Boeing News
Jan 21
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army recently signed a $1.149 billion contract for the remanufacture of 96 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters for the U.S. Army and 30 AH-64Ds for the United Arab Emirates.
"Signing this extended Block II contract is significant for many reasons," said David Almond, Boeing Apache Block II program manager. "The firm, fixed-price contract for 126 aircraft brings considerable work to the Mesa, Ariz., Apache production facility as well as to team Apache suppliers around the world."
"It also ensures a 'warm' assembly line for the U.S. Army and our international customers as we move forward with current and future Apache production commitments in the next decade," Almond added. "That's great news for the entire program."
Boeing will deliver the first remanufactured Apache Longbow produced under the new contract to the U.S. Army in October. Work began in March 2006 following the award of a long-lead agreement.
The contract brings the total number of remanufactured U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters to 597. The U.S. Army has ordered an additional 27 new-build Apaches as war-replacement aircraft.
The U.S. Army Apache Longbow aircraft, to be built in the Block II configuration, are in addition to the 501 remanufactured AH-64D Apache Longbows built between 1997 and 2006 under two five-year, multi-year contracts. Under a foreign military sales agreement, the United Arab Emirates is upgrading its fleet of AH-64A Apache helicopters to the next-generation configuration.
"An attitude of teamwork means cost savings for both the U.S. Army and the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that the soldiers who fly and maintain the aircraft have the capabilities to successfully complete their vital missions," Almond added.
The Apache Longbow helicopters feature fully integrated avionics and weapons and can rapidly detect, classify, prioritize and engage stationary and moving opposition targets at standoff ranges in nearly all weather environments. It is an adaptable rotorcraft platform, with a state-of-the-art modem transmitting real-time, secure digitized battlefield information to air and ground forces.
Jan 16
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 16, 2007 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) yesterday delivered the first major assemblies for the all-new 787 Dreamliner to its partner Global Aeronautica in Charleston, S.C., completing the first-ever delivery cycle using the Dreamlifter, a specially modified 747-400.
"The Dreamlifter proved beyond a doubt that it is the right transportation solution for the lean, global production system we are using to build the 787," said Scott Strode, vice president of Airplane Development and Production for the 787 program. "We can now do in hours what used to take weeks. This is good news for us, our partners and ultimately, our airline customers."
The load consisted of section 43, a forward fuselage section made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and section 11/45, the center wheel well and center wing tank made by KHI and Fuji Heavy Industries and joined at FHI. The Dreamlifter left Nagoya, Japan, on Friday. It successfully performed some required flight testing in Seattle over the weekend, and headed to Charleston late Sunday. The parts were unloaded yesterday.
"The arrival of our first 787 shipment from Japan is an important milestone," said Randy Smith, chief operating officer of Global Aeronautica, LLC. "Our employees are ready to start work on the first Dreamliner and are honored to be a part of Boeing's worldwide team that's delivering on its promise to bring the most technologically advanced aircraft to customers in 2008."
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the wings for the U.S. Air Force's 100th F-22 Raptor to teammate Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Marietta, Ga., facility in late December, two weeks ahead of schedule.
"Nothing is better than exceeding your customer's expectations," said Paul Bay, Boeing vice president and F-22 program manager. "Not only have we improved our schedule performance, but since first delivery in November 1996 we've reduced the time it takes to build a wing set by more than 45,000 man-hours and cut cycle time by 70 percent."
Boeing manufacturing engineers streamlined production in late 1999 when they developed new tooling that utilizes a built-in overhead handling system. The new tool also improved wing quality, allowing more rapid and even application of pressure as the upper and lower wing skins are matched to the substructure. This reduced variability and ensured a better overall fit.
Designed entirely on a computer-aided design application, the wings are made primarily of titanium and graphite composites. They can withstand supersonic speeds for extended periods of time and extremely "high-g" maneuvers. Each Raptor wing measures approximately 16 feet (side of fuselage) by 18 feet (leading edge) and weighs about 2,000 pounds.
Teammate and prime contractor Lockheed Martin recently delivered the 82nd F-22 to the Air Force, with 49 additional Raptors currently on contract. The fighter is assigned to four U. S. bases: Testing is conducted at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif.; tactics development takes place at Nellis AFB, Nev.; pilots and maintenance teams receive training at Tyndall AFB, Fla.; and operational F-22s of the 1st Fighter Wing are assigned to Langley AFB, Va.
The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. In addition to the wings, Boeing supplies the aft fuselage, integrates and tests the advanced avionics and has responsibility for the pilot and maintenance training systems. Parts and subsystems are provided by approximately 1,000 suppliers in 42 states. F-22 production takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facilities in Palmdale, Calif.; Meridian, Miss.; Marietta, Ga.; and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Boeing's Seattle plant. Final assembly and initial flight-testing of the Raptor occur at the Marietta facilities.
The services provided by ScanEagle are currently being used in southern Iraq by Australian soldiers operating with the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-2 in Operation Catalyst.
Today's announcement, coupled with a contract award announced Dec. 14, 2006, to deliver Australia's first Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability under Joint Project (JP) 129, further strengthens Boeing's position as the leading supplier of UAV solutions to the Australia Defence Force.
The service-based ScanEagle solution provides immediate, operational imagery coverage for the Australian Army while the I-View system is introduced. The capabilities of both systems will complement each other in terms of payloads and flight profiles.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], which partners with Insitu, Inc., to provide the low-cost, long-endurance UAV system to military customers, is providing assistance with system operations in theatre. ScanEagle currently is in operation with the U.S. military and has logged more than 20,000 combat flight hours over the past 20 months.
"ScanEagle has proven to be one of the U.S. military's most effective tools for reconnaissance and surveillance for force protection missions. We expect the system will be equally valuable to the Australian Army to help protect our troops," said Lindsay Pears, Boeing Australia general manager, Advanced UAVs.
"We are pleased to support the Australian Army's rapid acquisition of services to be provided by this advanced UAV system. It has been a great joint effort by Boeing, Insitu and the Commonwealth to bring this project together so quickly in order to support operations in the field," said Pears.
ScanEagle, which is four feet (1.2 metres) long with a 10-foot (3 metres) wingspan, carries either an electro-optical or an infrared camera. Both are inertially stabilized. The gimbaled camera allows the operator to easily track stationary and moving targets, including enemy combatants, vehicles, roads, buildings and other hot spots.
"ScanEagle provides critical real-time imagery through low-altitude reconnaissance to give tactical commanders a clearer picture of the battlefield," said Andrew Duggan, Boeing Australia executive manager, Advanced UAVs. "The air vehicle's small size and relatively quiet engine make it highly stealthy even at low altitudes.
"Furthermore, for a vehicle of its size, ScanEagle's combination of endurance and fully stabilized payload is unmatched. The system can provide more than 15 consecutive hours of 'on-station' coverage, and the catapult and Skyhook allow launch and recovery from land or sea, providing greater flexibility than other systems in its class," Duggan said.
ScanEagle is launched autonomously via a pneumatic wedge catapult and flies pre-programmed or operator-initiated missions guided by GPS and its onboard flight control system. It is retrieved using a "Skyhook" system in which the UAV catches a rope hanging from a 50-foot (15 metres) high pole. The patented system allows ScanEagle to be runway-independent and operate from rough terrain or ships.
The recent demonstration was the first in a series of experiments dubbed Project Marti. The Marti concept seeks to combine the wide-area coverage and loiter time of a near-space vehicle (such as a High-Altitude, Long Endurance or HALE concept vehicle) with the sensing ability and agility of lower-altitude unmanned air systems (such as the Boeing/Insitu Group's ScanEagle UAS).
The goal is to provide information over a large geographic region, beyond the reach of a single low-altitude asset, without the need for expensive space-based assets that are often reserved for higher priority missions.
"The challenge here is much more than just the establishment of a high-altitude communications relay," said Patrick Stokes, Boeing Phantom Works manager of Network-Centric Operations-related programs. "It's really all about effectively bringing the power of real-time information to bear within a tactical theater, and doing so without the need for an expensive, fixed infrastructure."
To bring this communication power to the troops, Project Marti is leveraging innovative information management brokering techniques to provide advanced publish and subscribe capabilities across a broad geographical region. Researchers from Phantom Works and the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate recently conducted an initial risk-reduction demonstration of these capabilities.
In the demonstration, multiple information sources, including ground-based software clients representing low-altitude unmanned aerial systems (such as the Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle), delivered near real-time imagery and data through an Internet Protocol network to an airborne information broker (onboard a balloon acting as a surrogate for a near-space vehicle).
The sources transmitted the data simultaneously in a Cursor-on-Target format that allows accurate tactical information to be passed more efficiently among multiple systems. The information broker then successfully distributed to ground stations only the data that matched users' subscriptions.
"This demonstration was the first instance of an airborne information manager storing published UAS sensor data for delivery to ground-based subscribers, who could then utilize that data on a tactical display," said Dr. Jim Paunicka, Phantom Works principal investigator on Project Marti. "The subscribers need only display the data that's relevant to their tactical missions, much in the way that an Internet user would employ a search engine to obtain relevant information."
Future tests in Project Marti will expand the amount and complexity of data as well as the number of assets involved. The tests will culminate in a tactically relevant live flight demonstration in which multiple airborne and near-space assets will operate over an extended range to support a large number of ground units.
During this final demonstration, planned for early 2008, live imagery and tactical data from UAS sensors (including those onboard a ScanEagle) will be published to the airborne network through an information broker on a high-altitude surrogate near-space vehicle -- a balloon that will be launched to about 80,000 feet. Ground units will be able to collaborate with each other to subscribe to data relevant to their respective missions.
Project Marti is one of several programs that support the AFRL's Tactical Information Dominance vision to show how combined UAS and near-space assets can provide widespread information access in tactical operations.
The aircraft are part of a combined Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. Army and direct commercial agreement with Boeing. All of Greece's next-generation Apaches will be delivered this year.
In addition to its new Apache Longbows, the Hellenic Army operates a fleet of AH-64A Apaches, which have been in service in Greece for the past decade.
Boeing is producing the new AH-64DHAs for Greece at its Mesa, Ariz., rotorcraft facility.
"Boeing and the Apache team have an enjoyed an outstanding relationship with the Hellenic Army for nearly two decades," said Al Winn, Boeing vice president of Apache Programs. "The Apache Longbow is an important asset for the Hellenic Army and a product that will have Boeing's full support through the life of these aircraft."
The AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night operations, integrated sensors, networking and digital communications for situational awareness, and real-time combat management.
Since the Apache's inception, Boeing and the U.S. Army have used incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of current and future defense forces.
Eleven nations, including the United States, operate or have selected Apache helicopters for their defense needs. More than 1,600 Apaches have been delivered.
The Next-Generation 737-700ER is inspired by the Boeing Business Jet and is designed for long-range commercial applications. Cabin configuration is flexible, and may range from a 48-person, all-business-class cabin, as an example, to a more traditional 126-seat count to suit the airline's needs. The high-performance derivative can fly up to 2,145 nautical miles farther than the current 737-700. With up to nine auxiliary fuel tanks and optional Blended Winglets, the Next-Generation 737-700ER is capable of flying 5,510 nautical miles.
Jan 15
Airbus losing market share to Boeing
European aircraft maker Airbus will later this week announce a significant slump in its market share last year as arch-rival Boeing leapt ahead in terms of orders, the Financial Times Deutschland reported.
Quoting figures that would officially be published on Tuesday, FT Deutschland said that Airbus, a unit of the European Aeronautics Defence and Space Company, saw its market share by value fall to 40 percent last year from 45 percent the year before.
Airbus received orders for just 800 aircraft in 2006, down from 1,055 in 2005, the newspaper said.
The figures come after Boeing announced record commercial aircraft orders for 2006, beating Airbus for the first time since 2000, the report continued.
Airbus is suffering from relatively weak sales of its A330/340 models, as well as the A380, which is heavily burdened by production problems, and the repeatedly re-designed A350, FT Deutschland said.
In the segment for wide-body airplanes, Airbus's market share now stands at only 18 percent, compared to Boeing's 82 percent, it added.
Jan 12
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 10, 2007 -- The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] Space and Intelligence Systems (S&IS) division, headquartered in Seal Beach, Calif., has received a California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE™) Gold Level award. S&IS joins only three other companies in the large manufacturing business category to receive a Gold Level award in the program's history.
The award, sponsored by the California Council for Excellence, recognizes outstanding continuous improvement efforts in U.S. organizations and is based on the Baldrige National Quality Program criteria for performance excellence.
"This award is significant because it demonstrates to our customers and others that we have established an integrated team approach to continuous improvement over time," said Howard Chambers, S&IS vice president and general manager. "S&IS is comprised of several organizations obtained through mergers and acquisitions, and we've made it a priority to merge processes and procedures in order to improve competitiveness and leverage lean manufacturing, six sigma and other initiatives. The Gold award validates that we are on the right path toward overall business excellence and symbolizes our commitment to flawless program execution."
Boeing and other CAPE winners will receive their awards during an April reception in San Diego, Calif.
DEC 30
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air today announced that the two companies have finalized an order for 25 airplanes with a value of approximately $5.6 billion at list prices.
Korean Air's order includes 10 777-300ERs, five 747-8 Freighters, five 777 Freighters and five Next-Generation 737s, along with options for eight additional airplanes -- four 777-300ERs, two 747-8Fs and two 737-900ERs.
The 777-300ERs will replace 747-400 passenger airplanes that Korean Air is converting to 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), while the 747-8 Freighters and 777 Freighters will provide expansion capacity that will further solidify the airline's position as the world's leading commercial air cargo carrier that it has held during the past two years. Korean Air is a key 747-400 Freighter operator and an important customer of the 747-400 BCF.
The 737s will provide additional capability for domestic and regional routes to neighboring countries.
"Introducing the next generation high-tech airplane is one of the strategies to effect a strengthening of global competitiveness, and enhance customer service," said Korean Air Chairman Yang-ho Cho, "We are planning to provide a 'high-end' service to our customers by continually introducing high-tech airplanes."
"Korean Air continues to develop a tremendous cargo base to complement its successful passenger operation," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Sales Larry Dickenson. "Our great relationship is built upon years of success and trust, as well as our ability to provide the airplanes that fit the airline's business model."
In 2004, Korean Air and Boeing celebrated the airline's 100th Boeing jetliner delivery. Since receiving its first 707 in 1971, Korean Air has operated several Boeing models, including the Next-Generation 737, 747, 777, DC-9, DC-10, MD-11, and MD-80.
Dec 25
Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Commercial Aviation Services organization has reached an agreement with Messier Services - Asia, SR Technics and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co, Ltd. to perform repair and overhaul services on landing gear for Boeing airplanes.
Messier Services - Asia will support Boeing's 777 and Next-Generation 737 landing gear program while Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co, Ltd. and SR Technics will support the Next-Generation 737 landing gear program.
These agreements are part of the Boeing Component Repair Network Service Centre (NSC) program within the Component Repair and Leasing Services group. The goal is to reduce overall repair costs and manage complex rotable programs by establishing additional MRO support in key global regions.
All three of these world-class companies will join the repair network service centre program as part of a continuing strategy to reduce maintenance costs for airline customers and to provide faster repair and overhaul solutions of key rotable components for Boeing customers around the world.
The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information management, and ensure passenger well-being.
Boeing [NYSE:BA], TNT and Guggenheim Aviation Partners celebrated the delivery of both customers' first 747-400ER Freighter.
The milestone airplane was delivered to Guggenheim Aviation Partners (GAP) and will be put into service by TNT, the Netherlands-based global express and mail delivery services company.
"The arrival of the first TNT-owned Boeing 747 is a major step towards achieving our strategic objective of being the number one carrier between Asia and Europe," said Peter Bakker, TNT Chief Executive Officer. "The aircraft will seamlessly link into TNT's air and road networks in Europe. This will provide TNT's customers with the fastest guaranteed transit times to Europe, while having full visibility and control through TNT's integrated IT-services, resulting in lower inventory costs, overall supply chain costs and increase of customer satisfaction."
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.
"We congratulate TNT as it adds the Boeing 747 Freighter - the standard of the air cargo industry - to its global fleet," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Europe, Russia and Central Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The excellent economics and environmental performance of the Boeing 747-400ER Freighter have contributed to the continued success and market leadership of the 747 Freighter family."
Investment funds managed by GAP currently own a fleet of 31 Boeing aircraft. Today's 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.
Boeing is the undisputed air cargo market leader, providing over 90 percent of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity. The Boeing 747 Freighter family alone carries half of the world's freighter cargo. The 747 Freighter features a distinctive nose door, which allows increased revenue by accommodating high-value outsize shipments, and a side door, which provides superior efficiency and flexibility in ground operations.
In Boeing's World Air Cargo Forecast 2006/2007, Boeing forecasts that world air cargo growth is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 6.1 percent over the next 20 years. European air cargo markets comprise approximately one-third of the world's air cargo traffic.
TNT [NYSE:TNT] provides businesses and consumers worldwide with an extensive range of services for their mail and express delivery needs. TNT offers efficient network infrastructures in Europe and Asia and is expanding operations worldwide to maximize its network performance. TNT serves more than 200 countries and employs around 127,000 people. In the first nine months of 2006, TNT reported € 7.3 billion in revenues and an operating income of € 921 million. TNT N.V. is publicly listed on the stock exchanges of Amsterdam and New York. TNT recognizes its social responsibility, and has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Environmental Programme to fight hunger and pollution in the world. More information about TNT can be found on its Web site http://group.tnt.com.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] test pilots today took the first KC-767 Tanker slated for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) on its maiden flight.
Set to make history as Japan 's first aerial-refueling platform when delivered in February 2007, the aircraft lifted off from McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kan., adjacent to the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Wichita facility, and logged a three-hour and 30 minute flight before employees, customers and suppliers.
“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.”
The Japan KC-767 Tanker is a military derivative of the proven 767-200 commercial airplane and was selected over its competitor, the Airbus A-310, in direct competition in 2001. It has been configured with the advanced Boeing air refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system.
“This advanced tanker will provide the Japanese unrivaled tanker capability and operational flexibility,” said Joe Shaheen, director of Boeing International Tanker Programs. “Leveraging more than 540 hours and 180 flights on our Italian KC-767 in flight test, this KC-767 will be a low-risk, high-demand asset for the Japanese military.”
Under contract to receive four KC-767 Tankers, the JASDF has selected the convertible freighter configuration, which will provide flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers, while maintaining its primary role as an aerial tanker.
Boeing also recently completed critical Federal Aviation Administration certifications on the first KC-767 for Italy , and will deliver the first two of four tankers to that country in 2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build 179 next-generation tankers for the U.S. Air Force as they replace their KC-135 fleet under the KC-X acquisition program next year.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
December 21
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, part of the Air France/KLM Group, has exercised options for three Boeing [NYSE: BA] Next-Generation 737-800s.
The airplanes, with a value of $212 million at list prices, will be delivered in 2008.
KLM and Boeing also announced a contract for a fourth 777-300ER. This will be the 19th 777 in KLM's fleet, equipped with General Electric GE-90 engines. The airplane has a list price value of $250 million. The 777 order was booked previously on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer.
Including the new 737 order, KLM will operate a fleet totaling 29 Next-Generation 737s, a combination of -800 and -900 models, of which 19 are currently operating in the KLM fleet. Deliveries will continue through 2008. KLM also operates 27 737-300s and 737-400s.
The 737-800, the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family, incorporates an advanced-technology wing design that helps increase fuel capacity and efficiency, both of which increase range. The 737-800 is powered by CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric Co. of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The engines meet community noise restrictions well below current Stage 3 limits and below expected Stage 4 limits.
December 18
Boeing Signs Agreement to Provide Extended MRO Capability
Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Commercial Aviation Services organization has reached an agreement with Goodrich Corp. [NYSE: GR] Aerostructures Service Center Europe (GASCE) and will perform nacelle (thrust reverser) component repair and overhaul services on Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 777 airplanes.
This agreement is part of a new Boeing Component Repair Network Service Center (NSC) program within the Component Repair and Leasing Services group, which aims to reduce overall repair costs and manage complex rotable programs by establishing additional MRO support in key global regions.
The Goodrich site in Prestwick, Scotland, will join the repair network service centre program as part of a continuing strategy to reduce maintenance costs for airline customers and to provide faster repair and overhaul solutions of key rotable components for Boeing customers around the world.
The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information management and ensure passenger well-being.
Boeing, Kenya Airways Sign Deal for 3 Additional 787s-8s
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Kenya Airways signed an order in Nairobi on Dec. 15 for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline now has nine 787s on order, and also holds four options for Boeing's fast-selling new airplane. The airline's original order for six Boeing 787s was made in March and included six options. The three additional 787s will be added to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site this week.
"We have had remarkable success with Boeing's 777," said Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. "When one weighs the operational advantage these two models bring in tandem, we felt it most prudent that we move now to ensure Kenya Airways retains the best value, and brings a world-class standard of service, for visitors flying to the wide open spaces of Africa."
With the delivery of a Boeing 777-200ER in 2004, Kenya Airways became the first carrier in sub-Sahara Africa to offer 777 service to and from the region. The airline will take delivery of its fourth 777 in February, and has complemented its fleet of Next- Generation 737s with three new 737-800s this year. Kenya Airways will receive its first 787 in October 2010 with the deliveries of the nine Dreamliners extending out to late 2012. Since 1996, Kenya Airways has ordered 19 aircraft directly from Boeing and currently operates another 12 Boeing airplanes on lease.
"It's wonderful to see such a good Boeing customer like Kenya Airways experiencing phenomenal growth," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "We look forward to our ongoing collaboration and the shared insight from an airline team that continues to demonstrate such a high degree of professionalism."
Kenya Airways serves more than 2 million passengers annually and has the largest network into Africa. The carrier is going through an aggressive expansion program and it has added destinations that include Bamako, Mali; Dakar, Senegal; Maputo, Mozambique; Istanbul; Paris and Guangzhou, China. The airline plans to soon launch service to Asmara, Eritrea; and Sierra Leone. This complements 17 weekly flights to London and Amsterdam and regular schedules to select destinations in Asia, including Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
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. Thirty-seven airlines have logged 461 orders and commitments worth more than $68 billion at current list prices since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
Dec 16 2006
Boeing Australia Limited has signed a contract to provide the Commonwealth of Australia its first Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability under Joint Project (JP) 129.
Boeing Australia, with partner Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) MALAT Division, will deliver the I-View 250A TUAV and associated systems to the Australian Army, providing new airborne surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition capabilities.
Boeing Australia is the prime contractor and has responsibility for program management, systems engineering and technical management; and integrated logistics support. IAI will deliver the I-View 250A TUAV system.
Boeing Australia Managing Director David Withers said the company is looking forward to introducing a new capability into the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that will put it at the forefront of global TUAV technology.
"The I-View is the first of its type in Australia and one of the most advanced TUAVs in the world, and we are very proud to deliver both a new capability and a new platform to the Australian Defence Force," said Withers.
"The solution that we have developed will leverage Boeing Australia's ability to manage large-scale defence projects and the experience and global success of IAI's UAV family," he continued. "The JP 129 TUAV capability will become an integral part of Australia's network-centric defence framework."
Itzhak Nissan, president and chief executive officer of IAI, said, "IAI regards the ADF to be a most important and esteemed customer. We are proud that the ADF selected the I-View as its TUAV system.
"IAI/MALAT is proud to provide the ADF with a fourth-generation TUAV system based on our more than 30 years of extensive experience with UAV technology. I-View offers not only high performance and flexibility, but also future growth to support the ADF's operational needs."
The I-View 250A TUAV mission system will provide a new level of sophisticated reconnaissance and surveillance capability for the ADF. Its significant endurance and payload capabilities allow it to detect, identify and monitor targets at ranges up to 150 km from its launch site. Other notable features include catapult or conventional runway launch, fully automatic recovery via conventional or powered parafoil and data link equipment based on the U.S. Common Data Link standard to facilitate interoperability with allied forces.
Remote video terminals delivered as part of the mission system will allow all mounted or dismounted Army units to receive the images directly. These deployed units, communicating through radio relay capabilities onboard the TUAVs, will be able to direct the sensors to new areas of interest in near real-time, providing a vital edge to soldiers engaged in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving battlespace.
IAI's MALAT Division is a world leader in developing and integrating UAV systems. IAI UAVs have accumulated, worldwide, more than 300,000 operational flight hours to date. IAI MALAT UAV systems are operated by 27 customers including the Israeli Defense Forces, U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Finnish Army, Swiss Army, French Air Force, Belgian Army and Indian Armed Forces.
Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd., formerly known as Israel Aircraft Industries, is Israel's largest industrial exporter and a globally recognised leader for the defence and commercial markets with estimated sales of $2.7 billion at the end of 2006. IAI provides unique and cost-effective technological solutions for a broad spectrum of needs in space, air, land, sea and homeland defence.
Boeing Australia Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary that reports to Boeing International Support Systems, is a high-technology aerospace company specialising in installation and support of systems for defense and commercial customers. Headquartered in Brisbane, Boeing Australia Limited has more than 2,000 employees in 15 locations around Australia.
AHM provides real-time maintenance information to airlines that can address potential problems before they force airplanes out of service and impact an airline's customers - and its own bottom line. The tool will monitor Air France's 777 and 747 fleets. Air France has 42 777s in service and 13 to be delivered; it has 21 747-400s in service.
"A modern, competitive airline must embrace technology that will help improve productivity and minimize disruption to passengers, and Airplane Health Management is exactly the kind of tool we were looking for," said Air France Industries (Air France MRO division) President Alain Bassil.
Air France has become a world leader in e-Enabling its airplane maintenance operations. In September, the airline announced a landmark decision to put Boeing's Class 3 Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) on its entire fleet of 777s.
The Boeing Class 3 EFB, which is installed as part of a flight-deck's avionics, can serve as a critical communications gateway between the airplane in the sky and an airline's operations center and maintenance department on the ground. Boeing's EFB is designed to directly connect pilot-initiated fault information from the flight deck of a flying 777 to AHM.
"Air France is again showing its leadership in the industry with this acquisition of Airplane Health Management," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Commercial Aviation Services. "Its commitment to improve the experience of its customers is unquestioned, and that's why Boeing sees the decision to adopt this solution as an important validation: AHM makes a significant contribution to an airline's efficiency and effectiveness."
AHM supports long-term fleet reliability programs by helping airlines identify and respond to faults proactively. Because AHM users share information, data collected from one airline can actually guide repair decisions, based on history and fleet experience, at another airline operating the same airplanes. The goal is to help airlines operate at the highest levels of security, reliability and efficiency.
The cooperative relationship between Boeing and Air France has grown significantly with Air France's AHM decision. Air France was a developmental partner for the original AHM release, and it is the first Europe-based AHM customer.
In recent weeks, airlines have begun to embrace the value of adopting multiple Boeing e-Enabled products and services that interact seamlessly and help airlines run more efficiently. That is more evidence of a larger transformation in the way airlines maintain, operate and enhance their biggest capital assets: their fleets. Boeing is proud to be a leader in this new direction.
At list prices, the order is valued at approximately $708 million. Delivery of the 777 Freighters will begin in 2009. The order was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries web site and attributed to an unidentified customer.
"Guggenheim Aviation Partners is pleased to add the highly capable and efficient Boeing 777 Freighter to our growing fleet," said Stephen Rimmer, Executive Officer of GAP. "The 777 Freighter is an ideal complement to our current and future 747 Freighter fleet and has unique capabilities that supplement and extend our leasing strategy."
"Guggenheim Aviation Partners joins a rapidly growing list of customers who are finding value in the efficiency and market receptiveness of the Boeing 777 Freighter, one of the fastest selling cargo airplanes in Boeing history," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased that Guggenheim will begin offering the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter as another excellent cargo solution for their customers."
Investment funds managed by GAP currently own a fleet of 31 Boeing aircraft. In addition to those airplanes, the funds placed orders for six 747-400ER (Extended Range) Freighters in June 2005 and four 747-8 Freighters in September 2006.
Based on the 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer Range) passenger airplane, the Boeing 777 Freighter, with a revenue payload capability of 229,000 pounds (103 metric tonnes) and a range of 4,885 nautical miles (9,047 km), provides the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.
The 777 Freighter will have unmatched capacity for a twin-engine freighter and is designed to facilitate easy interlining with the Boeing 747 Freighter, the world's most popular cargo airplane. Both models are capable of 10-foot-high (3.1-meter) loads and load densities up to about 10 pounds per cubic foot (160 kg per cubic meter).
Boeing is the undisputed air cargo market leader, providing over 90 percent of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity. Boeing estimates that global air cargo will grow by an average 6.1 percent over the next 20 years.
Over the life of the 777 program, 47 customers worldwide have placed 887 orders for all versions of the 777. Since its launch in 2005, the 777 Freighter program has won orders for 49 aircraft from seven customers.
Two Delta II expendable launch vehicles, both in the 7420-10 configuration, will each carry into orbit a COSMO-SkyMed spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
"Boeing Launch Services is honored to support these missions for Alcatel Alenia Space, the European leader in satellite-based solutions," said Boeing Launch Services Director Ken Heinly. "The COSMO/SkyMed system is a critical mission for Italian science, commerce and security, and the Delta II was selected for its reliability, timeliness and affordability."
The Delta 7420-10 configuration is approximately 126 feet tall and eight feet wide. It features a first stage and four strap-on solid propellant rocket motors, an interstage and a second stage. The first stage RS-27A main engine is manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, Calif. The solid strap-on motors are provided by Alliant Techsystems, Minneapolis, Minn. The main engine and the four solid rocket motors deliver a total thrust of 485,000 pounds at liftoff.
An AJ10-118K engine, built by Aerojet, Sacramento, Calif., powers the second stage. Ignited at altitude, the engine has a vacuum-rated thrust of about 9,800 pounds.
COSMO-SkyMed is an end-to-end Earth observation dual-use (civil and military) system composed of four satellites and ground stations. The system will take radar imagery of the Earth using an X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar instrument at the request of institutional (including defense, civil and scientific) and commercial users.
Boeing Launch Services will procure the launch vehicles and related support from United Launch Alliance, the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture that began operation on Dec. 1.
Boeing Launch Services is a customer-focused organization that combines strategic planning, business development and sales for commercial Delta launch service customers. It is headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., and is a business unit of the Command, Control and Communications Networks operating division under Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
"LDMS will provide a network-enabled, performance-based logistics solution for the U.S. Army that will reduce the logistics footprint, increase operational availability and significantly lower life-cycle costs for FCS Brigade Combat Teams," said Dennis Muilenburg, vice president-general manager of Boeing Combat Systems and FCS program manager. "IBM has demonstrated that it is uniquely qualified to provide these capabilities for our nation's soldiers and will be a tremendous addition to the FCS best-of-industry One Team."
The LDMS will provide unprecedented access to complete life-cycle data for FCS logistics support, as well as configuration management, data analysis, and forecasting and planning. It will enable the collection, reporting and collaboration of logistics data on customer demands received from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Standard Army Management Information Systems and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems. LDMS also will provide the status and location of national-level assets of FCS spares and repair parts from DoD, Army and partner systems.
IBM Corporation was selected as the LDMS provider based on technical merit, schedule integration, cost, management approach and past performance after a best-value evaluation process by the Lead Systems Integrator team and its government partners. The potential value of the LDMS Systems Development and Demonstration contract, which will be finalized this month and will run through 2014, is in excess of $65 million. Fielding is scheduled to begin in 2010.
SAIC is a leading provider of scientific, engineering, systems integration and technical services and solutions to all branches of the U.S. military, agencies of the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other U.S. Government civil agencies, as well as to customers in selected commercial markets. With more than 43,000 employees in over 150 cities worldwide, SAIC engineers and scientists solve complex technical challenges requiring innovative solutions for customers' mission-critical functions. SAIC had annual revenues of $7.8 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. SAIC: FROM SCIENCE TO SOLUTIONS
Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, hosted the event.
"Today's virtual rollout is the culmination of many months of effort by thousands of team members at Boeing and its 787 partners," said Bair. "Through the use of our new digital toolset, provided by Dassault Systemes, the team has proven the ability to manufacture 787 designs."
While the detailed analysis and demonstrations created by the team remain proprietary for competitive reasons, the program did share a number of engineering-based simulations ranging from part installations to the final assembly factory flow in Everett.
"The engineering data behind these simulations gives us confidence in our assembly processes and our ability to meet our commitments to our customers," Bair said. "Our tools have enabled us to model the entire production process from our partners' factories to our own. We have found errors in simulation that would have been costly to find in production and have been able to design corrections quickly to keep the program on track."
For many of the partners, the simulations were paired with footage of actual work on their first test and production parts.
During the ceremony, Bair said that the first production wire bundle had been delivered from Labinal to Korean Air's Aerospace Division for installation in the wing tip being manufactured in Korea.
In addition, the program unveiled the new paint scheme for its 747-400 Large Cargo Freighters and announced that those airplanes will be named "Dreamlifters."
"The Dreamlifter is a vital tool that allows us to create a production flow around the world that is very efficient," said Bair. "We look forward to receiving the second Dreamlifter from EGAT in Taiwan early next month. It will arrive in Seattle already painted and ready to participate in the ongoing flight test program."
Additionally, the program unveiled the Dreamliner Gallery, a new facility in Everett, Wash., that provides 787 airline customers a more streamlined approach to airplane configuration.
"The Gallery provides a single location for airlines to configure their 787s," said Bair. "All catalog selections will be physically present in the Gallery for customers to see, touch and evaluate prior to selection. Previously, this was done at various locations around the world."
Also in preparation for the airplane's entry into service, Boeing is working with ANA and Northwest Airlines on a Service Ready Operational Validation program that will happen at the end of the flight test program and prior to first deliveries. A 787 will be used on actual airline routes, replicating the rigors and demands of commercial service.
"This is similar to the programs we have used with great success on other programs," said Bair. "It is one of the last steps we take to ensure that the airplane, the airlines, and the infrastructure are ready for 787 revenue service."
Bair congratulated the team for a spectacular 2006 and reminded everyone that 2007 is when many of the program's major milestones must be completed.
"We open our Everett factory next year and start producing airplanes," Bair said. "We will have our rollout and first flight and will begin the flight test program. Every year has been important as we move toward starting deliveries in 2008 but next year will be the most demanding experience for many of us.
"This is why we came to work for Boeing," he added, "to create new airplanes that bring new levels of performance to our customers and new levels of comfort and convenience to the passengers of the world.
"It's a challenge, no doubt about it. This is the team, all of us together - our customers, our partners and each of us - who will bring this airplane to life. It's an amazing journey from where we started just four years ago. But the best part is yet to come."
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Program
2006 Major Accomplishments
- All factories begin part production
- Wing test box complete and testing under way
- Major systems laboratories opened and running
- On-time start of major assembly
- Large Cargo Freighter first flight and flight testing
- First production wire bundle shipped
- GoldCare Lifecycle Support Solution offered for service
- 25 percent of systems for airplane No. 1 shipped
- Virtual rollout
- First 787 VIP models sold
- Orders and commitments increase to 458 airplanes from 37 customers
, Dec. 05, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Continental Airlines today announced that Continental has converted 12 of its existing orders for Next-Generation 737 jetliners to 737-900ERs. Today's announcement follows a Continental decision last August to become the first airline in the Americas and the first two-class carrier to order Boeing's newest and largest-capacity member of the 737 family, the -900ER. With this conversion, Continental now has orders for 24 737-900ER jetliners.
"The 737-900ER is a great fit for Continental's growth plans and we are delighted with this affirmation of its appeal by a world-class airline such as Continental," said Ray Conner, vice president, Sales, the Americas, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-900ER's range, reliability and outstanding operating economics will give Continental important advantages on routes up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km)."
"The new 737-900ER will have among the lowest operating costs in the industry and will allow us to build upon our efficient 737 fleet," said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. "These aircraft are part of our continued focus on fleet modernization, fuel efficiency and delivering the best product in the business."
The 737-900ER offers significant economic improvements over competing models, including lower operating costs per trip and lower operating costs per seat than the A321 -- which is more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) heavier.
The 737-900ER's enhanced performance is attributed to a series of aerodynamic and structural design changes that include: strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid and enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, which provide the 737-900ER higher takeoff weight capability and increased range than the base model. Continental's 737-900ERs will further benefit from optional Blended Winglets, which reduce fuel consumption and engine thrust requirements -- resulting in reduced engine wear and tear, lower takeoff noise and lower fuel emissions.
Launched in July 2005, the 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700 and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models. The Next-Generation 737s are 10 years newer and fly higher, faster and farther than competing models. To date, customers have placed orders for more than 3,500 Next-Generation 737s, 94 of which are 737-900ERs.
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.
"Our commitment to Air India and the Indian aviation industry dates back more than 60 years, and we continue to strengthen that relationship over time," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today marks another great milestone in our partnership with Air India as it embarks on its strategic fleet renewal and expansion plan."
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.
"The 737's reliability, low operating costs and passenger comfort will provide value for both the airline and its customers," said V. Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of Air India, who attended the delivery ceremony. "The induction of this and future aircraft into our fleet will support our mission of providing convenient routes at the most affordable prices to our passengers."
Air India currently operates a Boeing fleet of 11 747-400s, one 747-400 Combi, two 747-300 Combis, four 777-200ERs and seven 737-800s, and also operates 19 Airbus A310-300s.
To date, the Next-Generation 737 has logged 574 net orders in 2006. As of Oct. 30, 101 customers have placed orders for more than 3,500 Next-Generation 737s. The program has 1,442 unfilled orders with a value of nearly $100 billion at current list prices.
Dec. 01, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Thursday celebrated the upcoming delivery of the 16th and final upgraded E6-B Mercury to the U.S. Navy during a ceremony at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla.
The upgrades include a new, modernized cockpit similar to the glass cockpit installed in the Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft and an advanced communications package that provides faster data processing, communications capabilities and better situational awareness for the crew. The E6-B is a communications relay for the Navy's fleet of submarines and a strategic airborne command post aircraft. The 16 airplanes are commercial-derivative Boeing 707s originally delivered from 1989 to 1992.
"This modification program is a good example of taking an in-service aircraft fleet and using modern and established technology to improve its effectiveness at a reasonable cost," said John Fraser, Boeing E-6 program manager. "I'm proud of the work our Boeing team has done to upgrade the Mercury fleet in support of this critical national security asset."
Boeing replaced more than 100 analog cockpit instruments with six state-of-the-art flat-panel digital displays and dual flight management systems. The cockpit improvements were taken from the more modern Boeing 777 and 737 commercial airliners. Boeing also integrated new battle management command and control communications equipment that link the aircraft to the Navy's airborne strategic command and control system.
The upgrades, covered by two contracts totaling more than $180 million, reduce the aircraft's overall weight, improve its maintainability and make it compliant with Global Air Traffic Management requirements that allow the aircraft to fly in preferred airspace around the world.
