August 16, 2007
Boeing Provides GoldCare Services to Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TotalCare : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE, Aug. 15, 2007 --The Boeing Company will supply GoldCare lifecycle support services to Rolls-Royce plc for the UK company's Trent 1000 engine TotalCare program.
The GoldCare Material Management agreement announced today provides repair and overhaul for 787 Dreamliner underwing rotable airplane components as an option for Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TotalCare service agreements. This allows Rolls-Royce to integrate support of these components into TotalCare to provide a more complete solution for the Trent 1000. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:12 AM
August 06, 2007
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS 50TH BOEING 737 : GlobalGiants.com
AirTran Airways 50th Boeing 737 Enters Service: AirTran Airways' 50th Boeing 737-700 aircraft lands at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The aircraft is the newest addition to AirTran Airways' fleet, composed of 50 Boeing 737-700 and 87 Boeing 717-200 planes for a total of 137 aircraft. The planes make up the youngest all-Boeing fleet in America. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 02:17 PM
July 16, 2007
Boeing Celebrates Rollout of 787 Dreamliner : GlobalGiants.com
Boeing unveiled the 787 Dreamliner during a one-hour ceremony at its Everett, Wash., final assembly facility, attended by nearly 15,000 employees, airline customers, supplier partners and government officials. Broadcast live via satellite worldwide and webcast, the event potentially reached 100 million or more viewers. The Boeing 787 is an all-new, technologically advanced and environmentally progressive airplane, scheduled to enter passenger service in May 2008 with Japans All Nippon Airways. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:13 AM
July 05, 2007
Boeing Invites the World to View the 787 Premiere : GlobalGiants.com
Boeing will broadcast the Premiere of its newest technologically advanced passenger jet the 787 Dreamliner to viewers around the world. The 787 Premiere will be carried live and in nine different languages on Sunday, July 8, at 3:30 p.m. PDT or 10:30 p.m. GMT via satellite and webcast. To view the webcast, viewers may log on to www.boeing.com or www.newairplane.com. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 11:51 AM
July 03, 2007
Airbus A380 at the 2007 Paris Air Show: GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The A380 comes in to land after its daily flight display at Le Bourget Airport, Paris.
Posted by Editors at 04:16 AM
June 11, 2007
First Trent 1000s Shipped by Rolls-Royce for Boeing 787 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The first pair of Trent 1000 engines has been shipped by Rolls-Royce for installation on the Boeing 787. The engines were dispatched from the company's Derby, UK facilities on schedule. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 02:16 PM
Boeing Adds Russias S7 Airlines to 787 Customer Team : GlobalGiants.com
S7 becomes first Russian airline to order and operate Dreamliner.
Photo: Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Russias S7 Group have announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and purchase rights for 10 additional 787s. S7 Group subsidiary S7 Airlines will operate the advanced-technology Dreamliners. The 787s will replace S7s fleet of aging twin-aisle airplanes and provide capacity for growth. The order is valued at $2.3 billion at catalog prices. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:38 AM
June 04, 2007
ALOHA AIRLINES : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: This Aloha Airlines Boeing 737-700 named Koholalele celebrates efforts to preserve Hawaii's unique marine life and ocean environment. Celebrated artist Wyland hand-painted life-size images on the Aloha Airlines plane, which flies between the West Coast and Hawaii. (Aloha Airlines) |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 01:34 PM
June 02, 2007
Airbus A380 aircraft’s first appearance in Paris (1 June 2007) : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The A380 touches down on its first arrival at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 June 2007). |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Firefighters at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle provide a welcome salute for the A380 (1 June 2007). |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 02:12 PM
May 22, 2007
Dassault Launches the New Falcon 2000LX : GlobalGiants.com
Geneva, Switzerland, May 22, 2007 - Today, at the 7th Annual EBACE Convention, Dassault announced a new addition to the Falcon family of business jets, the Falcon 2000LX. Based on the popular Falcon 2000EX, the 2000LX will feature a range of 4,000 nautical miles at Mach .80 and a best-in-class climb speed to 41,000 feet in just 18 minutes. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 12:18 PM
May 18, 2007
JetX Takes Delivery of its First New Boeing 737-800 in Seattle : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: JetX took delivery of its first new Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 from Boeing Field in Seattle. JetX is leasing the airplane from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC). JetX, an ACMI and full charter operator based in Kopavogur, Iceland, will operate a fleet of 737-800s on behalf of Primera Travel Group, the largest tour operator in Iceland and one of the largest in Scandinavia. Primera Travel provides charter flights from Iceland, several Scandinavian cities and Finland to destinations in Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 12:45 PM
May 11, 2007
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The first A380 for launch customer Singapore Airlines was painted in preparation for its October delivery (May 10). |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:37 AM
May 09, 2007
Boeing Delivers Jet Airways First 777-300ER : GlobalGiants.com
New Livery Unveiled.
SEATTLE -- The Boeing Company and Jet Airways, India's largest private airline, on Monday celebrated the delivery of the airlines first of 10 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The airplane was delivered in Jet Airways new paint scheme, that features a new design, colors and typeface. The airplane entered service on May 5, commemorating the airlines 14th anniversary of operations. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:18 AM
May 04, 2007
easyJet receives its 100th A319 from Airbus : GlobalGiants.com
View Larger Picture
Photo: easyJet received its 100th A319 on 26 April, 2007, continuing the European low-cost carrier’s rapid build-up of its single-aisle Airbus fleet. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:31 AM
May 01, 2007
KLM Takes Delivery of its 15th Boeing 777 in Seattle : GlobalGiants.com
(Photo Credit: The Boeing Company) |GlobalGiants.com|
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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 01:13 PM
April 30, 2007
Israir Airlines becomes the first Airbus customer in Israel : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Israir Airlines is the first Airbus customer in Israel, signing a firm order for three Airbus A320s. The aircraft will be configured for 174 passengers in all-economy seating. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:15 AM
April 29, 2007
Boeing, Air Canada Announce 23 Additional 787 Dreamliners : GlobalGiants.com
The Boeing Company has confirmed an order by Air Canada for 23 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This 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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 09:02 AM
April 23, 2007
Boeing, CIT Aerospace Sign Order for Five Additional 737-700s : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: 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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:26 AM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2007
Airbus starts painting first A380 for Singapore Airlines : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The first A380 for delivery to programme launch customer Singapore Airlines enters the paint hanger at Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany (April 11) (Airbus S.A.S. 2007 - photographer C. Brinkmann ©) |GlobalGiants.com|
Following timely completion of the cabin installation of the first A380 for Singapore Airlines, Airbus has started the paintwork on this aircraft. The A380 will stay about three weeks in the company's paint-shop in Hamburg/Germany. In addition to the actual painting, most of the other work in the paint-shop is cleaning, grinding, masking and unmasking the 3,100 square metres of surface of the A380.
About 3,600 liters of chromate-free paint is used for three layers of paint (primer, customer-paint, top-coat) for an A380. Only 600 to 1,000 kg of paint stays on the aircraft. Each layer is only measuring about 0.120 mm and is able to withstand differences in temperatures of about 100 degrees Celsius.
Airbus is applying the most modern and environmental friendly techniques for the A380 painting process. Electrostatic pistols are used to minimize paint mist. Used air is cleaned and washed through a multi-stage cleaning process to ensure that paint particles are disposed separately. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2007
RAYTHEON COMPANY JLENS : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Raytheon's JLENS recently completed a successful system functional review. JLENS consists of a long-range surveillance radar and a high-performance fire control radar, each integrated onto a large aerostat connected by a tether to a ground-based processing station. The system provides over-the-horizon detection and tracking of incoming cruise missiles. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2007
The A380 makes a big impression during its U.S. debut : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: A380 Route Proving - The A380 is serviced at John K. Kennedy International Airport after its 19 March arrival on the aircraft’s debut appearance in the United States.
The A380 has completed a highly successful series of route proving flights, underscoring the aircraft's ability to operate at gateways around the world - while also generating excitement that comes with the introduction of a new way to fly.
These latest evaluations involved the participation of A380 customer Lufthansa and were focused primarily on the United States, with the aircraft making visits to New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The A380 was given an enthusiastic welcome at each of the American stopovers, and it provided impressive demonstrations of the aircraft's low noise levels, excellent manoeuvrability and interoperability with various airport runways, taxiways and terminal facilities.
Photo: A380 Route Proving - New York's JFK airport was the first destination of the A380 Route Proving exercise.
The 12-day commercial route proving missions began with a typical trans-Atlantic crossing for Lufthansa - departing its Frankfurt hub airport on 19 March for New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The A380 carried more than 400 passengers, touching down to cheers and applause at one of America's busiest airports.
Photo: A380 Route Proving - The A380 visited Hong Kong on Saturday 24 March 2007 during its second route proving trip.
View Movie: The Airbus A380 takes off from Toulouse on first passenger flight.
In the following days, the A380 performed a New York-Chicago roundtrip, an eastbound Atlantic return crossing to Frankfurt, and a long-range flight to Hong Kong. Arriving back at Frankfurt on 25 March, ground crews made a realistic airline turnaround of the aircraft in 95 minutes, readying the A380 for its departure to Washington, D.C. This important demonstration highlighted the A380's ability to be processed rapidly at the world's gateway airports, including deplaning and boarding, fuelling, cabin preparation and aircraft servicing. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 03:01 PM | Comments (1)
April 06, 2007
Boeing Agreement with LCAL Expands Exclusive 787 Dreamliner Fleet : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- Boeing and LCAL have announced that the leasing company has placed an order for one additional 787-9 Dreamliner, expanding its fleet to 15 of the advanced-technology aircraft.
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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 05:29 AM | Comments (0)
April 02, 2007
Boeing, Travel Service Agree to 787 Dreamliner Order : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- The Boeing Company has announced that Travel Service, a Prague-based charter carrier, ordered one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and holds purchase rights for one more.
Travel Service already operates an all-Boeing fleet of 10 737s, including eight Next-Generation 737-800s. 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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 03:36 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2007
Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner Changing How Passengers Travel Around the World : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range) has a maximum range of 9,450 nautical miles (17,500 km), making it the worlds 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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:47 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2007
AIRBUS A380 CRUISING AT 1,500 FEET ABOVE WASHINGTON, DC : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Airbus A380 could be seen over DC skies during the last US stop on A380's proving run. The All New Double-Decker Airbus A380 made its last stop in Washington, DC, Monday, 3/26 before heading back to Europe. Dulles International Airport was the fourth airport to see the A380 in one week. (Eric Long, Photographer, National Air and Space Museum) |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:21 AM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2007
Airbus A380 - World's Largest Aircraft - Shows Its Stuff to New York City : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, takes off Wednesday morning from New York's John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport. The plane visited the U.S. this week for the first time.
NEW YORK, March 22 -- The 555-passenger, double-deck Airbus A380 created a stir across the U.S. this week, starting with Monday's dual landing at LAX and JFK airports. The planes were in the U.S. for the first time for a series of route-proving exercises. First delivery of the A380 is slated for October 2007 to Singapore Airlines.
Photo: NYC Mayor Bloomberg visits Airbus A380 at JFK -- world's largest aircraft in town for Route Proving Exercise. Airbus' Engineer Fernando Alonzo and COO John Leahy lead tour.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg toured the visiting superjumbo Airbus A380 at John F. Kennedy International Airport early Wednesday morning, shortly before the 21st Century double-decker widebody took to the skies over the Big Apple in a short demonstration flight for a group of invited guests and media. Shown here in a walk-around tour with Airbus Chief Flight Test Engineer Fernando Alonzo (l) and Airbus COO Customers John Leahy (r), Mayor Bloomberg, a recognized aviation enthusiast, visited the exterior and interior of the world's largest passenger aircraft. The 555-seat A380 touched down in the U.S. for the first time on Monday, with dual landings at JFK and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The A380 offers unparalleled comfort, economic efficiency and environmental friendliness to the commercial airline industry, which expects to see a near tripling of passengers worldwide over the next 20 years. The A380 departs JFK Wednesday evening but will return to the U.S. Sunday night. On Monday, March 26, Washington Dulles International Airport will host a group of invited guests in a tour and demonstration flight around the Washington area.
Photo: New York's Police and Fire Departments salute A380 with appearance of vehicles donated by Airbus in 9-11 recovery effort.
In recognition of the strong relationship between Airbus and the New York City Fire and Police Departments and Airbus' contributions to both in 9-11 recovery efforts, America's first rescue unit, Rescue One, brought their custom-built fire and rescue truck, along with the NYPD's specially built lighting truck to JFK. Also on display was a Police Fire and Rescue vehicle from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Airbus COO-Customer John Leahy joined representatives of the various agencies in position outside the Airbus A380. The police and fire equipment was waiting to salute the Airbus A380 as it landed Wednesday at JFK following a brief demonstration flight around New York. Airbus donated the $750,000 Rescue One apparatus and the $450,000 NYPD lighting truck in 2002 as part of the aircraft manufacturer's efforts to help New York's emergency teams recover from their devastating losses on September 11th. The double-deck A380 visited JFK this week as part of its first visit to the United States in a route proving exercise that brought the world' largest commercial jet to JFK, Chicago O'Hare, LAX, and Dulles International Airport. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 06:39 AM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2007
Boeing 747-8 Launch Customer Cargolux Orders Three More 747-8 Freighters : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- Boeing 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 operators total 747-8 Freighter order to 13 airplanes, two options and 10 purchase rights. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2007
Boeing Implements 787 Vertical Fin Moving Line : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: FREDERICKSON, Wash., March 14, 2007 -- Employees at the Boeing Frederickson Composite Manufacturing Center (CMC) transfer into place a skin panel sub-assembly on the main box of the first production 787 vertical fin during implementation of a pulse moving assembly line. Depicted left to right in the foreground are Art Valenzuela and Ed Sherman, CMC assembly mechanics. Guiding the rear of the skin panel onto the main box are, from left, Eric Zapletal, assembly mechanic, and Mike Halbert, team leader for the crew of 787 major assembly mechanics. The Boeing Composite Manufacturing Center rolled out its first 787 vertical fin on March 14, a key milestone leading to the beginning of airplane final assembly in Everett, Wash. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2007
Boeing, Volga-Dnepr Group Announce Order for Five 747-8 Freighters : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Moscow-based freight company Volga-Dnepr Group today announced an order for five Boeing 747-8 Freighters with purchase rights for an additional five airplanes. Air Bridge Cargo, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, will operate the airplanes valued at $ 1.4 billion at list prices. With this order, Volga-Dnepr becomes the seventh customer announced for the new 747-8 Freighter, joining Atlas Air, Cargolux, Emirates, Guggenheim Aviation Partners, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Korean Air. Air Bridge Cargo will use the freighters for its growing cargo business on routes to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Europe. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2007
Continental Airlines Increases Its Commitment to the Long-Range, Fuel- Efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner : GlobalGiants.com
First Airline in the Americas to Order the 787-9.
HOUSTON, March 12 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) today announced that it has increased its commitment to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising its firm order from 20 to 25 aircraft. By adding five 787-9 aircraft to its firm order, Continental is strengthening its ability to further modernize its fleet in the years ahead and unlocking additional international expansion opportunities. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 01:41 PM | Comments (0)
March 09, 2007
Boeing to Supply Six 767 Freighters to Re-fleet DHL US Operations : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE, March 9, 2007 -- Boeing and DHL agreed on an order for six 767-300ER (Extended Range) Freighters. DHL, wholly owned by Bonn, Germany-based Deutsche Post World Net, is a leading international express delivery and logistics company. The order is valued at $894 million at list prices. The Boeing 767 Freighter has excellent fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels. The airplane meets and exceeds international Chapter 3 noise requirements. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2007
PRATT & WHITNEY PW6000 ENGINES : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Two Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines powered the inaugural flight of the first production A318 aircraft for LAN Airlines of Chile. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 02:25 AM
February 27, 2007
Azerbaijan Airlines Finalizes Order for 787s and 737s : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: SEATTLE -- Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines have finalized an order for three 787-8 Dreamliners and two Next-Generation 737-900ERs (Extended Range). A 787-8 Dreamliner in the carriers livery is shown here. With this order, Azerbaijan Airlines, based in Baku, Azerbaijan, becomes the first airline throughout the republics of the former Soviet Union to order the 787 and the 737-900ER.
The carrier will operate the 787 on routes to the East, Southeast Asia and North America. The 737-900ERs will be placed on routes to Europe, Russia and other regional destinations. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 04:07 AM
February 21, 2007
Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines Finalize Order for One Additional 787 Dreamliner : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE: Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines announced today that the airline has increased its 787 Dreamliner order by one additional aircraft, bringing its total 787 order to eight airplanes. In 2005, LOT placed an order for seven 787s, with delivery positions beginning in 2008. LOT will be the first European airline to take delivery of the Boeing 787. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 02:53 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Airbus A380 Cabins Shown to the Media : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: A380 Media flight - Airbus' senior management and marketing teams were onboard to answer the media's questions and show them around the cabin (February 2007).
Photo: Airbus A380 cabin - Main deck's welcome desk and stairs to the upper deck. (© AIRBUS SAS 2007)
Photo: A380 Cabin - Upper deck business class. (© AIRBUS SAS 2007)
Photo: A380 Cabin - Main deck first class. (© AIRBUS SAS 2007)
|GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 06:46 AM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2007
Launch Customer ANA Takes Delivery of First Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: SEATTLE, Feb. 16, 2007 -- The first Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER takes off for a test flight from Boeing Field prior to its delivery today to launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways). ANA will begin operations with the airplane in March with its new ANA BusinessJet service, providing international business travelers with 24 business class and 24 premium economy class seats, both in four-across configuration. The 737-700ER is inspired by the Boeing Business Jet and is designed for long-range commercial applications. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 06:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
Boeing and UPS Finalize Major 767 Freighter Order : GlobalGiants.com
27 Freighter order pushes 767 order total over 1,000 airplanes.
SEATTLE, Feb. 16, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] confirmed an order by UPS, the world's largest package delivery company, for 27 Boeing 767-300 Freighters -- an order, when all are delivered, will nearly double the UPS 767 Freighter fleet.
"UPS continues to be an innovative and world-class service provider, as well as an important Boeing customer," said Ray Conner, vice president, Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 767 Freighter is a proven airplane that has served UPS well, and this order constitutes a strong vote of confidence for the capabilities of the airplane."
In addition, the new order pushes the total number of 767s ordered to date to 1,005 airplanes, 77 of which are freighters. With more than 1,000 total orders, the 767 joins an elite group of airplanes that includes Boeing's 707, 727, 737, 747, 757 and MD-80 models. |GlobalGiants.com|
Posted by Editors at 07:13 AM
February 12, 2007
Airbus A380 Media Flight : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Members of the international press and television experienced flying in the A380.
Photo: A380 cabin - Main deck first class.
Photo: A briefing on the A380 was given to the media before their flight aboard the aircraft on February 7, 2007.
[GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 02:57 AM
Airbus Corporate Jetliner for Chinese Customer: GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The first named Chinese customer for the Airbus Corporate Jetliner is China Sonangol, which has firm orders for three of the aircraft (February 2007). [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 02:48 AM
February 10, 2007
Honda Aircraft Company to Establish World Headquarters and Production Facility in Greensboro, North Carolina : GlobalGiants.com
HondaJet to Be Produced at New Plant.
Photo: North Carolina government, business and community leaders gathered together with Honda executives after a press conference on February 9, 2007 where Honda Aircraft Company announced plans to establish its world headquarters and HondaJet production facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. Honda plans to begin delivery of HondaJet, to customers in 2010.
GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 9 -- Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., today announced plans to establish its world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, with construction of a new 215,000 square foot headquarters facility and hangar at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) airport. The company also confirmed plans to manufacture its advanced light jet, HondaJet, at a new plant to be constructed adjacent to its new headquarters.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was founded in Japan in 1948. Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 02:12 AM
February 08, 2007
Boeing and Canada Sign Deal for Four C-17s : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: In this artist's conception, a Canadian C-17 airlifter flies over Ottawa, Canada's capitol city, where the Canadian government announced it had reached contract agreement to purchase four C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Boeing. Boeing will deliver the first Canadian C-17 as early as fall 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 05:23 AM
February 05, 2007
Boeing Delivers Fourth 777-200ER to Austrian Airlines : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- Austrian Airlines took contractual delivery in Seattle of its newest Boeing 777-200ER jetliner. The delivery is the latest step in Austrian Airlines' initiative to simplify its fleet and reduce costs associated with the operation of its long-haul fleet. In the future Austrian Airlines will operate a highly efficient all-Boeing long-haul fleet of 777s and 767s. The carrier will operate the new 777 on its New Delhi route initially. The airplane arrived today at Vienna International Airport. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 06:01 AM
February 01, 2007
Boeing Business Jets Unveils Interior Concepts for 787 VIP : GlobalGiants.com
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 31, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets today unveiled concepts of luxury and comfort for the 787 VIP airplane. Concept renderings of custom interior designs for the advanced-technology widebody VIP jet were displayed at the Middle East Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Dubai.
"A Boeing 787 VIP affords its owner complete accommodation," said Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets. "The spacious cabin and the technology of the 787 enable an owner to design a beautiful environment that exactly meets preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for a flying palace or a business office in the sky -- or both, the possibilities are endless."
"Aboard a 787 VIP owners can fly anywhere in the world nonstop, and on those long-distance flights, it is critical to have amenities and a cabin environment that allow passengers to be completely comfortable and productive," Hill added.
Boeing Business Jets has commissioned several design firms to develop preliminary concepts for 787 VIP interiors. A number of other airplane interior design firms and completion centers have developed a variety of innovative interior design concepts for the 787 VIP as well.
Boeing does not design or install interiors in VIP airplanes. Boeing delivers VIP airplanes in so-called "green" condition, meaning the airplane does not have interior furnishings or exterior paint. Customers then work with certified designers and interior completion centers to develop personalized interiors.
To date, undisclosed customers have ordered five 787 VIP airplanes -- two 787-8s and three 787-9s -- direct from Boeing. Two additional 787-8s are being provided to VIP customers through leasing companies. The first commercial version of the 787 is scheduled to make its first flight later this year. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 02:23 AM
January 27, 2007
Boeing Delivers Next-Generation 737 to China United Airlines : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: SEATTLE, Jan. 26, 2007 -- The Boeing Company Wednesday delivered a Next-Generation 737-800 to China United Airlines Company Limited, marking the first delivery of a new 737 to the airline.
China United Airlines, a Beijing-based airline jointly owned by Shanghai Airlines Company Limited and China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group Corporation (CASGC), operates a scheduled network of destinations within China. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 06:39 AM
January 23, 2007
Boeing and GE Commercial Aviation Services Announce Order for 39 Airplanes : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Rendering of the Boeing 777 models ordered by GECAS.
SEATTLE, Jan. 22, 2007 -- Boeing and GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) today announced a 39-airplane order that includes 15 Boeing 777s a mix of seven 777-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jetliners and eight 777 Freighters and 24 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, valued at approximately $5.34 billion at list prices, was booked in 2006.
GECAS has long been an important Boeing customer, offering the 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 to operators. GECAS has been highly successful in placing Boeing airplanes with operators around the globe, including many of the world's most prestigious airlines. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 05:16 PM
January 22, 2007
Boeing Introduces New Interior for 747-8 Intercontinental : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: The Boeing 747-8 door-two entryway features a dramatic sweeping staircase leading to the upper deck. The new entryway will greatly enhance the passenger appeal and create a strong first impression. It will also facilitate improved passenger flow during boarding and deplaning. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 01:18 PM
January 21, 2007
Airbus introduces A330-200F : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The A330-200F is the newest member of Airbus' A330/A340 Family. It is the first freighter to introduce a versatile main-deck cargo loading system. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 03:59 PM
Airbus delivers 3,000th single-aisle to AirAsia : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Asian low-cost carrier AirAsia received Airbus' 3,000th A320 during a ceremony at Toulouse, France on 18 January 2007. This A320 carries a special livery highlighting this delivery milestone for the world’s aviation industry. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 03:11 PM
January 18, 2007
Boeing Strengthens India Executive Team : GlobalGiants.com
NEW DELHI, Jan. 17, 2007 -- In a move to strengthen its in-country presence, Boeing India is announcing the appointment of two senior executives to lead its efforts in India.
Boeing today named Ian Thomas as vice president of Boeing International and president of Boeing India, effective Jan. 19. He is responsible for leading Boeing's enterprise-wide India team, strengthening the company's local presence and finding new ways to pursue growth and productivity initiatives. Thomas succeeds Anil Shrikhande, who has been appointed vice president and country leader for Integrated Defense Systems.
"India represents one of Boeing's largest potential growth markets for defense products in Asia," said Mark Kronenberg, vice president for IDS Business Development for Asia-Pacific . "Anil Shrikhande's appointment reflects the importance IDS is placing on the Indian defense market which holds great potential to generate new revenue for the company."
The close relationship between Boeing and India goes back six decades, when India entered the jet age on the wings of Boeing jetliners. Boeing jets continue to be the mainstay of the country's domestic and intercontinental commercial fleets. Boeing also has important relationships with suppliers in India and is actively pursuing technical and business partnerships with Indian companies and institutions.
In December 2003, Boeing established a wholly owned subsidiary, Boeing International Corporation India Private Limited (BICIPL), to support the growing demands of India's aviation, aerospace and defense industries.
"India is a priority market for Boeing," added Koellner. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Boeing and India to work together in many ways to advance our common interests." [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 11:04 PM
January 15, 2007
First Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER Rolls Out of Factory : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: SEATTLE -- The first Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER (Extended Range) completed final assembly and rolled out of the Renton, Wash., manufacturing facility. The airplane receives a painted livery and goes through preflight testing before delivery to launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) in early 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 03:07 PM
January 04, 2007
Asiana celebrates 100th aircraft delivery with another A330 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Asiana Airlines of South Korea celebrated the 100th aircraft to join its fleet by taking delivery of an A330-300 at Airbus’ base in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the fifth A330 to be delivered to Asiana and the first to appear in the airline’s bold, new livery. A further A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 12:40 PM
January 03, 2007
Boeing, Jet Airways Announce Order for 10 787 Dreamliners : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2007 The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai-based Jet Airways today announced an order for 10 787-8 Dreamliners.
Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 46 Classic and Next-Generation Boeing 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline will take delivery of its first of 10 777-300ERs in April.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner.
Jet Airways, with an average fleet age of 5.3 years, has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world. The airline operates more than 330 daily flights to 49 destinations that span the length and breadth of India and beyond including London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Kathmandu. The airline plans to extend its international operations to North America, Europe, Africa, China and Asia in the coming years with the introduction of twin-aisle aircraft into its fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 12:43 PM
January 01, 2007
Airbus delivers first VIP A340-600 to SAAD Air : GlobalGiants.com
Airbus has delivered the first VIP version of its ultra long-haul A340-600, the world's longest airliner, to the private business group SAAD Air Ltd of Saudi Arabia, the first customer for the type.
The Airbus A340-600, which has yet to be outfitted with its VIP cabin, will seat around 80 passengers and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines.
SAAD Air is both global and growing, and is an established corporate jet user - it already has an Airbus A320 Prestige - so the move to a larger Airbus widebody was a natural step. SAAD Air will benefit from a more spacious cabin, ultra-long range and four-engined flexibility, giving it the freedom to transport VIPs in style, where they want, when they want. SAAD Air is also in negotiations to double its fleet in the near future, with a wide range of aircraft types for its private aviation business with VIP clientele. [GlobalGiants.com]
Posted by Editors at 06:37 PM
December 27, 2006
Boeing KC-767 Tanker for Japan Completes First Flight
Boeing test pilots took the first KC-767 Tanker slated for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on its maiden flight Dec. 21.
"This first flight represents an enormous step in meeting Japan's strategic self-defense needs," said Maj. Kenji Nagatomo, Japan on-site Tanker program liaison. "We are looking forward to having our first KC-767 enter service in 2007. The aircraft has great flexibility in its aerial refueling and cargo capabilities, and will help Japan provide aid to the world's population during major natural disasters."
Posted by Editors at 02:37 PM
December 23, 2006
Boeing Delivers First 777-300ER to PIA
EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 22, 2006 -- Pakistan International Airlines today took delivery of its first of three Boeing [NYSE: BA] 777-300ERs on order. The newest member of PIAs long-haul, wide-body fleet departed Paine Field this morning en route to its new home base at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
PIA is one of the first airlines to have ordered and taken delivery of three variants of Boeings highly successful 777 family, and the airline was the launch customer for the 777-200LR (Longer Range). PIA currently has three 777-200ERs and two 777-200LRs in operation and will take delivery in February of a second 777-300ER, as well as an additional 777-200ER on lease from ILFC.
PIAs first 777-300ER (shown here departing Paine Field) incorporates a unique tail schematic that is representative of the Sind southern province of Pakistan, with Karachi being the provincial capital. The airline has outfitted its 777-200LRs with similar tail designs representing other major Pakistan provinces.
"PIA is a very important Boeing customer and it's rewarding to see the airline receive its first 777-300ER," said Miguel Santos, Boeing Commercial Airplanes international sales director. "We're proud to see the beautiful tail designs representing Pakistan's major provinces all flying on Boeing 777s."
Posted by Editors at 06:54 PM
December 21, 2006
Boeing Delivers First 747-400ER Freighter to TNT, Guggenheim Aviation Partners
SEATTLE, Dec. 20, 2006 -- Boeing, TNT and Guggenheim Aviation Partners (GAP) celebrated the delivery of both customers first 747-400ER Freighter. The milestone airplane was delivered to GAP and will be put into service by TNT, the Netherlands-based global express and mail delivery services company.
TNT currently operates a fleet of 46 aircraft that includes six Boeing 737 Freighters and one Boeing 757 Freighter. The company will add a second 747-400ER Freighter to its fleet in spring 2007, in cooperation with GAP.
Investment funds managed by GAP currently own a fleet of 31 Boeing aircraft. Todays delivery is the first from an order for six 747-400ER Freighters placed in June 2005. The U.S.-based aviation investment firm placed additional orders earlier this year for four 747-8 Freighters and three 777 Freighters.
Posted by Editors at 12:58 PM
Boeing Delivers 600th 777 to Singapore Airlines
EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 2006 -- The Boeing Company delivered its 600th 777 airplane to Singapore Airlines. The 777 program reached the milestone after 11 years in service, faster than any other twin-aisle airplane program in history.
With this delivery, Singapore Airlines now operates 61 777s, the largest 777 fleet in the world with 16 more 777-300ERs that remain to be delivered. The airplane delivered today will be added to the airline's fleet of 12 777-300s, 31 777-200s, 15 777-200ERs, 2 777-300ERs and 23 747-400s.
The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment, consistently capturing more than 60 percent of that market since the airplane was launched. To date, Boeing has sold 889 777 jetliners, with 49 customers around the world that own or operate the efficient and passenger-pleasing twin-aisle airplane.
Posted by Editors at 12:41 PM
December 17, 2006
Lufthansa further expands Airbus A340-600 long-range fleet
Lufthansa German Airlines is expanding its Airbus long-range fleet with an order for seven additional Airbus A340-600 aircraft. The new order raises the total number of A340s in Lufthansa's fleet to 52. With this order Airbus passes the milestone of 1000 aircraft sales of the A330/A340 Family.
The A340-600s will have about 300 seats in a three-class configuration and will be delivered from early 2008. Lufthansa plans to use the aircraft on high passenger demand long haul routes out of Frankfurt and Munich, to destinations like the US West Coast and Asia.
Lufthansa is one of the longest standing and largest Airbus customers worldwide, and one of the launch customers for the A340. Currently Lufthansa has nearly 140 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet.
Posted by Editors at 03:16 PM
December 06, 2006
Boeing, Lufthansa Announce Order for 747-8 Intercontinental
First airline order for 747-8 passenger version.
New technologies to bring efficiency, environmental benefits to Lufthansa fleet.
SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Deutsche Lufthansa AG today announced the carrier ordered 20 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners plus 20 purchase rights. Lufthansa is the first airline to place an order for the passenger version of the fuel-efficient airplane.
The Lufthansa order, with a total average list-price value of $5.5 billion, is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2010. This order is a primary component of the airline's plan to modernize its fleet and increase environmental stewardship.
"Lufthansa operates one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets in the world," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 will use state-of-the-art technology innovations from the 787 Dreamliner to significantly increase the capabilities of Lufthansa's fleet. This airplane improves upon the economics of the 747-400, while greatly enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and noise. We are thrilled that this world-class airline has chosen this world-class airplane."
Posted by Editors at 09:10 PM
December 03, 2006
Boeing, Air India Celebrate Milestone with 737-800 Delivery
Event marks the first airplane delivery from historic order for 68 Boeing jetliners.
Photo: Air-India Express 737-800
SEATTLE, December, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Air India today celebrated the delivery of the first of 18 Next-Generation 737-800s to Air-India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India. The delivery also marked the first airplane delivered to Air India following the airline's order for 68 Boeing jetliners, the largest commercial airplane order in India's civil aviation history. The order was placed in December 2005 and is valued at more than $11 billion at list prices.
The 737-800, which can seat 162 to 189 passengers, can fly 260 nautical miles farther, consume less fuel and carry 12 more passengers than the competition.
Air India's order comprised 27 787-8 Dreamliners, eight 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliners and 15 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes for Air India; and 18 Next-Generation 737-800s for Air-India Express.
Posted by Editors at 02:39 PM
November 27, 2006
Airbus' A330 long-range family reaches 600 sales
Photo: Airbus A330-200
The A330 has reached the milestone of over 600 firm orders. This shows a strong market endorsement of Airbus’ environmentally friendly, long-range twin-engine in production aircraft which is leader in the medium to extended range category. The milestone was reached with the firm order, previously announced, for six A330-200s by TAM, Airbus’ largest customer in Latin America.
Photo: KLM Airbus A330 Advertisement (Copyright KLM)
The A330-300 is the world’s lowest operating cost per seat aircraft in its segment, typically accommodating 335 passengers in two classes for regional operations or 295 travellers in three classes on long-haul routes of up to10,500km/5,650nm. Today, the A330-300 is the reference for airlines serving intra-Asia routes.
The smaller capacity A330-200 has a range of 12,500km/6,750nm with 253 passengers in a comfort three-class seating arrangement. The A330-200 can easily serve non-stop destinations from Latin America to North America and Europe, from Asia to major US West Coast as well as operating economically on medium ranges.
Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse, France.
Posted by Editors at 05:38 PM
November 22, 2006
Boeing Adds Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales to 787 GoldCare Team
787 Dreamliner Support.
Photo: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
SEATTLE, Nov. 21, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today named Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales as partners for GoldCare, the lifecycle support solution for the 787 Dreamliner.
GoldCare helps any airline become a lower-cost carrier. Under GoldCare, Boeing leads and integrates a global team to deliver maintenance, engineering and materials management tasks within a predictable per-flight-hour cost.
Photo: Increased Cabin Comfort with 787 Dreamliner
With maintenance operations and logistics simplified, GoldCare customers can focus on their passengers -- all the while knowing that their airplane assets achieve maximum utilization and are maintained to the highest standards by Boeing through GoldCare partners.
Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace provides the navigation package, the Crew Information System/Management System (CIS/MS), external lighting and the flight control electronics for the 787.
Thales, a leading international electronics and systems group based in Neuilly sur Seine, France, provides flight controls, in-flight entertainment, navigation and power conversion systems for the 787.
Boeing offers GoldCare as a strategic business choice for 787 customers, helping them leverage the game-changing innovation of the Dreamliner to reduce introduction and infrastructure costs, minimize financial and operational risk, improve operating costs and simplify maintenance.
Posted by Editors at 11:30 PM
November 21, 2006
MIDWEST AIRLINES PREMIER PET TRAVEL PACK
PHOTO: When canines check in for travel on Midwest Airlines, they receive a doggy bag full of goodies - the Premier Pet Travel Pack. The pack is loaded with products to make travel for dogs more comfortable including an after-flight meal. Midwest Airlines Premier Pet Program is the first of its kind to offer pets travel packs. It is also the first US domestic airline to offer pets that travel with their owners the opportunity to earn free travel.
Posted by Editors at 01:45 PM
November 16, 2006
US AIRWAYS PROPOSES TO MERGE WITH DELTA
Transaction Valued at Approximately $8.0 Billion in Cash and Stock.
Consumers Will Have the Advantages of a Larger, Full-Service Provider with the Cost Structure of a Low-Fare Carrier.
US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) announced yesterday that it has made a merger proposal to Delta Air Lines, Inc. (OTC: DALRQ.PK) under which both companies would combine upon Delta’s emergence from bankruptcy. The proposal would provide approximately $8.0 billion of value in cash and stock to Delta’s unsecured creditors.
PHOTO: US Airways proposes an $8 billion takeover of bankrupt Delta Airlines on November 15, 2006. (Kamenko Pajic/UPI Photo)
The combination of US Airways and Delta would create one of the world’s largest airlines and would operate under the Delta name. Customers would benefit from expanded choice as well as the reach and services of a large-scale provider within the cost structure of a low-fare carrier. As a combined company, the “New” Delta would be the number one airline across the Atlantic and the second largest airline to the Caribbean. The New Delta would reach more than 350 destinations across five continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., the combination would create a leading competitor in the Eastern U.S. and an enhanced position in the Western U.S. The combined company would be the number one airline at 155 airports.
Posted by Editors at 09:29 AM
November 14, 2006
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS AND FRONTIER AIRLINES MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
A Tail of Two Partners.
PHOTO: Plane tails for AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines lined up at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport before the Low Cost Carriers announced a marketing partnership on Nov. 14, 2006. The relationship enables passengers to earn frequent flyer rewards between both airlines through AirTran Airways' A+ Rewards program and Frontier's Early Returns program. (Terri Hanson Photography)
Posted by Editors at 01:06 PM
November 04, 2006
Irvin Aerospace Selected to Design Parachutes for NASA's Orion Spacecraft
Irvin Aerospace, the world's first parachute engineering, design and manufacturing company founded in 1919, has been selected to develop parachutes for NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Following the space shuttles retirement in 2010, NASA plans to replace the aging shuttle fleet with a number of reusable Orion spacecraft. Orion is expected to carry crew members to the International Space Station, the Moon and beyond.
Irvin Aerospace is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of best-of-class parachutes for space and air vehicle recovery systems, deceleration systems for high-performance aircraft, military, personnel, and cargo parachute systems as well as ordnance flare chutes, airbags, and weapons delivery systems.
Posted by Editors at 06:07 PM
October 30, 2006
Boeing Business Jets Launches Widebody VIP Airplanes
Boeing Airplanes for VIP's.
PHOTO: Boeing Business Jets has announced it has won seven orders for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 747-8. Undisclosed customers have ordered one 787-8, three 787-9 and three 747-8 airplanes specifically designated for the VIP market. The VIP-configured widebody airplanes, shown in the Boeing Business Jets livery, offer between 2,404 square feet (223.3 square meters) to 4,786 square feet (444.6 square meters) of cabin space. Typical interiors could include staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, dining areas, lounge areas, meeting rooms and private offices.
Posted by Editors at 08:27 PM
Boeing Phantom Works X-48B Blended Wing Body (BWB)
PHOTO: In cooperation with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Boeing Phantom Works soon will begin ground testing of its X-48B Blended Wing Body (BWB) concept in preparation for flight testing early in 2007. The X-48B ground and flight testing will take place at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where two high-fidelity 21-foot wingspan prototypes have been delivered.
Posted by Editors at 07:53 PM
October 18, 2006
Honda Begins Sales of its HondaJet Advanced Light Jet
Price, Sales and Service Network, Production Specifications Announced.
ORLANDO, Fla., -- Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. today began sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention with the announcement of the price, specifications, and a sales and service network for the production version of its advanced light jet. Scheduled to go into production in the U.S. in 2010, pricing is set at $3.65 million for HondaJet in its standard configuration.
Photo: Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announces the start of sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Fla.
Key specifications and performance figures establish HondaJet as the fastest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, while setting a new standard for interior space and comfort. HondaJet features a class-topping cruise speed of 420 knots with an IFR range of 1180 nautical miles(1), and a 30-35 percent gain in fuel efficiency at cruise speed versus other jets of comparable performance. HondaJet's cabin is about 1-foot longer than even larger 'light jet' offerings and features a fully-private lavatory along with a spacious 57-cubic foot aft cargo hold.
Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer, producing more than 21 million products annually at more than 120 factories around the world. Honda products cover a broad spectrum of categories, from automobiles, motorcycles and motor scooters to all-terrain vehicles, marine engines, general purpose engines and power equipment products. Widely recognized for its world-class engineering and technology development, the company is responsible for innumerable product and technology firsts, including the first and only U.S. EPA-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Honda FCX) and America's first gas-electric hybrid vehicle (Honda Insight).
Honda also took another step toward the market introduction of HondaJet with the announcement that it submitted, on October 11, its application for FAA type certification of HondaJet. The company anticipates achieving both type and production certification within 3 to 4 years.
"A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the customer," said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "In every one of our business activities, our goal is to create new value for the customer. HondaJet meets this challenging objective."
Sales and Service Network
HondaJet will be sold through five regional sales groups -- HondaJet East, HondaJet Southeast, HondaJet Midwest, HondaJet Southwest and HondaJet Northwest -- operating 14 offices around the country to provide HondaJet customers' with a truly superior sales and ownership experience. The HondaJet dealer network was developed in collaboration with Piper Aircraft, Inc., as a result of a business alliance announced in July 2006. Honda Aircraft Company will also seek to establish a network of service facilities within 90-minutes flight time from any location in the U.S. to further advance its goal of creating a new level of customer service and support.
"Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative sales and service network," said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. "We will be working with our retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life of their ownership experience."
HondaJet innovation
HondaJet sets new standards for performance, quality and comfort with a series of new technologies and design features that signify a revolutionary departure from conventional light jet designs. It's most unique and recognizable feature -- the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration -- liberates precious fuselage space by eliminating the carry-through structures of conventional fuselage-mounted engine designs while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag at high speeds. Its natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose further reduce drag, contributing to HondaJet's class-topping speed and fuel efficiency.
HondaJet's all-composite fuselage uses a combination of honeycomb sandwich and stiffened panel structures cured integrally using a patented co-curing process. This unique construction results in lower fuselage weight and larger cabin while contributing to HondaJet's unusually sleek and smooth appearance.
An advanced, customized, all-glass cockpit based on the state-of-the-art Garmin avionics platform, will boast new features and capabilities unique to HondaJet.
HondaJet Performance
With a top speed of 420 knots, a 43,000-foot service ceiling and a 30-35 increase in fuel efficiency versus comparable light jets, HondaJet embodies Honda's commitment to superior efficiency and performance through the application of advanced technology. In addition, HondaJet's optimized control surfaces results in a highly refined, sporty and responsive flying characteristic.
Two GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each rated at 1880 pounds (at take- off thrust) deliver higher fuel efficiency and the lowest engine emissions and quietest operation in their thrust class(2).
HondaJet Comfort
HondaJet will be offered in two interior configurations: with seating for seven (2 pilots and 5 passengers) in standard configuration; and with seating for eight (2 pilots and six forward-facing passenger seats) in air taxi configuration.
HondaJet's cabin offers its passengers unprecedented levels of comfort with as much as six inches more leg room (per passenger) than competitive offerings. HondaJet's 57 cubic-foot aft cargo hold is as much as 50 percent larger than other jets in its class. Additional cargo storage is provided by a nine cubic-foot nose cargo hold.
HondaJet Quality
HondaJet was developed with Honda's legendary commitment to quality and world-class engineering. Attention to detail in every aspect of its design, testing and construction ensures an aircraft of the highest quality and design integrity. To date, HondaJet has logged more than 260 hours of in-flight testing with superior results.
Production Plans
HondaJet will be produced in the United States beginning in 2010 with a projected production volume of 70 jets per year. The company will maintain a significant degree of flexibility in its production plan and will continue to evaluate demand as it moves closer to actual production.
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., established in August 2006 to oversee certification, production, sales and service of HondaJet. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at www.hondajet.com.
Posted by Editors at 03:10 PM
October 12, 2006
Northwest Announces European Expansion
Airline to Add Six Trans-Atlantic Flights and Two New European Destinations to Its Global Network.
Northwest Airlines today announced an expansion of its European flight network with new service to Brussels, Belgium and Dusseldorf, Germany, as well as the first and only nonstop service between Hartford, Conn. and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The airline, in cooperation with its joint venture partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also announced that it will add more flights in the Detroit - Amsterdam and Boston - Amsterdam markets.
Northwest will add to its existing service to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris by offering new flights.
Through its Amsterdam hub, Northwest and KLM connect North America to Europe through daily service from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston (Intercontinental), Los Angeles, Memphis, Tenn., Mexico City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Montreal, New York (JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, British Columbia and Washington D.C.
Northwest Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world's most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 900 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.
Posted by Editors at 08:46 PM
October 11, 2006
Regus Group Joins Forces with American Airlines to Provide Workplace Services to Business Travelers Worldwide
American's Admirals Club Members Gain Access to Regus' Global Network of 750 Locations.
Regus Members Gain Access to American's Admirals Club Lounges.
DALLAS -- American Airlines (NYSE:AMR) and Regus Group , the world's largest provider of fully furnished and fully equipped offices, meeting rooms, videoconferencing and business lounges, have announced a relationship that will provide American Airlines Admirals Club members access to the Regus network of more than 750 business centers in 60 countries. Regus clients also will have access to American's Admirals Club conference room facilities at Admirals Club member rates under the new agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, all Admirals Club members will receive complimentary enrollment in the Regus Executive Club membership effective immediately.
American operates more than 40 Admirals Club lounges worldwide. The Admirals Club has become synonymous with comfort, productivity and convenience at major airports throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Membership provides the key to private surroundings where members can relax or work before, after or between flights and enjoy personalized, professional service from club staff.
Admirals Club members will receive unlimited access to Regus' prestigious business lounges in downtown areas and major suburban markets in 350 cities providing additional locations to the more than 40 Admirals Club airport business lounges. Regus business lounges and Admirals Club conference room facilities provide professional work environments that travelers need to be more efficient. In addition, as members of the Regus Executive Club, Admirals Club members also will be able to rent fully furnished offices per hour or day, meeting rooms, videoconferencing studios and business support services at preferred rates.
American operates more than 40 Admirals Club lounges worldwide. The Admirals Club has become synonymous with comfort, productivity and convenience at major airports throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Membership provides the key to private surroundings where members can relax or work before, after or between flights and enjoy personalized, professional service from club staff.
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft.
Regus Group Plc is the global market leader in providing professional workplaces for businesses of any size. The Regus Group Network includes 750 business centers in 60 countries and features four brands: Regus Business Centers, HQ Global Workplaces, Stratis and Business Meeting Places. All locations are strategically situated in world capitals, premier business hubs and developing markets.
Posted by Editors at 06:20 PM
September 09, 2006
Boeing Delivers 1st In-Seat Video System on Next-Generation 737
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Next-Generation 737 equipped with an in-seat video entertainment system.
The airplane, a Jet Airways 737-800, has 7-inch video monitors mounted in the back of every seat in economy class and 9-inch video monitors mounted in the seat arms in business class. The system offers passengers audio and video on-demand movies, games and in-fight information.
"Our goal is to help our customers continue to succeed by providing technologies that add value to their operations and make flying more enjoyable for passengers," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.
To date three customers have ordered the in-seat video system option, which is manufactured by Panasonic and Thales.
In addition to the Panasonic eFx in-seat video system, the Jet Airways 737-800 also is equipped with 110-VAC power outlets throughout the cabin and gooseneck personal reading lights in business class.
"Jet Airways strives to provide service of the highest standard to our customers, both while on the ground and in flight," said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways. "We are especially proud to be the first 737 operator both in India and the world to offer this service to its customers. We strongly believe that we are bringing innovative ideas and setting new standards in commercial aviation."
The India-based carrier currently operates a fleet of 43 Boeing Classic and Next-Generation 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world.
The Next-Generation 737 airplane family is the most technologically advanced single-aisle jet family on the market today. Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world, and continue to be the company's best-selling airplane model.
Posted by Editors at 06:12 AM
August 27, 2006
A380 powered by Engine Alliance completes first flight
The first A380 Airbus aircraft powered by Engine Alliance engines successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday August 25th, 2006, touching down at Blagnac International Airport in Toulouse, France.
The A380 MSN9 is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines which have the capability of delivering a thrust up to 81,500 pounds (37 tonnes) each. The aircraft is equipped with heavy flight test instrumentation and ballast to produce a take off weight of 430 tonnes.
Six A380 customers have selected the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine for a total of 82 firm aircraft orders. These include Air France, Emirates Airlines, FedEx, ILFC, Korean Air and UPS.
Designed to operate out of any airport where today’s largest aircraft can, using shorter runways and generating half the noise, the A380 complies with some of the world’s strictest noise restrictions (QC1 for landing and QC2 for take off at London’s Heathrow), reinforcing the A380’s growing recognition as the quietest large aircraft in the world.
The A380 airframe and engines are the world’s most advanced using the latest generation materials and systems to significantly reduce weight and boost performance and economy. The A380 also boasts the world’s most advanced cockpit and avionics providing its customers with the unique benefits of Airbus’ operational commonality between fly-by-wire models.
Posted by Editors at 06:00 PM
August 08, 2006
Falcon Business Jets
The How and Why of Falcon's Efficient Performance.
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the renowned Mirage and Rafale fighter jets as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on both continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000.
According to Dassault Falcon, Falcon superiority is based on a unique philosophy:
Focus engineering, technology and design into a single integrated discipline -
to create one winning aircraft after another.
Not simply an assemblage of parts and systems bolted together to fly, every aspect of a Falcon is designed to optimize the strength and efficiency of the others. And the advances they make building supersonic jet fighters are built into every Falcon.
The Architecture:
A Falcon's superstructure uses aerospace materials - titanium, magnesium, composite laminates, hybrids and alloys - skillfully incorporated to be lighter-yet-stronger and longer-lasting than ordinary business jets. And extract every extra mile of fuel efficiency - without giving up an ounce of tensile toughness.
The Power:
To achieve the industry's most efficient thrust-to-weight ratios - and satisfy some of the world's most sophisticated business jet owners - Falcon engineers work closely with engine manufacturers. And each set of power plants is integrated into the aircraft's design to optimize thrust and minimize drag - while maintaining their reputation for "the quietest cabin in the sky."
The Aerodynamics:
The exterior of a Falcon, with its trademark gleaming-smooth skin, is designed to surf the air more efficiently at every altitude than other business jets - the result of their 80-year obsession with aerodynamics and 40-year experience in aerospace.
Falcon's unique wing design allows it to land slower than other planes in its class - giving it access to hundreds more small airports than other planes its size.
Posted by Editors at 06:47 AM
July 27, 2006
Boeing Delivers the 2,000th Next-Generation 737
SEATTLE, July 26, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] made history today by delivering the 2,000th Next-Generation 737 nearly seven years sooner than any other commercial jet airplane model.
The milestone delivery -- a 737-700 to Southwest Airlines -- occurred nearly nine years after Southwest received the first Next-Generation 737.
"This is a tremendous day for the Boeing team and our customers. The 737 family just keeps getting better and better, and this milestone is a reflection of the continued value our customers place on the airplanes and the people who design, build and support them," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.
Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world. The Next-Generation 737 airplane family, which includes the 737-600, -700, -800, -900 and the new -900ER and -700ER, continues to be the company's best-selling airplane model.
Earlier this year, the current airplane family eclipsed order totals for Classic 737s. As of June 30, 2006, 97 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 airplanes. The program has 1,365 unfilled orders with a value of $91 billion at current list prices.
So far this year, the Next-Generation 737 has won net orders for 399 airplanes. The order total represents 78 percent in units of all Boeing commercial airplane orders for the year.
Posted by Editors at 07:25 AM
July 16, 2006
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Livery Change Enhances Airplane Performance
Boeing 787 Program Changes Airplane Livery, Improves Efficiency.
SEATTLE – The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 program has made a subtle but important change to the airplane’s livery to enhance airplane performance. By developing a method for maintaining a smooth flow of air – called laminar flow -- over more area on the 787 nacelle inlet, Boeing is able to reduce aircraft drag and fuel consumption.
The 787 nacelle has a tightly controlled smooth surface to preserve laminar flow over a greater distance than that on a standard design. “Aircraft drag is reduced because laminar flow has much lower skin friction drag than turbulent flow,” said Ron Hinderberger, propulsion leader for the 787 program.
To achieve laminar flow over the inlet it is necessary to maintain a very smooth, continuous surface without paint edges, which can occur when paint transitions from one color to another, or as paint details are added. The design parameter for the nacelles is based on thickness of the paint formulation for a single color; Boeing has chosen gray to complement the metallic appearance of the nacelle’s inlet.
“If you interrupt the laminar flow by adding paint layers, which are common with airline liveries, you could increase fuel burn by 30,000 gallons per year per airplane,” Hinderberger added. “An improvement like this — especially with rising fuel prices — can contribute positively to the bottom line for an airline.”
Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, the Dreamliner provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Because it uses 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting. To date, 28 airlines have logged 403 orders and commitments worth more than $55 billion at current list prices since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
Posted by Editors at 06:15 PM
June 07, 2006
Boeing, Continental in Deal for Dreamliners and Next-Generation 737s
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) have announced that the airline has ordered another 10 787-8 Dreamliners and an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s as part of Continental's ongoing growth plans.
This order brings to 20 the number of 787s the airline has on order, the most of any U.S. airline. The value of the 10 new 787s and 24 737s is approximately $3 billion at average list prices.
With the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing continues its leadership and innovation with a mostly composite airplane that consumes 20 percent less fuel, provides airlines with up to 60 percent more cargo revenue capacity and offers passengers a better flying experience. The 787 sets the standard for interior passenger comfort, allowing higher cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude, wider seats and aisles, innovative LCD lighting, larger windows and unmatched stowage capacity.
The first of Continental's 787s will deliver in 2009. The Next-Generation 737s contained in the new order are scheduled to begin delivery in 2008.
"The game-changing 787, in combination with the popular 777, will provide Continental with long-range, fuel-efficient capability and the fleet flexibility to react to an ever-changing market," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
With today's order, Boeing now has 403 orders and commitments from 29 carriers worldwide for the Dreamliner. Continental was the first major U.S. carrier to commit to the technologically advanced 787, which is slated to enter service in 2008.
Posted by Editors at 07:59 AM
May 27, 2006
Boeing Celebrates Delivery of ILFCs 600th Airplane; Leased to Shanghai Airlines
SEATTLE, May 2006 - The Boeing Company, in conjunction with International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), held delivery ceremonies yesterday with Shanghai Airlines for the airlines newest Next-Generation 737-800. The airplane is the 600th Boeing aircraft delivered to ILFC and will join 11 other Next-Generation 737s that ILFC currently leases to Shanghai Airlines.
Established in 1985 in China's largest city, Shanghai Airlines operates 39 Boeing jetliners including 20 Next-Generation 737s, 13 757-200s, five 767-300s and one MD-11 freighter. The carrier operates more than 100 domestic routes and six regional services to neighboring countries and areas in Asia.
Posted by Editors at 03:06 PM
May 21, 2006
Boeing's Latest Commercial Airplane: 747-8
Boeing has launched the 747-8 family of commercial airplanes, including the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter.
Entry into service is scheduled for September 2009, starting with freighter operator Cargolux of Luxembourg.
Posted by Editors at 07:37 AM
May 19, 2006
Orders Continue to Soar for Boeing Business Jets
GENEVA, May 2006 -- Boeing Business Jets has announced it has won six new orders for the ultra-large-cabin, long-range business jet, increasing total program sales to 108 airplanes. There are currently 86 BBJs in service around the world. The fleet has generated more than 199,100 flight hours to date and 81,000 flights, with an industry-leading 99.9 percent dispatch reliability.
Posted by Editors at 06:25 PM
May 07, 2006
Airbus A318 Elite Airliner
Commercial Airplane for VIP's
Airbus A318 Elite
Derived from the Airbus A318 airliner, the Elite has seating for 14-18 passengers in a spacious and luxurious layout that allows them to socialize and move around. Its cabin features settees as well as seats clustered around tables, both of which can be converted into full-length beds for maximum sleeping comfort.
When you are in the market for private jet transport of around 15 passengers, you cannot beat the space, comfort and economics of the Airbus 318 Elite.
View Photo 1 - Cabin Inside A318 Elite
View Photo 2 - Cabin Inside A318 Elite
The Airbus A318 Elite has a range of up to 4,000 nm – enough to fly non-stop from the Middle East to Europe, or from London to New York. It will be delivered as an already outfitted aircraft, under a partnership between Airbus and Lufthansa Technik.
“In making wide-cabin comfort more accessible to executive and private users, we gain entry to a larger market that builds on the success of the Airbus ACJ Family, which has already reached the milestone of over 50 sales,” says Airbus President and CEO Gustav Humbert.
The Airbus ACJ Family comprises the A318 Elite, the Airbus ACJ/A3I9 Executive/ A319 Long Range, and the A320 Prestige. They all feature the most modern design, as well as the most space and comfort of any business jet in their class – plus a host of features that are either unavailable or cost more on competing aircraft. These include public transport certification, side-stick controllers and fly-by-wire controls, category 3B autoland, wingtip fences and centralised maintenance.
The Airbus ACJ thus delivers not only more space for the money, but a host of additional features, representing the best value available in its class.
Posted by Editors at 09:32 AM
May 06, 2006
Airbus at Asian Aerospace 2006 Singapore
A380 displayed at the Singapore Aerospace show for the first time
Airbus has come to Asian Aerospace '06 with a positive outlook after achieving record orders, deliveries and profitability in 2005. During the year, Airbus received 1,111 gross orders, delivered 378 aircraft and recorded a profitability margin above its target of 10 per cent. The year also saw the industrial launch of the new A350 and the first flight of the A380.
Airbus underscored its strong presence in the Asia-Pacific marketplace with major participation at Asian Aerospace, held at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore. An A380 was exhibited at the show for the first time and it also took part in the daily flying display.
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has delivered more than 4,100 aircraft to 260 customers and operators world-wide, and boasts a healthy deliver backlog of well over 2,000 aircraft, which, at current rates, represents some four to five years of production. With an annual turnover of €22.3 billion in 2005, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. It is headquartered in Toulouse, France.
Airbus orders from the Asia - Pacific region in 2005 accounted for over 45 per cent of the global total, with more than 500 firm orders from 13 customers. These included highly significant orders for the A380 from China Southern and Kingfisher in India, A330s from Air China & China Southern, and almost 270 A320 Family orders from low-cost carriers including AirAsia, Air Deccan, IndiGo and Tiger Airways. Total orders from the region stand at almost 1,500, with more than 800 aircraft of all types now in service with 55 airline operators across the region.
Posted by Editors at 07:48 PM
March 26, 2006
The New York Times 2006 Travel Show Draws a Record 26,500 Visitors
Travel Event Draws Consumers, Exhibitors and Trade Experts from Around the World.
NEW YORK - March 2006 - The New York Times Travel Show, presented by American Express, has announced that a record 26,500 visitors including 7,000 trade professionals attended its recent third annual show in New York at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. At this major consumer exhibition and trade event consumers were able to research, plan and book vacations to all parts of the world.
Visitors to the show could attend numerous workshops and seminars with experts including legendary travel writer Arthur Frommer, Peter Greenberg from NBC's Today Show and Business Talk Radio's Stephanie Abrams. Attendees were also treated to non-stop entertainment that included cultural performances by dancers and musicians from Aruba, Brazil, Greece and many other lands; ambassador animals from Busch Gardens; and family events with Sesame Street characters courtesy of Beaches Resorts.
"The New York Times Travel Show grows bigger and better each year and this year was no exception," said Jyll F. Holzman, senior vice president of advertising for The New York Times. "We thank our sponsors who helped us welcome nearly 500 exhibitors and thousands of consumers, making the 2006 show the largest trade event for travel in the United States."
"American Express is very pleased to have rejoined The New York Times for this year's annual Travel Show," said Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of the American Express Consumer Travel Network. "The show was a great success for us and we embrace opportunities like these to merchandise our travel-related benefits for Cardmembers and to meet with new and existing customers looking for what's exciting in travel this year."
The New York Times Travel Show supporting sponsors included Amtrak, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Greek National Tourism Organization. Contributing sponsors included Aruba Tourism, Sandals and Beaches Resorts and Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation.
Among the hundreds of exhibitors at the 2006 New York Times Travel Show were Africa Travel Association, Alaska Land & Cruise Packages, American Express Vacations, Aruba Tourism, Atlantic Canada Cruise Association, Atlantis Adventures, Carnival Cruise Lines, China National Tourist Office, Club Med, Croatian National Tourist Office, Dublin Tourism, FLO USA - Visit Turkey, Grand Expeditions, the Greek National Tourism Organization, India Tourism, Japan National Tourist Office, Liberty Travel, Mexico Tourism Board, NYC & Company, Polynesian Cultural Center, Princess Cruises, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts and Wilderness Travel.
"The New York Times Travel Show provided Carnival a unique opportunity to meet potential cruise passengers and promote our various product enhancements, as well as our expanded schedule from Europe and four-to-eight day departures from New York, one of our fastest growing homeports," said Jerilyn Giacone, Carnival's business development director for Long Island.
"We are thrilled to once again be a proud sponsor of the New York Times Travel Show," said Frank Corzo, national director of sales for Sandals and Beaches Resorts. "The show is a great venue to highlight to everyone who is passionate about travel all the innovations taking place at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, we are proud to bring the Caribbean Adventure and our character breakfast to New York City and give a glimpse into what takes place at all four Beaches Resorts year-round."
Posted by Editors at 01:47 AM
January 13, 2006
Boeing, Air India Celebrate Order Agreement for 68 Jets; Largest Commercial Airplane Order in India's Civil Aviation History
At a signing ceremony held at Air India's headquarters in Mumbai, India, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Alan Mulally and Air India Chairman and Managing Director V. Thulasidas formally announced an order agreement for 68 airplanes. The order, placed with Boeing in December 2005, is valued at more than $11 billion at list prices and deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2006.
Air India's order consists of 23 777s, including eight 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliners and 15 777-300ERs (Extended Range), and 27 787-8 Dreamliners. Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, will receive 18 Next-Generation 737-800s.
"Boeing's commitment to the Indian aviation industry dates back more than 60 years," Mulally said. "Air India is a valued and long-time partner, and we look forward to working closely with this great airline as it expands its operations with its all-Boeing fleet and brings its unique offerings to the world."
Air India currently operates a fleet of 11 747-400s, two 747-400 Combis, two 747-200s, two 747-300 Combis, three 777-200ERs and 21 Airbus 310-300s. The airline will use this order to support both fleet renewal and expansion plans. The 777s will replace the airline's current fleet of 747-200 airplanes while the 787-8 Dreamliner will replace its aging A310 fleet.
"The positive economics of the 777-200LR, 777-300ER and 787 Dreamliner will offer Air India operational cost savings and the flexibility to serve new, ultra-long-range nonstop routes that our passengers demand, such as Delhi-New York and Mumbai-San Francisco," said Thulasidas. "The combination of the 777 and 787, matched with the reliability and low operating costs of the 737s, will provide a competitive advantage for Air India and Air India Express.
"Air India will ensure that these new aircraft have the latest passenger amenities on board so that, with the induction of these aircraft, Air India can emerge as one of the leading global carriers," Thulasidas added.
Additionally, Boeing has announced that it has committed to investing in a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base, and a pilot training facility in India. Details of this effort are to be finalized over the coming months.
"We are committed to our customers' success," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our airline partners are looking for solutions, and Boeing has the most efficient airplanes and the broadest range of support products and services to help our customers maximize their fleets' operational efficiency."
Posted by Editors at 10:01 AM
June 21, 2005
Boeing Discusses Progress on 787 Dreamliner
Boeing during a briefing at the Paris Air Show reported strong progress on many aspects of theall-new 787 Dreamliner that make the airplane more appealing to passengers and airlines.
787 Vice President and General Manager Mike Bair highlighted the airplane's new air purification system, which will provide cleaner air during flights, as one advance passengers will truly appreciate.
"Passengers will notice a difference," Bair said. "They will feel more refreshed after their 787 flights. It may be difficult for passengers to recognize the differences between today's airplanes, but the 787 will be distinct. From its larger windows to its unique interior architecture, and from its lower cabin altitude to its cleaner air, passengers will enjoy their flights on a 787."
Bair also provided an update on the progress being made in the design and development of the new airplane.
"We've built four development composite barrel sections at this point and are entirely convinced that we have our manufacturing solutions in place," Bair said. Most recently the team in Wichita, Kan., built a nose section as part of the development effort.
In Everett, the 787 team is building part of a full-scale wing box to demonstrate the manufacturing techniques and support certification of the new airplane.
"It is a true testament to the team that we have created and proven these techniques in so short a period of time and with truly outstanding results," Bair said.
He credited the innovative and integrated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) toolset developed by Paris-based Dassault Systemes with providing a real competitive advantage.
"Our international team is better equipped to develop solutions, consider alternatives and make decisions thanks to our digital toolset," Bair said. "Even now, one year before we start building our first airplane and two years before it flies, we know that our designs are optimized and achievable."
Although the 787 has significantly more advances compared to previous airplanes, the team has reduced the development cycle by one year thanks in large part to the digital toolset, Bair said. He added that the market response to the 787 is "validation" that the team is getting it right.
"We have the right airplane at the right time," Bair said. "Its fuel efficiency, range, cargo capability and improved maintenance make it very attractive to airlines. The number of customers and their diversity in terms of geography and business models highlight the 787's ability to meet the different needs of different airlines.
"The team is humbled and motivated by the market response. We're working diligently to meet the expectations of our customers. They have put their trust in us and we will perform."
Posted by Editors at 10:07 AM
