The Boeing Company

[Andrew Ong 1]

Continental buys more 787s, and is also the first airline in the Americas to buy the 787-9:

 

Boeing and Continental Announce Deal for More 787s, Including the 787-9 Launch Order for the Americas

 

SEATTLE, March 12, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Continental Airlines today announced an order for five 787-9 Dreamliners. This order, combined with the Houston-based airline's earlier announced orders, brings Continental's total firm 787 order to 25 aircraft. The airline also has contracted to convert 12 previously ordered 787-8 jetliners to the larger 787-9s.

 

Continental was the first airline in the Americas to order the 787 Dreamliner, placing its initial order for 10 airplanes in 2004. With today's announcement, Continental also becomes the first customer in the Americas to order the 787-9. The 787-9 (250-290 passengers) is a slightly larger version of the 787-8 (210 to 250 passengers) with increased seating and range capability (approximately 8,500 nmi versus 8,200 nmi).

 

"We recognized the benefits of the 787 early, and today's order further demonstrates our confidence in Boeing and the 787 Dreamliner," said Continental's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. The 787-9 is a welcome addition to the 787 family. With its increased size and range we will have the ability to serve more cities with the lowest possible cost per seat."

 

"The 787 Dreamliner will enhance Continental's fleet with both its unmatched fuel efficiency and its flexibility for both regional and long-haul operations," said Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales, the Americas. "Passengers will choose to fly the 787 for its advanced interior environment including higher humidity, larger windows and lower cabin altitude."

 

Edited March 13, 2007 by Andrew Ong

[Pieter C. 5]

Boeing Wins USD$2.26 Bln Kuwait Order

 

March 12, 2007

Boeing on Monday said it won an order from Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) for 18 passenger planes, including 12 of its 787 Dreamliners models, worth a total USD$2.26 billion at list prices.

 

The order for the 787s, as well as purchase rights for six more, is Boeing's first in the Middle East where airlines such as Dubai's Emirates and Qatar Airways are expanding as their government owners reap a windfall from oil sales.

 

Six of the 787s that ALAFCO ordered were already booked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries web site in September last year.

 

ALAFCO also ordered six 737-800s with purchase rights for six more, bringing the possible total value of the order to USD$3.5 billion, the Kuwaiti company said on Monday.

 

That includes engines from General Electric and CFM International, ALFCO said.

 

ALAFCO owns 19 Airbus and Boeing jets leased to nine international airlines. It also manages the leasing of aircraft that belong to Kuwait Finance House.

 

(Reuters)

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

News release from Boeing:

 

 

Boeing and ALAFCO Sign Deal for 787s and Next-Generation 737s

• ALAFCO opts for 12 Dreamliners and 6 737-800s valued at $2.26 Billion.
• Kuwait airplane leasing company is the first Middle East customer for Boeing's fast-selling, twin-aisle Dreamliner.

Kuwait City, March 12, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company today held a formal signing ceremony for the direct purchase of 12 787-8 airplanes and six Next-Generation 737-800s. The total value of the deal is $2.26 billion at list prices. Six of the 787s on order from ALAFCO were booked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site in September 2006. The additional airplanes will be posted to the Web site in March. The Sharia-based leasing and finance company is the first Middle East customer to finalize its order for Boeing's much sought after 787 Dreamliner.

 

The signing ceremony was hosted by ALAFCO's Chairman and CEO Mr. Ahmad Alzabin and Lee Monson, Boeing's vice president of sales for the Middle East & Africa.

 

"We're proud to be the first Middle Eastern company to purchase the 787-8 and our confidence to place this innovative airplane with airlines is further bolstered by the unprecedented demand for Boeing's Dreamliner," said Mr. Alzabin. "The advanced technologies used to build this airplane will result in great operating efficiencies and substantial cost savings for our airline customers. Both the 787-8 and the very popular Next-Generation 737-800 are strategic investments for ALAFCO, and this order will move the company closer to the realization of our ambitious growth plan."

 

ALAFCO recently became a publicly traded company in October 2006. It currently has airplanes on lease with nine carriers worldwide.

 

"This is a proud day for Boeing in the Middle East," said Lee Monson. "ALAFCO's demonstrated faith in Boeing airplanes has further strengthened our working relationship and we're proud to be included as part of what we know is a very sound strategy for growth and continuing success. The Boeing sales teams working around the world will do their utmost to coordinate with ALAFCO on lease content and availability where appropriate."

 

Since having reorganized its sales regions in 2005, and deploying a new team dedicated to the Middle East, Boeing has experienced a dramatic turnaround in its market share of commercial airplanes sold in the region.

[Andrew Ong 1]

787 vertical fin is unveiled :

 

Boeing Rolls Out First 787 Vertical Fin

 

FREDERICKSON, Wash., March 14, 2007 -- Today Boeing [NYSE: BA] celebrated roll out of the first vertical fin for the company's all-new commercial airplane, the 787 Dreamliner. Manufactured and assembled at the Composite Manufacturing Center in Frederickson, Wash., the vertical fin is the largest primary structure of the 787 airframe built by an internal Boeing supplier. The delivery meets a key program milestone as the airplane begins final assembly in Everett, Wash., in preparation for its initial roll out in July.

 

CMC's milestone achievement for the 787 Dreamliner continues its proven 15-year track record in the application of structural composite materials and manufacturing process technologies used to produce the empennage for the Boeing 777. The 777's vertical fin and horizontal stabilizers together boast an unblemished record of in-service quality performance over nearly 13 years of airline flight operations.

 

To create additional production capacity to build the 787 vertical fin, the Boeing factory implemented significant Lean improvements, including a pulse moving line featuring right-sized tooling, determinant assembly and advanced technology drilling techniques. Lean manufacturing techniques are used to enhance the quality and efficiency of its production system.

 

CMC's Lean manufacturing journey, which began in 1996, enabled the business unit to compete and win the role as a tier-one supplier to the 787 Program. Applying Lean also enabled CMC to produce the composite 787 vertical fin without adding brick and mortar to its original factory built to produce the empennage for the Boeing 777.

 

In addition to reducing total cost, Lean tactics such as moving assembly lines create flexibility, shorten flow times and create more ergonomic environments in which it's safer for employees to do their jobs.

 

After full implementation of Lean tactics for production of the 787 vertical fin, the Boeing CMC anticipates near-term reductions in factory cycle time; inventory, stores, work-in-process and inventory turn rate by another 20 to 30 percent.

 

In addition to designing the new Lean flow, Boeing CMC employees designed the entire structure of the vertical fin, including composite and metal subcomponents. The unit is also responsible for fabrication of the vertical fin's main box, or center section; working together on supplier selection and co-management; major assembly, including integration of supplier-provided structures, hydraulics, electronic actuators, signal lights and wires; functional test; and post-delivery support.

 

The Composite Manufacturing Center is Commercial Airplanes' area of excellence for the development of advanced composite manufacturing process technologies applied to empennage structures. The vertical fin assembly is an elliptical airfoil comprised of the leading edge, center box, trailing edge and rudder which, together, function as flight control surfaces that maintain yaw, or side-to-side horizontal movement of an airplane in flight.

 

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

PR orders two 773ERs with purchase rights for two more:

 

Boeing 777-300ERs Selected by Philippine Airlines

 

SEATTLE, March 15, 2007 -- On the airline's 66th anniversary today, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced the order of two Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) commercial airplanes, with purchase rights for two additional 777-300ERs. PAL is a long-time Boeing customer and currently operates five Boeing 747-400s and three Boeing 737-300/-400s.

 

PAL, the national flag carrier of the Philippines, mounted its first flight March 15, 1941 and has been operating longer than any other airline in Asia. It has a modern fleet and a route network that spans 24 foreign cities and 18 domestic destinations.

 

"The acquisition of the Boeing 777-300ER allows PAL to expand direct services between the Philippines and the United States," said Jaime J. Bautista, president of Philippine Airlines. "Our passengers will also benefit from the higher level of comfort and amenities that this high-technology aircraft brings."

 

Separately, PAL has signed a letter of intent with GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) to lease two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

 

"The Boeing 777-300ER is a great choice for Philippine Airlines, giving Asia's first commercial airline the most efficient airplane in the 300-to-400 seat segment, and offering its passengers the highest levels of comfort and reliability," said Rob Laird, vice president - Greater China Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

 

The fuel-efficient 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner and is capable of carrying approximately 365 passengers in Philippine Airlines' two-class configuration, with a maximum range of 7,880 nautical miles (14,594 kilometers).

 

Edited March 16, 2007 by Andrew Ong

[Pieter C. 5]

Is it gonna be Airbus or Boeing ?

 

US Airways nears narrowbody buy

 

Thursday March 15, 2007

US Airways is close to ordering 60 A320 family jets or 737NGs to replace its 737-300s and -400s and expects to make a selection by the end of April, according to Senior VP and CFO Derek Kerr.

 

Speaking at the airline's media day in Tempe yesterday, Kerr said deliveries would occur in the 2008-10 timeframe and that both Boeing and Airbus have delivery positions available.

 

US also is negotiating an order for widebodies to replace its 10 767s and nine A330s--the latter will be coming off lease. It ordered 20 A350s but no longer is obliged to maintain the order given the extensive changes to the aircraft and delivery schedule since Airbus introduced the A350 XWB platform. Kerr said the airline is looking at both the XWB and the 787.

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

Take the 737NGs lah.....

 

The A320s are older than the 737NGs

[Andrew Ong 1]

Three more 747-8Fs for Cargolux:

 

Boeing 747-8 Launch Customer Cargolux Orders Three More 747-8 Freighters

 

SEATTLE, March 19, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that launch customer Cargolux has placed a follow-on order for three Boeing 747-8 Freighters, valued at $845 million at list prices, and added two options. This brings the Luxembourg-based cargo operator's total 747-8 Freighter order to 13 airplanes, two options and 10 purchase rights.

 

"The outstanding economics of the 747-8 Freighter was decisive in its selection as the centerpiece of our future fleet," said Uli Ogiermann, chief executive officer of Cargolux. "Equally important was the environmental performance of this airplane. With 15 percent reduction in emissions and a 30 percent reduction in noise, Cargolux is taking action today for tomorrow's world."

 

With the new 747-8 Program, Boeing is leveraging the technologies from the 787 Dreamliner to further its commitment to creating environmentally preferred commercial jetliners. The new GEnx engines, originally designed for the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner, allow dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions and durability with significantly less noise and weight than today's engines.

 

"The momentum in the market for the 747-8 Freighter continues with this follow-on order from our valued customer Cargolux," said Marlin Dailey, vice president Sales, Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 Freighter takes the best elements of the 747 and incorporates the latest and most advanced technologies to make it a perfect choice for freighter operators in the large airplane market segment."

 

Edited March 20, 2007 by Andrew Ong

[Andrew Ong 1]

787 Program update:

 

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?...eventID=1497269

 

Cheers!!!!

[Andrew Ong 1]

Boeing unveils new access improvments for the 787:

 

Boeing Unveils Improved Access Features on the 787

 

EVERETT, Wash., March 26, 2007 -- When Boeing's [NYSE:BA] newest airplane, the all-new 787 Dreamliner, enters service in 2008, passengers will experience a more comfortable flight because of enhanced accessibility features.

 

"We analyzed accessibility issues passengers face on today's airplanes and incorporated advancements to better accommodate passengers of all ages and capabilities," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "These advancements, coupled with the Dreamliner's larger windows, bigger carry-on bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner air, will ensure that everyone enjoys a better flying experience on the 787."

 

Boeing partnered with the National Center for Accessible Transportation at Oregon State University to research accessibility improvements. As part of the research, Boeing engineers who design interiors were placed in simulated environments to better understand accessibility issues faced by persons with mobility, sensory and cognitive disabilities. In addition, the team worked with individuals with these disabilities to verify improvements.

 

Virtually all aspects of the Dreamliner's interior enhance passenger comfort. For example, all lavatories aboard the 787 Dreamliner feature universally designed interior and exterior door handles that are more intuitive and enable easier access by passengers with limited hand agility. Assist-handles installed in all lavatories are easier to grip and offer passengers better stability through improved design and location. "Touchless" features including faucets, toilet flushing and waste flaps can be activated by infrared sensors in addition to their traditional mechanical operation, making them easier to use.

 

Boeing is offering two wheelchair-accessible lavatories on the Dreamliner, each with significant advancements. The 56-inch longitudinal lavatory repositions the entryway door and toilet to provide extra usable space and makes it easier for passengers to reach and use the facilities.

 

A 56-inch by 57-inch convertible lavatory includes a movable center wall that allows two separate lavatories to become one large, wheelchair-accessible facility.

 

Other wheelchair-accessible lavatory improvements include an additional toilet flush button on the sink cabinet and a fold-down assist bar to aid independent transfers.

 

Additional enhancements are sprinkled throughout the airplane. Exterior assist handles are better positioned to accommodate passengers of all heights and levels of mobility. Overhead stowage bins are easier to reach, and latches work whether they are pushed or pulled, eliminating uncertainty. Bigger closets are offered that enable personal wheelchair stowage in the passenger cabin, while special closet features will better secure the wheelchair. As on current airplanes, aisle seats will have movable arm rests that offer passengers with disabilities easier access to their seats.

 

"Boeing is making an ongoing effort to identify opportunities to improve the flying experience," said Bair. "The 787 Dreamliner will set a new industry standard for accessibility on airplanes."

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

Four 772(ER)s for British Airways:

 

Boeing and British Airways Complete Deal for Four 777-200ERs

Boeing 777 is logical complement to British Airways' wide-body fleet

LONDON, March 27, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and British Airways have finalized an order for four Boeing 777-200ER jetliners valued at more than $800 million at list prices. British Airways also secured options for four additional 777-200ERs. British Airways said it is using the 777s to expand its long-haul fleet.

 

British Airways has a fleet of 43 Boeing 777s making it Europe's largest operator of the popular jetliner. "The Boeing 777 fitted our requirements and could easily be assimilated into the rest of our long-haul fleet," said Robert Boyle, commercial director, British Airways.

 

"We are very pleased to support British Airways' expansion plans with additional 777s," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia. "Boeing welcomes this opportunity to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to British Airways' success -- a commitment that goes back more than 50 years.

 

"The 777 has a history of proven performance at British Airways and other leading airlines around the world. Its decision to expand its 777 fleet is welcome validation not only of our twin-aisle product strategy but also of the 777's success in meeting British Airways' demanding standards of quality," Dailey said.

 

The 777's combination of optimal size, range, efficiency and cabin comfort has made it the most successful airplane in its category. With more than 900 orders worldwide, the 777 has captured more than 65 percent of its market since its launch.

 

Environmental performance is another key factor in the 777's appeal for airlines and communities. When it entered service in 1995, the 777 represented a breakthrough in fuel and CO2 efficiency. With its twin-engine efficiency, the 777-200ER burns 24 percent less fuel per seat than its closest four-engine competitor. The 777 is also well known worldwide for its advanced noise technology.

 

"The 777 was conceived with environmentally progressive technology in mind, and we keep improving it to keep it quiet and clean," said Bill Glover, managing director of Environmental Performance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Environmental performance is a key consideration in all of our aircraft designs and the 777 is clearly a pioneer in that regard."

 

The additional 777s for British Airways will continue to enable quick and easy transitions for pilots and cabin crew who staff both airplanes' operations.

 

"The 777 is a logical, more economical complement to British Airways' existing fleet of wide-body aircraft," Dailey said.

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

The new 777F will be the first plane with "AirWeighs" advanced tecnology:

 

Boeing Selects Crane for Weight and Balance System on New 777 Freighter

 

SEATTLE, March 27, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] selected Crane Aerospace & Electronics to supply the onboard weight and balance system for its new 777 Freighter, making it the first commercial airplane program to choose the new advanced technology known as AirWeighsTM.

 

"The ability to quickly provide accurate weight and balance calculations will enhance the efficiency of operations for 777 Freighter customers," said Kim Pastega, engineering integration leader for the 777 Freighter Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased to have Crane supply this technology for the 777."

 

The onboard weight and balance system is designed to provide measurements of the 777 Freighter's weight and center of gravity. Operators benefit from having accurate and reliable weight and balance measurements provided in real time. In addition, the system can quickly validate manual weight calculations.

 

"This is a significant application of our new weight and balance technology because of the advantages it offers freighter operators," said Greg Ward, Aerospace Group President of Crane Aerospace and Electronics.

 

The AirWeighsTM system uses an airplane's landing gear struts as scales to determine the load-bearing pressure at each strut to calculate weight and balance measurements.

 

Edited March 27, 2007 by Andrew Ong

[Andrew Ong 1]

Travel Service and Boeing makes a deal for one 787:

 

Boeing, Travel Service Agree to 787 Dreamliner Order

 

SEATTLE, March 28, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSA: BA] today announced that Travel Service, a Prague-based charter carrier, ordered one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and holds purchase rights for one more. The airline is increasing its efficiency in the long-haul charter market by offering direct flights to holiday destinations. The order is valued at $153 million at list prices.

 

Travel Service already operates an all-Boeing fleet of 10 737s, including eight Next-Generation 737-800s. In 2006 Travel Service placed an order for two Next-Generation 737-900ERs, Boeing's newest addition to the 737 family. The company offers charter flights to more than 233 airports on four continents, as well as low-cost scheduled service to major European destinations through its Smart Wings brand. The airline celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

 

"The purchase of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner allows us to offer passengers what they want: point-to-point, nonstop flights to their favorite destinations in a state-of-the-art cabin environment," said Roman Vik, chairman of Travel Service. "As a 737 operator, we have first-hand experience of Boeing's superior products, their reliability and efficiency. In analyzing the 787, we concluded that the Dreamliner will bring us those same, outstanding attributes."

 

The 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, and provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity. Its long range allows carriers to bypass inconvenient connections at crowded hub airports.

 

"With the 787 Dreamliner, Travel Service can optimize the efficiency of its long-haul operations and offer a superior product to its customers," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This order signifies a new direction in our relationship with Travel Service, an all-Boeing operator in the Czech Republic. It further demonstrates the flexibility and versatility of the 787 to serve a variety of markets and business models."

 

Since launch in April 2004, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has logged orders from 39 customers for 491 airplanes, making it the most successful launch of a commercial airplane in Boeing's history. Rollout and first flight of the 787 are scheduled for later this year, followed by entry into service in 2008.

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

Arik Air orders two 737-700s:

 

Boeing Delivering Two Next-Generation 737-700s To Arik Air

 

SEATTLE, March 28, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] welcomes Arik Air as the newest African airline to order, and soon operate, the Next-Generation 737. Since its inception in April 2006, Arik Air has demonstrated a commitment to fleet modernization and has taken a leading role in the overall improvement of Nigeria's commercial aviation industry.

 

Boeing will deliver the two 737-700s at a ceremony to be held in Seattle next month. The airline intends to utilize the new airplanes on domestic and international routes from its home base in Lagos, Nigeria. The airline currently operates two 737-300s, seven regional jets and two turboprops.

[BC Tam 2]

How viable is it nowadays to maintain a fleet type of one or two units ?? The economics must be horrendous

[Andrew Ong 1]

LCAL orders one additional 787:

 

Boeing Agreement with LCAL Expands Exclusive 787 Dreamliner Fleet

 

SEATTLE, March 29, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and LCAL today announced the leasing company placed an order for one additional 787-9 Dreamliner, expanding its fleet to 15 of the advanced-technology aircraft.

 

The deal is worth $183 million at list prices. This order was allocated to an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website in 2006.

 

LCAL established itself in 2005 as an aircraft leasing company providing lease services exclusively with the 787 Dreamliner. The company was the first leasing company to order 787s, making a commitment to purchase six 787-8s in May 2005, remaining unidentified until November of the same year.

 

At the end of 2005, LCAL ordered an additional eight 787s worth another $1.2 billion at list prices. The second order was for the 787-9, establishing LCAL as the first leasing customer for this variant.

 

"This latest addition to our fleet is further confirmation of our unwavering confidence in the 787 program," said Clive Joy, chairman and founder of LCAL.

 

"The technological benefits that the 787 brings will set the new standard in operator and passenger preference for decades to come, while taking a significant step to address the environmental issue," said LCAL Chief Operating Officer and President Steve Clarke.

 

"Today's commitment by LCAL reinforces the remarkable market success of the Boeing 787 among a wide variety of customers and business models," said John Feren, vice president of Sales - Leasing and Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its dedicated and growing Dreamliner fleet, LCAL is offering its airline customers exclusively an airplane that delivers breakthrough technology, best-in-class fuel efficiency and lower operating costs."

 

LCAL has selected Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000 engine for a number of its 787s, and is negotiating with GE to equip some of its fleet with GEnx engines.

 

The technologically advanced 787 Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and will present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows and other conveniences. The Dreamliner will allow airlines to offer more of the comfortable point-to-point travel that passengers want.

 

Since the 787's launch in April 2004, 39 customers have booked 491 orders, making it one of the fastest-selling commercial airplanes in aviation history.

 

Additional information about LCAL is available at www.lcal.com.

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

The 777-200LR marks one year of its revenue serive in the month of March:

 

Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner Changing How Passengers Travel Around the World

 

SEATTLE, March 29, 2007 -- The world's longest-range commercial jetliner, the Boeing [NYSE: BA] 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range), marks its first year in revenue service this month. With several airlines scheduled to take delivery of new Worldliners this year, the newest 777 to enter service is set to change how passengers travel by offering airlines more flexibility to serve the nonstop routes that passengers demand.

 

Pakistan International Airlines was the first customer to put the 777-200LR into service, taking delivery of the first two airplanes built. Other airlines taking delivery of new 777-200LRs this year include Air India, Emirates and Air Canada.

 

"The Boeing 777-200LR supports our business plan to grow Emirates' route structure to include new nonstop flights to destinations worldwide, including the West Coast of the United States and South America," said Emirates Chairman H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. "The 777-200LR will complement our existing fleet of 777 jetliners, soon to be the world's largest, and offer our passengers the exceptional level of service and comfort they've come to expect from Emirates."

 

One of the routes Emirates plans to open with a 777-200LR is a nonstop flight between Sao Paulo and Dubai, making it the first time an airline has offered nonstop service between the Middle East and South America. Air India plans to open a new nonstop route between Mumbai and New York. To date, the 777-200LR has won 40 orders from seven customers.

 

"The 777-200LR is changing the way airlines fly passengers around the world by opening more direct, nonstop routes that fly passengers directly to where they want to go," said Lars Andersen, vice president-program manger, 777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

 

The 777-200LR is capable of flying up to 9,450 nautical miles (17,500 km), enabling the airplane to connect virtually any two cities around the world nonstop, carrying 301 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. Also, the 777-200LR can carry a full cargo load on routes where other airplanes are payload limited. This gives airlines the capability to carry the same number of passengers farther, and with additional revenue-generating cargo.

 

In its first year in service, the 777-200LR amassed a 99.7 percent average schedule reliability rate and is in line with 777's best-in-class schedule reliability. The 777-200LR is equipped with the GE90-110B1L, a re-rated version of the world's most powerful commercial jet engine - the GE90-115B.

 

"The GE90-110B1L engine has performed exceptionally well on the Boeing 777-200LR airplane," said Tom Wygle, general manager of the GE90 program at GE Aviation. "Based on the proven technologies of the GE90 engine family, the engine has demonstrated an outstanding reliability record, fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership."

 

The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300 to 400-seat segment, capturing more than 65 percent of that market. To date, 48 customers have placed 918 orders for the efficient, reliable and passenger-pleasing 777 jetliner. Boeing continues to enhance the 777 family with the recent introduction of two new longer-range models and a freighter version currently in development.

 

[Naim 6]

 

The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range) has a maximum range of 9,450 nautical miles (17,500 km), making it the world's longest-range commercial jetliner. The Worldliner is capable of connecting virtually any two city pairs around the globe with nonstop service. The 777-200LR is the fifth and newest 777 model. The airplane first entered service with Pakistan International Airlines in March 2006.

 

+++

 

March 30, 2007 11:26 AM

 

Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner Changing How Passengers Travel Around the World

 

SEATTLE, March 30 (Bernama) -- The world's longest-range commercial jetliner, the Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range), marks its first year in revenue service this month.

 

With several airlines scheduled to take delivery of new Worldliners this year, the newest 777 to enter service is set to change how passengers travel by offering airlines more flexibility to serve the nonstop routes that passengers demand.

 

Pakistan International Airlines was the first customer to put the 777-200LR into service, taking delivery of the first two airplanes built.

 

Other airlines taking delivery of new 777-200LRs this year include Air India, Emirates and Air Canada, said Boeing in a statement released from Seattle on Thursday.

 

"The Boeing 777-200LR supports our business plan to grow Emirates' route structure to include new nonstop flights to destinations worldwide, including the West Coast of the United States and South America," said Emirates Chairman H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

 

"The 777-200LR will complement our existing fleet of 777 jetliners, soon to be the world's largest, and offer our passengers the exceptional level of service and comfort they've come to expect from Emirates."

 

One of the routes Emirates plans to open with a 777-200LR is a nonstop flight between Sao Paulo and Dubai, making it the first time an airline has offered nonstop service between the Middle East and South America.

 

Air India plans to open a new nonstop route between Mumbai and New York.

 

To date, the 777-200LR has won 40 orders from seven customers.

 

"The 777-200LR is changing the way airlines fly passengers around the world by opening more direct, nonstop routes that fly passengers directly to where they want to go," said Lars Andersen, vice president-program manger, 777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

 

The 777-200LR is capable of flying up to 9,450 nautical miles (17,500 km), enabling the airplane to connect virtually any two cities around the world nonstop, carrying 301 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. Also, the 777-200LR can carry a full cargo load on routes where other airplanes are payload limited.

 

This gives airlines the capability to carry the same number of passengers farther, and with additional revenue-generating cargo.

 

In its first year in service, the 777-200LR amassed a 99.7 percent average schedule reliability rate and is in line with 777's best-in-class schedule reliability.

 

The 777-200LR is equipped with the GE90-110B1L, a re-rated version of the world's most powerful commercial jet engine - the GE90-115B.

 

"The GE90-110B1L engine has performed exceptionally well on the Boeing 777-200LR airplane," said Tom Wygle, general manager of the GE90 program at GE Aviation.

 

"Based on the proven technologies of the GE90 engine family, the engine has demonstrated an outstanding reliability record, fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership."

 

The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300 to 400-seat segment, capturing more than 65 percent of that market.

 

To date, 48 customers have placed 918 orders for the efficient, reliable and passenger-pleasing 777 jetliner.

 

Boeing continues to enhance the 777 family with the recent introduction of two new longer-range models and a freighter version currently in development.

 

--BERNAMA

[LeeCH 0]

I always wonder how come this type is not part of SQ fleet list. My only answer is that nobody wants to buy the A345's that SQ is operating now. Could have saved the company so much trouble of planning pilot/cabin crew recency/proficiency checks and maintainance logistics.

 

Could have just configure the same cabin setting, plenty of J class seats with Executive economy seat. Two engine, burns less fuel. With ETOPS programme coming to an end, nothing is restrictive. My log book is also not restrictive to add another type in. Hehehe...

[Andrew Ong 1]

Boeing opens a new IMM (Integrated Materials Management) facility in Singapore:

 

Boeing Integrated Materials Management Opens Asia Regional Center

 

SEATTLE, March 29, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has opened a new Integrated Materials Management (IMM) Asia Regional Center in Singapore.

 

Boeing's Integrated Materials Management helps maintain and manage an airline's spare parts inventory, providing items to the airline mechanic as needed. The IMM team manages supplier-owned inventory at airline maintenance locations which results in reduced inventory holding and other supply-chain management costs at the airline.

 

The opening of the regional center enhances the current support of on-site teams throughout the globe and improves communications and visibility of inventory within the IMM network which directly benefits the customer. The center will provide around-the-clock support to all IMM customers and network suppliers.

 

"We are very excited to enlarge our footprint in the Asia region," said, Joe Brummitt, director of Integrated Materials Management for Boeing. "We have a strong base of customers in the region and our center in Singapore positions us well to better support this important customer base. It's also the next logical step in our strategy to efficiently connect all suppliers and customers in our network."

 

The IMM Asia Regional Center was developed using Lean principles to standardize processes and reduce the variation in inventory planning. Utilizing Lean within the center's operation will increase productivity, improve communications and enhance demand visibility. This will enable suppliers to better support the IMM supply-chain requirements. The new regional center also postures IMM to support the 787 Dreamliner and the GoldCare service solutions.

 

The Asia Regional Center will be based at Schenker Singapore's Megahub facility in the Airport Logistics Park of Singapore (ALPS), where Boeing currently maintains a regional distribution center through its lead logistics service provider. This further leverages Boeing's use of these facilities and continues the expansion of a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship in the country of Singapore.

 

"We congratulate The Boeing Company on the IMM Asia Regional Center," said Manohar Khiatani, assistant managing director for Industry Development, Singapore Economic Development Board. "We are glad that Boeing continues to grow its activities in Singapore, leveraging on our strengths as the leading aviation and logistics hub in the region. The IMM Asia Regional Centre underlines Singapore's attractiveness as a location for the logistics and supply-chain management activities of global companies."

 

The IMM Asia Regional Center will also serve as a model as IMM looks at centers in other locations around the globe to support the current and expanding IMM customer base. Current customers for IMM include Air Tran, All Nippon Airways, Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Japan Transocean Air and Singapore Airlines. Network supplier partners include Honeywell, UFC Aerospace, Satair, Hamilton Sundstrand, Avio-Diepen, and the recently acquired Boeing subsidiary, Aviall.

[Andrew Ong 1]

Boeing confirms its 500th order from JAL (Japan Airlines) :

 

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner Surpasses 500 Customer Orders in under Three Years

 

EVERETT, Wash., April 03, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the 500th customer order for the 787 Dreamliner with a follow-on order from Japan Airlines Corp. (JAL).

 

"Today we are celebrating some great news with one of our great customers," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This is an unprecedented achievement for Boeing and yet another wonderful milestone for the 787 program. We are very gratified that the 787 will play a key role in the future plans of JAL and so many other industry-leading airline customers."

 

The JAL order for five 787-8 airplanes, in addition to several orders from unidentified customers, brings the 787's order total to 514 airplanes from 43 customers since its launch on April 26, 2004, making it the fastest-selling commercial airplane in history. This increases JAL's total 787 order to 35 airplanes from their previous order of 30 in December 2004.

 

"The 787 will be a key airplane on a variety of international and domestic routes, said Kunio Shimizu, vice president of Engineering & Quality Assurance Department for the Americas, Japan Airlines International Corp. "We are expecting the benefits of the 787 to provide efficiency and flexibility in our route planning and are also looking forward to the wonderful flying experience the 787 will provide to our customers."

 

"Surpassing the 500 order mark this early in the program - more than a year before the first airplane is delivered - shows that Boeing made the right choice in our point-to-point business strategy, and that the 787 team made the right choices in designing the airplane," said Mike Bair, 787 vice president and general manager." This is an enormous compliment to the people around the world who are working hard to ensure we keep the promises we've made to our customers."

 

The 787 provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Using 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.

 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will lead the industry into the next generation of flight using the latest in ground-breaking technology to provide airlines with a family of airplanes that allows them to take their passengers where they want to go, when they want to go.

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

Boeing posts its first-quater deliveries in 2007:

 

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070405a_nr.html

[Louis L. 2]

wonder when MAS will change it's 734 to 738....their 734 is very old and not tat comfortable ady...

[Pieter C. 5]

Xiamen Airlines to order 25 737-800s valued at $2.1 billion

 

Tuesday April 10, 2007

Xiamen Airlines is negotiating with Boeing to order 25 737-800s valued at $2.1 billion, with the aircraft to be delivered in the 2011-13 timeframe if a deal can be reached.

 

"We will offer a favorable price to Xiamen Airlines, as its fleet is virtually all Boeing," Commercial Airplanes President Scott Carson noted during his recent trip to Xiamen. Currently the carrier operates 43 Boeing aircraft comprising four 737-300s, six 737-500s, 15 737-700s, nine 737-800s and nine 757-200s. One additional 737-800 will be delivered in August.

 

Xiamen Airlines GM Yang Guanghua predicted the fleet will rise to 69 by the end of 2010 as the company already has placed a firm order for 22 737-800s valued at $1.8 billion. Fifteen of those reportedly were part of the order for 150 737NGs placed by China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group last year.

 

The airline also will lease 14 -800s, 10 of which will replace four -300s and six -500s next year. It said it will "boost flight frequencies and add more routes to Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia" with the new aircraft.

 

 

[Andrew Ong 1]

CIT Aerospace orders five 737-700s:

 

Boeing, CIT Sign Order for Five Additional 737-700s

 

SEATTLE, April 19, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and CIT Aerospace, a business unit of CIT Group Inc., a leading global provider of commercial and consumer finance solutions, today announced an order for five Boeing Next-Generation 737-700s, valued at approximately $295 million at list prices.

 

To date, CIT has taken delivery of 31 Next-Generation 737s and has a backlog of five 787 Dreamliners and 10 Next-Generation 737s on order with Boeing.

 

"The Boeing Next-Generation 737 family has proven to be reliable and continues to be popular among our clients," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Aerospace. "Adding these five additional airplanes to our fleet helps us meet demand and further enhances our product offering to customers."

 

"With this follow-on order, CIT Aerospace clearly recognizes the excellent performance of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 as an investment," said John Feren, vice president of Sales - Leasing & Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Demand for the efficient and reliable 737 family remains very strong from lessors and operators around the world."

 

The Boeing 737-700 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, 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, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class. As of March 31, 104 customers have placed orders for 3,734 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the model exceed 1,500 airplanes, worth over $100 billion at current list prices.

 

CIT Aerospace provides financing solutions to a broad spectrum of the global aerospace value chain ranging from operators of commercial and business aircraft to manufacturers and suppliers in the aerospace, defense and homeland security industries. CIT Aerospace manages a fleet of more than 300 commercial, regional and business aircraft leased and financed to over 100 airlines around the world.