Aviation News

Boeing predicts need for 600,000 pilots as shortage looms

2018-08-30T08:13:00.002-05:00

The Aviation Industry is currently facing a boom for many different reasons but primarily, due to increased demand for Air Travel. While this is good news for the airline industry, I mean what airline doesn't want to make more money? This isn't so much of a good news for because unfortunately, who will fly these airplanes? You need experienced Pilots and IF Boeing predictions were anything to go by, that's a HUGE gap.

Current prediction indicates the United States will face a shortfall of 100,000 Pilots in the next decade, that's 1/6th of the estimated shortage; well, proactive airlines like Delta is embarking on a project to hire and TRAIN 8,000 pilots within the next decade in order to fill the gap. The estimated cost to learn the basics of flying to the next level of Airline Transport Pilot comes with a hefty price tag of almost $100,000. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get into the industry. If you're selected, please let us know.

BACK TO BLOGGING AFTER A LONG HIATUS

2018-02-15T14:22:00.005-06:00

Lessor Palma Holding Limited Places Firm Order for up to eight Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

2014-02-03T17:42:00.000-06:00

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that lessor Palma Holding Limited (Palma) has signed a firm purchase agreement for four dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft. The agreement, which also includes options for an additional four Q400 NextGen aircraft, follows a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that Bombardier announced on November 18, 2013. Under a joint venture with Ibdar Bank BSC, Palma intends to lease four of the Q400 NextGen aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

As previously announced, based on list price, the contract value for Palma’s transaction covering four Q400 NextGen aircraft and four options is approximately $282 million US.
“The two-class configured Q400 NextGen aircraft provides customers like Ethiopian Airlines with operational flexibility, as well as excellent route and lease structures prospects – we look forward to joining the Bombardier family,” said Moulay Omar Alaoui, President, Palma Holding Ltd. “The addition of the Q400 NextGen airliner to our portfolio will present many exciting business development opportunities for our customers.”

“I am delighted to welcome Palma as the first Middle Eastern lessor for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the first lessor worldwide for the aircraft’s dual-class configuration,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As momentum for the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to build in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we look forward to adding many more operators to the family of 50 that are presently deriving excellent benefits from the aircraft’s operational flexibility, outstanding performance, passenger amenities and environmental credentials.”

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes 13 Q400 NextGen airliners. Bombardier’s presence in the Middle East and Africa currently includes more than 200 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, CRJ regional jets and CSeries single-aisle, mainline aircraft in service or on firm order.

Bombardier Aerospace

SINGAPORE: A350 and 787 set to face off

2014-02-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

The rival latest-generation widebodies from Airbus and Boeing will go head to head at an air show for the first time at the Singapore air show, which kicks off on 11 February.
Southeast Asia is a key battleground for the contest between the A350 and the 787, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for one-third of all sales of the two twinjets.

It will be the first full appearance at an air show by the A350-900. The aircraft’s last public appearance was a fly-past towards the end of the 2013 Paris air show, a week after making its maiden flight.
While the A350 – bearing registration MSN 003 – will take part in the flying display, it is not certain whether it will be joined by the 787. Boeing will only confirm that the Qatar Airways-liveried Dreamliner will be on the static display, although the US manufacturer did memorably return to air show flying at Farnborough 2012 after a 30-year hiatus with a Qatar 787.

All eyes will be on whether the airframers can secure further deals for their new types. Singapore Airlines has already split its loyalties. The city-state’s flag carrier has firm orders for 70 A350-900s, while it is also launch customer for the 787-10, with 30 on order.

Indonesia’s Garuda and Philippine Airlines are looking to the A350 or 787 as a possible replacement for A330s, while Malaysia Airlines is evaluating the A350 and 787 to replace 777-200ERs, although it may plump for the high-gross-weight version of the A330, according to Flightglobal’s Ascend advisory service.
While the Singapore show – held at the Changi Exhibition Centre near the island’s international airport – is unlikely to see the sort of eye-watering mega orders witnessed at Dubai in November, the continued buoyancy of the Southeast Asian market is likely to see plenty of activity for the main airframers.

Singapore Airlines may choose the show to announce an order for the Boeing 777X, joining the three big Gulf airlines which ordered the long-range twinjet at Dubai, as well as its Asian rival Cathay Pacific. Even if Singapore Airlines fails to place a commitment, other heavy hitters in the region may be keen to lock-in delivery slots.

We might see confirmation of an order for 20 A380s from new kid on the leasing block Doric – Airbus expects the contract to be signed in the first quarter. And Indonesia’s Lion Air could use the show to announce its engine choice for the hundreds of A320s it has on order.

On the defence side, Singapore has requested a major upgrade for its 60 F-16s. If the government decides to compete it, it could prompt a battle between original equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems to be lead contractor – and between Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to supply the latest-generation radar.

The island state is also a security co-operation participant in the F-35 programme, and its defence minister recently witnessed a flight demonstration of the short take-off and vertical landing B variant in the USA. Meanwhile, Singapore’s airlift requirements should also be interesting, with reports that the government is interested in the Airbus A330 MRTT and Boeing’s C-17.

Historic head-to-heads
There have been some memorable face-offs between competitor aircraft at air shows. Here are just some of them:
Paris 1969: A new era dawns as Europe’s rising supersonic star Concorde squares up with the USA’s just-flown jumbo, the Boeing 747
Paris 1971: A return for Concorde, this time a chance to compare it with its Russian counterpart, the Tupolev Tu-144
Paris 1973: Airbus emerges on the scene with the A300B. Not to be outdone, Lockheed’s L1011 TriStar joins it for one day
Farnborough 1986: Regional rivalry between the BAe 146 and the Fokker 100
Paris 1995: Widebody war as Airbus showed its A330 and A340, and Boeing its 777-200
Farnborough 2004: Boeing and Northrop Grumman unveil full-scale mock-ups of their competing Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) demonstrators
Paris 2011: Battle of the big boys, with the Airbus A380 in the flying display and the Boeing 747-8 in the static.

Flight Global

Stunning Photo of the A380 , one word (WOW)

2014-02-01T13:23:00.000-06:00

The 2nd place in our #ThroughYourEyes Photo Contest goes to Christian Böhme with this stunning shot of the #A380

Latest Pictures of Air Canada's FIRST 787 (DreamLiner)

2014-02-01T13:11:00.001-06:00

In these latest pictures from Boeing's hangar in Seattle, notice the oversized yellow boxes hanging from each wing of our first Dreamliner. Those heavy boxes are used as placeholders until the actual engines, which weigh more than 10,000lb each, can be installed. This way, the wing will keep it shape. Notice anything else that’s new? The landing gear, which are largely manufactured here in Canada, are also in place. More pictures to come next week. Stay Tuned!

Photo Credit: Boeing Images

Boeing/AirCanada

Airlines begin push for discounted end-of-line 777s

2014-02-01T13:02:00.000-06:00

Airlines are beginning to push for discounts on current generation Boeing 777s, as the airframer looks to bridge a gap in deliveries until the 777X enters service at the end of the decade.

“I think it is common knowledge that aircraft tend to be sold to large and good customers with substantial discounts,” says Christoph Franz, chief executive of the Lufthansa Group, on a potential 777 discount during a media event in New York on 30 January. “So, the question of if there is additional discount to the existing discount, that is an interesting question. Hopefully, we would be able to achieve this discount.”
The list price of a 777 freighter is $300.5 million, according to Boeing.

Photo Credit: Flight Global

The group’s freight arm Lufthansa Cargo operates two 777 freighters with three more on order. However, it has not selected a replacement for the 13 Boeing MD-11s that will remain in its fleet after the last 777 delivery in 2015.

“There are at least 13 MD-11 freighters waiting for roll over,” says Franz. “For us, this gives a perspective that there will be demand in the future for further freighter aircraft and the 777, as we have already five on our orderbook, is a nice aircraft and hopefully we would be one of the customers.”

This is where further discounts could come in.

The Chicago-based airframer faces a steep drop in 777 deliveries after 2016. Deliveries will fall to just six in 2018 from 56 in 2016, Flightglobal’s Ascend Online database shows. They pick up again with the entry-into-service of the 777-9X in 2020.
Boeing acknowledges a need to fill this gap.

“We anticipate being able to build that bridge over the next number of years as we approach 2020,” said Jim McNerney, chairman and chief executive of Boeing, during an earnings call on 29 January. “We are working with [customers] on combined orders for the current 777 as well as the new one. And we anticipate at least the same kind of result that we had with the [7]37.”
Boeing has discounted end-of-line next generation 737s, which helped it land an order from Ryanair for 175 737-800s in March 2013. Deliveries will continue through 2018.

The first 737 Max delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017.
Boeing’s cost control initiatives are critical to any 777 discounts. These include the partnership for success programme where the airframer is forging long-term partnerships with certain suppliers in order to reduce costs in the near term, and its new contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for work on the widebody.

McNerney implied in his recent comments that these initiatives will likely help Boeing maintain its profit margins on the current generation 777 during the bridge.
“Now the partnering for success will be hitting it's mid-stride right around the time that the [777] bridge is being implemented and that’s not by accident,” he said.

In addition to discounts, Boeing could reduce the production rate of the 777 from 8.3 per month – about 100 aircraft per year – to help counter the gap in deliveries.
Lufthansa Cargo became the first operator of the type in the group, when it took delivery of its first 777 freighter in November 2013.

Entry-into-service was uneventful, says Franz. “The best news of it – I didn’t get any complaints,” he says.
Swiss will begin taking delivery of six 777-300ERs begin in 2016 and Lufthansa has an order for 34 777-9X aircraft with deliveries beginning after 2020.

Flight Global

ARJ21 Delayed Again, Due To Enter Service In April-May 2015

2014-01-30T10:07:00.000-06:00

The Comac ARJ21 regional jet project has been delayed again, with the aircraft now due to go into service in April or May 2015, eight years later than scheduled early in the program and 13 years after development began.

The first operator, Comac subsidiary Chengdu Airlines, will receive its first unit from the manufacturer late this year or early next year, says the carrier’s deputy general manager, Luo Ning. After that, further preparations will be made before operations begin in April or May, Luo tells local media.

The ARJ21 has been delayed probably more times than even Comac can count. As recently as August last year the first delivery was due in June 2014. When full-scale development began in April 2002, the first delivery was due in 2006, although within weeks that target had been shifted to 2007.

Among the more recent problems, unexpectedly high landing weight forced redesign of the landing gear by supplier Liebherr. Before that, the ARJ21’s mainplane failed its ultimate load test and needed redesign.

Aviation Week

Boeing's New Test Plane: B747-800 with the Seattle Seahawk Livery

2014-01-29T20:34:00.000-06:00

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today revealed a 747-8 Freighter painted in the livery of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. The livery commemorates the team's National Football Conference Championship and upcoming appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Boeing is a sponsor of the Seattle Seahawks and has partnered with the team for more than a decade on programs in the Puget Sound area.

"The Seahawks have been an inspiration to our entire community throughout this incredible season," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "We're honored that we could join together two Northwest icons, the Seahawks and the 747, for this special salute from the entire Boeing team."
This 747-8 is owned by Boeing and currently being used for flight testing. The special livery features the distinctive Seahawks logo and a "12" on the tail to salute the team's fans. The airplane will make its first flight in its new livery on Thurs., Jan. 30.

"The 747 team is proud that one of our airplanes could be used as a tribute to the Seahawks' success this season and a rallying cry for the team as they prepare for the Super Bowl," said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager, 747 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The partnerships we have with the Seahawks and others are making a positive difference in the communities where Boeing employees live and work. We join with all Seahawks fans in wishing the team success on Sunday."

Photo Credit: Boeing Images

The Bird is ready to FLY...

Cirrus poised to fly first Vision SF50

2014-01-29T12:29:00.005-06:00

Cirrus Aircraft’s ambition to be the first to market with a single-engined personal jet looks set to become a reality, as it prepares its Vision SF50 prototype for first flight next month. The certification aircraft, C-Zero, will be used for flight performance verification. The two remaining test aircraft – C-One and C-Two – are scheduled to enter service in the second and fourth quarter, and will be used for systems verification and parachute testing, respectively.

An earlier configuration "technology demonstrator" – dubbed V1 – has accumulated around 800 flying hours and 1,000 engine runs since it was built in 2008. However, the new prototypes are more reflective of the production jet, says Cirrus executive vice-president of sales marketing Todd Simmons.

"The purpose of V1 has been to verify and validate the Vision jet design," Simmons says. "C-Zero is the summation of everything we have learned from V-1. For example, we have slightly changed the size and shape of the ruddervators, stabilisers, tail arm and the wing root junction.

"We have also made slight changes to [the] aerodynamic shape of the fuselage, [the] engine mount and its position on the aircraft, along with the interior. To the casual observer C-Zero will not look any different to V1."
The Vision has been a key focus for Cirrus since its launch more than seven years ago. Even during the economic crisis and the funding shortage that ensued, the Duluth, Minnesota-based airframer continued to work on the programme – albeit on a piecemeal basis.

The acquisition of Cirrus in 2011 by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft gave the programme new momentum. "CAIGA has committed $100 million to bring the Vision to market," Simmons says. "We are on track to certificate and deliver the first aircraft in 2015."

The $1.96 million Vision is equipped with a Garmin G3000 cockpit and an emergency parachute system. Powered by a Williams International FJ33 turbofan, the aircraft has a range of 1,200nm (2,220km), a stall speed of 61kt and a cruise speed of 300kt (556km/h).

Cirrus has secured 550 orders for the Vision to date – each with a $100,000 deposit. "Our customers range from [Cirrus] SR22 piston single operators to owners of high performance piston twins and single-engined turboprops, all wanting to move to a jet platform," says Simmons.

"Our position holders come from across the globe, so once we have secured US approval we will get to work [certificating] the aircraft in the countries where our customers are based." Cirrus plans to offer a dedicated training programme to enable customers to secure their Vision type rating.

Comment: The SF50 is among the league of Very Light Jets (VLJ's) and it is scheduled to enter into service soon. A few other entrants like the Honda Jet is anticipatory scheduled for entry into service in third/fourth quarter of 2014, however, there are few in operation such as the

Eclipse 500 from Eclipse Aviation
Embraer 100 and 500 from Brazil's Embraer
Citation Mustang from Cessna

Flight Global

ATR Pursues 90-Seat Twin-Turboprop

2014-01-29T11:35:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: ATR Concept Images

In the past three years, Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), the Toulouse-based Franco-Italian regional aircraft manufacturer, has tried hard to obtain shareholder approval to launch a 90-seat twin-turboprop to complement its current range of 44- and 72-seat aircraft. ATR is jointly owned by Finmeccanica and the Airbus Group (formerly EADS), as equal partners. This arrangement can and has impeded the decision-making process.

Finmeccanica, Alenia Aermacchi's parent, seeks to acquire more commercial business and it supports the envisioned all-new twin-turboprop, expected to be called ATR 92. However, top executives at the Airbus Group have rejected what they are calling an overzealous approach. “I don't understand such eagerness,” Airbus Chief Executive Fabrice Bregier said earlier this month. Late last year, Tom Enders, the Airbus Group's chairman/CEO, seemed to rank the project low on his list of priorities, creating bitter disappointment at ATR.

According to the turboprop manufacturer's in-house research team, an estimated 1,100 90-seat turboprops will enter service in the next 20 years and no more than three main competitors are expected to share the market. Archrival Bombardier will most likely launch an increased-capacity derivative of its Q400 and China could try hard to export the newly launched MA700 that was developed by Avic and is scheduled to enter service in 2019. The Chinese offering is a 78-80-seat aircraft, but a shortened-fuselage version is planned and a stretched variant is being considered. The latter could prove to be competition for the ATR 92, should either come to fruition.

ATR Chief Executive Filippo Bagnato strongly believes the time is ripe to launch a new program. In the last few years, the turboprop maker concluded orders for a record number of ATR 72s and is gradually increasing production to about 80 aircraft per year. Profitability has been restored, following several weak years. Company executives say the required investment to develop a new aircraft is a relatively modest $1.5-2 billion. However, Enders, Bregier and other Airbus Group leaders remain unconvinced, underscoring again that it is difficult to get major commercial transport manufacturers interested in “small” aircraft. The ATR 72 lists for $24.1 million while the catalogue price of the A320, Airbus's best-seller, is $102.8 million. List price for the A350 is $260.9 million and the A380 mega-transport goes for $414.4 million.

In other words, the Airbus Group, at least in its role as ATR co-owner, could be too big. However, the parent company rejects such criticisms. Previously, Airbus claimed its design office was overloaded by the concurrence of several types in the system—the A380 in its final development phase, the A350 in its initial (and demanding) design phase and the long-delayed A400M military airlifter, all of which involved thousands of engineers. But this is no longer true. The A380's wing problems have been resolved, the A350 is entering the production phase (although derivatives have not been frozen as yet), and the A400M is entering into service.

Perhaps launching a new turboprop is too much of a burden for relatively modest results. History does not favor ATR. For example, when a British partner (the British Aircraft Corp. BAE Systems' predecessor) temporarily joined the multi-national consortium that preceded EADS, it was denied a request to produce a regional twinjet in order to protect the BAe-146. So despite the emerging “jetmania” of that time, ATR remained confined to the turboprop market.

ATR executives, including Bagnato, are studiously avoiding a public airing of the response to their request. But the current freeze shows, again, how difficult European cross-border industrial collaboration can be, even without political interference or the negative effects of economic patriotism. It will be interesting to see if Finmeccanica can make a case for buying the Airbus Group's 50% stake in ATR to become the airframer's sole owner. For now though, this remains a politically awkward question.

My opinion: This is an era of aircraft influx with many competitors, however, my humble opinion is that global travel is becoming more leaner in size but expedient in range efficiency. Little wonder why the A380 failed but the A350 is a great success. All aircraft manufacturers have just about same seat range within production. Besides, more cost efficient yet medium capacity aircraft coming on-board.

Bombardier Aerospace with it's Q400 (which is a GREAT success) competes aggressively with ATR. The CSeries is making wave into the market, meanwhile, Boeing 737 will ALWAYS be the preferred choice for low-cost, and regional carriers. Airlines are buying up aircraft that has very low operating cost and are compensating it with more seats (even if they're empty). As far as I'm concerned, unless the ATR is meant to WOW the aviation industry, it's a waste.

Boeing Reports Record 2013 Revenue, EPS and Backlog and Provides 2014 Guidance

2014-01-29T11:05:00.000-06:00

These are key tables in this morning's Financial Statement released by Boeing.

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

	Twelve months ended December 31		Three months ended December 31
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)	2013	2012	2013	2012
Sales of products	$76,792	$71,234	$21,482	$19,793
Sales of services	9,831	10,464	2,303	2,509
Total revenues	86,623	81,698	23,785	22,302

Cost of products	(65,640)	(60,309)	(18,610)	(17,206)
Cost of services	(7,553)	(8,247)	(1,758)	(1,816)
Boeing Capital interest expense	(75)	(109)	(20)	(24)
Total costs and expenses	(73,268)	(68,665)	(20,388)	(19,046)
	13,355	13,033	3,397	3,256
Income from operating investments, net	214	268	67	57
General and administrative expense	(3,956)	(3,717)	(1,100)	(943)
Research and development expense, net	(3,071)	(3,298)	(848)	(753)
Gain/(loss) on dispositions, net	20	4	(1)	7
Earnings from operations	6,562	6,290	1,515	1,624
Other income, net	56	62	15	23
Interest and debt expense	(386)	(442)	(96)	(112)
Earnings before income taxes	6,232	5,910	1,434	1,535
Income tax expense	(1,646)	(2,007)	(201)	(557)
Net earnings from continuing operations	4,586	3,903	1,233	978
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes of $0 and $2	(1)	(3)
Net earnings	$4,585	$3,900	$1,233	$978
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$6.03	$5.15	$1.63	$1.29
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
Basic earnings per share	$6.03	$5.15	$1.63	$1.29
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$5.96	$5.11	$1.61	$1.28
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
Diluted earnings per share	$5.96	$5.11	$1.61	$1.28
Cash dividends paid per share	$1.94	$1.76	$0.485	$0.44
Weighted average diluted shares (millions)	769.5	763.8	768.4	768.3

Comment: From their statement, Boeing has a greater margin in their services group as opposed to their products group. Comparing the margin from 2012 to 2013, Boeing performed better in 2012 than in 2013. For the most part, Boeing has done very well.

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Summary of Business Segment Data (Unaudited)

	Twelve months ended December 31		Three months ended December 31
(Dollars in millions)	2013	2012	2013	2012
Revenues:
Commercial Airplanes	$52,981	$49,127	$14,680	$14,161
Defense, Space & Security:
Boeing Military Aircraft	15,936	16,019	4,395	4,037
Network & Space Systems	8,512	7,911	2,272	2,024
Global Services & Support	8,749	8,677	2,188	2,282
Total Defense, Space & Security	33,197	32,607	8,855	8,343
Boeing Capital	408	468	105	129
Other segment	102	106	22	27
Unallocated items and eliminations	(65)	(610)	123	(358)
Total revenues	$86,623	$81,698	$23,785	$22,302
Earnings from operations:
Commercial Airplanes	$5,795	$4,711	$1,506	$1,266
Defense, Space & Security:
Boeing Military Aircraft	1,465	1,489	441	313
Network & Space Systems	719	562	233	138
Global Services & Support	1,051	1,017	280	300
Total Defense, Space & Security	3,235	3,068	954	751
Boeing Capital	107	88	9	(12)
Other segment	(156)	(186)	(99)	31
Unallocated items and eliminations	(2,419)	(1,391)	(855)	(412)
Earnings from operations	6,562	6,290	1,515	1,624
Other income, net	56	62	15	23
Interest and debt expense	(386)	(442)	(96)	(112)
Earnings before income taxes	6,232	5,910	1,434	1,535
Income tax expense	(1,646)	(2,007)	(201)	(557)
Net earnings from continuing operations	4,586	3,903	1,233	978
Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes of $0 and $2	(1)	(3)
Net earnings	$4,585	$3,900	$1,233	$978

Research and development expense, net:
Commercial Airplanes	$1,807	$2,049	$510	$411
Defense, Space & Security	1,215	1,189	323	321
Other	49	60	15	21
Total research and development expense, net	$3,071	$3,298	$848	$753

Unallocated items and eliminations:
Share-based plans	($95)	($81)	($21)	($17)
Deferred compensation	(238)	(75)	(73)	(26)
Capitalized interest	(69)	(70)	(17)	(17)
Eliminations and other	(703)	(266)	(421)	(140)
Sub-total (included in core operating earnings)	(1,105)	(492)	(532)	(200)
Pension	(1,374)	(787)	(329)	(179)
Postretirement	60	(112)	6	(33)
Total unallocated items and eliminations	($2,419)	($1,391)	($855)	($412)

Comment: Boeing had a 7.84% or $3.8 billion increase in its Commercial airplane division, however, its defense military aircraft under the Defense, Space & Security division reduced by -0.52% or -$83 million. This isn't so much of a significant loss. The Operating Margin is higher as compared to last year.

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Operating and Financial Data (Unaudited)

Deliveries	Twelve months ended December 31				Three months ended December 31
Commercial Airplanes	2013		2012		2013	2012
737	440		415		110	105
747	24		31		8	10
767	21		26		4	6
777	98		83		25	21
787	65	(1)	46	(3)	25	23	(3)
Total	648		601		172	165
Note: Deliveries under operating lease are identified by parentheses.

Summary: Boeing's decision to ramp up delivery as well decrease backlog so that the company can actually earn that revenue resulted to their increased performance. About a week ago, Boeing announced its increased production and manufacturing rate from 7 to 10 I believe, twice the production rate from last year, this favors Boeing in the long run, and as a result, better performance. I sincerely hope that better performance translates into better and quality products.

To see more tables, visit Boeing Financials

VietJetAir to firm up order for Airbus jets - sources

2014-01-28T10:43:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: VietJet Air

Jan 28 (Reuters) - Low-cost Vietnam airline, VietJetAir, is set to firm up part of a $9 billion order for up to 92 Airbus aircraft and will announce this at the Singapore Airshow in February, sources familiar with the situation said.

In September, VietJetAir and Airbus agreed a provisional order for the mostly A320 planes, but the deal did not show up in the order book of Airbus in its 2013 data.
"They are very close to a deal and this will be one of the big orders at the airshow," said one source.
A firm order is seen as a strong indication of future revenue for airplane manufacturers and triggers a deposit from airlines. Airlines mainly pay for aircraft when they take delivery and usually win significant discounts for large orders.

The latest deal worth $9 billion at list prices, includes firm orders for 62 medium-haul jets as well as options for 30 more. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter is not public.
VietJetAir company officials could not be reached by Reuters on Tuesday, the start of the new year holidays in the country.
An Airbus spokesman in Singapore said: "We don't comment on discussions that may or may not be taking place with customers or reports of potential announcements."

Reuters

Why I think the A350XWB is a better fit compared to the B787 (The DREAMLINER)

2014-01-28T10:00:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Boeing Images

As an aviation enthusiast, I want all companies to succeed; however, Boeing’s commercial program has been a huge disappointment lately. The B787 is a great aircraft, the first of its kind in commercial production, it set the precedence for the A350 to evolve, as well as future aviation, but unfortunately, the B787 program fell short and hasn't been very successful.

Like the A380 that flopped and did not break-even, the 787 faces the same fate. The program had a bright future because of its futuristic –ish design and components: 50% composite – less weight and more cost savings – and despite its positive outlook, it failed in delivery. I recalled its successful launch, it was highly publicized, but no sooner than the first sets of aircrafts entered into service, the problems began. It is no news about numerous problems that plagued the program, what had Boeing done wrong, AGAIN?

Airbus having realized that bigger is ALWAYS better, they went back to the drawing board and emerged well prepared with the A350XWB. I strongly believe that the Airbus Company built a better and more efficient design based on Boeing’s failure of the 787 program. Although it’s too early to praise the A350XWB which is scheduled for commercial service the first quarter of 2014, it is highly speculative and anticipated to perform well than its rival.

To me, I’m more concerned about which is better, on the surface, I will peak into these two aircraft and what they have to offer

The 787-800 seats 210 to 250 passengers (average of 230 passengers), and has a range of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers) an average of 7,925 miles (14,700 kilometers) and a price tag of $211 million (Source)

The A350-800 designed to carry 276 passengers in a twin aisle configuration (46 passengers more on average) flying up to 8,250 nautical miles (15,300 kilometers). The price tag is $261 million ($50 million) more than its competitor.

To me, despite the higher expense, the Airbus is a more cost-effective aircraft and here is why
For the purpose of this exercise, I am assuming a 100% LF and also maximum range, given this scenario,

Boeing’s Available Seat Mile (ASM) is the following
At Min, ASM = 210 passengers x 7,650 nautical miles = 1,606,500
At Max, ASM = 250 passengers x 8,200 nautical miles = 2,050,000
At Avg, ASM = 230 passengers x 7,925 nautical miles = 1,822,750

For the purpose of calculation, I reversed the table to favor Boeing’s B787 because in realism, the more passengers on board (compensating for gross weight), the less fuel carried onboard resulting to less mileage flown.

Airbus ASM = 276 passengers x 8,250 nautical miles = 2,277,000

ASM or Available Seat Mile is an airline measure of carrying capacity of an airplane on a given trip. This measure is utilized by airlines to determine Revenue and Cost because not all seats (ticket) on the aircraft cost the same, therefore, this measure is very important to airlines. To calculate what ASM is, you simply multiply the aircraft's maximum available seats by the destination range or the number of miles flown.

ASM = Available Seats x Distance flown,

where available seats is total number of seats on the plane - reserved non-revenue seats. Non-revenue could be employees embarking on company business, security escorts like Federal Marshals, etc.

For instance, A NY to Washington DC flight is operated with a B737-800 and has a seating capacity of 180 passengers flying a distance of 220 nautical miles. However, because it's headed into Washington, DC there are two Marshals on the plane with a mechanic. The ASM is

ASM =[180 - 3] x 220 = 38,940 available seat miles.

I thought I explain this detail before continuing any further. Also, for the purpose of a fair comparison, I assumed the maximum seating capacity as the available seat and maximum range as the number of miles flown.

Photo Credit: Airbus Images

The Airbus ASM is 11% higher than Boeing’s Maximum scenario; however, this result isn't definitive because it just tells us that Airbus has 11% more operating capacity than Boeing. To the average person, this technical jargon doesn't translate any meaningful information; therefore using Boeing’s Max scenario, it will cost an airline about 32.80 miles/seat (8,200 / 250) in comparison to Airbus which is 29.89 miles/seat (8,250 / 276). Yet, using the industry standard of seat/mile, Boeing s/m is 0.0304 and Airbus is 0.0334.

As you can see, Airbus has more seats/mile which translates into more revenue/mile (if filled). That’s a 9.7% advantage over Boeing. Imagine a 9% ticket reduction in the base fare, though not significant, but that is a good savings. This is how the numbers add up.

Although Airbus does come out on top regardless, it wouldn't make more sense if we don’t evaluate the cost of aircraft into these calculations. The B787 cost $211 million and the A350 cost $261 million, both -800 models, taking a closer look at the Purchase Price – ASM Factor, assuming everything is equal (subsidies, discounts, and what not), what does it cost to operate a single seat per the cost of the aircraft?

The Initial Cost Price for the 787 is $211 million and the Max ASM is 2,050,000 and this equals to $102.93/ASM compared to Airbus which is $114.62. Using the Max scenario and giving a fair comparison to Airbus, adjusting for the average scenario, the result is $115.17, 55 cents more expensive.

What this means is for instance, assuming the Cost-Available Seat Mile is 8 cents, the aircraft has to fly for extra 7 miles to break-even on the cost and 7 miles when multiplied by the per mile rate, can be several hundred if not thousands of $$$.

In a more realistic scenario, I will give it hands down to the A350XWB, the aircraft though expensive for its class type, happens to be more cost efficient than the 787. Please keep in mind, other factors such as Direct Operating Costs, as well as others wasn't considered. This analysis just expresses the numbers on its face.

Airbus welcomes A380 operations in India

2014-01-27T09:55:00.003-06:00

Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation approves A380 operations in India

Airbus welcomes the news that the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the operations of the Airbus A380 in India.

“This is good news for Indian airports and the Indian flying public. The A380 is the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft in service with the lowest operating costs per seat and the highest revenue generating potential which benefits the airlines and the travelling public. For the Indian flying public, the A380 offers the world’s most comfortable flying experience,” said Dr. Kiran Rao, Airbus EVP Strategy and Marketing.

Photo credit: Airbus images

A booming economy, a growing middle classe, migration, urbanisation and tourism are all factors pushing India to become one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets. Larger aircraft like the A380 combined with higher load factors make the most efficient use of limited airport slots and contribute to rising passenger numbers without additional flights to capture this growth.

As recently confirmed by London’s Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest A380 airport, the Airbus A380 lets airports maximise efficiency and revenue potential by offering more passenger seats with the same number of flights.

The A380 is the world’s quietest large aircraft inside and out, making less than half the noise of its nearest rival around airports. In recognition of this, in 2012 the A380 won an award from the UK’s Noise Abatement Society for its quiet operations. It is also one of the greenest aircraft, with unmatched fuel efficiency.

So far, over 120 A380s have been delivered to 10 of the world’s leading airlines. Over 50 million passengers have enjoyed the A380 flying experience and the fleet has accumulated some 150,000 flights and over 1.2 million flight hours. The A380 has visited nearly 160 airports of all sizes and in all continents of the world.

Airbus Media

Lion Air to convert 787 order into narrowbodies

2014-01-27T09:49:00.001-06:00

Lion Air plans to convert its order for five Boeing 787 aircraft into narrowbodies, says its president director Rusdi Kirana. It will likely be converted into Boeing 737s. Kirana explains that the slots constraints in Indonesia, especially out of Jakarta, means that airlines require jets bigger than the 787. He would not list the widebody aircraft types the group is evaluating, but says that Lion has plans to add widebodies to its fleet as part of its domestic expansion plans.

Flight Global

Airbus forms a sustainable fuel Centre of Excellence in Malaysia

2014-01-27T09:37:00.003-06:00

Partnership aims to promote local production of sustainable jet fuels

Airbus and key Malaysian partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assess local solutions for sustainable bio-mass production in Malaysia. The aim is to determine the most suitable feedstocks to ensure that any future jet fuel production in the region is based only on sustainable solutions. The first assessment is expected to be completed by December 2014.

Other partners include AMIC (Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre), MiGHT (Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High technology), UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia), CIRAD (a French research centre working with developing countries to tackle international agricultural and development issues) and BioTech Corp (Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation).

The science advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, chairman of MIGHT, BioTech Corp and AMIC, Prof Emeritus Dato’ Sri Dr. Zakri bin Abdul Hamid, said "The Centre of Excellence will help us to improve the understanding of the nature of aviation biofuel commercialisation in Malaysia, to identify the opportunities and challenges, and to evaluate the possibility of social, economic, market and technology change and its cost, obstacles and challenges.”

“We believe that the research will have positive effects on energy conservation and CO2 emissions reduction in the Malaysian and South-East Asia aviation sector", said Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj Ramlan, Vice Chancellor of UPM.

“South-East Asia is a wide and productive region in terms of biomass. The creation of a Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, with local partners is an opportunity to ensure that any selected bio-mass satisfies strict sustainability criteria”, said Frédéric Eychenne, Airbus New Energies Programme Manager. “According to our latest Global Market Forecast, Asia-Pacific will lead in world traffic by 2032.Today’s MoU is part of our engagement to support traffic growth whilst reducing aviation’s footprint on the environment”.

Airbus supports the certification and development of commercial quantities of sustainable alternative fuels for aviation through promoting innovative regional projects world-wide. To date, Airbus has formed partnerships in Europe, America, Australia, Middle-East and China.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer offering a complete range of aircraft families, from 100 to well over 500 passenger seats, as well as the most modern, comprehensive and fuel-efficient product line on the market.

Airbus Media

Milestone reached with final truss lifted into place

2014-01-25T21:30:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Airbus Images

With the placement of the final truss atop the roof this week, the construction of the first building in the Airbus Mobile Assembly Line complex has reached an important milestone. The entire “skeleton” of the building can now be seen.

This building is the Final Assembly Line Hangar, which is where A320 family aircraft will be assembled. The milestone was celebrated with the construction crew and project team members signing the final truss before it was lifted into position.

Construction contracts for the other buildings in the complex will be awarded soon. Aircraft assembly is scheduled to begin in 2015, with first deliveries from the Mobile facility beginning in 2016. Airbus anticipates the facility will produce between 40 and 50 aircraft per year by 2018.

Airbus Media

Another milestone I must say, however, if Airbus is to keep up to pace with delivery, they need to ramp up production. Assembly of 40 to 50 aircraft per month as compared to Boeing isn't really competitive, that's about 2.5x to 3x the amount. While quality is imperative, speed shouldn't be undermined.

Boeing Rolls Out First 787 Dreamliner at Increased Production Rate

2014-01-25T21:19:00.002-06:00

Program achieves 10 per month rate, highest ever production for a twin-aisle airplane

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has rolled out the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner built at the rate of 10 airplanes per month. The airplane, a 787-8 and the 155th Dreamliner built, will be delivered to International Lease Finance Corp. for operation by Aeromexico.

The new 10 per month rate is the highest ever for a twin-aisle airplane. The 787 program has now increased its production rate three times in just over a year, including to five airplanes per month in November 2012 and seven per month in May 2013.

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 24, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has rolled out the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner built at the rate of 10 airplanes per month.
Pictured here is the airplane, a 787-8, which will be delivered to International Lease Finance Corp. for operation by Aeromexico.

"This rate increase reflects the continued strong demand for the 787," said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager, 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "A disciplined approach that combined employee teamwork with technology was key to achieving the higher rate."
Boeing assembles and delivers 787s in two locations: Everett, Wash., and North Charleston, S.C.

"The entire 787 team is now focused on capturing efficiencies at this historic level of production, as well as meeting our commitment to increase the production rate to 12 per month in 2016 and to 14 per month by the end of the decade," Loftis said.

To date, 115 787s have been delivered to 16 customers. The program has 1,030 total orders from 60 customers worldwide.

This airplane will be the fourth 787 operated by Aeromexico and will be used on the airline's Mexico City - London Heathrow route.

Boeing Media

At the rate of 10 airplanes a month without any hitches or glitches in the production and manufacturing chain process, or yet, the quality assurance aspect which includes the current mechanical and electrical setbacks facing the 787 program, assuming everything is constant, which include

a. no more orders from customers
b. no cancelled or revoked purchase contracts
c. no addition, revision to existing contracts or any other event

Given this scenario, it would take Boeing an estimated 91.5 months which is equivalent to 7 years, 8 months and 15 days to fully deliver. The 787 design has endeared a lot of negative setback, and while the positive outweighs the negative, I hope that Boeing lives up to expectation, and not in the bid to push out orders, quality is compromised.

A350 XWB to take centre stage at Singapore Airshow

2014-01-23T22:03:00.003-06:00

First full air show display for world’s most modern mid-size widebody

Airbus will present the all-new A350 XWB at the Singapore Airshow next month, marking the first full display of the aircraft at an international air show. The flight test aircraft participating in Singapore will be MSN 003, which will be on static display 11th – 12th February and will also take part in the flying display on both days.

The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern mid-size widebody and is currently at an advanced phase of its flight test programme, with entry into commercial service set for the fourth quarter of this year. The aircraft’s participation at Singapore will enable visitors to get a close-up look at the aircraft both on the ground and in the air, with a flying display that will demonstrate its manoeuvrability, sleek design and exceptionally low noise levels.

“I am very pleased to announce that we will bring the A350 XWB to Singapore,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for the air transport industry and will drive future demand for widebody aircraft in all seat categories. The A350 XWB will set new standards in the mid-size category and will consolidate our position as the provider of the world’s most modern, comprehensive and efficient widebody product line.”

Featuring an extra-wide cabin and non-stop flying capability of up to 8,250 nautical miles, the A350 XWB will be especially well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines flying to Europe and North America. Carriers from the region that have already ordered the aircraft include AirAsia X, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.

To date, firm orders from the region for the aircraft already total 244, representing 30 per cent of total A350 XWB sales. To date, 812 A350 XWB have been ordered by 39 customers worldwide.

My note: This was down by 6 from 818 orders from last week

Airbus Media

Boeing, United Arab Emirates Partners Look to Harvest Biofuel from Desert Plants

2014-01-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

Innovation will make biofuel production more efficient for aviation, vehicles - Pilot project will test desert plants grown with seawater, relevant to many dry regions

ABU DHABI, Jan. 22, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and research partners in the United Arab Emirates have made breakthroughs in sustainable aviation biofuel development, finding that desert plants fed by seawater will produce biofuel more efficiently than other well-known feedstocks. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), affiliated with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, will test these findings in a project that could support biofuel crop production in arid countries, such as the U.A.E.

“Plants called halophytes show even more promise than we expected as a source of renewable fuel for jets and other vehicles,” said Dr. Alejandro Rios, Director of the SBRC. “The U.A.E. has become a leader in researching desert land and seawater to grow sustainable biofuel feedstocks, which has potential applications in other parts of the world.”

Funded by Boeing, Etihad Airways and Honeywell UOP, the SRBC is dedicated to the development and commercialization of sustainable aviation biofuel, which emits 50 to 80 percent less carbon through its lifecycle compared to fossil fuel.
“Etihad Airways is very pleased with the research results of these saltwater-tolerant plants,” said Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan. “This is real progress in developing a truly sustainable aviation biofuel from a renewable plant source, appropriate to our environment.”

ABU DHABI, Jan. 22, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and research partners in the United Arab Emirates have made breakthroughs in sustainable aviation biofuel development, finding that desert plants fed by seawater will produce biofuel more efficiently than other well-known feedstocks.
Shown here, a halophyte plant that is showing great promise in sustainable aviation biofuel research at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. The plant name is salicornia. (Photo credit: SBRC)

Halophyte seeds contain oil suitable for biofuel production. SBRC research found that the entire shrublike plant can be turned into biofuel more effectively than many other feedstocks.

In the coming year, SBRC scientists will create a test ecosystem by planting two crops of halophytes in Abu Dhabi’s sandy soil. Waste seawater from a fish and shrimp farm will nourish halophytes that clean the water as they grow. The water will next flow into a field of mangroves before returning to the ocean. Both plants would be converted into aviation biofuel using SBRC research findings.

“This project can have a global impact, since 97 percent of the earth’s water is ocean and 20 percent of the earth’s land is desert,” Dr. Rios said.
“Boeing is committed to finding ways to reduce aviation's carbon emissions, and sustainable aviation biofuels is a key component of our strategy,” said Jeffrey Johnson, president, Boeing Middle East. “Masdar Institute’s biofuel research is showing tremendous potential, and we applaud Abu Dhabi's leadership and innovation in this critical area.”

ABU DHABI, Jan. 22, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and research partners in the United Arab Emirates have made breakthroughs in sustainable aviation biofuel development, finding that desert plants fed by seawater will produce biofuel more efficiently than other well-known feedstocks. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), affiliated with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, will test these findings in a project that could support biofuel crop production in arid countries, such as the U.A.E.
Shown here, an infographic of SBRC’s test project, called the Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (ISEAS). (Graphic credit: SBRC)

research success, announced at the World Future Energy Summit, continues the momentum for a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Abu Dhabi.
On January 18, Etihad Airways conducted a demonstration flight with a 777-300ER (Extended Range) powered in part with biofuel refined in U.A.E. On January 19, Boeing, Etihad Airways, Masdar Institute and others launched BIOjet Abu Dhabi: Flight Path to Sustainability, an initiative to advance biofuel research, feedstock production and refining capability.

These activities are aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to develop sustainable energy sources to diversify the U.A.E. economy and increase workforce opportunities for Emiratis.

Boeing collaborates with airlines, research institutions, governments and other stakeholders to develop sustainable biofuel supply chains around the world, including in the United States, China, Brazil, Australia and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.boeing.com/environment/

Boeing Mediaroom

OAG Top 100 Airports by Seat Capacity Available for w/c 01/20/14

2014-01-20T15:23:00.000-06:00

The numbers are in - OAG's top 100 airport by seat capacity -- Source

Ranking	Departure Airport Code	Departure Airport Name	Total Number of Seats
1	DXB	Dubai International	866,805
2	LHR	London Heathrow Apt	792,741
3	HKG	Hong Kong International Apt	749,003
4	SIN	Singapore Changi Apt	720,930
5	CDG	Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt	576,718
6	FRA	Frankfurt International Apt	559,659
7	BKK	Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt	541,854
8	ICN	Seoul Incheon International Airport	529,709
9	AMS	Amsterdam	515,550
10	KUL	Kuala Lumpur International Airport	458,087
11	IST	Istanbul Ataturk Airport	437,164
12	TPE	Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Apt	424,950
13	NRT	Tokyo Narita Intl	361,941
14	DOH	Doha	337,590
15	PVG	Shanghai Pudong International Apt	321,981
16	MUC	Munich International Airport	317,133
17	JFK	New York J F Kennedy International Apt	312,285
18	MAD	Madrid Barajas Apt	298,716
19	LGW	London Gatwick Apt	268,873
20	ZRH	Zurich Airport	261,432
21	MIA	Miami International Apt	260,193
22	YYZ	Lester B Pearson Intl	248,746
23	PEK	Beijing Capital Intl Apt	245,500
24	CPH	Copenhagen Kastrup Apt	240,196
25	AUH	Abu Dhabi International Apt	232,505
26	FCO	Rome Fiumicino Apt	232,223
27	VIE	Vienna	231,743
28	JED	Jeddah	212,282
29	BRU	Brussels Airport	210,588
30	DUB	Dublin	210,015
31	BCN	Barcelona Apt	208,855
32	MNL	Manila Ninoy Aquino International Apt	207,083
33	LAX	Los Angeles International Apt	197,895
34	SVO	Moscow Sheremetyevo International Apt	193,880
35	CGK	Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Apt	188,936
36	SYD	Sydney Kingsford Smith Apt	185,276
37	GVA	Geneva	179,587
38	CAI	Cairo	177,425
39	STN	London Stansted Apt	174,892
40	ARN	Stockholm Arlanda Apt	171,798
41	GRU	Sao Paulo Guarulhos Intl Apt	164,694
42	ORY	Paris Orly Apt	164,009
43	MXP	Milan Malpensa Apt	159,067
44	KIX	Osaka Kansai International Airport	158,035
45	PTY	Panama City Tocumen International	155,255
46	DUS	Duesseldorf International Airport	154,820
47	DEL	Delhi	153,699
48	DME	Moscow Domodedovo Apt	153,525
49	MAN	Manchester (GB)	146,012
50	LIS	Lisbon	145,472
51	MEX	Mexico City Juarez International Apt	135,744
52	OSL	Oslo Gardermoen Airport	134,948
53	JNB	Johannesburg O.r. Tambo International	134,144
54	CAN	Guangzhou	133,439
55	HEL	Helsinki-Vantaa	133,107
56	CUN	Cancun	132,943
57	KWI	Kuwait	131,918
58	EWR	Newark Liberty International Apt	129,574
59	BOM	Mumbai	129,411
60	SGN	Ho Chi Minh City	128,561
61	ORD	Chicago O'Hare International Apt	126,276
62	RUH	Riyadh	124,813
63	TXL	Berlin Tegel Apt	120,088
64	ATL	Atlanta Hartsfield-jackson Intl Apt	119,717
65	TLV	Tel Aviv-yafo Ben Gurion International	115,667
66	IAH	Houston George Bush Intercontinental Ap	111,056
67	EZE	Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini	110,288
68	AKL	Auckland International Apt	107,716
69	BAH	Bahrain	107,571
70	MEL	Melbourne Airport	107,028
71	MCT	Muscat	106,369
72	DPS	Denpasar-Bali	103,524
73	LIM	Lima	102,793
74	YUL	Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Int Apt	99,284
75	SFO	San Francisco International Apt	98,578
76	YVR	Vancouver International Apt	98,520
77	CMB	Bandaranaike Intl	98,216
78	BOG	Bogota	97,502
79	SJU	San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Intl Apt	95,538
80	SCL	Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez	93,769
81	HND	Tokyo Intl (Haneda)	90,834
82	PRG	Prague Ruzyne	90,788
83	SHJ	Sharjah	89,971
84	BUD	Budapest	87,774
85	WAW	Warsaw	86,997
86	AMM	Amman Queen Alia International Apt	86,012
87	DFW	Dallas/Fort Worth Intl Apt	85,373
88	CMN	Casablanca Mohammed V Apt	83,756
89	SAW	Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Apt	82,276
90	HAM	Hamburg Airport	81,324
91	OTP	Bucharest Henri Coanda Apt	78,650
92	IAD	Washington Dulles International Apt	76,760
93	KBP	Kiev Borispol Intl Apt	76,660
94	ATH	Athens (GR)	76,512
95	LTN	London Luton Apt	76,217
96	BEY	Beirut	75,931
97	DMK	Bangkok Don Mueang International Arpt	74,318
98	MFM	Macau	73,536
99	TFS	Tenerife Sur Apt	73,169
100	HAN	Hanoi	72,139

Boeing, GECAS Announce Order for 20 737 MAXs and 20 Next-Generation 737s

2014-01-20T14:58:00.001-06:00

Highlights

GECAS orders for 737 MAX grow to 95
Demand for 737 MAX continues to grow in leasing industry

SEATTLE, Jan. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), announced today an order for 40 737s. The order, valued at $3.9 billion at list prices, consists of 20 737 MAX 8s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, booked in 2013, was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website.
"We ordered more 737 MAX 8s and Next-Generation 737-800s because demand continues to grow as our airline customers require more fuel-efficient aircraft to compete in the marketplace," said Norman C.T. Liu, president and chief executive officer, GECAS. "This order further strengthens the large GECAS order book."

SEATTLE, Jan. 20, 2014 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), announced today an order for 40 737s. The order, valued at $3.9 billion at list prices, consists of 20 737 MAX 8s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, booked in 2013, was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.
Pictured here is a 737 MAX 8 and Next-Generation 737-800 in GECAS livery.

The follow-on order increases the GECAS order book for the 737 MAX to 95 airplanes and the Next-Generation 737 to 387 airplanes, the most for both models by any company in the leasing industry.
"GECAS is an industry leader and this follow-on order reinforces the value of the Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX in the leasing market," said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will provide GECAS's airline customers with the best-in-class operating efficiencies and passenger amenities."

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737's market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

The 737 MAX brings the most advanced engine technologies to the world's best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition. To date, 32 customers have ordered 1,763 MAX airplanes.
With today's announcement, GECAS has ordered 638 airplanes directly from Boeing, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 787s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 459 of the airplanes.

About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,630 owned and serviced aircraft with over 230 airlines. With 40+ years of industry experience, GECAS is recognized as the pre-eminent airline leasing company in the world, offering a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing. GECAS also provides an ever expanding array of productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, airport and airline consulting services, and spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 23 cities around the world, and services customers in over 75 countries. (www.GECAS.com)

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com. Please sign up to follow us on Facebook (GE Capital Aviation Services) and on Twitter (GECASNews).

Boeing Media

Boeing Honors Dr. MLK Day

2014-01-20T09:09:00.002-06:00

Boeing Delivers AirBridgeCargo Airlines’ Fifth 747-8 Freighter

2014-01-20T04:51:00.000-06:00

MOSCOW – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of Volga-Dnepr Group and Russia’s largest cargo airline, recently celebrated the delivery of the airline’s fifth 747-8 Freighter.
"AirBridgeCargo has already experienced the outstanding payload and operating economics of the 747-8 family,” said Denis Ilin, executive president of AirBridgeCargo Airlines. “We are very excited to receive our fifth 747-8 Freighter.”

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of Volga-Dnepr Group and Russia’s largest cargo airline, recently celebrated the delivery of the airline’s fifth 747-8 Freighter.

With delivery of the fifth 747-8 Freighter, AirBridgeCargo continues to follow its long-term fleet modernization strategy to further improve the quality of its products. The new aircraft will be used on ABC’s existing route network linking Europe, Asia and the United States via the airline’s hub in Moscow.

“AirBridgeCargo is a valued customer that has built a very successful cargo business using 747 Freighters,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud of our partnership with AirBridgeCargo, and we are confident they will continue to grow their business successfully as their fleet expands."

AirBridgeCargo’s current fleet consists of 12 Boeing 747s, including five Boeing 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighters), three Boeing 747-400 Freighters and five Boeing 747-8 Freighters.

The new 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its iconic nose door. With more than 150,000 hours in service, the 747-8 Freighter is achieving performance milestones with customers reporting 1 percent better fuel burn than expected.

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