Farnborough - Boeing har nok å gjøre

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Boeing Makes International Strides Ahead of Farnborough

Woodrow Bellamy III 

[Aviation Today July 9, 2014] Boeing has had a busy week leading up to the 2014 Farnborough Air Show. The airframe manufacturer finalized a $56 billion 777X order, delivered its first 787-9 Dreamliner and signed an agreement to establish a new Asia Pacific region aircraft maintenance services company.

777X

Emirates finalized its $56 billion order for 150 777X aircraft placed during the 2013 Dubai Airshow. The Middle Eastern carrier is already the largest 777 operator in the world, and will look to introduce the 777X into its commercial fleet beginning in 2020.  

The 777X will feature GE Aviation's GE9X engines, an all composite wing design and a cockpit avionics setup similar to the 787 with Head-up Displays (HUDs), dual Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) and dual GPS receivers with triple redundant Flight Management Systems (FMS). 

"Today Emirates operates more than one in every 10 Boeing 777s aircraft built. We fly 138 of these efficient planes across the globe spanning the USA and Latin America in the west, to New Zealand and Japan in the East. The 777X will offer us operational flexibility in terms of range, more passenger capacity and fuel efficiency, and we look forward to inducting them into our fleet from 2020," said Emirates President Tim Clark. 

The order includes optional purchase rights for 50 additional aircraft, which could increase the value to $75 million. 

787-9

Air New Zealand received its first 787-9, which the airline's Chief Financial Officer Rob McDonald calls a "game-changer."

1,000 Boeing employees joined Air New Zealand executives for the first delivery of the 787-9. Photo, courtesy of Boeing.

While the engines and cockpit avionics are similar to the 787-8, Boeing's stretched version of its flagship Dreamliner aircraft features a fuselage the is 20 feet longer than its predecessor.  

"We believe it will be a game-changer for Air New Zealand, with increased levels of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. We look forward to inviting our customers on board to experience the aircraft and all of its benefits for themselves," said McDonald. 

Boeing will be featuring Air New Zealand's 787-9 on static display at the 2014 Farnborough Air Show.  

Asia Pacific

Signaling an effort to provide more support for the growing number of Boeing aircraft flying in the Asia Pacific, the company signed a partnership agreement with SIA Engineering Co. (SIAEC) to form Boeing Asia Pacific Aviation Services. The new partnership will provide engineering, spare parts and aircraft repair in maintenance from its headquarters in Singapore. 

"The joint venture will be a game changer for the airline industry," said William Tan, chief executive officer, SIAEC. "It will set new standards for aircraft reliability and utilization. It will also make fleet management solutions far more accessible, customizable and affordable for airlines. Aircraft ownership will be made much simpler."

According to Boeing, the joint venture will provide service for 737s, 747s, 777s and 787s.  Singapore Airlines and Scoot have already signed on to receive services from the joint venture once it is finalized and clears regulatory approvals.