Boeing News
WICHITA, Kan., July 1, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received a $750 million, 10-year contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide engineering support for the B-52 bomber. Under the Engineering Sustainment Program (ESP) contract, Boeing employees in Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Shreveport, La., will perform engineering assignments that maintain the B-52 as a ready, reliable and viable asset to the Air Force.
“The ESP contract will allow Boeing to continue supporting our customer by sustaining, modernizing and upgrading the B-52 to meet the warfighter’s needs both today and in the future,” said Mike Houk, B-52 Fleet Support Program manager for Boeing. “Boeing employees understand the B-52 as well as anyone in the world, and we look forward to continuing to modernize this fleet of vital aircraft.”
The ESP contract replaces Boeing's current B-52 fleet support contract and sustains approximately 150 jobs at Boeing facilities in Wichita and Oklahoma City, and at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport. Boeing engineers will support software, communications, avionics and electrical upgrades; structural analysis; rewiring; and other tasks as directed by the Air Force.
“This contract also allows us to provide 24/7 in-flight emergency support to aircrews around the world -- the pilots can contact Boeing engineers from the cockpit to troubleshoot and solve problems real-time,” said Houk.
All B-52s in the U.S. inventory were built at and delivered from the Boeing facility in Wichita.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
ST. LOUIS, June 29, 2009 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has connected the F-15E Mission Training Center (MTC) at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON), enabling F-15E pilots at the base to train virtually with pilots located around the world for the first time. Mountain Home is the first of three F-15E training centers Boeing will link to the network this year.
Distributed Missions Operations (DMO) provides an advanced training environment where simulators, flown by front-line aircrew, are linked via the DMON from their home bases.
"This new capability allows F-15E aircrews to train in an environment that mimics their integrated operational environment," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Services. "It provides realistic training at a fraction of the cost of live-fly training exercises, which require you to bring all of your personnel and aircraft together in one location."
Boeing is scheduled to complete its next two DMO installations at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and Royal Air Force Lakenheath MTCs this fall.
"DMO adds the variability that human beings can bring to the training scenario, providing a much more realistic training experience than with computer-generated entities alone," added McGraw.
The Boeing-developed and -operated F-15E MTC provides aircrews with high-fidelity, simulator-based training without the materials, personnel costs and environmental impact associated with training in operational aircraft.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 28, 2009 – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have received the first on-orbit signals from GOES-O, indicating that the Earth-observation satellite is healthy and operating normally. Controllers confirmed initial contact with the spacecraft at 12:25 a.m. Eastern time at a ground station on the Diego Garcia atoll in the Indian Ocean.
"We are very pleased to report that GOES-O is performing as planned, and we will continue to support this satellite through handover to NOAA so that it can fulfill its mission of providing critical, life-saving weather information,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The launch of GOES-O is a testament to the collaborative teaming and commitment of our employees to provide best-of-industry, next-generation environmental systems to NASA and NOAA."
GOES-O was launched on a Delta IV rocket yesterday at 6:51 p.m. Eastern time from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Boeing commercial launch business Boeing Launch Services procured the vehicle and mission services from United Launch Alliance.
Today's signal acquisition marks the second successful launch in the GOES N-P series and the latest step in enhancing NOAA’s Earth-observation and weather-monitoring capabilities. GOES-O, which is designed for a minimum orbit life of 10 years, will be placed in on-orbit storage and may replace an older GOES satellite in 2010. Together with GOES-13 (formerly GOES N), which launched on May 24, 2006, GOES-O will provide complete coverage of the Western Hemisphere.
The three-axis Boeing 601 spacecraft includes an imager that produces visible and infrared images of the Earth’s surface, oceans, cloud cover and storm developments; a multispectral sounder that provides vertical temperature and moisture profiles of the atmosphere; and a solar X-ray imager that monitors the sun’s X-rays for early detection of solar flares. GOES-O also carries space environment monitoring instruments that will measure X-rays and extreme ultraviolet and particle emissions, including solar protons, alpha particles and electrons. The GOES-O communications subsystem also includes a search-and-rescue capability to detect distress signals from ships and airplanes.
Boeing built GOES-O for NASA and NOAA at the company's satellite manufacturing facility in El Segundo, which encompasses 1 million square feet of assembly, integration and testing facilities.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
MESA, Ariz., June 23, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the AH-64D Apache Block III prototype helicopter successfully demonstrated Level IV unmanned aircraft system (UAS) connectivity on June 8 during a flight test over the Arizona desert.
Level IV UAS connectivity is one of the key technology enhancements being developed for the U.S. Army's Apache Block III attack helicopter program. At this level, the Apache crew is able to fully control the navigation of an assigned UAS. The capability provides enhanced situational awareness and over-the-horizon, beyond line-of-sight reconnaissance, improving survivability for the crew and the aircraft. (Level I connectivity is receipt and transmission of secondary imagery or data, Level II is receipt of imagery or data directly from the UAS and Level III is control of the UAS payload.)
During the test, the Apache proved capable of controlling the UAS via a Tactical Common Data Link connection. The Apache crew received real-time video from the UAS, controlled the UAS's three navigation-loiter patterns -- orbit, racetrack and figure eight -- and altered the UAS's airspeed and altitude.
For this demonstration, Boeing, under Army direction, used a Boeing AH-6 helicopter as a surrogate for Sky Warrior, the Extended Range/Multi-Purpose UAS that is not yet available.
"Integration of UAS control is a key technology for the Apache Block III helicopter as we prepare for the limited user test scheduled for later this year," said Scott Rudy, Boeing Apache Block III program manager. "The members of Team Apache -- the U.S. Army, Boeing and our industry partners -- are proud to have achieved this critical capability."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
EVERETT, Wash., June 23 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will be postponed due to a need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft.
The need was identified during the recent regularly scheduled tests on the full-scale static test airplane. Preliminary analysis indicated that flight test could proceed this month as planned. However, after further testing and consideration of possible modified flight test plans, the decision was made late last week that first flight should instead be postponed until productive flight testing could occur.
First flight and first delivery will be rescheduled following the final determination of the required modification and testing plan. It will be several weeks before the new schedule is available. The 787 team will continue with other aspects of testing on Airplane #1, including final gauntlet testing and low-speed taxiing. Work will also continue on the other five flight test aircraft and the subsequent aircraft in the production system.
Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said a team of experts has already identified several potential solutions.
"Consideration was given to a temporary solution that would allow us to fly as scheduled, but we ultimately concluded that the right thing was to develop, design, test and incorporate a permanent modification to the localized area requiring reinforcement. Structural modifications like these are not uncommon in the development of new airplanes, and this is not an issue related to our choice of materials or the assembly and installation work of our team," Carson said.
Boeing's financial guidance will be updated to reflect any impact of these changes when the company issues its second quarter 2009 earnings report in July.
CHICAGO, June 22 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney reports that the board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of forty-two (42) cents per share.
The dividend is payable Sept. 4 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 7.
SEATTLE, April 16, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today celebrated a special program milestone with the delivery of the 6,000th 737. It was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) which will lease the 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. The airplane's tail features a special decal denoting this milestone.
"We couldn't be more pleased about being part of this important milestone for the 737. With its continuous innovations, the Next-Generation 737 brings the right combination of operational and environmental performance to address the requirements of our markets," said Bjorn Kjos, chief executive officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
Norwegian Air Shuttle is the largest low-fare airline company in Scandinavia and has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East. Norwegian has 39 737s in its fleet and an additional 42 on firm order with Boeing. "ILFC's very first Boeing delivery was a 737 and since then we've taken delivery of more than 400 of this outstanding model, re-ordering incremental airplanes dozens of times," said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ILFC chairman and chief executive officer. "The Next-Generation 737 is a major cornerstone to ILFC's modern, fuel-efficient and economical portfolio of more than 1,000 commercial jets."
Boeing remains focused on continuous enhancement of the Next-Generation 737 family to ensure the airplane provides market-leading operational, economic and environmental performance to airlines and lessors around the world.
"It is exciting to deliver our 6,000th 737 to ILFC and Norwegian Air Shuttle, and we thank them for being among the hundreds of airlines, operators and leasing companies who have made the 737 the world's most popular jet airliner," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager, 737 Airplane Programs. "Thousands of employees have supported the many 737 variations Boeing has introduced, including today's all-new Next-Generation 737 family which is used in private, government and commercial service."
To date, unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2200 airplanes valued at approximately $163 billion at list prices.
-- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and longtime partner Air France celebrated significant milestones today with the delivery of the 777th Boeing 777 airplane. The new Boeing 777-300ER also will be the first to bear a new Air France livery and company brand identity.
The 777 family is the world's most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Fifty-six customers around the world have ordered just over 1,100 777s. The 777's combination of unmatched payload and range, as well as the lowest fuel consumption and operating costs in its class, make it one of the most popular airplanes with passengers and airlines. Air France operates one of the largest fleets of 777s in the world and was the launch customer for both the 777-300ER and the 777 Freighter. "The 777 has been a valuable asset to the long-haul fleet of Air France and it is the right aircraft to allow us to maximize our revenues in the most economic and efficient manner," said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president, New Aircraft & Corporate Fleet Planning, Air France.
"It is a fitting tribute to the success of the program that an industry leader such as Air France is taking delivery of our 777th 777," said Aldo Basile vice president, Sales Europe, Russia and Central Asia for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 continues to offer an unbeatable combination of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort that places it at the forefront of modern commercial aviation."
The relationship between Air France and Boeing goes back to the early days of the airline, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. Air France's early fleet of DC-3s sported the distinctive silver and royal blue livery that was used to launch the airline.
Three generations of Boeing airplanes have carried three Air France liveries. The first was with the arrival of the jet age and the Boeing 707. The second opened up long-haul international travel, epitomized by the Boeing 747 and finally, today with the unveiling of the Boeing 777-300ER. The latest incarnation of the distinctive Air France livery continues the all-white theme but is intended to position the company in the 21st century as a truly international carrier that has more than half of its passengers based outside France.
-- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it will adjust its twin-aisle airplane production plans for 2010 due to significant deterioration in the business environment for airlines and cargo operators driven by unprecedented global economic conditions.
Monthly production of the 777 will decline from seven to five airplanes per month beginning in June 2010. Boeing will also delay previous plans to modestly increase 747-8 and 767 production. No change is being made at this time to the 737 production rate.
In addition, the weak global economy has contributed to significant declines in the escalation indices that affect forecasted pricing for commercial airplanes already ordered.
The production decisions and unfavorable price escalation are expected to reduce Boeing's first-quarter 2009 net earnings by approximately $0.38 per share. Because the 747 program is currently in a loss position, the reduced earnings associated with the factors above will be recorded for most units in the 747 backlog. That impact, somewhat offset by a refinement in cost estimates, accounts for approximately $0.31 per share of the first-quarter charge. For the other commercial programs, the impact will be reflected in lower margins on deliveries as they occur, including an estimated $0.07 per share net earnings reduction in the quarter.
The company will update its 2009 guidance when it reports first-quarter results on April 22.
"These are extremely difficult economic times for our customers," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson. "It's necessary to adjust our production plans to align supply with these tough market conditions. We are in close contact with our customers as we continue to monitor this dynamic business environment."
The production rate decisions announced today solely reflect delivery deferrals requested by customers in response to unprecedented declines in global passenger and air-cargo volumes. No 767, 747 or 777 orders have been cancelled this year. Boeing's commercial backlog of more than 3,500 airplanes remains strong and well-diversified in terms of airplane models, geography and customer business models.
-- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II flight simulator and an array of company products, services and capabilities at the Latin America Aerospace and Defence (LAAD) 2009 trade show, held April 14-17 in Rio de Janeiro.
"As one of the world's fastest-growing aerospace events, LAAD provides an excellent opportunity for Boeing to meet with potential customers from all over Latin America to discuss how we can meet their near-term and future defense and security requirements," said Joe McAndrew, Boeing vice president of International Business Development for Europe, Israel and the Americas. "Furthermore, Boeing is looking forward to establishing a long-term relationship with the Brazilian Air Force, industry and government."
The Super Hornet strike fighter is in service with the U.S. Navy, on order for the Royal Australian Air Force and involved in competitions in Denmark, Greece and India. In February, Boeing submitted the Super Hornet for the Brazilian Air Force's F-X2 competition.
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flight simulator will be the centerpiece of Boeing's display at LAAD. It consists of a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E-model and the two-seat F-model.
A 180-degree projection screen offers virtual-reality visibility of cities, forests, roads and buildings as well as enemy aircraft. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation, and mission systems operation. Operators can also land on or take off from runways or an aircraft carrier.
Boeing has scheduled a Super Hornet media briefing at 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 15, in LAAD's main press center. Bob Gower, vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, will present an overview of the world's most advanced combat-proven, multirole fighter and discuss Boeing's industrial-participation activities related to the F-X2 competition.
Boeing will also participate in a Network-Centric Defence Systems panel discussion at LAAD's Defence Seminar on April 15 at 11:15 a.m. Boeing Chief Systems Architect Tom Dubois will present on the topic of "Application of Network-Centric Technologies to Transform Security Operations in Latin America."
Boeing [NYSE: BA] last week completed loads calibration testing of the first P-8A Poseidon test aircraft two weeks ahead of schedule. Loads calibration is one of the prerequisites for the U.S. Navy flight clearance process.
During the tests, up to 80 percent of the highest expected flight loads were applied to the aircraft's fuselage, horizontal stabilizers, vertical fin and wing structures. Completion of loads calibration ensures that test aircraft T-1 is ready for airworthiness testing, which will commence later this year.
"One of the reasons we were able to complete the tests ahead of schedule is that the team incorporated some new technologies which enabled us to capture more accurate and more usable data faster," said Mark Magnuson, Boeing P-8A Structural Development and Certification director. "We also completed a number of independent reviews of the test plan prior to the start of testing, in order to reduce risk."
One of the new technologies, optical photogrammetry, entailed installing small video cameras on the P-8A's leading and trailing edges and underneath the fuselage. The measurement system provided three-dimensional, real-time data.
The team now will restore T-1 to its flight configuration and perform additional systems tests prior to first flight.
The P-8A is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation. The team currently is assembling and testing the first five P-8As.
The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8A long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace its fleet of P-3Cs. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013.
SEATTLE, Feb. 06, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Virgin Group's new V Australia long-haul airline today celebrated the first 777-300ER to go to an Australian carrier. The airplane, delivered by Boeing to International Lease Finance Corp. and leased to V Australia, is one of seven leased and purchased 777-300ERs V Australia will deploy on trans-Pacific and other routes.
The Boeing Field ceremony included Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Chief Executive Brett Godfrey, ILFC Chairman and CEO Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and senior Boeing officials.
V Australia will launch three-class Sydney-Los Angeles non-stop service on Feb. 27, building to daily flights by March 20. Brisbane-Los Angeles flights begin April 8. "This 777 completes the circle for guests wanting to fly around the world on the unique service provided by Virgin Group airlines," Godfrey said. "The combination of Virgin service and the 777's passenger appeal will be a winner on the South Pacific. "We're doubly pleased to be flying the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class."
V Australia's 777-300ER carries 361 passengers in business, premium economy and economy classes, with advanced in-flight entertainment options.
Boeing has been eager to see an Australian airline using the 777's capabilities in the South Pacific region, according to Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Asia Pacific Sales.
"It is a great day to see this 777-300ER take on the job it was designed for," he said. "V Australia will be first with 777 service on the Sydney-Los Angeles route - exactly why we built this airplane. We congratulate V Australia for its visionary role."
John Wojick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Leasing Sales, added, "ILFC is the world's largest 777 customer and, through its leadership and vision, has partnered with Boeing to expand the worldwide market for the 777, including this first 777 in Australia."
The 777 family is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. Since the 777 entered service in 1995, Boeing has grown the 777 family to include five passenger models and a freighter.
V Australia's 777-300ER is powered by the GE90-115B. Certified at 115,000 pounds (512 kilonewtons) of thrust, it is recognized as the world's most powerful commercial jet engine, while demonstrating superior efficiency and environmental responsibility.
To date, 56 customers around the world have ordered nearly 1,100 777s, making it the market's most successful twin-engine twin-aisle airplane. Boeing has 350 unfilled orders for the 777.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 05, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed initial satellite testing and has demonstrated end-to-end mission functionality of the ground and space systems of the integrated Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system.
When launched in spring 2009, SBSS will revolutionize the nation's Space Situational Awareness with enhanced performance by providing around-the-clock visibility to detect distant space objects without interference from weather, atmosphere or daylight.
"The SBSS team is making good progress on the path toward launch," said U.S. Air Force Col. James Jordan, the Space Situational Awareness Group commander in the Space Superiority Systems Wing at the Space and Missiles Center in Los Angeles. "The flexibility and capacity of the SBSS system are critical to space situational awareness."
Boeing's teammate, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., performed the space vehicle integration and functional testing and has demonstrated that the space vehicle meets all of its performance requirements. Previous testing of the satellite's payload demonstrated that performance requirements were met over simulated environments.
The SBSS team demonstrated end-to-end mission functionality starting with the generation of mission plans in the Satellite Operations Center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., in response to simulated tasking. These plans were sent via the encrypted Air Force satellite control network to command the flight space vehicle in Boulder, Colo., to take images using the payload optics. The Boeing-led team has also demonstrated progress toward operational readiness by completing the second full mission exercise. The exercise employed complete mission scenario using the SBSS ground segment and a space vehicle simulator.
"The importance of a space-based capability to monitor space assets cannot be overstated," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "Boeing is fully committed to the space situational awareness mission, and we look forward to providing this critical capability to our U.S. Air Force customer when we launch SBSS later this year."
Ball Corporation [NYSE: BLL] is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging products for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 15,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 sales of $7.4 billion.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 05, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] received a $28.3 million contract on Jan. 21 for two Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) retrofit kits that will integrate low-cost, realistic radar training into the U.S. Navy's T-45 Training System for undergraduate military flight officers (UMFO). Flight officers are the "backseaters" who operate weapons and electronic warfare systems.
"VMTS will enrich the UMFO's weapons-and-tactics curriculum, producing flight officers who are better prepared for carrier strike-fighter and electronic-attack duty," said Barbara Wilson, director and program manager of T-45 Training Systems for Boeing.
This phase of the VMTS program, which follows a requirements-definition phase, is scheduled for completion in September 2011. It calls for Boeing to finalize design, procure hardware, modify two aircraft and flight-test the system. The work involves T-45C aircraft and ground-station systems assigned to Training Air Wing 6, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. An additional 18 aircraft will be retrofitted with the system during the program's third phase, if funded.
VMTS provides an unclassified, mechanically scanned tactical radar that simulates air-to-air and air-to-ground modes as well as weapons and electronic warfare. These functions can be networked between the participating aircraft and instructor ground stations. The system will provide in-flight training against virtual enemy aircraft, including cooperative training with both real and virtual aircraft.
Boeing is currently under contract for 221 T-45 Goshawk trainer aircraft and recently rolled out the 215th from its St. Louis assembly facility. The two-seat Goshawk forms the heart of the fully integrated T-45 training system, which is in use at NAS Kingsville, Texas, and NAS Meridian, Miss., as well as at NAS Pensacola. The system includes high-fidelity instrument and flight simulators, computer-assisted classrooms and courseware, and a computerized training management asset.
Described by instructor-pilots as "eminently forgiving," the T-45 is the only jet trainer designed to land routinely at sink rates of greater than 700 feet per minute, which are required for aircraft carrier-approach landings. The Goshawk has logged more than 870,000 flight-hours and 59,000 aircraft carrier catapult launches and arrested landings since entering service in 1992 and has seen approximately 3,500 Navy, Marine Corps and international student aviators earn their wings.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 04, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a one-year, $250 million Missile Defense Agency (MDA) contract for Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) maintenance and operations support, ensuring the United States' only defense against long-range ballistic missiles remains ready for operational service.
The contract, awarded Feb. 2, includes an option for 2010 and covers operator and maintainer training, supply chain services, on-site engineering support and technical data development.
"Boeing has led the missile defense industry team from inception to operation," said Terry Kunkel, director, GMD Operations and Sustainment for Boeing. "This contract recognizes the GMD team's unmatched performance and builds upon the progress of this vital national security program."
GMD, an integral element of the global ballistic missile defense system, consists of interceptors in underground silos, radars, command and control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile, fiber-optic communications network. The program has more than 400 partners and suppliers with operations in 36 states and operational sites in Alaska, California and Colorado, as well as the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radar system.
MDA recently announced it will solicit competitive bids for future GMD operations and sustainment support no later than 2011. As an industry leader in performance-based logistics, Boeing is well positioned to compete for and win additional GMD support contracts.
"We rely on talent from across Boeing and our industry teammates to bring the best value, the lowest risk and highest performance to our customer," said Kunkel. "With 11 performance-based logistics programs currently under contract, we have the necessary experience to support the Missile Defense Agency today and in the future."
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 04, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a one-year, $250 million Missile Defense Agency (MDA) contract for Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) maintenance and operations support, ensuring the United States' only defense against long-range ballistic missiles remains ready for operational service.
The contract, awarded Feb. 2, includes an option for 2010 and covers operator and maintainer training, supply chain services, on-site engineering support and technical data development.
"Boeing has led the missile defense industry team from inception to operation," said Terry Kunkel, director, GMD Operations and Sustainment for Boeing. "This contract recognizes the GMD team's unmatched performance and builds upon the progress of this vital national security program."
GMD, an integral element of the global ballistic missile defense system, consists of interceptors in underground silos, radars, command and control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile, fiber-optic communications network. The program has more than 400 partners and suppliers with operations in 36 states and operational sites in Alaska, California and Colorado, as well as the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radar system.
MDA recently announced it will solicit competitive bids for future GMD operations and sustainment support no later than 2011. As an industry leader in performance-based logistics, Boeing is well positioned to compete for and win additional GMD support contracts.
"We rely on talent from across Boeing and our industry teammates to bring the best value, the lowest risk and highest performance to our customer," said Kunkel. "With 11 performance-based logistics programs currently under contract, we have the necessary experience to support the Missile Defense Agency today and in the future."
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 04, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force to participate as an associate prime contractor in the projected $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract to support the sustainment of the A-10 Thunderbolt II weapon system and integration of current and future requirements.
"We are confident the Air Force will continue to recognize the resources and competencies that The Boeing Company brings to the warfighter," said Steve Waltman, director of Boeing Aircraft Sustainment & Maintenance, a subdivision of the company's Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the current A-10 Wing Replacement Program and, if selected, we will deliver the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on the TLPS contract."
Boeing won the $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program contract in June 2007. The program includes engineering services and the manufacture of up to 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet. The program is on schedule as Boeing develops the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for current wing sustainment needs, design improvements to prevent cracking, and production of the enhanced wing sets.
"The Boeing solution for the A-10 Wing Replacement Program allows the A-10 fleet to fly for at least another 20 years, providing the close-air support our troops need," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "Our proposal for TLPS takes that one step further -- providing support for the aircraft fleet while ensuring relevance and viability through 2028 and beyond."
The Air Force will select up to three contractors to compete for individual task and delivery orders over the life of the contract. Work will include avionics, mechanical, structural, and propulsion system upgrade work and a program integration support task.
The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was first introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has shipped the second in a series of new, high-capacity military communications satellites to Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida, where it will be readied for a March launch.
The Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, designated WGS-2, is the second of six advanced Boeing 702 satellites being built for the U.S. Air Force to expand communications for military operations worldwide.
"The shipment of WGS-2 represents another key milestone toward expanding the delivery of critical information to our warfighters via satellite," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "With the launch of the next WGS satellite, the Air Force will nearly double the amount of valuable SATCOM communications bandwidth available."
WGS-2 was shipped from Boeing's satellite manufacturing facility in El Segundo, Calif., to Florida aboard a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft that departed from Los Angeles International Airport. The spacecraft will undergo several weeks of final checkouts at the launch processing center near Cape Canaveral. It will then be loaded with propellant, encapsulated into the launch vehicle fairing and placed on an Atlas V launch vehicle. After launch, WGS-2 will join the operational WGS-1 in geosynchronous orbit.
WGS-1 has demonstrated excellent on-orbit performance, exceeding output power requirements that translate directly into additional communications capacity. The WGS satellites are the highest-capacity communications satellites in the Department of Defense's on-orbit satellite fleet.
WGS satellites can operate at both X-band and Ka-band frequencies, and provide many important operational features that are not available from any other SATCOM system. WGS is currently augmenting, and will eventually replace, the Defense Satellite Communication System and the Global Broadcast Service function currently provided by UHF Follow-On satellites. It also will reduce the U.S. government's reliance on commercial SATCOM services.
Boeing has a long history of proven performance for the Air Force and is currently manufacturing satellites for the Global Positioning System and the Space-Based Space Surveillance system. A Boeing-led team is also competing to build the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) Space Segment, which will provide military users with proven networked packet-switching technology for breakthrough mobile communications.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 3, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy on Feb. 2 delivered a proposal to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) offering the advanced, multirole F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as part of Brazil's F-X2 fighter aircraft competition.
The Super Hornet was one of three aircraft selected by the FAB in October 2008 to be evaluated in the Request for Proposal phase of the F-X2 competition. Brazil's stated requirement is for 36 aircraft; final contract award is expected in late 2009.
"We are pleased to offer the Brazilian Air Force the advanced combat capability the Block II Super Hornet delivers," said Bob Gower, vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs for Global Strike Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We believe this proposal will meet the Brazilian Air Force's operational requirements and reflects the U.S. government's decision to release Super Hornet technology.
"Boeing is looking forward to the opportunity to establish long-term partnerships with the Brazilian Air Force, Brazilian industry and the government of Brazil," Gower added.
The Super Hornet, with core strengths in both performance and technology, is the most advanced multipurpose strike fighter in production today, with a proven performance record through more than 500,000 hours of flight time. It is operated by the U.S. Navy and is currently being built for the Royal Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet program has continued to add capability to the aircraft while decreasing cost over its lifetime. In addition, the Super Hornet is the first operationally deployed strike fighter incorporating next-generation capabilities, including the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, which the U.S. government released to Brazil as part of the Super Hornet offering.
Boeing has delivered more than 380 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy, all on or ahead of the original production delivery schedule. Australia is procuring Super Hornets to bolster its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets. Boeing is in discussions with several other international customers about their interest in procuring the Super Hornet.
LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 03, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today said it has received a $45 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to upgrade avionics software on the B-1 long-range heavy bomber. The award is Sustainment Block 15 of an upgrade program launched in 2003.
The annual sustainment software blocks respond to changes in strategy and tactics and enable maximum operational flexibility. Boeing engineers in Long Beach, Calif., and Oklahoma City produce the software for the United States' fleet of 66 B-1s.
"This contract ensures that B-1 crews are equipped with the latest software improvements, allowing them to exploit the awesome potential of the bomber in its ever-expanding roles, in combination with precision-guided munitions," said Boeing B-1 Program Director Mike Harris.
Other B-1 upgrades completed over the past year include a Boeing team's integration of a Lockheed Martin-built targeting pod on the aircraft. The pod was deployed in theater and is performing well, according to Air Force reports.
The multimission B-1 has been carrying the largest strike payload in the Air Force inventory since its combat debut in 1999. Its low radar cross-section, variable-geometry wings, advanced avionics, and afterburning engines combine to provide long range, maneuverability, high speed and survivability.
B-1 aircraft delivered more tonnage of ordnance with fewer sorties than any other aircraft while supporting Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. It continues to perform with distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq today, providing real-time, precise, persistent, flexible support to troops on the ground.
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., Feb. 02, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced its first contract award under the U.S. Air Force Future Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool (F2AST) program. The award is a $19.1 million Air Force Special Operations Command contract for AC-130U Gunship operational flight and simulation software sustainment/maintenance; field service representative support; configuration, data and obsolescence management; and intermediate-level repairs.
The government is expected to negotiate three annual options during the first quarter of this year. An option may be exercised every 12 months.
"Boeing is pleased to receive the first of what we believe will be many contract orders to support the F2AST program for the U.S. Air Force," said Ken Hill, director of Special Operations Forces support for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in Fort Walton Beach. "We have assembled a world-class team to support our warfighters in this vital sustainment contract."
The Air Force selected Boeing in July 2008 as one of the companies to compete for contracts to support the projected F2AST program. Boeing has extensive experience supporting Air Force-operated weapon systems and has assembled a diverse network of large, small, and minority- and women-owned suppliers to offer cost-effective and innovative sustainment solutions.
F2AST combines the existing Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool (FAST) program and the Integrated Weapons System Support Program (IWSSP) into one indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract that will include development, modifications, depot maintenance, spares and repairs on dozens of Air Force platforms, support systems, subsystems and components.
"Boeing is the only F2AST competitor with extensive experience as a prime contractor on both FAST and IWSSP contracts. Our team has an outstanding record of support for these Air Force programs," Hill said.
EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 30, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Singapore Airlines reached an historic milestone today with the delivery of the airline's 77th 777, which also is its 19th 777-300ER.
Singapore Airlines began its relationship with the Boeing 777 in December 1995, when the airline initially ordered 28 of what has become the most popular intermediate twin-aisle airplane in the world, with a market share of more than 60 percent. The airplane delivered today increases Singapore Airlines' fleet of Boeing airplanes to 91, with an additional 20 787-9 Dreamliners on order.
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 22, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today launched a new division within its Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business designed to better serve customers in the vast services market.
The newly established Defense & Government Services will operate as a division of Boeing IDS's Global Services & Support business (formerly Support Systems) unit. Boeing estimates that the defense and government services market is worth approximately $400 billion over the next 10 years.
The 4,400-employee division will be led by Greg Deiter and will include current company subsidiaries Boeing Service Company and Boeing Aerospace Operations.
"We are confident that the Defense & Government Services division will add tremendous value for our customers and grow our business profitably," said Dennis Muilenburg, Global Services & Support president. "Our organization's design, and its services-market strategies, leverage our integration capabilities, our talented people, and the entire Boeing enterprise, with special emphasis on working with Commercial Aviation Services at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. We're already doing work in these markets very successfully, and we want to do more."
Boeing is performing in, or engaged in active proposals for, several service-market areas. Examples include networked technical services such as logistics command and control, satellite operations, launch support, and SBInet maintenance; managed network and communications services such as the Boeing Broadband Satellite Network for the U.S. executive fleet; energy management and integrated facilities management for the U.S. government; and other aviation and logistics services such as field maintenance and modifications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services, contractor logistics support, field service representatives, and fleet support.
EVERETT, Wash, J
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently delivered to Cargolux Airlines International S.A. its 16th and last 747-400 Freighter with a ceremony at Paine Field in Everett, Wash.
This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of Cargolux taking delivery of its first Boeing 747 Freighter. The airplane, dubbed "City of Contern," was delivered before a contingent of official representatives from the commune of Contern, Luxembourg, as well as Luxembourg-based media.
Cargolux is the launch customer for the 747-8, and will take delivery of the first of its 13 Boeing 747-8 Freighters in 2009.
Cargolux's new 747-8 Freighters will offer significant capacity benefits over their 747-400F fleet, with a maximum structural payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons) and 16 percent more revenue cargo volume, with slightly greater range and 16 percent lower tonne-kilometer costs
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 747-400ERF (Extended Range Freighter) last Friday.
The airplane, the first of six Boeing 747-400ERFs to be delivered to Cathay Pacific, was unveiled last week at a pre-flight ceremony at the Boeing Delivery Center in Everett, Wash. Among those present were Cathay Pacific's Ron Mathison, director and general manager for Cargo; senior managers from Cathay's North America and Hong Kong cargo team and invited senior cargo industry executives.
Cathay Pacific currently operates 115 airplanes, 18 of which are freighters, including six 747-400BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters), six 747-400 and six 747-200 Freighters. The airline has remaining orders for two 747-400BCFs to further expand its freighter fleet. Cathay Pacific also has an order for 10 747-8F freighters.
The 747-400ER Freighter, which entered service in October 2002, has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,770 kg). This takeoff weight increase over existing 747-400 Freighters allows the 747-400ER Freighter to fly an additional 525 nautical miles (972 km), or it can carry an additional 22,000 pounds (9,980 kg) of payload on long-range flights at maximum takeoff weight.
The new aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4062A engines and will be deployed on trunk routes to North America to take full advantage of the airplane's superior payload range capability.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and El Al Israel Airlines have completed an order for four 777-200ERs (Extended Range). The Israeli airline has secured options for two additional 777s and holds conversion rights for the 777-300ER, a larger version of the 777 with increased payload and range capability. The order is valued at $850 million at list prices.
El Al's long-haul fleet already includes six Boeing 777s. The relationship between Boeing and El Al dates back to 1948 when El Al started operations with a Douglas C-54. "In the year of its 60th anniversary, El Al continues a proud tradition of operating the most modern equipment available on the market. The 777 is a valuable asset to El Al's successful long-haul operations," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Boeing Sponsors Flight of Historic Airplanes Over Washington, D.C.
April 10 Flyover of B-17, Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, and P-40 Kittyhawk to Commemorate U.S. Airmen Who Died in Combat
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 07, 2008 -- The Boeing Company today announced that it is sponsoring a flyover of four historic military airplanes in honor of U.S. airmen who died during World War II and in subsequent conflicts.
The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 1:15 p.m. The airplanes will take off from Andrews Air Force Base, will cross the airspace around Ronald Reagan National Airport (which will close briefly to accommodate the event) and will circle the Air Force Memorial before returning to Andrews. Spectators will be able to view the flyover from the grounds of the memorial (accessed by car via I-395 and Columbia Pike) as well as from multiple points along the Potomac River in Arlington and Washington, D.C.
The American Air Museum (AAM) in Duxford, England, organized the flyover, which features a B-17 Flying Fortress (made by Boeing), a P-51D Mustang (made by North American Aviation, now a part of Boeing), a P-40 Kittyhawk (made by Curtiss Wright), and a Spitfire (made by Vickers Armstrong).
Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, president of the AAM and chairman of the Imperial War Museum in the United Kingdom, will preside over the event and pay tribute to the thousands of airmen who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom. Joining him for the ceremony at the memorial will be former British Prime Minister (and honored guest) Sir John Major; Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command; and Richard Ashton, executive vice president, AAM
Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopter Fielded by US Army's 4th Infantry Division
ST. LOUIS, April 07, 2008 -- The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] CH-47F Chinook helicopter has been fielded by Bravo Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas. This is the second U.S. Army unit to field the CH-47F since the aircraft was certified combat-ready in July 2007.
"This aircraft is light-years ahead in flight-management systems compared with our older aircraft," said Col. Patrick Tierney, commander, Combat Aviation Brigade. "The F-model Chinook has the same systems as the latest civilian aircraft."
Lt. Col. Dave Fleckenstein, commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, Huntington, W.V. -- who pilots one of the new Chinooks -- noted that the aircraft's radar altitude hold "keeps the aircraft a set number of feet off the ground and negates making multiple passes to land. Also, the all-digital cockpit gives us five displays, with each capable of showing several different pages of flight plans, alternate routes and data from different sources processed by the central processing unit."
Since the Chinook's combat-ready certification by the U.S. Army, units have completed in excess of 1,000 flight hours, performing a wide range of training exercises under night-vision goggles simulating air assault, combat re-supply and transport operations. The CH-47F has successfully completed all evaluations, including airworthiness, functional testing and operational testing.
"There is a great deal of enthusiasm for the CH-47F from pilots and crews in the field," said Jack Dougherty, vice president, Boeing H-47 Programs. "This advanced aircraft provides greater capability to meet our military forces' growing range of mission demands."
Built at Boeing's Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, Pa., the CH-47F helicopter features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness, and DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight control capabilities through features such as "hover hold," "altitude hold" and "beep down" that improve performance and safety in brownout situations, as well as the entire flight envelope.
Advanced avionics also incorporate improved situational awareness for flight crews with an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser Systems. The entire suite of improved cockpit capabilities will apply to other H-47 models.
Powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 pounds. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.
ST. LOUIS, April 03, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the Canadian Forces' fourth C-17 Globemaster III today at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility, completing Canada's order for the world's most advanced airlifter.
"On behalf of all of our employees, it is with tremendous pride that we deliver, on time and within budget, this world-class airlift capability that will serve the Canadian Forces well," said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "This C-17, which will soon join three others recently delivered to your fleet, provides Canada with unprecedented capability anywhere in the world, for both military and humanitarian operations."
Following final modifications at a Boeing facility in San Antonio, this aircraft will join the three other Canadian C-17s at the 429 Transport Squadron, based at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario. Boeing delivered the first two Canadian C-17s in 2007 and the third earlier this year.
"The C-17 continues to exceed our expectations in every way -- in performance, capabilities, reliability and durability," said Maj. Gen. Marcel Duval, commander, 1 Canadian Air Division. "The acquisition of this strategic-lift aircraft is a significant event, as it provides Canada with a world-class and worldwide strategic-airlift capability and provides our forces with an independent means to rapidly, reliably and flexibly move heavy equipment over vast distances. It also reduces the number of crews and stopovers required, and will alleviate the workload for the aging tactical Hercules fleet."
The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Capable of flying between continents and landing on short, austere runways, the C-17 is used worldwide for both military and humanitarian missions.
Canada is the third international C-17 customer, following the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
With its unique markings, the Canadian C-17 has a different look from U.S. Air Force C-17s previously delivered by Boeing. Those markings include the word "Canada" above the entry door, Canadian flags on the fuselage and tail, and a Canadian maple leaf on the aft part of the fuselage. The aircraft also displays the Canadian Forces' signature, "Canadian Forces/Forces Canadiennes." The signature appears in both English and French to honor the country's bilingual heritage.
-- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today said it has submitted a proposal to NASA for the production of two next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, known as the GOES R series, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
"Boeing's proposal for GOES R is backed by 40 years of experience in building and delivering weather satellites for NASA and NOAA, coupled with a commitment to program execution and providing a low-risk solution," said Craig Cooning, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems vice president and general manager. "Boeing is uniquely qualified to build GOES R on schedule and on budget."
Boeing received a GOES R risk-reduction contract from NASA in 2005 and remains committed to helping NOAA achieve its vision of a society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of oceans, coasts and atmosphere in the global ecosystem in order to make the best social and economic decisions.
Boeing builds on its experience as the prime contractor for the current series of geosynchronous environmental satellites, GOES N, O and P. The GOES N program series consists of three state-of-the-art imaging spacecraft and the supporting ground command and control elements. The GOES N satellite, known today as "GOES-13," was launched on a Boeing Delta IV rocket on May 24, 2006. GOES-13 was handed over to the customer following six months of rigorous testing administered by NOAA's Satellite Operations Control Center in Suitland, Md. GOES O is scheduled to launch later this year.
Boeing has built more than 260 commercial and civil satellites that have achieved a total of 2,500 years of service. These spacecraft are built at Boeing's satellite manufacturing facility in El Segundo, Calif. Encompassing 1 million square feet, the center is the largest dedicated satellite factory in the world.
ST. LOUIS, March 25, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army have demonstrated for the first time that the software-defined Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile Radios (JTRS GMR) can receive data from unattended ground sensors and pass the data to nearby vehicles equipped with the Future Combat Systems (FCS) network integration system.
During an FCS training exercise conducted in January at Fort Bliss, Texas, the Army demonstrated that information from Tactical-Unmanned Ground Sensors (T-UGS) can be channeled through a gateway and then received by the JTRS GMR radios installed in FCS vehicles.
The JTRS radios are integrated in the FCS vehicles as part of the "B-kits" that include various network integration components. The kits comprise the Integrated Computer System, the Battle Command System software, the System of Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE) software and the JTRS GMR. The B-kits are being installed on Bradley fighting vehicles, Abrams battle tanks and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles as part of the first "spin out" of FCS capabilities to the current force.
"Increased situational awareness through information from unattended ground sensors will immediately help soldiers in the field by improving target detection and perimeter defense missions," said Ralph Moslener, Boeing JTRS GMR program director. "JTRS GMR is delivering important transformational networked communications capability at the tactical edge to support information sharing and combat readiness."
During the training exercise at the Army Evaluation Task Force complex, data was transferred 200 yards from the T-UGS to the gateway and vehicles. It also was passed to vehicles that were not equipped with the B-kits, but were able to display the situational awareness data on the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below system.
"It's a great first step in our training and testing plan. By utilizing JTRS GMR, we were able to share information quickly with FCS vehicles and other current-force vehicles," said Charlie Williams, FCS Spin Out 1 program manager for Boeing. "Spin Out 1 is now demonstrating critical capabilities the FCS program is developing for the current force."
The sensors provide soldiers with unprecedented situational awareness on the battlefield through improved target detection, location, classification and transmission, among other capabilities. Equipped with acoustic, seismic and infrared sensors, the T-UGS are currently among the FCS technologies slated for early spin out to the current force, starting this year.
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, has successfully completed the "ultimate load testing" of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner horizontal stabilizer. The test has been carried out at the Laboratory of Structural Tests at Alenia's Pomigliano plant in Naples in the presence of Boeing engineers.
The test is a fundamental step as part of Boeing's 787 certification efforts, and is key to clearing the Dreamliner for first flight. During the test, the stabilizer is subjected to the aerodynamic loads that could be experienced by the aircraft during flight in the most severe circumstances.
Using a complex system of hydraulic jacks activated by specifically developed software, the test proves that the 787's horizontal stabilizer is capable of withstanding 150 percent of the load it is expected to see in its lifetime.
"Our entire 787 team is fully committed to safety and reliability as demonstrated by this robust test program," said Mark Jenks, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Development for the 787 Program. "The successful testing of the horizontal stabilizer proves the capability of the composite material, design and construction."
"Thanks to this test, the last of a series that has shown the compliance with the project's parameters," commented Nazario Cauceglia, Alenia Aeronautica's chief technical officer, "we have once again verified the effectiveness of the innovative structural and technological solution adopted for the 787 stabilizer. This is a testament to our company's capability of managing the whole process of design, development, production and testing of complex composite material components."
Over the past three months, static tests in the laboratory at Pomigliano have successfully bent the 787 stabilizer up and down and asymmetrically at maximum load, simulating three critical design conditions for the stabilizer.
Designed and manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica at its Foggia facility, the horizontal stabilizer is made of two monolithic co-cured side pieces and one central element, is 20 meters long and, like the 787 fuselage and wings, is made of carbon fiber materials. The co-cured box of the 787's horizontal stabilizer is, to date, one of the biggest composite monolithic structures ever built for a commercial airplane; and is manufactured in a one-shot autoclave cure cycle starting from 27 uncured components. This process was developed from Alenia Aeronautica's proprietary technology and represents an innovative production process, making the Foggia facility one of the most important plants in the world for composite material production.
The first production horizontal stabilizer was shipped to Boeing in April 2007
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Friday delivered its 700th Boeing 777 airplane, a 777-300ER (Extended Range), to International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) and its customer, Cathay Pacific Airways. The 777 Program reached this milestone after 12 years in service -- faster than any other twin-aisle airplane program in commercial aviation history. ILFC has ordered 79 Boeing 777s since 1992 and the airplane delivered today is its 74th, which makes ILFC the world's largest 777 customer.
Cathay Pacific now operates 24 777s, with 23 more 777-300ERs scheduled to be delivered. The airplane delivered Friday will join the airline's fleet of six 777-300ERs, 12 777-300s, five 777-200s and 24 747-400s in passenger service.
The airline also currently operates six 747-400 Freighters, six 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) and seven 747-200 Freighters, with six 747-400ER Freighters and 10 of Boeing's new 747-8 Freighters on order.
Dragonair, Cathay Pacific's sister airline, operates another eight 747 Freighters -- a 747-200F, three 747-300SFs (Special Freighters) and four 747-400BCFs.
The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. Since the first 777 went into service in June 1995, Boeing has continually grown the 777 family to include five passenger models and a freighter version. To date, Boeing has orders for 1,060 777 jetliners, with 55 customers around the world that own or operate the efficient and passenger-pleasing twin-aisle airplane.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that Singapore Airlines is the first customer to operate multiple e-Enabled maintenance and performance software products in its fleet of Boeing 777s.
The airline recently completed the evaluation of the first Electronic Logbook (ELB) that is part of Boeing's Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on Singapore Airlines' entire fleet of new and existing 777s. Using the ELB means that the airline can log in a fault and the system automatically identifies the appropriate maintenance actions required to resolve the problem. The ELB, which consists of both a technical logbook and a cabin logbook, supports Singapore Airlines' continuous improvements in aircraft efficiency, reliability and availability.
In addition, Singapore Airlines is the first customer to use Airplane Health Management (AHM) Service Monitoring, which is a new module of Boeing's AHM. The module provides a better way of managing airplane data related to systems which require regular servicing or replenishment, such as tire pressure, oxygen pressure and hydraulic oil. AHM tracks consumption trends of these systems to facilitate maintenance planning and calculate optimal servicing intervals.
The powerful combination of ELB and AHM software creates a link between the aircraft and the support systems. With this link, coupled with the software applications on the ground and in the EFB, Singapore Airlines will be able to position people and equipment in the right place at the right time.
"The Boeing Class 3 EFB, married with the ELB and AHM applications, continues to demonstrate our commitment to Singapore Airlines to implement products and services that increase their operational efficiency and reduce their costs," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.
Singapore Airlines currently has the largest 777 fleet in operation, with 69 777s in service and an additional eight 777-300ER's scheduled for delivery this year. The carrier is the first airline in the world to operate multiple e-Enabled Boeing maintenance and performance products on the same fleet of airplanes.
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. The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company providing products and services to customers in 145 countries.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Japan KC-767 Tanker to the Itochu Corp., for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is the first aerial refueling aircraft in Japan's history.
"The KC-767 will have an immediate impact and significantly increase Japan's capabilities," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This delivery also confirms Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history of producing tankers."
The 12-hour non-stop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya, originated in Wichita, Kan., near Boeing's tanker modification center, following a final review by Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) Air Staff. Itochu will deliver the KC-767 Tanker to the MoD following in-country acceptance processes.
Japan has ordered four convertible freighter 767s, providing flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining its primary role as an aerial refueling tanker. It features Boeing's advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system. Boeing will deliver the second Japan tanker immediately following acceptance of this first Japan delivery.
Additionally, Boeing is building four tankers for Italy with delivery of the first two aircraft planned in 2008. The KC-767 also is Boeing's offering in the U.S. Air Force's KC-X competition for its next-generation tanker aircraft. Since the 1930s, Boeing has built and delivered more than 2,000 tankers that feature the world's most advanced aerial refueling method with the highest fuel transfer rate available.
Boeing names Telair International as supplier for 747-8 program
German supplier to provide 747-8 family with its cargo-handling system
EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 22, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the selection of Telair International to supply the cargo-handling system for the new
Boeing 747-8. The supplier will provide systems for the main deck and lower hold of the 747-8 Freighter, as well as the lower hold of the 747-8 Intercontinental.Telair International, based in Miesbach, Germany, will design and manufacture a cargo-handling system for the 747-8 that is similar to those found on many 747 fleets currently operating worldwide. This continuity will offer Boeing and its 747-8 operators the benefits that result from improved reliability of a mature product.
"Telair's knowledge of, and track record with, cargo-handling systems make it the right choice as a supplier for the 747-8," said Michael Teal, deputy chief project engineer for the 747 program. "They are an excellent addition to our team of international partners. Their contribution will be critical as we bring to market the 747-8 Freighter in late 2009 and the 747-8 Intercontinental in late 2010."
The cargo-handling system features "intelligent" power drive units networked through a control system that allows them to communicate with one another. This enables a safe and non-labor-intensive loading and unloading of the airplane, as well as simplifying system maintenance.
"We are pleased to be selected as the supplier for the 747-8 cargo-handling system," said Axel Hauner, president of Telair International. "We value our growing relationship with Boeing and are excited about the opportunity to work on the 747-8."
Telair has a long-standing and successful history of working with Boeing on the 747 and 767 programs, as well as freighter conversions. In 2005, Telair won the contract to develop the unique cargo-handling system for the Dreamlifter, a fleet of modified 747-400 airplanes used to transport the major assemblies of the 787 Dreamliner from partners worldwide to the Boeing factory in Everett, Wash.
"German aerospace companies, such as Telair, contribute to the success of Boeing's programs with technologically advanced products and services," said Lianne Stein, president of Boeing Germany. "Boeing partners with German companies on existing and new airplane models, such as the 787 and the 747-8."
Telair will design and manufacture the cargo-handling system at its facility in Miesbach. The first hardware deliveries are expected in late 2008.
The 747-8 family:
The 747-8 program is a family of passenger and freighter airplanes. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane is the only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat market. Stretched 5.6 m (18.3 ft) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a typical three-class configuration, the Intercontinental offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any passenger airplane. It provides operators a 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range, 28 percent greater cargo volume and 10 percent lower seat-mile costs compared to the 747-400. Lufthansa is the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental. The 747-8 Freighter will fly 8,287 km (4,475 nmi) with a maximum structural payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons). It offers 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F with slightly greater range. The 747-8 Freighter upholds its predecessor's legendary efficiency, with equivalent trip costs and 14 percent lower ton-mile costs than the 747-400F. The 747-8 Freighter will enjoy the lowest ton-mile costs of any freighter, giving operators unmatched profit potential. The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to launch customer Cargolux in late 2009.
Telair International:
Telair International, a subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX), has been serving the airline industry for more than 35 years. Over that time, Telair has evolved from a component manufacturer to a producer of complete cargo loading and baggage handling systems, working in partnership with aircraft manufacturers and airlines.
Boeing, Air Europa of Spain Announce Order for Eight 787 Dreamliners
Air Europa will be first Spanish carrier to operate revolutionary 787
SEATTLE, Jan. 22, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Spanish carrier Air Europa today announced an order for eight Boeing
787-8 Dreamliners valued at $1.3 billion at list prices. The order, placed by Air Europa in 2007, previously was accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer. Air Europa also acquired purchase rights for an additional eight 787s.Air Europa, based in Palma de Mallorca, is the first Spanish customer for the 787 and will be the first carrier in Spain to offer passengers the unprecedented comfort of the 787 cabin interior while also being the first to reduce emissions by 20 percent with the 787's ultra fuel-efficient carbon-composite design and all-new engines.
"The 787 is the best solution that meets our requirements for a superior airplane that offers better efficiency, better environmental performance and excellent comfort for our passengers," said María José Hidalgo, managing director of Air Europa. "After further development of the 787 by Boeing, it became very clear to our pilots, our fleet planners and our accountants that the 787 would deliver the best economics while also offering superior satisfaction for our passengers. We look forward to making history as the first Spanish airline to fly this magnificent machine."
Air Europa plans to operate the 787 on its long-haul routes to destinations such as Argentina, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
"This decision would not have been possible without Air Europa's exhaustive review of the 787's performance and the strong record of success and partnership that Boeing shares with Air Europa," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Air Europa's fleet of Next-Generation 737s has been tremendously successful. We look forward to continuing that record of performance with the 787."
Since its launch in April 2004, the 787 has become the world's fastest-selling commercial airplane. Fifty-six customers worldwide have placed 857 orders for the 787, preferring its superior efficiency, environmental features, economics, range and passenger comfort.
Air Europa has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine to power its 787s.
The technologically advanced 787 Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and other conveniences.
The 787's long range allows carriers to offer its passengers the point-to-point service they prefer, bypassing inconvenient connections at crowded hub airports. The 787's first flight is scheduled for around the end of the second quarter of 2008. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2009.
About Air Europa
Air Europa, founded in 1986, is the air travel division of Globalia Corporacion. Since 1991, Air Europa has focused on becoming one of the leading airlines in Europe. Air Europa operates a fleet of 38 Boeing airplanes on a network that includes most of the Spanish territory, European and North-African routes including Paris, Milan, Rome, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Tunis and Marrakech, as well as transatlantic destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, México, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. As part of an effort to provide more comfortable and global service to customers, Air Europa recently joined the SkyTeam alliance as an associate member and has collaboration agreements with other airlines including Aeropostal, Malev, Portugalia and Tunisair.
Boeing Awarded $14.9 Million A-10 Wing Modeling Contract
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 22, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $14.9 million U.S. Air Force contract for systems engineering and modeling services for the A-10 Wing Replacement program. The contract will provide the engineering foundation for the program and ensure the on-schedule delivery of the production wings.
"The modeling will result in a true paperless engineering package," said William Moorefield, Boeing A-10 Wing Replacement program manager. "The modeling standards Boeing has developed over the last 15 years have demonstrated significant cost savings on programs such as the CH-47F Chinook, F-18E/F, C-17 and many others."
Boeing will perform the majority of the work in St. Louis with the remaining work done in Salt Lake City, Utah. The contract runs through September 2010.
In June 2007, the Air Force awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $2 billion for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the A-10 fleet.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, first introduced in 1976, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close air support of ground forces. The highly effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
Boeing, Gulf Air Close 787 Dreamliner Deal
Gulf Air to add 16 Boeing Dreamliners as part of its fleet upgrade plans
SEATTLE, Jan. 21, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air today finalized negotiations for up to 24 Boeing
787 Dreamliners in a deal that could be worth approximately $3.9 billion at list prices if all options are exercised. The agreement is for 16 787s on direct order with purchase rights for eight additional 787s."Gulf Air has been a premier carrier in the Middle East for more than half a century," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for The Middle East and Africa. "We look forward to helping Gulf Air revitalize its fleet through the superior economics and passenger comfort that the Dreamliner will bring."
Throughout 2007, Gulf Air and Boeing conducted an extensive airplane acquisition analysis that explored the unmatched strengths of the 787. With the best fuel burn in its class, lower maintenance costs due to the 787's revolutionary composite structure, and interior features and comfort that add to the Dreamliner's marketability, the 787 has been validated by airlines across the globe. The 787 is the fastest-selling new airplane program in history with a total of 857 orders from 56 customers since launch in 2004.
"As the cornerstone of our fleet, the 787 will help re-establish Gulf Air's predominance within The Gulf," said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Naf. "Our goal is to increase the airline's efficiency and profitability, and we have selected the 787 to be the core of our fleet for the next generation to meet both our passengers' and our stakeholders' expectations."
In addition to bringing big-jet range to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides unmatched fuel efficiency and will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. The Dreamliner travels at speeds similar to today's fastest wide-bodies, Mach 0.85, and also allows airlines greater cargo revenue capacity. Passenger improvements on the 787 include larger windows, an interior environment with higher humidity and overall increased comfort and convenience.
"We are committed to Gulf Air's success," said Mahmood Kooheji, Gulf Air's Board Chairman. "In choosing the 787, we are confident that we've made the very best choice for the long-term success of the airline."
Boeing Delivers Fourth Royal Australian Air Force C-17
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 18, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) its fourth C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility.
"I am very pleased that our team has once again delivered to the RAAF a world-class airlift capability, on time and on budget," said Jean Chamberlin, vice president and C-17 program manager, to senior RAAF officials and more than 1,000 Boeing C-17 employees in attendance. "This is a great day for Boeing and demonstrates our commitment to design, build, deliver and support the world's greatest airlifter."
"This C-17 is an impressive aircraft that will join with our three other C-17s to give Australia the kind of global airlift capability that we have never previously enjoyed," said Australian Air Commodore Graham Bentley.
The aircraft features the "Block 17" configuration – the most modern variant of C-17s built by Boeing, with upgraded software and avionics. The RAAF C-17 also has unique markings that differentiate it from U.S. Air Force C-17s. A black stallion on its tail identifies the airplane as part of the RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit based in Amberley, Queensland. A kangaroo on the aircraft's fuselage is part of the RAAF roundel, a distinctive emblem painted on military aircraft to indicate its nation of origin.
The aircraft joins three others delivered to the RAAF since late-2006. With the delivery of this new airlifter, the worldwide C-17 fleet now includes 171 U.S. Air Force C-17s as well as four in the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and two in the Canadian Forces. The RAF and the Canadian Forces each will receive two additional C-17s this year. The U.S. Air Force is on contract to receive 19 additional C-17s by mid-2009.
The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Capable of flying between continents and landing on short, austere runways, the C-17 is used worldwide for both military and humanitarian missions.
Today's delivery leaves just 23 C-17s remaining on the production schedule. Without additional orders, the C-17 line will close in late 2009. Despite significant evidence of increasing airlift needs, the U.S. Air Force has not budgeted for additional C-17s the last two years, forcing congressional plus-ups to meet the needed requirement.
Boeing Receives Follow-on Order for 787 from PrivatAir
Switzerland-based business aviation group expands 787 VIP order
SEATTLE, Jan. 17, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Geneva-based PrivatAir today announced an order for one Boeing
787-8 VIP airplane, a purchase-right exercise from PrivatAir's initial 787 order in 2006. Today's order is valued at $162 million . Through this agreement, PrivatAir has two 787s on order and has secured an additional purchase right."The ever-increasing demand from charter customers for long-range, large-cabin aircraft shows no sign of abating, and PrivatAir is strategically placed to provide its customers with the widest range of travel options," said Greg Thomas, CEO of PrivatAir. "This latest order will further expand the capabilities of PrivatAir's fleet, enabling our passengers to travel further, faster and in greater comfort."
Since launching the 787 program in 2004, Boeing has secured 841 orders from 55 customers, including a record-breaking 369 orders in 2007.
"PrivatAir clearly recognizes the outstanding potential of the 787 VIP jet for business and private jet operations, both from an economic viewpoint as well as passenger luxuries," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 VIP airplane provides PrivatAir the opportunity to raise the bar even higher."
PrivatAir is a leading international business aviation group with headquarters in Geneva; operating bases in Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Munich, Germany; in Zurich, Switzerland; and through its U.S. subsidiary PrivatAir Inc. The company employs 540 people and manages a fleet of some 50 aircraft with a turnover exceeding $200 million.
Boeing and SAIC Announce Accelerated Testing of FCS Early Prototype Systems
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 17, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and partner Science Applications International Corporation [NYSE: SAI], the Lead Systems Integrator for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, today announced that the Army has accelerated test schedules for two FCS robotic prototypes based on current readiness levels and positive feedback from soldiers who are using early versions of the systems in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Beginning this month, 25 FCS Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) units developed jointly with iRobot Corporation and 11 Class I (Block 0) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) developed jointly with Honeywell will be delivered in increments to Army Evaluation Task Force soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas. The soldiers will train with the equipment before conducting user testing in the summer. Deliveries will occur between January and June 2008 with testing expected to conclude in September. Based on soldier feedback, a recommendation will be made to senior Army leadership whether to field the platforms or continue with system development under the core FCS program.
"The acceleration of the SUGV and Class I (Block 0) UAV prototypes and testing underscores the Army's commitment to enhancing soldier survivability and mission effectiveness by getting the capabilities into their hands as soon as possible," said Dennis Muilenburg, vice president-general manager, Boeing Combat Systems, and FCS program manager. "The decision to accelerate, driven in part by feedback from soldiers in theater, also confirms that we are on the right track to deliver a crucial capability that is needed and desired by our soldiers currently serving in combat operations."
The 30-pound SUGV is a small, lightweight, soldier-portable unmanned ground vehicle that is capable of conducting military operations in high-risk environments, including urban terrain, tunnels, sewers and caves, without exposing soldiers directly to potential hazards. The Class I (Block 0) UAV, a platoon-level asset and the smaller of the two FCS unmanned vehicle classes, will provide dismounted soldiers with unprecedented reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities on the battlefield. The Class I UAV can operate in complex urban and jungle terrains with vertical takeoff, hover and landing capability, and can be operated autonomously or controlled by dismounted soldiers.
Although they will occur in parallel, acceleration activities are considered separate from "Spin Out 1," the first of three planned infusions of FCS capabilities to the Current Force. Spin Out 1 consists of equipment and technologies that will provide enhanced situational awareness and communication capabilities through technology insertions to Abrams battle tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and HMMWV vehicles. Spin Out 1 elements include network integration "B" kits consisting of an Integrated Computer System, System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment, Battle Command and Network Management software and communications system including the Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile Radio. Also included are Tactical and Urban Unattended Ground Sensors to provide real-time threat information in complex terrain and the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System for remotely controlled precision fires. Deliveries of Spin Out 1 equipment and technologies are well under way in preparation for field testing later this year.
Boeing Receives Signals from Thuraya-3 Commercial Satellite Following Launch
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 15, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired the first signals from the Thuraya-3 Geo-mobile satellite following today's launch aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket, indicating that the Boeing-built spacecraft for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company is healthy and operating as designed.
A ground station in Fillmore, Calif., successfully acquired signals from the commercial communications satellite approximately 1 hour, 51 minutes after liftoff.
"Today marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful mission for this Thuraya satellite," said Howard Chambers, vice president of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The Thuraya-3 spacecraft will be ready to serve key markets for our customer following a thorough on-orbit check-out that will last about 28 days. Today's successful launch is an example of exceptional program execution on the part of Thuraya, Boeing and Sea Launch engineers. As with all Boeing satellites, Thuraya-3 was built on a foundation of mission assurance and quality, and we look forward to the coming weeks as we prepare the satellite to enter service for Thuraya."
Thuraya-3 is the third satellite Boeing has built for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company. Boeing technology has helped Thuraya provide mobile satellite services to more than 110 countries inhabited by 2.3 billion people. Thuraya-3 will expand that service to include markets in Japan, China, Australia and Korea.
The Thuraya satellites enable mobile telephone services, transmitting and receiving calls through each satellite's 12.25-meter-aperture reflector. Calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network. The system has the capacity for 25,120 simultaneous voice circuits.
Boeing 767 More Fuel Efficient than Airbus 330, Analysis Finds
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today released a 53-page study prepared by Conklin & de Decker Aviation Information showing that a commercial 767 airplane is substantially more fuel efficient than the larger Airbus 330.
The study conducted by the independent aviation research company, and funded by Boeing, used published data to calculate the fuel consumption of flying a fleet of 179 767-200ER and Airbus 330-200 airplanes over a 40-year service life. The purpose of the analysis was to provide a clear comparison between the KC-767 Advanced Tanker (AT), based on the 767, and its major competitor in the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 Tanker Replacement Program. The winner of the KC-X competition will begin recapitalizing the service's aging refueling inventory by building 179 next-generation tankers.
The study showed that the 767 fleet burned 24 percent less fuel than the A-330s and would save approximately $14.6 billion in fuel costs. That number is significant since the Air Force spent approximately $6.6 billion on aviation fuel costs in 2006.
"Senior Air Force leaders have said that when a barrel of oil increases by $10, it costs them about $600 million a year," said Mark McGraw, vice president, Boeing Tanker Programs. "So it is critical, especially with rising fuel prices, that the Air Force's next refueling tanker meet or exceed their requirements and be as efficient as possible. That aircraft is the right-sized KC-767 Advanced Tanker."
Boeing recently submitted its Final Proposal Revision and is offering an advanced derivative of the future 767-200 Long Range Freighter. The modern aircraft will have a 767-200ER fuselage; 767-300F freighter wing, landing gear, cargo door and floor; and a 767-400ER flight deck and flaps.
The KC-767AT will provide critical fuel to receiver aircraft closer to the fight while requiring fewer bases to support tanker operations. It also will carry three times more cargo and passengers than the KC-135 without sacrificing the operational flexibility delivered by a medium-sized aircraft.
Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for nearly 75 years, and is flying KC-767s today with more than 330 flights and nearly 1,000 hours on the tanker platform. The team producing the KC-767AT includes Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, Vought Aircraft Industries, Pratt & Whitney, Smiths Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems and Delta TechOps. Nationwide, the program will support 44,000 American jobs and 300 suppliers.
Boeing will produce the KC-767 Advanced Tanker at its facilities in Everett, Wash., on the existing commercial line where more than 950 highly reliable and maintainable 767s have been built. Installation of military refueling systems and flight test activities will take place at the company's finishing center in Wichita, Kan.
For a copy of the Conklin & de Decker fuel study, visit
www.globaltanker.com.
Boeing Delivers 36 Chinook Helicopters in 2007
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 09, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] in 2007 delivered 36 Chinook helicopters to U.S. Army and international customers, meeting scheduled commitments and matching the program's performance during the Army's model upgrade program in the early 1990s.
"The aircraft deliveries by the Chinook program in 2007 reflect the outstanding performance of Boeing Rotorcraft Systems employees and all the members of Team Chinook," said Jack Dougherty, Boeing director of H-47 Programs. "This reflects a consistent record of performance by the program."
The Chinook manufacturing facility in Ridley Park, Pa., delivered four MH-47Gs, 30 CH-47Fs and two international aircraft in 2007, just 13 months after the first CH-47F rolled off the production line.
"This is significant for the program because these Chinooks demonstrate our ability to bring the product to the warfighter quickly," said Ken Eland, Boeing CH-47F program manager. "This is a very talented team building the Chinook on a production line capable of higher manufacturing levels. This level of performance enables us to meet our customers' future needs."
Under the Army's Chinook modernization program, Boeing will produce 513 aircraft, including 61 MH-47G special operations aircraft and 452 CH-47Fs. Chinooks also are operated by 15 countries worldwide, and Boeing is working with several countries who have expressed interest in the new CH-47F.
The CH-47F features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).
Advanced avionics also incorporate improved situational awareness for flight crews with an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser Systems. The entire suite of improved cockpit capabilities will apply to other H-47 models.
Powered by two 4,868-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 lbs. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.
 | 1,413 net orders (1,423 gross) surpasses 1,044 net orders reached in 2006 |
| Record orders for 787 Dreamliner |
| Record orders for 737 program |
| Record orders for Boeing freighters |
SEATTLE, Jan. 03, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recorded 1,413 net commercial airplane orders during 2007, reaching more than 1,000 orders for an unprecedented third consecutive year, and setting a Boeing record for total orders in a single year.
Boeing also set new order records for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737, and for Boeing freighters.
The 2007 total surpasses the previous Boeing records of 1,044 net orders in 2006 and the 1,002 orders set in 2005. Gross orders in 2007, which exclude cancellations and conversions, totaled 1,423. Boeing recorded 1,050 gross orders in 2006 and 1,029 gross orders in 2005. Unfilled orders for Boeing Commercial Airplanes is now over 3,400 airplanes.
"It has been another strong year for commercial aviation, and we are grateful for our customers' trust in our team, and our products and services," said Scott Carson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer. "We deeply appreciate the role we play in our customers' plans for growth and success, and we are focused on meeting our commitments.
"Clearly we've had our share of challenges during the past year, but our customers understand the issues, and market acceptance of our products and services has been nothing short of remarkable," Carson said. "With a balanced base of customers from all regions of the world, from airlines with varied business models, and with strong orders across our product line, we are now focused on executing this strong backlog position."
In total, 80 different customers ordered Boeing airplanes in 2007, including passenger airlines, cargo carriers, leasing companies, and unidentified customers.
"2007 told us that global demand for commercial airplanes remains strong and sustained. And we've responded with what is clearly the strongest product lineup that we've ever had, from the Next-Generation 737 through the 747-8, 767, 777, and our newest family, the 787 Dreamliner," Carson said. "We are able to offer more new-technology airplanes to our customers than ever before, aircraft that are quieter and more fuel efficient, with significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions and reduced impact on local communities."
The 787 program enjoyed a record-setting year with 369 orders in 2007. The Dreamliner is the fastest-selling new airplane program in history with a total of 817 orders since launch in 2004. Contracts finalized at the end of 2007 included the 787th (British Airways) and 800th (Vietnam Airlines/Vietnam Aircraft Leasing) orders for the Dreamliner.
The 737 program had the strongest sales year in its history, setting a third consecutive record, with net orders of 846 airplanes. The previous record totals for a single year for the 737 program were 729 net orders in 2006 and 569 net orders in 2005.
Boeing freighters also enjoyed a third consecutive record sales year, with 83 gross orders for freighters in 2007, compared with gross orders for 81 freighters in 2006 and 74 freighters in 2005.
Twin-aisle commercial airplane sales continued strong, in a year in which both the 767 and 777 surpassed 1,000 total program orders. 777 orders marked the second strongest year in program history, with 141 net orders in 2007. The 747 program finished the year with 21 net orders, and the 767 program had 36 net orders.
Boeing has posted its year-end orders information on its Orders and Deliveries Website http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/index.cfm.
The 200 orders booked since the Dec. 18, 2007, update include: Boeing Business Jet (one 737 and one 787), British Airways (24 787s), Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (70 737s, five 747-8Fs, 10 777s, and 15 787s), GOL Airlines (40 737s), Jeju Air (five 737s), VALC (eight 787s), Vietnam Airlines (four 787s), and Unidentified (17 737s). Below are the net and gross orders totals for Boeing for the past three years:
| 2005 Net | 2005 Gross | 2006 Net | 2006 Gross | 2007 Net | 2007 Gross | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 737 | 569 | 574 | 729 | 733 | 846 | 850 |
| 747 | 43 | 48 | 72 | 72 | 21 | 25 |
| 767 | 15 | 19 | 10 | 8 | 36 | 36 |
| 777 | 154 | 153 | 76 | 77 | 141 | 143 |
| 787 | 235 | 235 | 157 | 160 | 369 | 369 |
| Total | 1,002* | 1,029 | 1,044 | 1,050 | 1,413 | 1,423 |
*Net total reflects deduction of 14 cancelled orders resulting from the 717 program termination in 2005
Among notable highlights for Boeing Commercial Airplanes in 2007:
| First Dreamlifter delivered the first 787 assemblies; second Dreamlifter took first flight and entered service; 787 final assembly began; 787 program celebrated the rollout of the first airplane, and surpassed milestones of 500, 600, 700, and 800 orders since launch |
| 747 program surpassed the 1,500 order mark; 747-8 Intercontinental completed firm configuration; 747-8 Freighter completed 25% design release; first delivery of a new production 747 Freighter to a Russian carrier |
| 767 program reached 1,000 orders with an order for 27 767-300 Freighters for UPS, which, when delivered, will nearly double the UPS 767 Freighter fleet |
| Boeing entered into environmental partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and GE Aviation, and with Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce for joint biofuel demonstration flights |
| 737 program celebrated 7,000th order; first delivery of the 737-700ER to launch customer ANA; first delivery of 737-900ER to launch customer Lion Air |
| Boeing Business Jets had another record year, with 25 orders, including 8 widebody VIP airplanes |
| Boeing Integrated Material Management established a new service center in Singapore; Alteon opened a new training center in Shanghai |
| Boeing's response rate for urgent airline service requests through the Operations Center reached 95.5% |
| Rolls Royce and General Electric joined the 787 GoldCare Program as part of the supplier network |
| Boeing acquired C-Map, a wholly-owned subsidiary reporting to Jeppesen |
| Boeing Fabrication Composites Manufacturing Center rolled out the first 787 vertical fin; Boeing Portland earned ISO14001 certification |
| Major assembly began for the first P-8A Poseidon |
| 777 became the best selling twin-aisle, twin-engine airplane, surpassing 1,000 orders; completed 90 percent design release for 777 Freighter, with production set for early 2008; first 777 deliveries to new customers celebrated, including Air India, Jet Airways and Qatar Airways |
| Delivery of 3,000th Everett-built widebody airplane; Everett factory celebrated 40th anniversary; Everett tour center celebrated three millionth visitor |
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 03, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency have achieved the final 2007 milestone for the Airborne Laser (ABL) program, capping a successful year for the revolutionary airborne directed energy weapon system.
The final event for 2007 occurred when:
| The Northrop Grumman laser team completed inspection and refurbishment of the high-energy laser components that were previously tested successfully in a system integration laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. |
| The team completed all technical drawings for laser installation on the aircraft, incorporating improvements learned during the lab tests. Early release of the drawings and installation plans allows Boeing and Northrop Grumman technicians to assemble and test the high-energy chemical laser in one-third the time originally required. |
| Modifications to the ABL hangar at Edwards were completed that will allow ground tests of the high-energy laser to occur aboard the ABL aircraft. |
Earlier in 2007, the Airborne Laser completed a series of flight tests of the Lockheed Martin-developed beam control/fire control system at Edwards. In the tests, ABL tracked an airborne target, measured and compensated for atmospheric turbulence and fired a surrogate high-energy laser at the target.
The team is now installing the high-energy laser in the aircraft at Edwards. When integration is completed, the program will conduct an extensive series of system-level ground and flight tests, leading to an intercept test against an in-flight ballistic missile in 2009.
"The team has done a tremendous job completing system flight tests with the surrogate high-energy laser and commencing installation of the actual high-energy laser," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "Once again, we made and demonstrated enormous progress toward ushering in a new age of directed energy weapons."
The Airborne Laser consists of a modified Boeing 747-400F whose back half will hold the high-energy laser, designed and built by Northrop Grumman. The aircraft's front half contains the beam control/fire control system, provided by Lockheed Martin, and the battle management system, provided by Boeing.
Boeing is the prime contractor for ABL, which will provide speed-of-light capability to destroy all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight. ABL's speed, precision and lethality also have potential for other missions, including destroying air-to-air, cruise and surface-to-air missiles. Boeing provides the modified aircraft and the battle management system and is the overall systems integrator. ABL partners are Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], which supplies the high-energy and beacon illuminator lasers, and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], which provides the nose-mounted turret and the beam control/fire control system
Today Boeing [NYSE: BA] marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of its 707 jetliner, and the point in commercial aviation history when propellers gave way to the jet age and air travel became affordable and available.
On a typically cold and rainy Northwest Friday afternoon Dec. 20, 1957, Boeing's chief of flight test Tex Johnston, his copilot Jim Gannet and flight engineer Tom Layne sat on the drenched runway at Renton Municipal Airport in the first production 707, checked weather reports and waited for the chance to take the new airplane up for its maiden flight.
At 12:30 p.m., the decision was made to go. But as the 707 climbed over the city of Renton, the unpredictable weather immediately closed in around the airliner and forced a landing at nearby Boeing Field after just seven minutes in the air. Later that day, the sky cleared enough for the crew to take the 707 up for a 71-minute flight. This historic day was the culmination of five years of hard work and gut-wrenching decisions. With the 707, Boeing President William Allen and his leadership team had "bet the company" on a vision that the future of commercial aviation was in jets.
The prototype model 367-80 or "Dash 80" led to a revolution in air transportation. Although it never entered commercial service itself, the Dash 80 gave birth to the 707 series of jetliners. Much larger, faster and smoother than the propeller airplanes it was replacing, the Boeing 707 quickly changed the face of international travel.
The first commercial 707s, labeled the 707-120 series, had a larger cabin and other improvements compared to the prototype. Powered by early Pratt & Whitney turbojet engines, these initial 707s had range capability that was barely sufficient to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Boeing soon introduced the long-range 707-320 Intercontinental that in May 1959 flew 5,382 miles nonstop from Seattle to Rome in 11 hours and 6 minutes. A number of variants were developed for special use, including shorter-bodied airplanes and the 720 series, which was lighter and faster with better runway performance.
Pan Am World Airways was the first 707 customer, signing up for 20 Boeing 707-120s in October 1955. In 1962, Pan Am also took delivery of the last 707-120 series airplane. Production of commercial 707s ended in 1978 after 878 had been built. The number rose to more than 1,000 by 1994, when limited production of military variants ended. Most civil 707s left in service today have been converted to freighters, while a number are used as corporate transports. Approximately 130 remain in commercial service.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has conducted a successful first mission system flight test of a 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.
During the flight from Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., Boeing and Turkish industry engineers tested the aircraft's communications system, including establishing links with a ground-based Boeing system integration lab and local air traffic control towers using UHF, VHF and HF radios. Engineers also tested the internal communications system between personnel within the aircraft.
"This is the first time the integrated mission system has operated in the flight environment and clears the path for additional airborne tests in the months ahead," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager.
The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Modification of the first aircraft is under way at Boeing facilities in Seattle. Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkey, will modify the remaining three aircraft.
The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with Northrop Grumman's Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array antenna with integrated Identification Friend-or-Foe capabilities. The system also includes a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.
CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2007 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] board of directors today approved a 14 percent increase in the company's dividend, the fifth increase in the past five years.
Boeing's quarterly dividend will now be 40 cents per share, up from 35 cents, while the annual dividend will be $1.60 per share. The next dividend is payable March 7, 2008 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 8.
"This dividend increase reflects our strong financial performance, record backlog and significant liquidity," said Boeing Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Jim McNerney. "Our concurrent focus on growth and productivity continues to drive strong financial results, and our balanced cash deployment strategy is serving Boeing and its shareholders well."
Boeing's dividend has more than doubled since 2003.
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 15, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully demonstrated secure interoperable communications between two Family of Advanced Beyond line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) software-defined radios, validating a capability that eventually will link ground, air and space platforms.
The demonstration, held in October at Boeing's FAB-T Systems Integration Laboratory in Anaheim, Calif., completes the initial Engineering Development Model (EDM) hardware and software integration of a Block 6 Phase 1 terminal for the U.S. Air Force.
"Completion of the Block 6 hardware is a significant step for our team as we remain on target to meet the needs of the warfighter with this technology," said Jim Dodd, Boeing FAB-T program director. "FAB-T is programmable and reconfigurable in the field, allowing warfighters to customize high data rate communications to meet changing mission requirements."
The multi-terminal link capability demonstration used a simulated Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)/Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (Milstar) satellite to communicate over live radio frequency links. Demonstrating product maturity, the FAB-T team also integrated terminal software with the first EDM Modem Processor Group. Engineers then transferred the capability to the L-3 Communications FAB-T Terminal Integration Laboratory, where antenna layer integration with additional systems is being completed.
In July, Boeing successfully demonstrated for the first time that its FAB-T system can acquire an operational satellite and complete downlink data transmissions. During the Low Data Rate test, a FAB-T radio communicated with an operational Milstar satellite and completed a series of downlink tests, meeting program schedule commitments and laying the foundation for uplink tests and other interoperability assessments. The Boeing team continues to evaluate the system, with several uplink, logon and management tests completed, and expects the first phase of over-the-air testing to conclude by the end of the year.
FAB-T is intended to provide military forces with a secure multi-mission capable family of software-defined radios that use a common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air and space platforms. The FAB-T family includes software-defined radios, antennas and associated user interface hardware that will provide the government with a powerful system capable of hosting a multitude of waveforms that accommodate data rates in excess of 300 Megabits per second. FAB-T represents a key building block in Boeing's vision of the integrated battlespace of the future, where networked information and communications systems provide a competitive edge to decision-makers and military personnel.
The Increment 1 development phase will create a FAB-T system that fulfills operational terminal requirements for the Milstar and AEHF satellite systems. Using the first increment as a baseline, Increment 2 will develop terminals to support Wideband Global SATCOM satellite operations on surveillance aircraft like Global Hawk with other platforms to follow.
Boeing-led Missile Defense Team Completes Flight Test and Intercepts Target Missile
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 28, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], working with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, successfully completed a missile defense flight test today that resulted in the intercept of a target warhead and demonstrated the capability and reliability of the nation's only defense against long-range ballistic missiles.
The test of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system began at 4:01 p.m. Eastern when a long-range ballistic missile target lifted off from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska. Seventeen minutes later, military operators launched an interceptor from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. As the interceptor flew toward the target, it received target data updates from the upgraded missile-warning radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. After flying into space, the interceptor released its exoatmospheric kill vehicle, which proceeded to track, intercept and destroy the target warhead.
The test, GMD's seventh intercept overall, was the second intercept with an operationally configured interceptor since September 2006.
"Today's successful test is the team's second intercept in less than 13 months and further demonstrates GMD's evolution to a robust and reliable capability for the warfighter," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "Team members are energized and focused as they continue to see the pivotal role they play in developing and deploying a missile defense system that protects the United States."
"With another intercept under our belts, we have even greater confidence that the GMD system, if called upon in a real-world scenario, will defend the nation against a limited ballistic missile attack," said Scott Fancher, Boeing vice president and program director for GMD.
The Boeing-led test was highly complex, involving a wide range of assets, including the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX). SBX, a powerful new sea-based sensor developed by Boeing, tracked the target missile to prepare for the next GMD flight test, which will see SBX provide target updates to an in-flight interceptor for the first time.
"Flight tests are complex; they involve about 1,000 government and contractor personnel and integrate over 50 assets worldwide," said Norm Tew, Boeing director of weapon systems integration for GMD. "Our government and industry partners worked together as one team to make this exercise a successful reality."
GMD defends the nation against a limited number of long-range ballistic missiles, with interceptors deployed in underground silos at Vandenberg and Ft. Greely, Alaska. An integral element of the global ballistic missile defense system, GMD also consists of radars, other sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile fiber optic communications network. The U.S. government has announced plans to extend this capability to Europe.
Boeing is the prime contractor for GMD, the central element of the Missile Defense Agency's overall layered ballistic missile defense architecture. Industry partners include Raytheon, Orbital Sciences Corp., and Northrop Grumman.
Boeing, Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce Announce Biofuel Flight Demo
Demonstration in 2008 targets the viability of alternative fuels for reducing carbon emissions
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SEATTLE, Sept. 28, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce today announced a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a biofuel demonstration flight designed to help accelerate the development of viable and sustainable alternative fuels for commercial aviation uses. Boeing is exploring second-generation biofuel feed stocks and processes that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases throughout their entire lifecycle.
The demonstration flight is planned for the second half of 2008 using an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. Boeing is in discussions with fuel-source providers around the globe to identify potential biofuels that are available in suitable quantities for laboratory and jet-engine performance testing and in compliance with stringent aviation requirements. Additional details will be announced closer to the actual demonstration flight date.
"Our near-term goal in this pioneering effort is to identify sustainable alternative bio-jet fuel sources for the planes that are flying today," said Craig Saddler, president of Boeing Australia. A significant first step is identifying progressive fuel sources that will provide better economic and environmental performance for air carriers, without any change to aircraft engines or the aviation fuel infrastructure."
The Air New Zealand bio-jet fuel demo flight will highlight the suitability of environmentally progressive fuel solutions (bio-jet fuels) that differ from traditional biofuel development. Bio-jet fuels will incorporate second-generation methodologies relative to sustainable feedstock source selection and fuel processing, which are uniquely suited for aerospace applications. These bio-jet fuels can potentially be blended with traditional kerosene fuel (Jet-A) to reduce dependency on petroleum-based fuels. Additionally, sustainable bio-jet feedstock sources avoid deforestation practices and potential competition with global food resources, while helping to lower aviation carbon dioxide outputs.
"This test flight is another step in our plan to lead the globe in development of the most environmentally responsible airline," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe. "We have already taken large steps toward this goal by introducing fuel-efficient Boeing 777s and we eagerly await the first of our 787-9 Dreamliners which will burn 20 percent less fuel than the planes they replace."
Air New Zealand, one of the world's most progressive airlines, is a launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for entry into service in 2008. Air New Zealand will receive its first 787-9 in 2010. In addition to providing passengers with a better flying experience, it also will provide operators with a more environmentally efficient jetliner including lower carbon emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings.
Boeing Completes Eight-hour Flight of A160T Hummingbird
Unmanned rotorcraft carries 1,000-pound payload on longest flight to date
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 28, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] successfully flew its A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft Sept. 26 for eight hours while carrying a 1,000-pound payload.
During its longest flight to date and the program's 42nd flight overall, the aircraft reached an altitude of 5,000 feet near Victorville, Calif. The half-ton payload simulated the delivery of critical supplies to the battlefield. Future payloads will include a combination of sensors, weapons and systems to perform a variety of missions.
"This is a major milestone for Boeing, the A160 program and unmanned rotorcraft," said Jim Martin, Boeing A160T program manager. "The ability to carry a 1,000-pound payload and fly for that duration puts the A160T in a category by itself."
Since its first flight in June, the A160T has logged several additional flights, including a five-hour flight on Aug. 29. Ultimately, Boeing plans to fly the aircraft for 18 consecutive hours with a 300-pound payload. The A160T, a turbine-powered version of the innovative piston-powered A160 helicopter, features unmatched range, endurance, payload and altitude for an unmanned rotorcraft. The flexible payload module can carry supplies or retrieve downed personnel.
The aircraft used during the tests is the second of 11 A160Ts Boeing Advanced Systems is building for the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency.
The Hummingbird features a unique optimum speed rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, eventually will fly more than 140 knots with a ceiling of 25,000 to 30,000 ft. (high hover capability up to 15,000 ft.) for up to 20 hours. Operational A160Ts will be capable of persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; target acquisition; direct action; communication relay and precision re-supply missions.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Projects $120 Billion Latin America Market for New Commercial Airplanes
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sept. 26, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] forecasts that Latin American airlines will need 1,730 airplanes worth $120 billion over the next 20 years, according to an analysis presented Monday at the Latin America Airfinance Conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Air travel within Latin America will grow 6.6 percent during this period, well above the world average growth of 5 percent -- second only to China's 8.8 percent forecasted growth rate.
The "Current Market Outlook" is Boeing's analysis of the future of commercial aviation over the next 20 years. Compiled annually, it presents global and regional insights into aviation growth.
"Boeing understands aviation better than anyone else," said Michael Barnett, Boeing's director of Marketing for Latin America, who presented the analysis at the conference. "What our analysis shows is Latin America's rich aviation history will continue with robust, above-average growth.
"In fact, we forecast air travel within the region will increase at a rate second only to China, demonstrating continued regional vitality. Boeing has and will continue to provide the right products and solutions for the region to sustain that growth."
Deliveries to airlines in Latin America will represent approximately 4 percent of the deliveries measured by dollar value worldwide between 2006 and 2025.
Over the next 20 years, deliveries of new airplanes in Latin American will consist of:
Combined with the retained fleet and used airplane acquisitions, these new deliveries will result in a Latin America commercial airplane fleet of over 2, 420 airplanes by 2026.
The Boeing Latin America Current Market Outlook projects that single-aisle and twin-aisle airplanes in the 100 to 350-seat categories will account for almost all of the regional growth in air travel over the next 20 years.
The Boeing product strategy centers on this growth market, offering a family of airplanes that allows customers to maximize their efficiency, increase profitability, and provide the frequency choices passengers want.
Worldwide, Boeing forecasts a $2.8 trillion market for new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years and projects a need for approximately 28,600 new commercial airplanes (passenger and freighter), doubling the world fleet by 2026. The vast majority of these new airplanes will be in the single-aisle (90 seats and above) and twin-aisle (200-400 seats) categories
Boeing Welcomes Kidde, Monogram and Moog to the 787 GoldCare Team
SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has named Kidde Aerospace & Defense, Monogram Systems and Moog Inc. as partners for GoldCare, the lifecycle support solution for the 787 Dreamliner.
Kidde Aerospace & Defense, an operating unit of Hamilton Sundstrand, is the exclusive supplier of fire detection and suppression systems for the 787.
Monogram Systems will provide the complete water and waste systems. Design improvements include tank capacity automation and simplified maintenance.
Moog Inc. (MOGA; MOGB) will supply the primary flight control actuation system. This system will control all of the primary flight control surfaces on the airplane including spoilers and horizontal stabilizer.
"Bringing these key team members on board further solidifies this comprehensive service option for 787 customers," said Bob Avery, Boeing's vice president 787 Services & Support. "We're working together to ensure GoldCare's innovative new business strategy delivers the value and quality that will revolutionize airplane lifecycle support options."
Systems suppliers have embraced GoldCare because it aligns Boeing and the entire GoldCare team's business interests with the customer's success. Each of the new GoldCare partners will be responsible for providing 787 GoldCare customers with systems for the 787 Dreamliner at guaranteed levels of availability, managing the maintenance of parts removed from aircraft and ensuring that equipment reliability is optimized.
GoldCare services help airlines improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Under GoldCare, Boeing leads and integrates a global team to deliver maintenance, engineering and materials management tasks within a predictable per-flight-hour cost. Boeing offers GoldCare as a strategic business choice for 787 customers, helping them leverage the game-changing innovation of the Dreamliner to reduce introduction and infrastructure costs, minimize financial and operational risk, improve operating costs and simplify maintenance so they can focus on their passengers.
The GoldCare team already includes SR Technics, GE Aviation, Hamilton Sundstrand, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, Thales, and Air Cruiser. For more information, visit the GoldCare Web site at www.boeing.com/commercial/goldcare.
Boeing Holds Major Join Ceremony for Newest UK C-17
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 25, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today reached a significant milestone at its Long Beach, Calif., C-17 final assembly facility with a "major join" ceremony for the United Kingdom's fifth C-17 Globemaster III.
With several hundred Boeing employees in attendance, representatives from the UK's Ministry of Defence and company executives participated in the event, driving a ceremonial rivet into the aircraft's fuselage and signing its nose cone.
"The ceremony for UK 5 is a significant milestone that will lead to the delivery of another very capable aircraft, further improving access to both Afghanistan and Iraq," said Robin Philip, commercial director, Defence Equipment and Support for the UK Ministry of Defence. "Since its entry into service in 2001, the C-17 has performed superbly in RAF service, both in support of military and humanitarian relief operations."
Dave Bowman, vice president and general manager of Boeing Global Mobility Systems, said Great Britain's continued commitment and support of the C-17 is yet another example of the value the C-17 has to international customers.
"Together with the commitments made by the governments of Australia and Canada, UK-5 further demonstrates that the C-17 remains the premier airlifter of choice for the U.S. military and our international customers," said Bowman.
Major join is the first time the aircraft begins to look and feel like a C-17, with the airlifter's four major fuselage sections -- the forward, center and aft fuselages and wing assembly -- joined together into one.
Factory rollout for UK's fifth C-17 is scheduled for December. Its first flight is set for January 2008, with delivery tentatively scheduled for early 2008.
In 2006, Boeing and the Ministry of Defence signed a contract to expand the Royal Air Force's C-17 fleet from four aircraft to five. The UK plans to purchase the four C-17 aircraft it originally acquired from Boeing on lease when that agreement expires in mid-2008.
In September, the UK said it intends to purchase a sixth Boeing C-17 for the RAF. That announcement was a vote of confidence in the program and reinforced the airlifter's position as the world's airlifter of choice, Bowman said.
"The announcement that the MOD has started negotiations for the purchase of a sixth aircraft is recognition of the immense contribution the C-17 has made in supporting our operations. We look forward to our continued good working relationship with Boeing," said Philip.
The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. It can fly between continents and land on short, minimally prepared airfields while doing the work of multiple airlifters. The C-17 is the most reliable, flexible and technologically advanced airlift aircraft ever built.
Boeing is nearing completion of multi-year production contracts to design, build and deliver 190 C-17s to the U.S. Air Force through mid-2009. Boeing recently delivered the second of four C-17s to the Royal Australian Air Force. In early August, Boeing delivered the first of four C-17s to the Canadian Forces
Boeing Delivers First Production EA-18G Growler to U.S. Navy
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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 25, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered the first production EA-18G Growler to the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule and within budget.
"The Growler team put together a program plan that...has remained on cost and schedule, while meeting or exceeding all performance parameters. I don't get to say that very often about our programs," said The Hon. Delores Etter, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, during the delivery ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in St. Louis. "We have a great start to a total procurement of over 80 Gs, which will operate in our fleet for decades to come."
The U.S. armed forces' newest airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft combines the Super Hornet's proven airframe and mission systems with a next-generation airborne electronic attack suite. By using the Super Hornet airframe, the EA-18G program and the Navy can leverage the existing capabilities and known reliability and maintainability characteristics of the F/A-18E/F to provide an advanced AEA platform at a fraction of the cost and time of a completely new aircraft. Unlike the two aircraft already in flight test, the EA-18G Growler delivered today was entirely assembled and tested on the same production line as the existing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
"We're very proud today to follow the Super Hornet tradition of delivering on our promises," said Bob Gower, Boeing vice president of F/A-18 programs. "We made a very ambitious promise to our customer in 2003 that we would deliver this aircraft, built on the same line as our Super Hornets, by the end of 2007. We've not only met those promises; our team has found a way to meet every challenge and deliver a cost-effective, incredibly capable product, ahead of schedule."
"Since the rollout in August of '06, the first flight, the software, the flight testing, it's all coming on time, which is a tremendous boon in my world," said U.S. Navy procurement chief Rear Adm. Kenneth Floyd, director, Aviation and Aircraft Carrier Plans and Requirements. "We're glad to have it, and once we get it out in the fleet, we're going to be flying this thing in ways that nobody ever thought possible. A good day for the Navy, a good day for the nation, and I think the only people that might be having a bad day are the people that end up on the business end of this thing's capacity."
The aircraft, dubbed G-1, will join the flight test program at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., before entering fleet service. The Growler is expected to complete flight testing in 2008, followed by initial operational capability in 2009.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The Hornet Industry Team divides EA-18G production across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon manufacturing facilities. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
Boeing Delivers Refurbished E-4B to U.S. Air Force
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 21, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently delivered a refurbished E-4B National Airborne Operations Center to the U.S. Air Force Strategic Command after completing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) at its modification center in Wichita, Kan.
"With a small fleet of four aircraft, it is critical that we deliver this important national asset on cost and on schedule per the commitments we've made to our customer," said Andy Reheis, Boeing E-4B program manager. "Our employees take great pride in being able to return this asset to the customer so that it can perform its mission, and it shows in their performance."
Programmed depot maintenance ensures that the aircraft receives the repairs and systems upgrades it needs to operate effectively and meet Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements. Boeing Support Systems, a business of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is responsible for maintaining, modifying and upgrading the E-4B fleet.
The National Command Authority uses the E-4B, a modified Boeing 747-200, as a survivable command post for control of U.S. forces in all levels of conflict. In addition to its primary mission, secondary missions include VIP travel support and Federal Emergency Management Agency support, which provides communications to relief efforts following natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Boeing Supports New U.S. Air Force GPS Ground Control System
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 20, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully assisted the U.S. Air Force in deploying a new ground control system that will enhance the operation of 32 Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites currently in orbit.
The distributed server-based system, known as the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP), is designed to improve operations, increase efficiency and accommodate future GPS capabilities as they become available.
"This transition marks a major GPS milestone," said Col. David Madden, U.S. Air Force. "The transition to AEP introduces a new era of GPS operational capabilities for our warfighters and civilian users around the globe. The U.S. Air Force worked with the GPS system's partners to ensure the transition was seamless to the millions of civilian and military users who rely upon the highly accurate GPS service every day."
Boeing and the Air Force rehearsed the scheduled transition repeatedly to ensure continued signal integrity, position accuracy, uninterrupted service and user transparency.
"Given the global uses for the GPS satellites, ranging from civilian vehicle location systems and search and rescue to military uses such as land, sea and airborne navigation, it's important that the system continues to operate efficiently and correctly," said Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "As the prime contractor of the team, we worked closely with our Air Force customer and subcontractor Lockheed Martin to deliver an effective, next-generation control system for the GPS constellation. I thank and congratulate the transition team on this success, and we look forward to the future GPS benefits that the new ground system will support."
BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2007 -- China will require 3,400 new airplanes worth about $340 billion over the next 20 years, according to The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] updated annual forecast for the commercial airplane market. The complete forecast, known as the Boeing Current Market Outlook, is available on the Boeing Web site.
Over the forecast period, China will have the fastest-growing market, making it the largest market outside of the U.S. for new commercial airplanes.
China will continue leading all domestic air travel markets with a long-term passenger-kilometer growth rate of 8.8 percent. Following the anticipated surge in passenger traffic for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the China domestic market will grow nearly five-fold by 2026 to become slightly larger than today's intra-North American market.
With the continued high rate of growth for China air travel and air cargo markets, China's fleet will nearly quadruple to 4,460 airplanes by the end of the forecast period -- 2026.
Single-aisle airplanes such as the Boeing 737 will be the largest category with total new airplane deliveries reaching 2,200. Intermediate twin-aisles such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 will see approximately 750 airplane deliveries. When combined, the single-aisle and intermediate twin-aisle market will make up 90 percent of China's total delivery dollars. About 330 regional jets and 90 airplanes of 747-and-larger size will be delivered.
With China's cargo markets leading the global industry, Chinese air carriers will add about 300 freighter airplanes by 2026. Its total fleet of freighter airplanes will more than quadruple in size.
"China domestic frequencies have increased more than sixteen-fold since 1990 while airplane sizes have remained about the same," said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Marketing. "The Chinese domestic market's projected average growth is almost 9 percent. Boeing believes the current trend of more frequencies and nonstop flights will continue to accommodate this growth through a focus on single-aisle airplanes such as the Boeing 737, which is renowned for its superior performance, efficiency and low operating costs."
Worldwide, Boeing projects investments of $2.8 trillion for 28,600 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. The Boeing market forecast is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market.
Boeing and China have a long, successful history of working together. Since 1972, the world's largest aerospace company and the world's most populous nation have worked together to provide safe, advanced and dependable airplanes for the benefit of both China's traveling public as well as for its commercial aviation industry, a critical factor in China's economic growth.
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 18, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], through its commercial launch business, today successfully launched the WorldView-1 satellite for DigitalGlobe aboard a Delta II rocket.
Lift-off occurred at 11:35 a.m. Pacific time from Pad SLC-2W at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Delta II rocket deployed the spacecraft approximately 73 minutes after lift-off.
The WorldView-1 satellite will provide commercial, high-resolution images of Earth, and is capable of collecting, storing and down-linking more frequently updated imagery than any other commercial imaging satellite in orbit.
"Today's launch of WorldView-1 marks our second successful commercial launch for Boeing Launch Services in 2007 and puts us on track for a very successful year with two of our three scheduled launches completed," said Ken Heinly, vice president of Boeing Launch Services.
The launch also marks the 75th consecutive successful launch of a Delta II rocket. Boeing designed the "workhorse" launch vehicle and operated it until Dec. 1, 2006, when the United Launch Alliance joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin was formed to support the U.S. government. Boeing Launch Services purchased the launch vehicle and associated support services from United Launch Alliance.
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 17, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] conducted the second successful test flight of its Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) Focused Lethality Munition (FLM) Sept. 14 at White Sands Missile Range, N. M., demonstrating the weapon's enhanced blast, ultra-low collateral damage warhead and pinpoint accuracy.
The flight, along with an autopilot performance flight on July 11, is part of the first phase of a $27 million U.S. Air Force Joint Capability Technology Demonstration contract.
"The FLM version of SDB replaces the normal SDB steel warhead with a carbon fiber composite warhead and enhanced blast explosive to eliminate warhead fragments and increase blast power," said Dan Jaspering, director, Boeing Direct Attack Weapons. "The resulting small, but lethal, blast area will allow warfighters to hit targets in sensitive areas while minimizing the risk to nearby personnel or structures."
The SDB I weapon system began combat operations in October 2006 on the F-15E Strike Eagle. The 6-foot-long, 250-pound class, all-weather SDB I weapon has a standoff range of more than 40 nautical miles, and with its SDB carriage, quadruples the number of weapons each aircraft can carry. Boeing will manufacture more than 24,000 SDB I weapons and 2,000 carriages for the Air Force, with deliveries planned beyond 2015.
Boeing builds the GBU-39 weapon at its lean manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Mo. Sargent Fletcher, Inc., of El Monte, Calif., builds the BRU-61 carriages.
Arik Air Expands Fleet with Boeing 787s, 737s and additional 777-300ER
Nigerian carrier latest African airline to opt for Boeing airplanes for fleet growth
These images are available for editorial use by news media on: boeingmedia.com
SEATTLE, Sept. 12, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Arik Air, Nigeria's newest commercial carrier, today announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s, four 787-9s and one 777-300ER (Extended Range). The order is valued at approximately $1.8 billion at list prices.
The 777-300ER was previously booked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website. Arik's 10 737-800s and four 787-9s will be added at the next scheduled website update.
In April, Arik Air took delivery of two 737-700s and announced an order for two 777-200LRs (Longer Range), two 777-300ERs and three 787-9s to initiate the largest and most aggressive fleet modernization program in Nigeria's aviation history.
"This additional order for Boeing jets demonstrates our commitment and a purposeful strategy to establish world-class commercial aviation service in Nigeria," said Arik's Managing Director Mike McTighe. "Our selection of a mix of Boeing products to serve our customers regionally and internationally is founded on thorough analysis to conduct the most economic and profitable operations, while providing unmatched comfort and safety for our passengers."
Arik Air is the second African airline to select both the 787 and 777 families of twin-aisle jetliners. The airplanes' design and operational commonality allows airlines more choices and less risk in structuring the most economic, efficient and profitable route planning. Boeing is also working with the airline to help Nigeria achieve U.S. FAA Category 1 status, which would allow Arik Air to fly directly to and from the U.S.
"Arik truly understands the dynamics of airplane economics and fleet planning," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "With a modern, mixed fleet of Boeing jets, the airline will serve its customers well and enhance its capability for growth and success that contributes directly to Nigeria's economic development."
Arik Air is Nigeria's fastest-growing privately owned airline and serves over 11 domestic routes with a fleet of 16 airplanes. The airline also is playing a pivotal role in the improvement of Nigeria's aviation infrastructure.
Additional Information:
The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, with more than 2,300 airplanes ordered. The 737-800's market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.
The 777 family of airplanes is popular with passengers and airlines because of its fuel-efficient twin-engine design, high reliability, low operating costs, and comfortable and spacious interior. The 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers). With its twin-engine efficiency, the 777-300ER reduces fuel consumption by more than 20 percent per seat compared to its closest competitor, therefore reducing CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent. To date, Boeing has won 1,004 orders for the 777 from 52 customers worldwide.
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. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting. Forty-eight airlines have logged 710 orders since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
Boeing Builds First GPS IIF Satellite
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 12, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully assembled and integrated all flight hardware onto the first Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite. GPS llF will bring new capabilities to the GPS constellation such as full onboard encrypted military code, a new civil signal, crosslink enhancements, signal power increases and longer design life.
"GPS IIF is on track because of the team's stellar application of back-to-basics program management," said Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The performance of these subsystems is a testament to our process-based management and to our lean manufacturing commitment, and GPS IIF fully meets the specifications set forth by our U.S. Air Force customer and places us firmly on track to deliver the satellite for the first launch in 2008."
Boeing is building 12 GPS Block IIF satellites under contract from the Navstar GPS Wing at the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles.
The satellite's sophisticated L-band payload will include new hardware that serves the civil user community. Designed to enhance non-safety-critical applications, the signals will improve aviation and other precision safety signals.
Technicians are preparing GPS IIF for key dynamic environmental tests designed to confirm its structural design and mechanical integrity. They also are attaching the solar panels and configuring the satellite before it undergoes several physical tests. The tests will help ensure robust mission assurance with an emphasis on product integrity and mission success.
Each GPS IIF satellite will complete acoustic stress tests using high-powered speakers to verify that the spacecraft can tolerate the high sound pressure levels during launches; mechanical tests similar to a separation test to make sure it disconnects cleanly and correctly from the launch vehicle; tests of its deployable mechanisms such as the solar wings and the antenna to ensure that they release correctly on-orbit; and finally, GPS IIF will undergo thermal vacuum testing to confirm its ability to operate in a vacuum and under the extreme temperatures of space.
Working closely with the U.S. Air Force to deliver new, advanced GPS capabilities to the military, civil government and the general public, Boeing will continue the GPS Wing's track record of on-orbit performance and constellation sustainment to guarantee GPS availability to users worldwide.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Wins $1.1 Billion KC-135 Tanker Maintenance Contract
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 11, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a 10-year, $1.1 billion U.S. Air Force contract to continue providing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) for the nation's KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. Boeing will perform the work for more than 200 KC-135 aircraft at facilities in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.
Since the initial KC-135 PDM contract award in October 1998, Boeing has completed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on more than 160 aircraft. Conducted every five years, scheduled PDM services include depot-level inspections, repairs, maintenance, modifications, re-painting and supply chain services. Unscheduled maintenance comprises about half of the work performed on each aircraft.
"The availability of the KC-135 as a tanker asset is vital to today's warfighters," said Pat Finneran, president of Boeing Support Systems. "Always on time, the Boeing KC-135 PDM program has a solid track record with proven results. Using Lean manufacturing and employee involvement initiatives, we have reduced the number of days the aircraft are out of service for maintenance by 19 percent, cutting costs by 15 percent per aircraft. Leveraging 75 years of tanker manufacturing and maintenance expertise, we can commit to a low-risk, cost-effective solution that offers a potential bridge to the KC-X."
KC-135 maintenance will continue to alternate between Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Boeing's Support Systems site in San Antonio, Texas, a licensed Federal Aviation Administration repair station and the company's largest maintenance and modification center.
The Texas-based center can house 23 wide-body aircraft at a time in its 1.6 million-square foot facility and is home to the world's largest freestanding high-bay aircraft hangar. In addition, there are 3.5 million square feet of aircraft ramp space, run-up areas, parking pads and an 11,500-foot runway. Flight-control repairs will continue to be performed by Sabreliner in Missouri and completed by North American Aviation Services (NAAS) in San Antonio. Sabreliner and NAAS are prime subcontractors for the program.
"I'm proud that the Air Force has continued to recognize Boeing's efforts on this project by awarding such a great opportunity," said U.S. Rep. Charles Gonzalez, D-Texas. "I commend Boeing on their hard work throughout this process, and I'm pleased that they'll continue to have a strong presence in San Antonio. This investment in our city will be a great addition to our already robust local economy, and I'm grateful that both Boeing and the Air Force will continue to reap the benefits of the flourishing business environment and talented workforce that exists in San Antonio."
The Boeing KC-135 PDM program management office is based in Oklahoma City, near Tinker Air Force Base. Approximately 300 Boeing employees work on the KC-135 PDM program in San Antonio, while 80 Boeing employees in Oklahoma and 75 Boeing employees in Missouri support the program. The company expects to hire about 200 additional employees in San Antonio as more aircraft arrive for maintenance.
"I am pleased to learn that Boeing has been awarded this contract, and I commend the Air Force for a sound decision," said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. "Boeing has a proven track record of performance and reliability in support of our KC-135 fleet, so it was no surprise to hear that it had won the competition."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Signs GoldCare Agreement to Support GE Aviation
SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will supply GoldCare Material Management services to GE Aviation, providing repair and overhaul services for the 787 Dreamliner under-wing rotable airplane components as an offering with GE's OnPoint solutions on GEnx engines.
"GE's addition to our growing portfolio of GoldCare Material Management customers illustrates how this program can help better serve airline customers with lifecycle solutions through a predictable per-flight-hour pricing approach," said John Borst, director, GoldCare Material Management at Boeing.
To deliver GoldCare services, Boeing leads a global team performing comprehensive material management, engineering and maintenance services at a predictable per-flight-hour cost. GoldCare services for airlines provide 24x7 operations center support using enabling technologies to turn airplane operating data into actionable information to enhance efficiency and maximize airplane availability. For more information on GoldCare, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/goldcare.
"GE is pleased to reach this agreement with Boeing," said Brad Mottier, vice president of GE Aviation's Services business. "We can now offer customers maintenance, repair and overhaul services from the pylon downward on the GEnx engines that power the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and further customize our OnPoint service solutions to meet our customers' needs."
OnPoint solutions are flexible, long-term commitments designed to meet customers' unique engine services needs. Backed by GE's world-class support, these solutions help lower cost-of-ownership and maximize assets for GE customers. Available OnPoint services include overhaul, on-wing support, new and used serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing and diagnostics.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company [NYSE: GE], is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit GE at www.ge.com/aviation.
Boeing Successfully Completes First Test Flight of AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 06, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has conducted a successful first test flight of a 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.
During the 2.5-hour flight from Boeing Field in Seattle, pilot Regis Hancock and first officer Randon Stewart performed a series of functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures. The flight follows major aircraft modifications, including the installation of an advanced antenna, ventral fins and mission system equipment.
"This is a major milestone for the program and a big step forward in our development and testing of this critical capability for our Turkish customer. We planned the flight almost a year ago and achieved it on schedule," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager.
Additional functional test flights are planned in the coming weeks, leading to mission system flight testing in the fall.
The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Modification of the first aircraft is under way at Boeing facilities in Seattle. TUSAS Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkey, will modify the remaining three aircraft
The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance. The 737 series has a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.
The aircraft also is equipped with Northrop Grumman's Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array antenna with integrated identification friend-or-foe capabilities. The system also includes a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Technology Will Help Thai Airways Enhance Efficiency
SEATTLE, Sept. 05, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Thai Airways International announced that the airline has acquired cutting-edge materials-management and maintenance systems. The Bangkok-based airline is at the forefront of airlines that are using e-Enabled tools to achieve greater efficiency.
Thai Airways becomes the 11th customer of Boeing's Integrated Materials Management, a program under which Boeing manages supplier-owned inventory at airline maintenance locations. The program promotes reduced inventory holding and reduces supply-chain management costs for the airline.
Thai Airways will only pay for parts as it uses them, thereby significantly reducing inventory holding costs and improving its return on assets. Boeing takes responsibility for purchasing, inventory management and logistics of the carrier's expendable aircraft parts.
In addition, Thai Airways will use Maintenance Performance Toolbox to streamline maintenance on its Boeing fleet of Classic 737s, 747-400s and 777s. Toolbox, which is becoming a must-have software package for efficiency-driven carriers, represents the industry's first set of productivity tools to unify an airline's maintenance and engineering operations from start to finish. Thirty-five carriers have acquired Toolbox since the first customer signed up in late 2005.
"Thai Airways is successful because our customers know they will be treated to a superior flying experience," said Tummasak Chutiwong, managing director, Technical. "That means we must constantly improve our performance, which is exactly what these e-Enabled tools help us do. We are pleased to have Boeing as a partner in striving for the high standards we set for ourselves."
Increasingly over the last 12 months, airlines are embracing the value of adopting multiple Boeing e-Enabled products and services that interact seamlessly and help drive efficiency and performance.
In late 2005, Thai Airways became one of the world's first airlines to sign up for Boeing Airplane Health Management.
"We're seeing growing momentum in terms of airlines choosing multiple Boeing products and services as they see how these offerings can be combined to provide tailored solutions to unique challenges," said Mark Owen, vice president of Material Management for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "Thai Airways has a strong reputation for focusing on its customers, and we're gratified that the airline sees these tools as a way to improve its service."
All three e-Enabled programs acquired by Thai Airways represent core technologies in Boeing's strategy to provide an integrated suite of products to e-Enable the air transport system. Central to the effort is the idea that data, information and knowledge are collected and shared across an entire enterprise so that airlines operate at the highest levels of safety, security and efficiency.
Integrated Materials Management represents the next generation of integrated supply-chain services. It can help reduce costly and time-consuming supply problems such as stock-outs, late delivery and low-inventory turn rates while at the same time reducing the substantial investment a carrier must normally make in inventory.
Thai Airways has signed up for two popular Toolbox modules, Library and Authoring, which will help the airline manage source maintenance data, as well as efficiently customize maintenance information, based on its own systems.
Toolbox today comprises six different tools in one easy-to-use suite of software products available via an Internet browser as a secured, hosted service.
Boeing Delivers First Emirates 777-200LR Worldliner
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 04, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Emirates completed the delivery of the airline's first 777-200LR Worldliner this past Friday. Boeing's 777-200LR is the world's longest-range twin-engine commercial jet and Emirates is one of the largest operators of the 777 family. The airline's first of 10 777-200LRs on order is shown here departing Paine Field during flight testing. Emirates placed an order for 24 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LRs and 8 777 Freighters at the Dubai Air Show in 2005.
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Boeing Awarded $20.6 Million Contract for AWACS Radar Frequency Antennas
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 04, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a three-year, $20.6 million U.S. Air Force contract to build antenna radio frequency processors and associated electronics for the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)-Electronic Systems Measures (ESM) program.
Boeing will complete the work at its Heath, Ohio, facility. The AWACS-ESM program relocated to Heath in 2006 from Corinth, Texas, after the construction of an 800-square-foot anechoic chamber and an indoor testing facility.
"With nearly 20 years of experience supporting the U.S. Air Force in the development of Electronic Systems Measures for the AWACS program, Boeing is prepared to deliver the antenna radio frequency processor capability," said Heath Center Director Mike Emmelhainz. "We're proud of our customer's confidence in our ability to meet these important requirements."
Boeing will deliver 53 radar antennas between September 2008 and January 2010. Earlier this year, Boeing was awarded a two-year, $3.6 million contract for ESM repairs.
Boeing added ESM to the AWACS mission system in the mid-1990s for the E-3 aircraft. It is a passive system that enables the AWACS fleet to detect, identify and track electronic transmissions from ground, airborne and maritime sources. Using the ESM system, mission operators also can determine radar and weapon system type.
In addition to AWACS-ESM repairs and spares production, the Heath facility performs complete depot-level repair and calibration of inertial guidance/navigation systems for the military services and assembly integration and testing for the Minuteman III Guidance Replacement Program.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Demonstrates FAB-T Interoperability with Milstar Satellite
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 04, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully demonstrated for the first time that its Family of Advanced Beyond line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) system can acquire an operational satellite and complete downlink data transmissions.
During the Low Data Rate test, a FAB-T radio communicated with an operational Milstar satellite and completed a series of downlink tests, meeting program schedule commitments and laying the foundation for uplink tests and other interoperability assessments later this year. The test, conducted from Rockwell Collins' FAB-T Systems Integration Laboratory, used Boeing, RCI, ViaSat and L-3 Communications integrated hardware and software products.
"This successful FAB-T test is a significant milestone with an operational asset that demonstrates backwards compatibility with Milstar and provides the foundation for FAB-T Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications capability," said Jim Dodd, Boeing FAB-T program manager. "The Boeing FAB-T team is pleased to have executed this important test achievement for the U.S. Air Force."
Further progress also has been made on the next block upgrade. The Extended Data Rate (XDR) software development is ahead of schedule, and L-3 Communications recently completed XDR uplink/downlink acquisition and tracking with the AEHF satellite simulator.
The FAB-T system includes software-defined radios, antennas and associated user interface hardware that will enable the government to host numerous waveforms that accommodate data rates in excess of 300 megabits per second. Once operational, FAB-T will provide critical, secure beyond line-of-sight communications capability for warfighters via various satellites that support military forces. Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in December 2008.
FAB-T, a key enabler of network-centric communications, will provide strategic forces with a multi-mission-capable family of software-defined radios that use common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air and space platforms. FAB-T represents a key building block in Boeing's vision of the integrated battlespace of the future, where networked information and communications systems provide a competitive edge to decision-makers and military personnel.
Boeing Demonstrates FAB-T Interoperability with Milstar Satellite
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 04, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has successfully demonstrated for the first time that its Family of Advanced Beyond line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) system can acquire an operational satellite and complete downlink data transmissions.
During the Low Data Rate test, a FAB-T radio communicated with an operational Milstar satellite and completed a series of downlink tests, meeting program schedule commitments and laying the foundation for uplink tests and other interoperability assessments later this year. The test, conducted from Rockwell Collins' FAB-T Systems Integration Laboratory, used Boeing, RCI, ViaSat and L-3 Communications integrated hardware and software products.
"This successful FAB-T test is a significant milestone with an operational asset that demonstrates backwards compatibility with Milstar and provides the foundation for FAB-T Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications capability," said Jim Dodd, Boeing FAB-T program manager. "The Boeing FAB-T team is pleased to have executed this important test achievement for the U.S. Air Force."
Further progress also has been made on the next block upgrade. The Extended Data Rate (XDR) software development is ahead of schedule, and L-3 Communications recently completed XDR uplink/downlink acquisition and tracking with the AEHF satellite simulator.
The FAB-T system includes software-defined radios, antennas and associated user interface hardware that will enable the government to host numerous waveforms that accommodate data rates in excess of 300 megabits per second. Once operational, FAB-T will provide critical, secure beyond line-of-sight communications capability for warfighters via various satellites that support military forces. Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in December 2008.
FAB-T, a key enabler of network-centric communications, will provide strategic forces with a multi-mission-capable family of software-defined radios that use common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air and space platforms. FAB-T represents a key building block in Boeing's vision of the integrated battlespace of the future, where networked information and communications systems provide a competitive edge to decision-makers and military personnel.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing-led Airborne Laser Team Completes 'Low Power' Flight Tests and Prepares to Install High Energy Laser
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 31, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully demonstrated in flight tests that the Airborne Laser's battle management and beam control/fire control systems can complete the full series of steps required to support a ballistic missile intercept.
During these "low power" tests, which concluded Aug. 23, the modified Boeing 747-400F operated from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and used its infrared sensors to find an instrumented target board located on a U.S. Air Force NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft. ABL's battle management system, developed by Boeing, then issued engagement and target location instructions to the Lockheed Martin-designed beam control/fire control system. The beam control/fire control system acquired the target and fired its two solid-state illuminator lasers to actively track the target and measure atmospheric conditions. Since the high-energy laser is not yet installed on the aircraft, ABL fired a low-power surrogate laser at the Big Crow, simulating a target engagement.
"The completion of low-power system flight tests is a key milestone for the Airborne Laser team," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "These tests demonstrate that ABL can fully engage a threat missile with its battle management and beam control/fire control systems. We are now ready to install the high-energy laser in the aircraft to prepare for the first intercept test against an in-flight ballistic missile."
After the program installs the Northrop Grumman-built high-energy laser in the aircraft, it will conduct an extensive series of system-level ground and flight tests, leading to an intercept test against an in-flight ballistic missile in 2009. The high-power chemical laser already has completed rigorous ground testing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Boeing is the prime contractor for ABL, which will provide speed-of-light capability to destroy all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight. ABL's speed, precision and lethality also have potential for other missions, including destroying air-to-air, cruise and surface-to-air missiles. Boeing provides the modified aircraft and the battle management system and is the overall systems integrator. ABL partners are Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], which supplies the high-energy laser and the beacon illuminator laser, and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], which provides the nose-mounted turret and the beam control/fire control system.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing, Xiamen Airlines Identify 25-Airplane Next-Generation 737 Order
SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Xiamen Airlines today identified the Xiamen, China-based carrier as the customer for 25 Next-Generation 737-800s listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site in early August. The order is worth $1.9 billion at 2007 average list prices.
"This order of 25 737-800s plus 10 purchase rights allows us to simplify our fleet with the most cost-efficient and superior-performance airplane in its class," said Yang Guanghua, president, Xiamen Airlines. "The Boeing 737 will help us meet our goal of reducing operating costs and increasing return on investment for our shareholders. Additionally, with their passenger-pleasing interior, the new 737s will carry our customers in utmost comfort on all our domestic routes."
Boeing and Xiamen Airlines today also celebrated the delivery of a 737-800 which will enter Xiamen Airlines' all-Boeing fleet. In December 2005, Xiamen set a milestone when its order for 10 737-800s took the 737 family past the historic 6000th order mark. The airplane delivered today is one of the 10 ordered in 2005.
"Our commitment to Xiamen Airlines and the Chinese aviation industry dates back 35 years," said Rob Laird, vice president of Sales - Greater China, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today marks another great milestone in our partnership with Xiamen Airlines as it embarks on its strategic fleet expansion plan."
The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, with more than 2,200 airplanes ordered. The 737-800's market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.
As of the end of July, total orders for all 737 airplanes stood at 7,153 while total orders for Next-Generation 737s were 4,021. Boeing has unfilled Next-Generation 737 orders for 1,690 airplanes worth more than $120 billion at current list prices.
Boeing and Honeywell Sign Contract for Innovative Supply-Chain Solution
SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has signed an agreement with Honeywell Aerospace that will allow them to significantly reduce an airline's maintenance costs by providing expendable parts.
The companies teamed as part of Boeing's Integrated Materials Management (IMM) initiative. Through this program, Boeing and suppliers like Honeywell maintain an airline's inventory of spare parts - providing items as needed. By reducing the airline's own inventory, IMM reduces the airline's cost of doing business.
Honeywell is a supplier of consumable hardware products and services and a distributor of standard, proprietary and hard-to-find parts. They provide 725,000 parts from 150 global manufacturers and 2,600 suppliers.
"Adding Honeywell Consumable Solutions to the Integrated Materials Management family of customers and network suppliers is a strategic move for both Boeing and our customers," said Joe Brummitt, director of the IMM Program. "The IMM suppliers and customers will greatly benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience that Honeywell brings to the expanding IMM business scope."
IMM is considered the next step in expanding Boeing services to suppliers throughout the world to provide value for airline customers and supplier partners by building on existing materials management programs with airlines. Current customers for IMM include AirTran Airways, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Japan Transocean Air, Singapore Airlines and SIAEC. Network supplier partners include WS Wilson, Honeywell, UFC Aerospace, Satair, Hamilton Sundstrand, Avio-Diepen, and the Boeing subsidiary, Aviall.
Boeing Resumes Flight Testing of Japan KC-767 Tanker
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 30, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) first KC-767 Tanker has resumed flight testing following the completion of scheduled ground modification work.
After departing Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita, Kan. Aug. 21, the aircrew performed a series of functional checks during the three-hour flight. The flight allows the aircraft to begin additional certification testing requested by the customer.
"Our team is squarely focused on meeting our Japan customer's needs by resuming flight test activities, resolving some flight deck communications issues and expanding the FAA certifications already received for this tanker aircraft," said George Hildebrand, Boeing KC-767 Japan program manager. "We'll also provide upgrades to their night aerial refueling operations lighting system, allowing for greater visibility when refueling other aircraft."
Prior to the month-long modification work that included a series of wiring system upgrades, the first tanker for Japan successfully completed auxiliary power unit testing to support extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS). Since the Aug. 21 flight, Boeing has completed four subsequent test flights and is scheduled to deliver the aircraft in the first quarter of 2008.
The Japan KC-767 Tanker, a military derivative of the proven 767-200 commercial airplane, was selected over its competitor, the Airbus A-310, in a direct competition in 2001. It has been configured with a fifth-generation air refueling boom and the Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system.
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 has logged 273 flights and 806 hours on the KC-767 Tanker for Italy and Japan. Since the beginning of 2007, the company has demonstrated its advanced refueling systems by transferring fuel through its fifth-generation boom to multiple receiver aircraft, and extending and retracting refueling hoses from the wing aerial refueling pods and centerline Hose Drum Unit.
In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is offering the KC-767 Advanced Tanker for the U.S. Air Force's KC-X Tanker competition.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing Airplane-Monitoring System Adds Six Airlines in First-Half 2007
SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2007 -- Six airlines adopted Boeing's [NYSE:BA] in-flight airplane-monitoring system in the first half of the year, bringing to 15 the number of airlines and freight carriers to sign for the program. Airplane Health Management (AHM) now provides real-time monitoring and decision support for 42 percent of the world's 777s and 28 percent of its 747-400s.
Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines were the first to adopt the innovative condition-monitoring package when it was introduced in late 2005. This year, Air Austral, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, TNT Airways and Virgin Atlantic have signed for AHM. One of the six new customers is unidentified. In addition to the program's first two customers, carriers who signed to use Airplane Health Management prior to 2007 include: Air France, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific Airways, Egyptair and Thai Airways.
"This customer list speaks to the value that Airplane Health Management offers carriers," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "With this tool, airlines can address problems proactively and begin working on issues before an airplane lands and arrives at the gate. That kind of lead time can help an airline turn what might have been a costly, disruptive delay into routine maintenance."
Airplane Health Management supports long-term fleet-reliability programs by helping airlines identify and respond to faults proactively. The system provides fleet-wide information aggregated from other operators, which can be used to determine, for example, the effectiveness of particular maintenance actions in fixing problems. The goal is to help airlines operate at the highest levels of reliability and efficiency.
AHM is a key element in Boeing's efforts to help airlines gather and use precise, practical and timely information through the use of multiple digital solutions. The e-Enabled products, which include Maintenance performance Toolbox and the Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag, are designed to integrate seamlessly with each other to offer an effective, flexible response to airlines' maintenance needs.
In recent months, a growing number of airlines have begun to appreciate the value of adopting multiple Boeing e-Enabled products. Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air France, UPS and Thai Airways all have adopted multiple Boeing digital solutions.
Boeing Keeps F/A-18s Flying through Performance-Based Logistics Program
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 30, 2007 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] field service representative, left, works with a U.S. Navy maintenance specialist to troubleshoot an F/A-18 Super Hornet at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., using an Integrated Electronic Technical Manual. Boeing manages the F/A-18E/F Integrated Readiness Support Teaming (FIRST) performance-based logistics program, which has maintained a 73 percent availability rate for the U.S. Navy during the first half of this year.
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Photo Credit: Boeing Image
Brazil's TAM Airlines Orders 1,000th Boeing 777
(TAM order also marks 100th order for the Boeing 777 this year)
SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that an order from Brazil's TAM Airlines [BOVESPA: TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM] for four additional 777-300ERs brings to 1,003 the number of 777s ordered since the first order of the popular widebody in 1990. Today's announcement also means that, to date in 2007, Boeing has received orders for 100 of the popular 777s.
TAM is Brazil's largest airline, flying both domestic and international routes. TAM became the first Latin American airline to incorporate the 777-300ER into its long-range fleet plan when it booked its initial order for four 777-300ERs earlier this year. TAM's first 777-300ER is scheduled to be delivered in June 2008. Prior to ordering these eight 777s, TAM was an exclusive Airbus operator.
"TAM's recent orders confirm airline preference for the 777 family which commands more than a 65 percent market share in its category because of its lower operating costs, passenger pleasing cabin and unmatched reliability, " said Larry Loftis, vice president, Boeing 777 Program. "We have continually enhanced and improved the performance of the 777 family of airplanes. Today, we have grown that family to include two, new, longer range 777s and a freighter version that will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2008."
Marco Antonio Bologna, TAM's CEO said the 777-300ER acquisitions are an important step for TAM's growth in the long-haul international market. "The Boeing 777 provides TAM with unmatched revenue-generating capability, beginning with fuel savings and environmental benefits," Bologna said. "Further, this is a plane long-haul passengers recognize for its spaciousness, comfort and award-winning interiors."
The fuel-efficient 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,880 nautical miles (14,594 kilometers). The efficient twin-engine design provides the lowest fuel consumption and overall operating costs in its class.
Boeing Selected to Build NASA's Upper Stage for Ares I
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a NASA contract valued at approximately $514.7 million to produce the upper stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle. This element provides the navigation, guidance, control and propulsion required for the ascent of the second-stage Ares I into low-Earth orbit.
The Ares I launches the Orion crew exploration vehicle, which will be joined with other elements of NASA's Constellation program to help propel astronauts to the moon by 2020.
"Boeing will apply its best practices in program management and Lean manufacturing principles from across the company to ensure that we produce the safest, lowest-cost and most reliable upper stage for NASA," said Roger A. Krone, president of Network and Space Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "The Boeing team has an experienced and highly skilled workforce that is ready to get started on this exciting new mission for our customer and our nation."
Boeing will produce from two to six upper stages per year during regular production, depending on NASA requirements. The initial phase of the contract calls for several flight-test production units. If all options of the cost-plus performance contract are exercised through 2017, Boeing could produce as many as 23 upper stages.
"The Boeing team is honored to be selected as NASA's Ares I Upper Stage production partner and to be part of the Constellation team," said Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space Exploration. "We have a proven team that is eager to help NASA and the nation write the next chapter in the history of human space exploration."
Under the contract, Boeing will employ up to several hundred technical support personnel at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The Center has responsibility for the design of the Ares I, with Boeing providing production engineering support. Boeing also expects to employ up to several hundred production support personnel at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the upper stage will be assembled.
"The Boeing team will be innovative in our production practices, gained from our extensive experience as the largest aerospace manufacturing company in the world," said Jim Chilton, vice president of Boeing Exploration Launch Systems and program manager of Ares I Upper Stage production.
Boeing Delivers 3,000th Everett-built Widebody Airplane
In the past 40 years, the fleet of 747, 767 and 777 airplanes has:
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These images are available for editorial use by news media on: boeingmedia.com
Everett, Wash., Aug. 27, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered its 3,000th widebody airplane from its Everett, Wash., site. The airplane was a 777-200ER (Extended Range) model that was delivered to Korean Air.
The 3,000 airplanes built and delivered from the Boeing Everett factory include 747, 767 and 777 models. The site is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
"We are honored to receive the 3,000th airplane assembled at the Everett plant," said J.H. Lee, president and COO, Korean Air. "Boeing Everett employees have made high-quality, reliable airplanes that have played a critical role in the success of our airline."
The 3,000th airplane is joining the Korean Air fleet of 123 airplanes, which includes 13 777-200ERs, four 777-300s, 24 747-400s and 21 747-400 Freighters. Korean Air plans to use the new 777 for long-haul business routes to the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
Korean Air also has 35 additional airplanes on order from the Everett programs including 777-300ERs, 777 Freighters, 747-8 Freighters and 787 Dreamliners. In addition, the airline has four 737s on order from the Boeing factory in Renton, Wash.
"This Korean Air 777 exemplifies the amazing accomplishments that have taken place at this factory over the past 40 years," said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager, 747/767/777 Programs and Everett site. "This milestone is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our Boeing employees, suppliers and the community. Our focus on the customer enables us to produce airplanes that provide the highest levels of safety, quality, reliability and value."
Over the years, the 3,000 widebody airplanes assembled at the Everett site have established a strong track record. Combined, the 747, 767 and 777 have completed more than 34.5 million flights through June 2007. They have logged approximately 148 million flight hours or nearly 17,000 years of flight time. The airplanes have flown approximately 71 billion nautical miles (131 billion kilometers), which is the equivalent of flying around the world 3.3 million times.
"We can all take great pride in the achievements these airplanes have made and continue to make," Bogue said. "The Boeing 747, 767 and 777 are amazing airplanes with an unparalleled record of reliability, which is illustrated by the number of Boeing widebody airplanes in service today."
Currently, more than 80 percent of the airplanes built at the Everett site -- approximately 2,610 airplanes -- are in service around the world.
The 3,000th-delivery milestone comes just nine years after the Everett site celebrated its 2,000th delivery -- a 747-400 taken by British Airways May 15, 1998. The plant's 1,000th widebody delivery was a 767-300ER delivered to Scandinavian Airlines on Aug. 14, 1989.
Boeing added the DC-10 and MD-11 airplanes to its widebody family in the 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas. Deliveries of these widebody commercial airplanes totaled 586 when production ceased in 2000. However, these airplanes are not included in this milestone since none of those airplanes were assembled at the Everett site.
(C) MBN 2008
