Newest Navy Aircraft Unveiled by NGC

April 30, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

grumman-e-2d.jpg(St. Augustine, Fla., April 30, 2007) — The first Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, being built for the U.S. Navy by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), made its first public appearance at rollout ceremonies here today. The E-2D was designed in New York and built in St. Augustine.

At the ceremony before hundreds, Rear Admiral Pete Williams congratulated Team Hawkeye for delivering a “game-changer for the warfighter.” Williams is the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft with Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.

Tom Vice, vice president of Airborne Early Warning and Joint Battle Management Command and Control Programs for Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Systems sector, said, “In December 2001, we promised to design and deliver a totally new Hawkeye, an aircraft more adaptable to quickly changing technologies, one that allows the Navy to better respond to changing threats from changing enemies. That promise is embodied in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Today, the people of Northrop Grumman delivered on a promise.”

NAVAIR Advanced Hawkeye program manager, Captain Randy Mahr, said, following the event, “This aircraft we are building here in St. Augustine today will provide what America needs well in to the middle of the century. Our Navy program has an exceptional industry partner — Northrop Grumman and the companies that comprise Team Hawkeye.”

The aircraft unveiled today is the first of two test aircraft to be built under the nearly $2 billion system demonstration and development contract awarded in 2001 to Northrop Grumman. According to Mahr, the Navy plans to procure a total of 75 Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

Turkish Airlines Adopts Innovative Boeing Maintenance Tool

April 30, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

SEATTLE, April 30, 2007 — Turkish Technic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, has adopted Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] Web-based maintenance solution, Maintenance Performance Toolbox, to help improve the maintenance of its fleet of 14 Classic 737s and 41 Next-Generation 737s.Turkish Technic will use available Toolbox modules including Library, Tasks, Structures, Authoring and Systems. These modules will help the airline streamline an array of maintenance and repair activities including managing technical publications and training, customizing online maintenance manuals, updating and tracking maintenance task cards, and performing core maintenance and engineering tasks.“In a competitive market such as ours, we must remain committed to operating as efficiently as possible and using our most expensive assets, our airplanes, to their fullest,” said Ismail Demir, general manager of Turkish Technic. “Boeing’s Maintenance Performance Toolbox will help us achieve faster turnarounds so that we can keep our airplanes in the air. This is where our customers, and our investors, want us to be.” Boeing’s innovative suite of aircraft maintenance software tools is the industry’s first set of productivity tools designed to unify an airline’s maintenance and engineering operations from start to finish.“Maintenance Performance Toolbox has become a must-have solution for airlines committed to maximizing their efficiency,” said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. “Precisely because Turkish Airlines is so respected as an efficient 737 operator, this endorsement is a great validation for us.”Accessible via an Internet browser as a secured, hosted service, Toolbox is a key component within Boeing’s evolving portfolio of performance-enhancing products for aircraft maintenance. Boeing will provide reliable access to the Toolbox tools for Turkish Technic through its secure Internet portal, MyBoeingFleet.com. Only an Internet connection, password and computer — a laptop, desktop or pen tablet — are necessary to access the system.

KLM Takes Delivery of its 15th 777 in Seattle

April 30, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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SEATTLE, April 30, 2007 — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines took delivery of its 15th Boeing 777-200ER (Extended Range) last Friday from Paine Field in Everett, Wash., north of Seattle. KLM is leasing the airplane from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). KLM, part of the Air France KLM Group, operates the 777-200ER on long-haul international routes from its Amsterdam base to cities such as Cape Town, Los Angeles and Tokyo. To complement its existing fleet, the airline has ordered the 777-300ER and currently has a total of 19 777s in operation and on order through direct purchase and lease agreements. “Our aim is to have a young and technologically advanced fleet of wide-body airplanes to get the best performance and value available on the market today. And, equally important to us and the communities we serve, the 777 is quiet and CO2 efficient,” said Peter Hartman, president and chief executive officer of KLM. The airplane arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on April 28.

Boeing Delivers First 737-900ER to Launch Customer Lion Air

April 29, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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SEATTLE, April 27, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and launch- customer Lion Air today celebrated the delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. The airplane was delivered in a special dual paint scheme that combines the Lion Air lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the fuselage. Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Jakarta-based Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. To date, Lion Air has ordered 60 737-900ERs.

“This is a proud day for me and the Lion Air family as we take delivery of the world’s first 737-900ER,” said Rusdi Kirana, president director of Lion Air. “The unprecedented economic advantages, passenger comfort and superior reliability of this airplane are key to our growth as we expand our routes and add new destinations.”

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.

“We thank Lion Air for having the confidence and vision to become the launch customer of the 737-900ER,” said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales. “With more range and the lowest operating cost of any single-aisle jet in its class, the 737-900ER will deliver superior economics and premier service to support Lion Air’s strategic expansion plans.”

The twin-engine jet incorporates a new pair of exit doors and a flat rear-pressure bulkhead that allow a maximum capacity of 220 passengers in a single-class layout.

Aerodynamic and structural design changes, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks, will allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km).

The 737-900ER will have substantial economic advantages over competing models, including 9 percent lower operating costs per trip and 7 percent lower operating costs per seat, and 565 nautical miles more range than the A321, which is more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 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.

As of March 31, 2007, eight customers have placed orders for 104 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 6,800 orders have been placed for 737s.

Lion Air operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the largest low-cost airline in Asia with traffic approaching one million passengers per month since the airline’s inception in June 2000.

For more information about the 737-900ER, visit http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/media_kit/index.html

TACV Takes Delivery of its First ATR 72-500

April 27, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

Cape Verde, Praia-based TACV (Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde) today accepted delivery of its first ATR 72-500. This aircraft is the first to be delivered following the signature of a $50 million contract for 3 ATR aircraft (1 ATR 42-500 and 2 ATR 72-500s) in October 2006.

The delivery ceremony took place in Toulouse with Joao Pereira, TACV COO and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO.

“The delivery of this new generation of ATR aircraft is an important step in the development of our airline on the interisland routes”, Joao Pereira stated. “It will allow us to increase our fleet capacity and to propose a very high level of comfort to our passengers.”

“TACV has been operating ATR aircraft since 1994”, said Filippo Bagnato. “With this new generation of ATR aircraft in their fleet, the airline will enter into a new era in terms of comfort and economics.”

The two other ATR aircraft will also be delivered in the course of 2007 and will be as well equipped with the new “Elegance Cabin” and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. These ATR aircraft will allow the airline to renew its current fleet of 3 ATR 42-300s as well as to increase passengers capacity in order to further develop the tourism in the country.

From the beginning of the year, ATR has received orders for 27 new aircraft, some of them not yet unveiled, and has delivered 9 aircraft.

Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 864 aircraft (402 ATR 42s and 462 ATR 72s) and currently posts a backlog of 142 aircraft.

Boeing Starts AC-130U Gunship Flight Testing

April 27, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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ST. LOUIS, April 27, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has begun flight testing the AC-130U Gunship with new 30 mm cannons at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Boeing is modifying four gunships for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command by installing and testing the cannons so existing airplanes have increased combat effectiveness. The AC-130U features increased weapon stand-off range, improved first-shot accuracy, and a suite of electronic and infrared countermeasures that greatly enhance its survivability. Boeing will deliver the gunships later this year.

The Bushmaster 30 mm cannons protrude from the gun ports of AC-130U gunships as shown during tests in January at Hurlburt Field. The 30 mm cannon eventually will replace both the 40 mm cannon and 25 mm gun on U-model gunships.

Jet Airways receives first Airbus A330-200 aircraft

April 27, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

Jet Airways, the India based International carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 aircraft purchased directly from Airbus, at a ceremony on Friday April 27th, 2007 held at the Toulouse delivery centre.

The aircraft an A330-200 was formally handed over to Naresh Goyal, Chairman Jet Airways in a ceremony attended by John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers and other top company executives. Jet Airways ordered a total of 10 Airbus A330-200s in October 2005.

“Introducing the A330 into our existing fleet will be relatively seamless as we already operate the A340 and two leased A330s which share a common cockpit,” said Naresh Goyal, Jet Airways Chairman. “We chose the A330 because it fits in with our long term strategy to operate efficient aircraft that best fit the mission laid down and to provide our customers with the most modern and comfortable fleet around,” he added.

The airline already operates the A340s and the A330s between India and the United Kingdom and plans to use the A330s on a mix of regional and long-haul international flights.

“With the worlds fastest passenger growth in the near term in India, we are delighted to be a part of these exciting times through our partnership with Jet Airways. The A330 is not only a fantastically efficient aircraft operationally, it offers leading standards of passenger comfort,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customer.

With over 1080 orders and 280 deliveries so far, the A330/A340 Family has become the industry standard in the 250 to 375 seat category. In airline evaluations the A330/A340 Family invariably wins favour for operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

Boeing, Russia’s S7 Group Announce Order for 10 737-800s

April 26, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

SEATTLE, April 26, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today confirmed that Russia’s S7 Group has ordered 10 Next-Generation 737-800s and secured purchase rights for an additional 10 of the world’s most popular jetliner. The aircraft have been carried as “unidentified” on the Boeing order Web site since last November. At list prices, the order is valued at $705 million.

Moscow-based S7 Group will operate the aircraft through S7 Charter, a newly-established charter airline that will use its 737-800s on routes connecting Moscow to numerous popular resort destinations outside of Russia.

“We thoroughly analyzed all aircraft currently available in the market before making our final decision,” said Vladislav Filev, chief executive officer of S7 Airlines. “As a result, we chose the Next Generation Boeing 737-800, which we believe is the best aircraft of its class, is known for its reliability and fuel-efficiency, and which perfectly fits the S7 routes.”

“This is another strong endorsement of the 737,” said Craig Jones, Boeing vice president of Sales for Russia. Speaking at the announcement ceremony in Moscow, Jones added, “S7 Charter will use these new 737-800s to give its customers the best service available in terms of reliability and comfort.”

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737’s market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

Since its introduction in 1997, more than 100 customers have ordered more than 3,700 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has an unfilled order book of more than 1,500 Next-Generation 737 airplanes worth more than $100 billion.

Boeing, Arik Air Announce Launch of Nigerian Carrier’s Widebody Fleet

April 26, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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SEATTLE, April 26, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Arik Air today announced an order for three 787-9s, two 777-200 LRs (Longer Range) and two 777-300ERs (Extended Range) at the delivery ceremony for two new 737-700s that will soon begin operations from the airline’s home base in Lagos, Nigeria. The list-price value of the new order is approximately $1.5 billion. The airplanes were previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa, formally announced Arik Air’s order for the twin-aisle jets while hosting the airline’s chairman, Sir J.A.I. Johnson; the managing director, Mike McTighe; and Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren, director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, as well as a large visiting delegation from Nigeria.

“This is a big day for Boeing and for the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation sector,” Monson said. “We know from our many strong relationships with African carriers that viable airlines play an instrumental role in countries’ economic development. We’re proud that acquiring new Boeing jets is integral to Arik Air’s plans for modernization as they grow and prosper.”

Arik Air is the fourth airline on the African continent to order Boeing’s fast-selling 787 Dreamliner, as well as the fourth to order the market-leading 777. Boeing is currently working with Arik Air as the airline moves toward achieving Category 1 status with the FAA so that it may fly direct routes to and from the U.S.

“Arik Air has demonstrated its commitment to providing reliable, world-class air travel to and from Nigeria with an aggressive acquisition plan for the world’s most modern and advanced commercial jets,” said Arik’s McTighe. “This will allow for a staged and strategic expansion plan both regionally and internationally that provides the utmost in passenger comfort and safety.”

Launched in 2006, Arik Air is growing its fleet to 16 airplanes by June, and they will serve up to 11 domestic routes. In addition to bringing new airplanes into operation, the airline is also taking a leading role in contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure as a whole.

“Nigeria’s aviation sector has truly turned a corner and is headed in the right direction,” said Dr. Demuren, who was selected last year to lead Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority. “It’s very rewarding to be here today witnessing firsthand the unveiling of Arik Air’s new Boeing Next-Generation 737s and to know Boeing is committed to work with Nigeria as we implement vast and far-reaching commercial aviation improvements throughout the country.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for entry into service in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience, and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. With the Dreamliner, Boeing continues its leadership and innovation with a mostly composite airplane that uses 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes. The 787 is designed for the environment with lower carbon emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting.

easyJet takes delivery of 100th Airbus A319

April 26, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

easy-jet-a319.jpgEuropean low-cost carrier easyJet took delivery of their 100th Airbus A319 aircraft on April 26th, 2007, following a handover ceremony in Hamburg between Andrew Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive and Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO.

The delivery marks easyJet’s rapid Airbus fleet expansion since the first aircraft was delivered less than four years ago in September 2003. Today easyJet operates one of the world’s youngest aircraft fleets and benefits from the latest technology in reduced fuel burn for an environmentally friendlier aircraft. The company has the world’s largest fleet of A319s. The aircraft are powered by the highly reliable CFM-56 engines from CFM-International.

“We have expanded rapidly in the last few years and we are doing this in the most environmentally-responsible way. Our fleet is made up of the cleanest and quietest aircraft available and with average age of 2.2 years which, combined with our high load factors and high seat densities, means we emit 27% less CO2 per passenger kilometre than a traditional airline. An easyJet passenger’s environmental footprint is less than that of the Toyota Prius”, said Andrew Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive.

“We are delighted that our partnership with easyJet is growing from strength to strength. The continuing success of easyJet proves that Airbus aircraft can be introduced succesfully into an already established fleet. The A320 Family has unbeatably low operating costs. It also has the widest fuselage in the single aisle market, which helps with quicker turnaround times, for increased productivity,” said Louis Gallois, Airbus CEO.

easyJet’s total orders so far are for 192 Airbus A319s and purchase rights for 123 more. In December 2002, easyJet signed a groundbreaking transaction for 240 A319 aircraft (120 firm and 120 purchase rights). In December 2005, easyJet exercised 20 of these rights. In November 2006, they exercised a further 52 rights and added a further 75.

The A320 is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family, which includes the A318, the A319, A320 and A321. Each aircraft feature fly-by-wire controls and unique cockpit commonality across the range.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 family have the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft in the same category. The latest models feature additional advanced aerodynamics helping reduce fuel burn even further. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers.

Over 5000 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3000 delivered to more than 180 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling single aircraft family ever.

Boeing, SpiceJet Announce Order for 10 Next-Generation 737s

April 26, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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SEATTLE, April 26, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and New Delhi-based SpiceJet today announced that the airline has ordered 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, valued at more than $700 million at list prices, follows previous orders in February 2005 and August 2006 for a total of 30 737s.

“The 737’s reliability, low operating cost and passenger comfort provide unmatched value for both SpiceJet and its customers,” said SpiceJet board director Bhulo Kansagra. “These aircraft are enabling us to add capacity on new and existing routes, and will continue to support SpiceJet’s mission of being India’s preferred low-cost airline.”

The 10 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which will improve fuel efficiency, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise.

“The 737 continues to play an integral role in meeting the needs of India’s rapidly growing aviation market, and SpiceJet’s commitment to the Next-Generation 737 is a key example of the success of this airplane,” said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-800, with its combination of 189 seat count, range, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and overall economics, is the most efficient airplane in the market, serving a broad range of business models worldwide.”

SpiceJet, one of India’s newest start-up private carriers, uses a single-class seating configuration on its short- and medium-haul flights within India. SpiceJet began service in May 2005 with three leased Boeing 737-800s, and today operates a fleet of 11 737-800s.

The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. With a bigger wing and more powerful engines, the 737 can fly higher, faster and farther than its competitor. The 737-800, which can seat from 162 to 189 passengers, is 1,500 pounds lighter, can fly 260 nautical miles farther and 1,100 feet higher while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

As of March 31, 2007, the Next-Generation 737 has logged 104 customers who have placed orders for more than 3,700 Next-Generation 737s, and has more than 1,500 unfilled orders with a value of more than $100 billion at current list prices.

Boeing, Air Canada Announce 23 Additional 787 Dreamliners

April 26, 2007 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment 

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With total 37 Dreamliners ordered, Air Canada tops for airlines in the Americas

SEATTLE, April 25, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed an order by Air Canada, announced Tuesday by the airline, for 23 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The order brings to 37 the number of 787s ordered by the airline. Air Canada has ordered more Dreamliners than any other carrier in the Western Hemisphere.The 23 787s are worth approximately $3.5 billion at list prices. The order brings the total number of announced firm 787 orders to 567 from 44 customers. As part of today’s deal, Boeing and Air Canada agreed to cancel two 777 freighter orders. “Air Canada will be among those airlines prepared to provide passengers with the most modern flying experience possible using the 787 — higher cabin humidity, large windows, a lower cabin altitude and more cabin space,” said Ray Conner, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Air Canada was the 25th airline to select the 787 Dreamliner when, in 2005, it ordered 14 ultra-efficient 787s.

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