Boeing

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2011 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has completed the post-launch testing and on-orbit handover of the first LightSquared satellite and Space-Based Network (SBN). The satellite system has been accepted by LightSquared and is ready to begin service.

“Boeing has delivered LightSquared’s SkyTerra 1 satellite after integrating the satellite’s communications with the ground segment to form the first integrated wireless broadband and satellite network,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. “The LightSquared SBN is an end-to-end satellite communications system that draws on Boeing’s proven performance on large-scale integration programs. It demonstrates again that Boeing is the first choice to provide next-generation satellite systems to customers seeking leading-edge communications solutions.”

The LightSquared SBN will combine satellite and terrestrial technologies to enable high-capacity data use for standard cell phones, PDAs and other wireless devices. The SkyTerra 1 satellite carries a 22-meter L-band antenna — the largest commercial antenna reflector in space. The SkyTerra 1 satellite will relay high-data-rate radio frequency (RF) signals to four ground stations in the United States and Canada that use state-of-the-art beam-forming equipment to seamlessly direct transmissions to the complete wireless network.

The SkyTerra 1 satellite was launched Nov. 14 on an International Launch Services Proton vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Boeing, the prime contractor for LightSquared’s satellites, built SkyTerra 1 at its integration and test complex in El Segundo. Harris Corp. of Melbourne, Fla., developed the satellite’s L-band reflector. ViaSat’s Comsat Laboratories in Germantown, Md., provided the ground-based beam-forming equipment, the uplink beacon stations and the ground stations’ control and monitoring system. SED Systems of Saskatoon, Canada, provided the antennas, RF elements and integration services at the gateway stations.

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today unveiled its new 747-8 Intercontinental, the new high-capacity passenger airplane that offers airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

Approximately 10,000 guests, including customers, Boeing employees, government officials, partners and suppliers, gathered in the factory in Everett, Wash., to witness the premiere of the Intercontinental at an event themed “Incredible, Again.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaugh said the newest 747 incorporates technological advancements that make it an extremely productive airplane for customers.

“The new 747-8 Intercontinental features the latest in innovative technologies — applying many of the breakthroughs also found on the 787 Dreamliner,” said Albaugh. “We think our customers will value the low operating costs and passengers will enjoy the comfort of the striking new interior.”

“The 747-8 Intercontinental will be a great complement to our fleet, fitting nicely into the 400-seat category, improving our fleet’s eco-efficiency even further,” said Nico Buchholz, executive vice president, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “As launch customer, we are looking forward to welcoming this new aircraft to our fleet next year as it adds to our ongoing fleet modernization and environmental efforts.”

Korean Air and VIP customers have joined launch customer Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 747-8 Intercontinentals. First delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled for the fourth quarter.

“As the only airplane in the 400 to 500-seat market, the 747-8 Intercontinental will give operators an airplane perfectly suited for long, heavily traveled routes around the world,” said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager, Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The new 747-8 Intercontinental will set a new standard in economic and environmental performance, while providing a world-class passenger experience.”

The 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 12 percent lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400. The airplane provides 16 percent better fuel economy, 16 percent less carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.
The airplane unveiled today is painted in a new Sunrise livery of red-orange that only will appear on the first 747-8 Intercontinental and is a significant departure from Boeing’s standard blue. The new color palette honors many key Boeing customers whose cultures recognize these colors as symbols of prosperity and good luck.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Feb. 11, 2011 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Feb. 10 received two awards from the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) at the Joseph P. Cribbins Aviation Product Symposium in Huntsville: the Materiel Readiness Awards for a Major Contractor and for an Industry Team.
“Capturing both these Materiel Readiness Awards is recognition for our efforts to support U.S. Army Aviation,” said Jim O’Neill, Boeing vice president and general manager of Integrated Logistics. “Our support programs are designed to produce readiness results for our customers, and these results have been outstanding.”

Boeing received the Major Contractor award for the readiness provided by the company’s AH-64D Apache Performance-Based Logistics team and the Boeing Chinook Interim Contractor Support team, both parts of Boeing Rotorcraft Support.

The AAAA’s Materiel Readiness Award for an Industry Team, Group or Special Unit went to the Boeing CH-47 Interim Contractor Support team. Over the past year, this team has supported the Army’s CH-47F Cargo Helicopter Program Management Office and Chinook Combat Aviation brigades through support at the Boeing Aircraft Modification Center in Millville, N.J., and 10th Mountain Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Drum, N.Y., via embedded field service representatives, and through logistics support representatives and asset managers providing components and materials anywhere in the world.
The Aircraft Modification Center at Millville received a separate award from the U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter Project Office at the symposium for the team’s modification of 31 CH-47F Chinooks in 2010.

Boeing Rotorcraft Support is a subdivision of Integrated Logistics, a division of the Boeing Global Services & Support business. It includes AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, H-46 Sea Knight and V-22 Osprey support programs as well as United Kingdom Rotorcraft Support and Ground Forces Support Solutions. It provides tailored, innovative solutions that maximize global readiness for customers around the world.

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — “I’m amazed that Boeing is doing this for me just because of some pictures I posted to the Boeing Store’s Facebook page.”

This weekend, Dr. Jeremy Hampton, an aviation enthusiast and amateur photographer who is also an emergency medicine specialist at Kansas City’s Truman Medical Center and assistant professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy, will be Boeing’s (NYSE: BA) guest at the debut of the newest 747 passenger plane, the 747-8 Intercontinental.

Dr. Hampton came to Boeing’s attention when he posted his photos on The Boeing Store’s Facebook page (http://facebook.com/boeingstore), where he was twice recognized for submitting the “Photo of the Week.”

“We are trying to find a few unique opportunities during each year for some of the more than 73,000 fans we have on our Facebook page to engage with Boeing,” said Director of Brand Management & Advertising Jim Newcomb. “Dr. Hampton’s enthusiasm for aviation is obvious in every photo and comment he has posted. It didn’t take us long to realize we had an opportunity with the roll out that was too good to pass up.”

Dr. Hampton’s trip will include stops at several Seattle-area locations at which he can photograph Boeing airplanes, a visit to the Future of Flight Museum in Everett, which is near the facility where Boeing builds the new 747-8, as well as the 787 Dreamliner and the 747, 767 and 777 airplanes, and access to the Feb. 13 roll-out event.

“There aren’t too many things that really can be called the opportunity of a lifetime but this is one of them,” Hampton said. “My heart has always been with aviation. I attend as many air shows as I can and I always bring my camera. It’s amazing. I have been thinking about it and talking about it since I got the call last week.”

Dr. Hampton’s “Photo of the Week” images can be seen at http://facebook.com/boeingstore and at http://finalapproachphotography.zenfolio.com/

The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newest member of the world’s favorite airplane family. It offers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane, while providing enhanced environmental performance. More information can be found at www.boeing.com/newairplane/747/. The 747-8 Intercontinental roll-out event will be unveiled in a live webcast on the site at 11 a.m. PST, Feb. 13.
The Boeing Store is Boeing’s retail subsidiary. It provides top-quality Boeing and aerospace-related gifts, toys and apparel to fans and employees around the world. In addition to Facebook it can be found at www.boeingstore.com.

SEATTLE, Feb. 8, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA} is delighted that El Al Airlines has selected the 737-900ER for its fleet requirements. The 737-900ER’s size and range make it ideally suited for El Al’s network requirements. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with El Al and to finalizing the details of this transaction.

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) successfully conducted the first flight of the fifth 747-8 Freighter Thursday. The airplane, coded as RC523, took off from Paine Field in Everett, Wash., for a 3-hour, 30-minute flight before returning to Paine Field.

The flight included a standard 2-hour, 30-minute “B1” flight profile that Boeing conducts on all production airplanes prior to delivery, plus an hour of engineering testing woven into the profile.

“The airplane performed well,” said Andy Hammer, test program manager for 747-8. “It was a fine start to the test plan for this airplane.”

This is the fifth 747-8 Freighter being used in the flight-test program. Each airplane is used for a specific set of tests, with this airplane focusing on functionality and reliability testing.

The airplane will remain based at Paine Field throughout its test plan.

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) marked a proud moment in the company’s history today at a ceremonial rollout of the 1,000th 767 airplane. Hundreds of current employees, joined by Boeing retirees who worked on the first 767, gathered to celebrate the occasion at the Everett, Wash., factory.

“It was great to see so many people here today – the engineers, the technicians, the machinists – who have made the 767 the wonderful airplane it is,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As we salute the 1,000th 767, the next 767 is already being built in a new bay where we can produce airplanes much more efficiently for years to come. We hope many of the new 767s will become U.S. Air Force tankers built right here.”

The 1,000th airplane is a 767-300ER (extended range) passenger model for ANA (All Nippon Airways) and was the final 767 to complete assembly on the current production line. Final production work already is underway on the 1,001 unit in a new, smaller bay that repositions the production line toward a leaner, more efficient operation.

Today’s milestone is a chance for the 767 family to celebrate its past, present and future showcased in this video: http://bit.ly/eMZIVv.
Boeing has offered the 767 as the platform for its NewGen Tanker if it wins the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition. A decision on the contract award is expected early this year.

The 767 family is a family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The 767 family includes three passenger models – the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER – and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

Airline company in South Africa selects 737-800 for fleet modernization
Comair purchases Maintenance Performance Toolbox

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 2, 2011 — Boeing and Comair Limited today announced an order for eight Next-Generation 737-800s complete with the innovative new Boeing Sky Interior. Comair will use its new 737s to update the fleet of Comair’s low-fare airline, kulula.com. The airplanes are valued at approximately $646 million at current list prices. The order previously was attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website.
Launched in 2001 as South Africa’s first low-fare carrier, kulula.com currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of ten 737s, including three leased 737-800s. Comair also operates as a franchise partner of British Airways, with thirteen 737 airplanes flying domestically in South Africa and regionally in Southern Africa.

“The purchase of new Boeing 737-800s is historic for our company and gives all our 1,800 staff a great feeling of pride,” said Gidon Novick, joint CEO of Comair Ltd. “The new fleet is an essential part of our efficiency drive, which will not only give us a cost leadership position in our industry, but also provide our customers with exceptional levels of reliability and comfort with the spacious new interior.”

In addition to its 737-800 order, Comair is purchasing the Maintenance Performance Toolbox from Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. The Maintenance Performance Toolbox improves an airline’s fleet efficiency by integrating manufacturer and customer documentation, use of intelligent graphics, cross-document searching and linking aircraft fault data to specific maintenance actions. It also provides a comprehensive structural repair history for each airplane while reducing the time needed to find tail-specific technical information in time-critical situations, such as line maintenance troubleshooting and dispatch.

“Comair is an amazing success story, as this airline company has posted operating profits each year since it was founded in 1946,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Today’s order demonstrates the value the 737-800 has already brought to its fleet and the confidence Comair has in this airplane.”

Today’s operators fly 737s that are 5 percent more fuel-efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998, and another 2 percent improvement is on the way. Boeing’s performance improvement package, now being certified, will boost Comair’s fuel efficiency a further 2 percent through aerodynamic and engine changes.
Among the airlines that recently transported thousands of fans and football players throughout South Africa for the World Cup, Comair operates nearly 800 flights each week on its South African and regional routes.

SEATTLE, Feb. 1, 2011 — Boeing and Air China today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation 737-800 with the innovative Boeing Sky Interior. With this new addition in its fleet, Air China has become the first Chinese airline to operate the 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior, offering passengers an enhanced onboard experience with larger stowage bins and sculpted sidewalls, a LED lighting system with cove lighting and curved architecture and more intuitive passenger service units.

Boeing Sky Interior is the latest in a series of improvements to the Next-Generation 737. The next to come will be a package of performance improvements that will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 2 percent – making the airplane a full 7 percent more efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered. The performance improvements to the airframe and engine are in certification test, and will be phased into production between mid-2011 and early 2012.

To date, 60 customers have ordered the new interior for 1,689 airplanes.

Long-term agreement adds Boeing 777-300ERs to coverage

SEATTLE, Feb. 1, 2011 – Boeing Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Air New Zealand today said an agreement has been signed to expand the airline’s use of the 777 Component Services Program (CSP), offered jointly by Boeing and Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance. 

After gaining experience with the CSP on its 777-200ER (extended range) fleet, Air New Zealand is expanding the support for common parts to cover its fleet of 777-300ERs. These parts will be added to the existing 777 CSP agreement. The airline accepted the first of its five 777-300ERs in December 2010.

The program allows airlines to outsource the cost and logistical challenge of keeping important parts on hand. It significantly reduces the airline’s up-front investment in spare parts and offers a reliable supply of critical parts. They also benefit by receiving a working component more quickly, rather than having to wait for a completed repair that could ground an airplane.

“For the past four years the 777 Component Services Program has operationally been highly successful on our 777-200ER fleet, so it is natural to expand it to include our new 777-300ERs,” said Vanessa Stoddart, group general manager, Technical Operations and People, Air New Zealand. “The -300ER’s longer range make the need for this component availability even more critical.”

"Air New Zealand, with its unique location and route structure, requires a great airplane operating at the top of its performance capability," said Dale Wilkinson, vice president of Material Services for Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 Component Services Program will help provide that edge.”

“Air New Zealand has chosen a program that has demonstrated its relevance to customer expectations. Since it’s been launched, the 777 CSP is indeed the favorite program for 777 operators,” said Robert Anton, senior vice president, Components Services, Air France Industries.

Thirteen 777 customer airlines participate in the CSP, with a total of 135 aircraft currently operating under the program.

The 777 CSP program is offered jointly by Boeing and AFI KLM E&M, who also offer a similar program for Next-Generation 737 models.

SEATTLE, Jan. 31, 2011 — Boeing ( delivered 737-800s to Japan Airlines (JAL) and Norwegian Air Shuttle last week. In sale leaseback arrangements, both carriers immediately assigned the airplanes – one 737-800 each – to Jackson Square Aviation (JSA), becoming the first new Boeing airplanes to be financed by the San Francisco-based company.

“Funding these airplanes marks the start of a very exciting 2011 for our company,” said Toby Bright, head of marketing for JSA. “The value these efficient Next-Generation 737-800s provide enables us to attract leading airlines, such as JAL and Norwegian Air Shuttle. As a growing airplane leasing company, it is important that we continue to maintain a portfolio of operationally dependable and fuel-efficient aircraft for our customers.”

Famous for its extremely efficient operation, high dispatch reliability and leading performance on short- to mid-range flights, the Next-Generation 737-800 remains the airplane of choice for customers wanting to take advantage of new opportunities in the single-aisle market.

“These new Next-Generation 737-800s provide JSA’s portfolio with airplanes that feature incredible economics and operational capability,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to growing our partnership with JSA as they and their customers benefit from the 737-800’s superior performance.”

These airplanes represent the first two of 11 new Boeing airplane deliveries JSA will be financing this year.

About Jackson Square Aviation

Jackson Square Aviation is a full-service aircraft leasing company based in San Francisco with offices in Seattle, London and Miami, with an Asian office opening in 2011. The management team, which had previously worked together at Pegasus Aviation Finance Company, has over 100 years of combined industry experience. Led by the seasoned aircraft leasing trio of Richard Wiley, Toby Bright and Scott Weiss, the team has collectively acquired over $11 billion of aircraft, has purchased and/or remarketed over 400 aircraft, and has developed relationships with over 30 commercial lenders and investment banks across Europe, Asia and North America. JSA has committed to a fleet of 48 aircraft in excess of $2 billion.

CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2011 — Boeing today released the following statement, responding to public reports that the WTO panel deciding European Union claims of U.S. government assistance to Boeing has issued a confidential final ruling rejecting the vast majority of Europe’s claims:

“Today’s reports confirm the interim news from last September that the WTO rejected almost all of Europe’s claims against the United States, including the vast majority of its R&D claims – except for some $2.6 billion. This represents a sweeping rejection of the EU’s claims.

“Nothing in today’s reports even begins to compare to the $20 billion in illegal subsidies that the WTO found last June that Airbus/EADS has received (comprised of $15 billion in launch aid, $2.2 billion in equity infusions, $1.7 billion in infrastructure, and roughly $1.5 billion in R&D support).

“The WTO’s decisions confirm that European launch aid stands alone as a massive illegal subsidy only available to Airbus, which has seriously harmed Boeing, distorted competition in the aerospace industry for decades, and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs.

“Today’s decision will not require any change in policy or practice, or other remedy that comes close to approaching the billions of dollars of launch aid that must be repaid by Airbus or restructured on proven commercial terms. As a result of the June WTO ruling, EU governments and Airbus/EADS must repay or restructure $4 billion in still outstanding illegal launch aid subsidies Airbus received to develop the A380. They must also remedy the adverse effects of the additional $16 billion in other illegal subsidies Airbus received.

“Under the WTO’s decisions, Airbus must now compete in the global marketplace without the massive illegal subsidies it has received since its inception and without which, the WTO held, Airbus would be ‘a much different, and we believe a much weaker’ company than it is today. It will be required to finance airplanes the same way Boeing does – with its own money. Having recently announced it has more than $13 billion dollars of cash on hand, Airbus should have no problem with this new requirement.

“Today’s ruling underscores our confidence in the WTO processes and dispute-resolution procedures. We applaud the body for its work and continue to look to Airbus/EADS and the EU to recognize that in today’s global market, everyone must play by the rules and abide by WTO requirements. Playing by the rules, for Airbus/EADS, means withdrawing the still-outstanding A380 prohibited launch aid subsidy and financing the A350 on commercial terms. Airbus should confirm its intention to comply with the WTO’s decisions.”