Boeing Begins 737 AEW&C Maintenance Training for Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales, March 3, 2010 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has launched the first maintenance training program conducted under the five-year In-Service Support (ISS) contract for Project Wedgetail, Australia’s 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program.

Training began on Feb. 15 with five Boeing Defence Australia instructors and 32 students from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 2 Squadron. The 147-day program, held in the AEW&C Support Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown, is a combination of classroom- and computer-based lessons, Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) simulator sessions, and “real life” flight line training.

“Realistic, integrated training is essential to mission readiness, and our Wedgetail 737 AEW&C training programs are designed to mirror the way RAAF personnel are expected to perform maintenance activities in the field,” said Grant Drew, an AEW&C maintenance instructor for Boeing Defence Australia.

The AEW&C Support Centre, established in 2004 under the Project Wedgetail System Acquisition Contract (SAC), houses the OFT, an Operational Mission Simulator and a Mission Support System to support Australia’s six 737 AEW&C aircraft.

ISS training follows a series of basic maintenance training courses delivered under the Project Wedgetail SAC. Boeing delivered the first two Wedgetail aircraft to the RAAF on Nov. 26, allowing flight and mission crews to launch the first ISS maintenance training programs using the aircraft.

Four Boeing Defence Australia employees also entered the ISS maintenance training program on Feb. 15 in order to become maintenance instructors. In addition to completing the program, they also will learn teaching techniques, curriculum development and how to deliver training using the Wedgetail Maintenance Training System.

“My colleagues are operating at the forefront of defense training with Boeing’s 737 AEW&C platform. I’m privileged to learn from them, carry on their exceptional work and teach future RAAF maintainers,” said Peter Whitty, who will become a Wedgetail ISS avionics maintenance instructor for Boeing Defence Australia after completing the program.

When they graduate, the new Boeing Defence Australia instructors will take on the job of delivering RAAF Wedgetail 737 AEW&C maintenance training programs. The five current Boeing Defence Australia instructors will move on to train instructors and maintainers for Boeing AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea.

“Boeing Defence Australia is already a key training service provider and integrator for the Australian Defence Force,” said John Duddy, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia and vice president and general manager of Global Services & Support – Australia. “Training Wedgetail AEW&C maintainers and maintenance instructors will not only strengthen our relationship with the RAAF, but also increase our in-country and international training footprint.”

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

Source: Boeing

GOL Airlines selects Rockwell Collins to provide data link system and multi-mode receiver for its Boeing 737 fleet

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (February 08, 2010) - Brazil’s GOL Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins to provide CMU-900 Communications Management Unit (CMU) for its fleet of Boeing 737NG airplanes. In addition, the airplanes will also be equipped with the company’s advanced GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR). Deliveries will begin in early 2010.

“GOL’s standards of safety, comfort and affordability for their passengers, as well as the need to equip their fleet for an evolving future airspace were, key factors in selecting Rockwell Collins for data link and MMR capabilities,” said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager of Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “These are smart investments that will provide operators the advanced functionality and proven technology that will help GOL’s fleet perform at its best now and for years to come.”

The CMU-900 enables state-of-the-art digital communications between aircraft systems, pilots, airlines IT infrastructure, and various operations control functions. This enhances an airline’s ability to more effectively communicate and manage airline operations.

The CMU-900 also will be certified in January 2011 for the European Link 2000+ Protected Mode ATN CPDLC mandate which begins in January 2011. The CMU-900 was the first communications management unit to participate in the European Link 2000+ Controller to Pilot Data link Communications (CPDLC) trials, which validated the use of advanced digital communications for Air Traffic Control communications. 

The advanced GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver is the first MMR certified for precision landing using either Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). The GLU-925 is the primary navigation sensor for all phases of flight, including the stringent Required Navigation Performance (RNP) requirement of 0.1 n.m.

Source: Rockwell Collins

Boeing Improvements Produce Better Next-Generation 737s Faster

In just 12 years, Boeing (NYSE: BA) employees in Renton, Wash., built and delivered 3,133 Next-Generation 737 airplanes. It took 32 years to produce that same number of earlier-model 737s. Relentless employee and supplier focus on efficiency has resulted in 121 customer airlines receiving their airplanes more quickly.

On Dec. 23, GOL Airlines flew the record-making airplane, a 737-800, to its base in Brazil. Minutes later, a second GOL flight crew departed from Seattle on an identical 737-800.

Shortly after delivering the first Next-Generation 737 in 1997, Boeing employees and suppliers began a dual journey to continuously update the airplanes and produce them more efficiently. Employees now assemble the airplanes in just 10 days, compared to 22 days in the past. Boeing produces 31 Next-Generation 737s a month – better than an airplane a day, including weekends and holidays.

Next-Generation 737s are lighter, consume less fuel, release fewer emissions and are more economical to operate and maintain. Airplanes delivered between September 2008 and September 2009 had so few technical issues that passengers left the airport gate on time 99.8 percent of the time.

Next-Generation 737s are as versatile and flexible as they are efficient. The airplane serves as a platform for military transport and surveillance vehicles, as private jets and as commercial airplanes operated around the world by every type of carrier from low-cost to those offering premier service.

In the next few years, passengers will enjoy the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior and airlines will operate models that reduce fuel consumption and emissions by a further two percent.

Source and picture: Boeing

Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 crashes into sea off Beirut

An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 90 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.

Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before Addis Ababa-bound Flight ET409 fell into the sea after taking off in stormy weather.

At least 21 bodies have been found, and the airline’s chief executive said there was no word of survivors.

Most of those on board were Lebanese or Ethiopian. There were also two Britons.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 82 passengers. It disappeared from radar screens some five minutes after take-off in stormy weather at about 0200 local time, near the village of Naameh, about 3.5km (2 miles) from the coast.

Boeing Awarded Long-Term Support Contract for Australia’s Wedgetail 737 AEW&C Program

SEATTLE, Jan. 19, 2010 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has been awarded a five-year In-Service Support contract for Project Wedgetail, Australia’s 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program. The contract from Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation is worth approximately US$600 million.

Under the performance-based logistics (PBL) contract, Boeing will provide acquisition, program management, integration and engineering services. Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, will support the program with engineering, maintenance and training services and supply chain management for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of six Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft and ground segments. Northrop Grumman, as a subcontractor on the Boeing-led program, will support the aircraft’s Multirole Electronically Scanned Array radar.

The contract is expected to create more than 100 jobs in Newcastle, Australia, while providing continued and new employment for more than 100 personnel in Queensland, Australia. This PBL agreement offers the RAAF maximum aircraft readiness at the lowest possible cost. Boeing is the industry leader in PBL contract execution.

“Establishing a robust support program for the Wedgetail aircraft will help ensure the long-term success of the AEW&C system,” said Maureen Dougherty, AEW&C vice president for Boeing. “We are offering an enterprisewide solution by tapping into the support infrastructure expertise of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and pairing that with Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s extensive work with large sustainment defense contracts, technical know-how and experience with airborne surveillance and battle management systems.”

Project Wedgetail consists of six 737 AEW&C aircraft and associated ground support segments, such as the Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System. All of these program elements are located in the AEW&C Support Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle.

Boeing delivered the first two Wedgetail aircraft to the RAAF on Nov. 26, which allowed its flight, mission and maintenance crews to begin familiarization training.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

Boeing also has AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea.

Sourcer: Boeing

Rockwell Collins dual MultiScan, HGS and avionics selected for EgyptAir’s 737 fleet

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 12, 2010) - EgyptAir has selected Rockwell Collins’ suite of avionics for eight Boeing 737 NG aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled from September 2010 through August 2012.

The agreement includes dual Rockwell Collins Multiscan™ Hazard Detection System configuration and Head-up Guidance System™ (HGS), as well as a comprehensive communications, navigation and surveillance suite including the Rockwell Collins Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Multi-Mode Receiver.

“We have a solid relationship with EgyptAir that continues with this latest contract,” said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager of Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Our advanced avionics will provide EgyptAir with the high levels of situational awareness, increased safety and operational efficiency they require to effectively serve their customers.”

The Rockwell Collins MultiScan™ Hazard Detection System analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content. The MultiScan system is derived from extensive operational experience to create a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.

Features of the HGS-4000 include runway remaining, tailstrike avoidance and unusual attitude recovery. The system has an instrument landing system (ILS) anomaly detect feature, which will filter out ILS disturbances during the final approach phase. HGS presents critical flight information in the pilot’s forward field of view. Aircraft flight path and acceleration symbols overlay the outside scene enhancing situational awareness, improving energy management and increasing touchdown precision.

Sensors selected include: ADF-900 Automatic Direction Finder, DME-900 Distance Measuring Equipment, HFS-900D High Speed Data Radio, CPL-920D Coupling Unit, GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver, LRA-900 Low-range Radio Altimeter, PAU-700 Passenger Address Amplifier, TTR-921 TCAS, VOR-900 Marker Beacon Receiver, and VHF-2100 Very High Frequency Transceiver.

Source: Rockwell Collins

Ryanair Decides Not to Buy 200 Boeing Planes

Boeing (BA) is seeing plenty of turbulence these days. No sooner does it get some good news than it gets smacked with bad. The good news was that on Tuesday, Boeing managed to get a partially successful test flight of its 787 off the ground. The bad news Friday, according to Bloomberg News, is that Ireland’s Ryanair (RYAAY) has ended discussions regarding an order for 200 Boeing 737s valued at $1.4 billion (representing 0.55% of Boeing’s $254 billion backlog) for delivery between 2013 and 2016.

The cancellation of discussions with Boeing is consistent with this history of expansion and retreat. I teach a case on Ryanair for an undergraduate class about its decision in the 1990s to fly a half-price route between Dublin and London’s Heathrow. The punch line of this story is that Ryanair became so successful with this route that it expanded rapidly and a few years later found itself short on cash and needing to retrench.

However, the good news for Boeing is that the end of negotiations with Boeing on these 200 737s does not currently change its plans to buy 112 of them for delivery between 2010 and 2013. Ryanair plans to distribute the $1.4 billion in cash freed up by the decision not to buy those planes to pay dividends to shareholders.

This could signal an end to Ryanair’s traditional growth strategy. That’s because the relatively low barriers to entry into the low cost carrier market and Ryanair’s success there has attracted new competitors like EasyJet. This new competition makes it harder for Ryanair to achieve the kind of rapid growth and capacity expansion it enjoyed in the past.

This is likely to be good news for Ryanair’s shareholders in the short-term and bad news for Boeing’s. On the other hand, if over the next few years Ryanair decides it is willing to buy these 200 aircraft at lower prices, Boeing could benefit.

Source: Daily finance, Peter Cohan

Peter Cohan has no financial interest in the securities mentioned.

Ryanair Presses Boeing For Price Cuts on 737 deal

Ryanair has been in discussions with the American manufacturer for months over an order of 200 planes for with deliveries to unfold between 2013 and 2016. Some of the planes are intended to support new routes, while others are expected to replace part of the existing fleet.

Europe’s largest short-haul airline also warned it might cancel planes it has already ordered from Boeing.

Michael Cawley, the low-cost carrier’s deputy chairman, said 15 of 48 planes due for delivery next year could be cancelled or postponed, which would hit passenger growth. The warning came after the company posted an 80% jump in net profits.

“We’d like to order more aircraft to continue this rate of growth from 2013 to 2016, but if we don’t reach a deal with Boeing before the end of December we’re going to break off these discussions and then we’ll change the strategy,” said O’Leary, the carrier’s chief executive. “If we can’t spend our cash buying cheap aircraft, we may as well give it back to shareholders … I think they’d be delighted.”

Boeing had previously described the potential order as “the deal of the year”.

Airbus, Boeing’s usual rival for big orders, has already indicated it isn’t interested in talking to Ryanair, since it doesn’t think the big 737 operator is serious about switching to another aircraft type.

Picture: Rob Vogelaar, ZAPP group

Boeing, Norwegian Air Shuttle Sign Order for Six Next-Generation 737s

SEATTLE, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle today confirmed an order for an additional six Next-Generation 737-800s. With this order, Norwegian has a total of 48 Next-Generation 737 airplanes on order from Boeing as well as 22 airplanes from leasing companies.

The new 737s will feature advanced-technology Blended Winglets, an environmental innovation that reduces drag, resulting in less fuel consumption and a decrease in carbon emissions of 3.5 to 4 percent.

The Oslo-based carrier has been opening up new markets in Europe and beyond since it was founded Sept. 1, 2002. Norwegian has reported continuous growth in its passenger figures and improved margins throughout the 2008/2009 recession. Today, the company announced its highest quarterly operating profit to date. Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos has placed the 737-800 at the heart of Norwegian’s fleet expansion.

“As we expand our markets and provide more low-cost options for our rapidly growing customer base, it makes strategic sense that the 737-800 forms the bedrock of our fleet,” Kjos said. “We are also pleased because the airplanes have one of the best environmental profiles in the industry, significantly reducing emissions and noise. Norwegian has more than 200 routes to 90 destinations carrying more than 10,000,000 passengers over the last 12 months.”

“Norwegian’s repeat order is a strategic move that confirms the suitability of the 737-800 to the low-fare airline model, providing unmatched levels of efficiency and utilization,” said Aldo Basile, vice president of Sales for Europe and Russia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The comfort and reliability of the 737-800, one of the most popular airplanes available in the market, is second to none, Basile said.

Norwegian is one of the first airlines in Europe that will incorporate the spacious new 737 Boeing Sky Interior starting at the end of 2010. Inspired by years of design research on the 787 Dreamliner, airlines with this new interior will feature the soft, blue-sky-like lighting overhead, contemporary sculpted sidewalls and window reveals designed to draw passengers’ eyes to the airplanes’ windows, enhancing the passengers’ overall flying experience.

Norwegian’s aircrafts are equipped with state-of-the-art Recaro seats which offer increased legroom without compromising capacity. Norwegian has opted for a 186-seat configuration in its aircraft contrary to a full capacity 189-seat configuration.

Source: Boeing

Qantas Takes 75th Boeing 737

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Qantas celebrated today as the Australian airline’s 75th 737, adorned with a special decal to commemorate the milestone, arrived in Auckland, New Zealand.

Qantas named the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 in honor of Jean Batten, a spirited New Zealand aviator who broke numerous flying records in the 1930s. Qantas has been flying Boeing 737s since 1986. This latest Next-Generation 737-800 features Qantas-specified, 2.5-meter-high (8.2-feet-high) Blended Winglets, which reduce fuel burn, thereby increasing range and payload.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said Qantas was pleased to be able to offer customers a new trans-Tasman product.

“The new Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 will offer international business and leisure customers a state-of-the-art product,” said Joyce. “We are certain that the new aircraft will be in particular demand with business customers, who will appreciate the spacious Marc Newson-inspired cabin design and the array of onboard technology features. We are delighted to be adding six of these aircraft, the first three before the end of this year, to our trans-Tasman fleet over the next two years.” 

With more than 8,000 orders, the Boeing 737 is the world’s most popular commercial jet transport.

Turkmenistan Airlines Announce Order for Three Next-Generation 737’s

SEATTLE, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today confirmed an order for three Next-Generation 737s by Turkmenistan’s national flag carrier Turkmenistan Airlines. The order for three 737-700s is worth approximately $192 million at list prices.

Turkmenistan Airlines’ all-Boeing fleet includes 717s, Classic and Next-Generation 737s, 757s and one 767.

“This order is another step in our longstanding and rewarding partnership with Turkmenistan Airlines and the state of Turkmenistan,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Central and South Asia. “I’m confident that Turkmenistan Airlines will benefit from the operational value the Next-Generation 737 brings to airlines through its market-leading reliability and unmatched fuel efficiency.”

The Next-Generation 737 family is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737’s market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, fuel efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

Since the 737 program’s inception, more than 250 customers have taken delivery of more than 6,000 airplanes, making it the most successful commercial airplane program in history. The Next-Generation 737, which entered service in 1998, currently has over 5000 orders from more than 100 customers.

Source: Boeing

Boeing Next-Generation 737s to Enhance WestJet Fleet Plans

SEATTLE, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Canadian airline WestJet today announced an order for 14 additional Next-Generation 737-700s. The airline currently flies an all-Boeing fleet of 81 Next-Generation 737s.

“WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada with a growing fleet of the world’s most popular jetliner and has emerged as a leader among the world’s airlines,” said Kevin Schemm, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, North America Sales. “We value our partnership with WestJet and its continued endorsement of the Next-Generation 737.”

WestJet also has announced a plan to reschedule 16 leased and direct-purchase airplanes.

“The new order of Boeing 737-700s will enable us to continue serving our guests with one of the most modern fleets in the air,” said Sean Durfy, WestJet president and CEO. “At the same time, we’ll have enhanced flexibility to deliver on our vision of becoming one of the top five airlines in the world by 2016.”

Including today’s order, WestJet has 54 additional Next-Generation 737s scheduled for delivery.

Nearly 120 customers around the world have ordered more than 5,000 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $158 billion at current list prices.

Earlier this year, Boeing announced performance enhancements to the Next-Generation 737, which will reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.

Source: Boeing

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