Boeing

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    Boeing Statement on Death of Senator Ted Stevens

    CHICAGO, August 10, 2010 — Boeing extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of former Senator Ted Stevens and others who lost their lives in the August 9 crash of a single-engine plane in Alaska. We wish the survivors of the accident a full recovery.

    We remember Sen. Stevens as a patriot who dedicated himself to public service and who made a real difference to the U.S. military and the lives of countless people. He was a great friend to the men and women of the armed forces, and he used his power in the Senate to fight tirelessly for them. Over the course of his six-decade career in U.S. government, Sen. Stevens was a strong advocate for his constituents and put the good of his nation above politics.

    Our thoughts are with Sen. Stevens’ loved ones, with the families of the others who perished, and with the survivors of Monday’s tragic accident.

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    Beckham Flight Returns to London


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Alasdair Mulhern

    What: British Airways Boeing 747-400 en route from London to Los Angeles
    Where: over Scotland
    When: Aug 7th 2010
    Why: While en route, the British Airways plane developed a problem with the fuel system, dumped the fuel while at sea and returned to Heathrow. No injuries. Safe landing.

    The event has received significant coverage, chiefly because Victoria Beckham was aboard the flight, and managed a wardrobe change–and photos of both outfits have been published online.

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    PIA Flats in Karachi


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Jordi Grife

    What: PIA Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 747-300 en route from Islamabad to Karachi
    Where: Karachi
    When: Aug 7th 2010
    Who: 400 passengers
    Why: After landing in heavy rain, the plane was in the process of taxiing to the gate when the crew was informed that the tires had blown on landing. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs directly on to the tarmac and were provided transport to the gate.

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    Air India Waits for 787s

    Air India has informed Boeing that it is not making any more pre-delivery payments on 27 Boeings which are currently being built in Boeing’s Seattle plant.

    The delivery of the planes has been pushed back to 2011. Air India representatives independent director, Air Chief Fali Major, and the Chief Operating Officer, Captain Gustav Baldau will be visiting the plant to see the progress made on Air India’s 787s.

    Air India has around 15 Boeing 777s. Air India determined that “Fuel efficiency of the B 787 aircraft was found to be better than that of the competitor A330-200 by 17 per cent.”

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    UA Boeing Evacuated During Fire


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Manuel Wenger

    What: United Airlines Boeing 767 en route from London to Chicago
    Where: Chicago
    When: August 4, 2010
    Who: 178 passengers and 12 crew, 7 injuries
    Why: On landing in Chicago, the left main gear caught on fire. As the plane waited on the runway, the fire was put out by fire crews who sprayed the gear and surrounding areas with fire retardant.

    Emergency slides were deployed, and half the passengers evacuated via them, which is where the injuries occurred. After the fire was out, the slides were no longer used. About five were hospitalized after suffering minor injuries during the evacuation. Some individuals were treated at the airport and released.

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    Smoke Break leads to Albuquerque


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    Contact photographer Duy Tran Duc

    What: American Airlines Boeing 767-200 from New York to Los Angeles
    Where: Albuquerque
    When: August 4, 2010
    Who: 168 passengers and 11 crew (or 158 passengers and 11 crew)
    Why: The story behind this one is two-fold. One source says the plane diverted to Albuquerque because of smoke in the cockpit. No smoke, no cause of smoke, no evidence thereof was found.

    Another source says an unruly passenger was behind the diversion. This person was detained by the FBI on landing, after which the plane was inspected for explosives. During the search, passengers hung around the tarmac for three hours.

    This man is being questioned about the odor like cigarettes that was discovered in the bathroom, along with some used matches. Another report says he lit matches in the cabin and then hid in the bathroom.

    The plane left Albuquerque for LA around midnight.

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    British Airways Engine Shut Down Response Draws Fire


    Pictured: The plane in question at Sao Paulo – Guarulhos International (Cumbica) (GRU / SBGR) Brazil, June 12, 2010
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Junio Gracielo

    What: British Airways Boeing 747-400 en route from Hong Kong to London
    Where: Copenhagen
    When: Jul 30th 2010
    Why: While en route over Russia, the plane developed engine problems and had to shut down. The crew decided to continue instead of return to Hong Kong, and diverted to Copenhagen where they made a safe landing. The plane spent some thirty plus hours on the ground and on the return to the UK has not yet been returned to service.

    The report of the UK’s Air Accident Investigation said windmilling of the engine without engine oil supply over an extended period of time increased engine damage and recommended that regulators review engine shut down policy.

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    Boeing Relocating C-130 AMP, B-1 Program to Oklahoma City

    LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 2, 2010 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it will relocate the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and B-1 Program from Long Beach to Oklahoma City. The move will begin with C-130 AMP starting in the first quarter of 2011 and conclude by the end of 2012 with the move of the B-1 Program.

    Both programs are part of the Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades (MM&U) division of the Global Services & Support (GS&S) business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The programs now employ approximately 800 people in Southern California. About 550 positions will be relocated to Oklahoma City. The remaining positions will be reduced from the programs over the next two years as contracts are fulfilled.

    MM&U Vice President and General Manager Mark Bass said relocating the programs will help Boeing provide a more competitive cost structure for customers.

    “Making a decision like this is never easy, but as we reviewed our anticipated operating costs for the next several years, it became clear that Boeing needs to take major actions on these programs in order to remain affordable for our customers,” Bass said. “We remain committed to maintaining the excellent record of performance that our employees deliver for our U.S. Air Force B-1 and C-130 AMP customers during this transition.”

    During the move, some employees will be relocated, while other positions will be posted and hired locally in Oklahoma City. Company managers are determining which employees will be offered relocation to Oklahoma City. Boeing will provide assistance for workers who do not make the transition, including help in searching for other potential positions within the company.
    “We will communicate openly and often with our employees throughout this process,” Bass said.

    C-130 AMP brings commonality to the C-130 fleet by offering flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type, and reducing aircraft operating costs while addressing obsolescence and providing for future capability growth. The program recently was approved by the Air Force for low-rate initial production.

    The Boeing B-1 Program is modernizing the B-1 Lancer bomber to further enhance its conventional munitions capability. Multiple upgrades are being tested this year to improve the bomber’s capabilities.

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    PIA Engine Vibration Cancels Flight


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Stewart Andrew

    What: Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 747 en route from Karachi to Islamabad
    Where: Karachi
    When: Aug 2nd 2010
    Who: 215 passengers
    Why: After take off, the pilot detected a vibration in the left engine and returned to the airport to make a safe landing. The origin of the engine vibration may be the bird strike that occurred on July 30.

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    Singapore Airlines In a Scrape

    What: Singapore Airlines (SIA) Boeing 777-200
    Where: Beijing Capital International Airport
    When: July 31, 2010
    Who: 248 passengers
    Why: While taxiing in reduced visibility because of fog, the Singapore plane’s right wing tip raked the tail of an Air China Boeing 737-800 which was stationary but awaiting takeoff. The rate of speed was so low, passengers did not feel the impact.

    The flight was cancelled. Passengers on the Air China flight to Ulan Bator were provided with an alternative flight. Passengers on the SIA flight were provided hotel accommodations. There were no injuries.

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    Transaero Engine Fire


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer YK

    What: Transaero Airlines Boeing 767-200 en route from St. Petersburg to Larnaca
    Where: Larnaca
    When: Jul 31st 2010
    Why: On landing, the engine was found to be on fire. The engine was shut down, and on board measures were inadequate to suppress the flame. Emergency services succeeded in putting out the fire. The plane was towed off the runway.

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    Boeing Statement on C-17 Globemaster III Airlifter Crash at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska


    ST. LOUIS, July 29, 2010 — A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter crashed on the evening of July 28 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Four crewmembers are reported to have been killed in the crash. The Boeing Company today released the following statement:

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the four crewmembers who were lost aboard the Pacific Air Forces C-17 that crashed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, last night. Boeing stands ready to provide technical assistance to the U.S. Air Force with the investigation into this tragedy.”

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    Boeing Press Release: Boeing Completes Acquisition of Narus

    ST. LOUIS, July 29, 2010 — Boeing today announced it has completed its acquisition of Narus, a leading provider of real-time network traffic and analytics software used to protect against cyber attacks and persistent threats aimed at large Internet Protocol networks.

    Narus, headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., will operate within Boeing’s Network & Space Systems business as a wholly owned subsidiary.
    Terms of the transaction, announced on July 7, are not being disclosed.
    A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

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    LA: Near Collision


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Peter Nowacki

    What: Westjet Airlines Boeing 737-700 en route from Vancouver to Los Angeles
    Where: Los Angeles
    When: Jul 24th 2010
    Who: 115 aboard
    Why: After an averted landing, the pilot was positioning to circle for a second approach (revectoring) and the flight crew received a TCAS warning to climb.

    The Cessna 182 was on its same altitude. The Boeing climbed and successfully achieved lateral separation.

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    Boeing Skids off Rainy Guinea Tarmac

    What: Mauritania Airways Boeing 737-700 en route from Nouakchott to Dakar Senegal to Conakry
    Where: Conakry
    When: Jul 28th 2010, 1:30 am
    Who: 91 passengers and 6 crew, ten injuries.
    Why: While landing in Conakry Guinea in heavy rain, the pilot landed halfway down the runway, resulting in an overran; they came to a dead stop off the tarmac in scrub land.

    Passengers evacuated via emergency services. Reports vary, but between 2 and 12 had minor injuries.

    Mauritania Airways is 51% owned by Tunisair; 49% by investors and the Mauritanian government.

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    American Airlines Emergency Landing in Chicago


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Sven Waerder

    What: American Airlines Boeing 767-300 en route from Chicago to Brussels
    Where: Chicago
    When: Jul 25th 2010,
    Who: 274 on board
    Why: After takeoff, both engines signified a problem over Ontario. Pilots entered a holding pattern and then landed safely back at O’Hare. No details are available regarding the problem with the engines. Passengers were provided a replacement jet.

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    Hot Plane Lands in Charlotte


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Felix Bahamonde

    What: US Airways Boeing 767-200 en route from Charlotte to Philadelphia
    Where: Charlotte,NC
    When: Jul 23rd 2010
    Who: 196 passengers
    Why: Passengers had boarded the hot plane, disembarked and reboarded. Finally, after takeoff, a quarter hour into the flight, cabin temperatures had risen to over 110 degrees F. The plane returned to Charlotte and landed safely. Several passengers were hospitalized with heat issues.

    No doubt there will be fines.

    A replacement jet was provided.

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    India: Boeing Completes Final Design Review for P-8I

    SEATTLE, July 26, 2010 — Boeing on July 16 successfully completed the final design review (FDR) for P-8I, India’s long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The P-8I, based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

    Completion of the FDR locks in the design for the aircraft, radar, communications, navigation, mission computing, acoustics and sensors, as well as the ground and test support equipment. It also paves the way for the program to begin assembling the first P-8I aircraft.

    “For P-8I, we are incorporating not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems, so this agreement that the design addresses all customer requirements is a huge milestone,” said Leland Wight, P-8I program manager for Boeing. “It also leads us to the program’s next stage: We are on track to start fabricating the P-8I’s empennage section before the end of this year.”

    During the five-day FDR held in Renton, Wash., Indian Navy officers met with Boeing representatives from Defense, Space & Security and Commercial Airplanes to review relevant design information and performance against specifications.

    “The P-8I’s unique capabilities are tailored to India’s maritime-patrol requirements. It has the reach and capability to defend India’s vast coastline and maritime waters,” said Vivek Lall, vice president and India country lead, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

    Boeing will deliver the first P-8I to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first customer for the P-8 outside the United States.

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    Qantas Emergency Landing in Sydney


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Ryan Hothersall

    What: Qantas Boeing 737-800 en route from Sydney to Brisbane
    Where: Sydney
    When: Jul 26th 20
    Why: While en route, the anti-icing system of the 737 failed. The flight diverted to Sydney and made a safe landing–after having experienced the same problem on the 25th.

    It would be interesting to know the details of the system failure. Around this time last year, Air France Flight 447 went down in mysterious circumstances; it is speculated that the pitot tubes froze over, and that the fly by wire Airbus (unlike this Qantas Boeing) was rendered uncontrolled.

    So if this was a frozen pitot tube situation where the pilots were able to make a safe landing in a Boeing, one wonders if aspects of Airbus fly by wire should be re-considered.

    But this is food for thought only, as I do not have the exact details of the anti-ice system failure.

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    Azerbaijan Airlines Orders Boeing 767-300 Passenger and Freighter Models

    FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed an agreement to substitute two Next-Generation 737 airplanes for one 767-300ER (extended range) and two 767 Freighters, a new model type for the Baku, Azerbaijan-based airline. The substitution has been updated on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

    “With our centralized geographic location, Azerbaijan is becoming a busy hub in the region between east and west and north and south,” said Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. “We are capitalizing on this development by expanding our long-haul passenger fleet and growing our cargo business with the proven efficiencies of the 767 Freighter.”
    Including today’s announcement, Azerbaijan Airlines has a total of eight Boeing airplanes on order: two 767-300ERs, two 767 Freighters, two Next-Generation 737s and two 787-8s.

    “With the economic recovery gaining momentum at various speeds around the world, our customers are making changes to their fleets to accommodate the upturn,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have worked with Azerbaijan Airlines to make changes to its order book that meet its needs.”
    The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 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.

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    Alitalia Emergency Landing in Shannon


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Piotr Pasula

    What: Alitalia Boeing 767-300 en route from Rome Fiumicino to New York
    Where: Shannon Ireland
    When: Jul 22nd 2010
    Who: 198 passengers
    Why: While en route, the crew smelled smoke in the cockpit. The pilots diverted the plane to Shannon, where they made a safe landing.

    Passengers were provided accommodations, and the plane underwent inspection.

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    Boeing, Alaska Airlines Complete Order for Two Next-Generation 737s

    SEATTLE, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier has exercised options for two additional Next-Generation 737-800s.
    Valued at approximately $153 million at list prices, the Alaska order was posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website in June and attributed to an unidentified customer.

    “Alaska Airlines continues to execute a successful and strategic vision based on its expansive fleet of efficient and reliable Next-Generation 737s,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Alaska celebrated its transition to a single fleet in 2008 and with these additional orders, is truly reaping the benefits represented by its slogan, ‘Proudly all-Boeing.’

    “Through its close partnership with Boeing, and working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska Airlines is also expanding the use of advanced navigational and flight guidance procedures that leverage the superior performance capabilities of the Next-Generation 737. These procedures reduce flight times and congestion and result in lower fuel consumption and emissions into the environment,” Dailey said.
    “Our financial performance has been strong, and expanding our fleet with these two new 737-800s will not only help us fly more efficiently but also launch new service for our customers, provide positive returns for investors and ultimately, bring some of our furloughed employees back to work,” said Alaska Airlines’ President Brad Tilden.

    Including today’s order, Alaska will take delivery of 13 Next-Generation 737s over the next several years. Alaska Airlines has 116 737s in its fleet, including 55 737-800s.

    Operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet, Alaska Airlines has established an enviable track record of operational and financial performance. The reliability and flexibility of its 737 fleet has enabled the airline to grow throughout the highly competitive North America market.

    The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets.

    To date, more than 125 customers have placed orders for more than 5,400 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2,000 airplanes, valued at more than $150 billion at average list prices.

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    Delta Lands with Flat

    What: Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 en route from Atlanta to Oregon
    Where: Atlanta International Airport
    When: July 22 2010
    Who: 160 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: On takeoff, the Delta jet blew a tire. The pilots returned to Atlanta and made a safe landing after circling in a holding pattern for an hour to burn off fuel. Passengers disembarked safely and were booked on alternative flights.