leases to Shanghai Airlines.
Established in 1985 in China's largest city, Shanghai Airlines operates 39 Boeing jetliners including 20 Next-Generation 737s, 13 757-200s, five 767-300s and one MD-11 freighter. The carrier operates more than 100 domestic routes and six regional services to neighboring countries and areas in Asia.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:06 PM | Link to this Post
May 21, 2006
Boeing's Latest Commercial Airplane: 747-8
Boeing has launched the 747-8 family of commercial airplanes, including the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter.
Entry into service is scheduled for September 2009, starting with freighter operator Cargolux of Luxembourg.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:37 AM | Link to this Post
May 19, 2006
Orders Continue to Soar for Boeing Business Jets
GENEVA, May 2006 -- Boeing Business Jets has announced it has won six new orders for the ultra-large-cabin, long-range business jet, increasing total program sales to 108 airplanes. There are currently 86 BBJs in service around the world. The fleet has generated more than 199,100 flight hours to date and 81,000 flights, with an industry-leading 99.9 percent dispatch reliability.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:25 PM | Link to this Post
May 7, 2006
Airbus A318 Elite Airliner
Commercial Airplane for VIP's
Airbus A318 Elite
Derived from the Airbus A318 airliner, the Elite has seating for 14-18 passengers in a spacious and luxurious layout that allows them to socialize and move around. Its cabin features settees as well as seats clustered around tables, both of which can be converted into full-length beds for maximum sleeping comfort.
When you are in the market for private jet transport of around 15 passengers, you cannot beat the space, comfort and economics of the Airbus 318 Elite.
View Photo 1 - Cabin Inside A318 Elite
View Photo 2 - Cabin Inside A318 Elite
The Airbus A318 Elite has a range of up to 4,000 nm – enough to fly non-stop from the Middle East to Europe, or from London to New York. It will be delivered as an already outfitted aircraft, under a partnership between Airbus and Lufthansa Technik.
“In making wide-cabin comfort more accessible to executive and private users, we gain entry to a larger market that builds on the success of the Airbus ACJ Family, which has already reached the milestone of over 50 sales,” says Airbus President and CEO Gustav Humbert.
The Airbus ACJ Family comprises the A318 Elite, the Airbus ACJ/A3I9 Executive/ A319 Long Range, and the A320 Prestige. They all feature the most modern design, as well as the most space and comfort of any business jet in their class – plus a host of features that are either unavailable or cost more on competing aircraft. These include public transport certification, side-stick controllers and fly-by-wire controls, category 3B autoland, wingtip fences and centralised maintenance.
The Airbus ACJ thus delivers not only more space for the money, but a host of additional features, representing the best value available in its class.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:32 AM | Link to this Post
