BOEING | 787 News & Discussion

[hkskyline]

Boeing Mulls Boosting 787 Production In 2008, 2009
13 June 2005

PARIS (Dow Jones)--Boeing Co. is considering boosting the number of 787 airplanes it will make in the first two years of production in order to meet demand.

Mike Bair, Boeing's head of the 787 program, said in a briefing at the Paris Air Show Monday that he's looking at ways to hit target production levels more quickly in 2008 and 2009. Currently, Boeing plans to make 95 787s in those two years. [ 13-06-05 1244GMT ]

Bair said he's only considering accelerating the pace of ramping up production at this point, not the target production level. He declined to say what that target level might be, or how many more 787s the company might produce in 2008 and 2009 by accelerating the ramp-up.

"The marketplace would eat as many as we could produce," he said. "At this point it is: What is a prudent ramp-up speed?"

Bair said it's possible that some airlines will be deterred from ordering 787s now if they cannot get any for years, but other airlines are eager to get production slots. "At a certain point, you say: If I can't get a plane until 2014, then I'll wait," he said.

Bair added that hastening the ramp-up involves accelerating production by all of Boeing's suppliers.

[Cheese Mmmmmmmmmmmm]

^ By that time all Boeing'll have are the 737, 777 and 787 production lines. It's entirely feasable to ramp up production for 787s since the demand is so high for it right now!

[Cheese Mmmmmmmmmmmm]

Boeing Discusses Progress On 787 Dreamliner
Bernama
June 14, 2005


KUALA LUMPUR -- Boeing during a briefing at the Paris Air Show reported strong progress on many aspects of the all-new 787 Dreamliner that make the airplane more appealing to passengers and airlines.

Boeing's 787 Vice President and General Manager, Mike Bair highlighted the airplane's new air purification system, which will provide cleaner air during flights, as one advance passengers will truly appreciate.

Passengers will notice a difference," Bair said.

"They will feel more refreshed after their 787 flights. It may be difficult for passengers to recognize the differences between today's airplanes, but the 787 will be distinct.

From its larger windows to its unique interior architecture, and from its lower cabin altitude to its cleaner air, passengers will enjoy their flights on a 787."

During the briefing, Bair also provided an update on the progress being made in the design and development of the new airplane.

"We have built four developments composite barrel sections at this point and are entirely convinced that we have our manufacturing solutions in place," Bair said.

Most recently the team in Wichita built a nose section as part of the development effort.

In Everett, the 787 team is building part of a full-scale wing box to demonstrate the manufacturing techniques and support certification of the new airplane.

"It is a true testament to the team that we have created and proven these techniques in so short a period of time and with truly outstanding results," Bair said.

He credited the innovative and integrated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) toolset developed by Paris-based Dassault Systemes with providing a real competitive advantage.

"Our international team is better equipped to develop solutions, consider alternatives and make decisions thanks to our digital toolset," Bair said.

"Even now, one year before we start building our first airplane and two years before it flies, we know that our designs are optimised and achievable."

Although the 787 has significantly more advances compared to previous airplanes, the team has reduced the development cycle by one year thanks in large part to the digital toolset.

He added that the market response to the 787 is "validation" that the team is getting it right.

"We have the right airplane at the right time," Bair said.

"Its fuel efficiency, range, cargo capability and improved maintenance make it very attractive to airlines. The number of customers and their diversity in terms of geography and business models highlight the 787's ability to meet the different needs of different airlines."

"The team is humbled and motivated by the market response. We are working diligently to meet the expectations of our customers. They have put their trust in us and we will perform," he added.

[Cheese Mmmmmmmmmmmm]

Boeing, Vietnam Airlines Complete Boeing 787 Dreamliner Purchase Agreement

La Société
June 22, 2005


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Boeing Company and Vietnam Airlines today signed the firm agreement for the purchase of four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners by the national airline of Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The signing ceremony, held at the Department of Commerce, included Vietnam Airlines President and CEO Nguyen Xuan Hien and Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The event was witnessed by Vietnam Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez.

Vietnam Airlines plans for the 787 to be its future mid-sized, twin-aisle jetliner. The new airplanes, which are valued at $500 million at list prices, are scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010. The agreement also includes purchase rights for 11 additional airplanes in the 2010 - 2013 time frame.

Vietnam Airlines became the eighth announced customer and a member of the launch team for the 787 in December 2004. Customer announced orders and commitments for the 787 now total 252 airplanes, including 128 under firm contract.

"This is another great step as Boeing and Vietnam Airlines continue to build our strong, long-term working together relationship," said Mulally. "The competitive advantages of the 787 Dreamliner will help Vietnam Airlines continue its incredible growth and the development of its global route structure."

Vietnam Airlines plans to use the 787-8 to expand its route system and to replace some existing airplanes. The airline has not made an engine selection.

"We are looking forward to operating the 787 Dreamliner," said Nguyen. "The superior efficiency of the 787 will allow Vietnam Airlines to further develop our route structure to include city pairs that would otherwise not be financially viable, while providing the best comfort to our passengers."

Boeing jetliners comprise Vietnam Airlines' entire long-range fleet. The carrier operates seven 777-200ERs and three 767-300ERs. Four of the 777s have been purchased directly from Boeing; the remaining 777s and the 767s are leased.

Vietnam Airlines has a significant international route system, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major world cities including Moscow, Paris, Beijing, Sydney and Melbourne, Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Manila and many others.

The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry around 223 passengers in a tri-class configuration on routes of 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 kilometers). The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than any similarly sized airplane and will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85.

General Electric and Rolls-Royce are developing the engines for the new airplane, which will feature a standardized engine interface, allowing either manufacturer's engines to be installed at any time on the airplane. The new engines are expected to contribute as much as eight percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane.

[hkskyline]

New Boeing airplanes chief says 787 still on schedule
By DAVE CARPENTER
6 December 2006

CHICAGO (AP) - Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner remains on schedule for its first test flight next summer and for delivery to airlines in 2008 despite the ongoing challenge to make it lighter, the new head of the company's commercial airplanes unit said Wednesday.

Scott Carson told an investment conference in New York that Boeing has 435 firm orders for the new jet from 35 customers along with another 21 nonbinding commitments. The continuing demand makes it "the very strongest product launch in the history of this industry," he maintained.

Boeing officials have said since earlier this fall that they need to trim the 787's weight significantly from parts scattered throughout the entire plane, in some cases switching from aluminum to titanium, in order to meet its promises for greater fuel efficiency.

Carson, the unit's sales chief until September when Alan Mulally left to become CEO of Ford Motor Co., said the first six 787s, all test aircraft, will be above weight specifications. All the company's energies are focused on the seventh and a plan is in place to get the weight off, he said.

Boeing shares rose 10 cents to close at $90.83 on the New York Stock Exchange, near last month's all-time high of $92.05.

Sizzling demand for the 787 coupled with lengthy delays involving Airbus' planned A380 superjumbo have enabled Boeing to seize momentum and close the gap on Airbus in the commercial airplane market. But Carson, making his first formal presentation to Wall Street, expects the competition to remain intense and said his company must fight complacency with things going so well.

"People say, 'Well, you're in a favorite position to Airbus because they're struggling,'" he said. "I say Airbus emerges from this stronger than they've ever been in, and we better be ready for it."

Asked when the largest U.S. carriers are likely to order new planes again, Carson said he expects UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, AMR Corp.'s American Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc. to be ready in late 2007 or 2008.

[Serm]

Boeing 787 looks more attracitive than Airbus 380!! Will Thai order Boeing 787 or not?? Hopefully, thai airline will get boeing 787 instead of Airbus 380 if 6 orders of 380 cancelled soon!!

[Rachmaninov]

Lufthansa just placed 20 orders of the 747-8 passenger version today. I'd rather Thai order those! 787's already secured some 400 firm orders anyway... time for a 747-8 passenger version boost!

[Rachmaninov]

EVERETT, Wash. , Dec. 06, 2006 -- Customers, partners and employees gathered at the Boeing [NYSE: BA] Everett factory today to celebrate the virtual rollout of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the program's progress over the last year.

Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, hosted the event.

"Today's virtual rollout is the culmination of many months of effort by thousands of team members at Boeing and its 787 partners," said Bair. "Through the use of our new digital toolset, provided by Dassault Systemes, the team has proven the ability to manufacture 787 designs."

While the detailed analysis and demonstrations created by the team remain proprietary for competitive reasons, the program did share a number of engineering-based simulations ranging from part installations to the final assembly factory flow in Everett.

"The engineering data behind these simulations gives us confidence in our assembly processes and our ability to meet our commitments to our customers," Bair said. "Our tools have enabled us to model the entire production process from our partners' factories to our own. We have found errors in simulation that would have been costly to find in production and have been able to design corrections quickly to keep the program on track."

For many of the partners, the simulations were paired with footage of actual work on their first test and production parts.

During the ceremony, Bair said that the first production wire bundle had been delivered from Labinal to Korean Air's Aerospace Division for installation in the wing tip being manufactured in Korea.

In addition, the program unveiled the new paint scheme for its 747-400 Large Cargo Freighters and announced that those airplanes will be named "Dreamlifters."

"The Dreamlifter is a vital tool that allows us to create a production flow around the world that is very efficient," said Bair. "We look forward to receiving the second Dreamlifter from EGAT in Taiwan early next month. It will arrive in Seattle already painted and ready to participate in the ongoing flight test program."

Additionally, the program unveiled the Dreamliner Gallery, a new facility in Everett, Wash., that provides 787 airline customers a more streamlined approach to airplane configuration.

"The Gallery provides a single location for airlines to configure their 787s," said Bair. "All catalog selections will be physically present in the Gallery for customers to see, touch and evaluate prior to selection. Previously, this was done at various locations around the world."

Also in preparation for the airplane's entry into service, Boeing is working with ANA and Northwest Airlines on a Service Ready Operational Validation program that will happen at the end of the flight test program and prior to first deliveries. A 787 will be used on actual airline routes, replicating the rigors and demands of commercial service.

"This is similar to the programs we have used with great success on other programs," said Bair. "It is one of the last steps we take to ensure that the airplane, the airlines, and the infrastructure are ready for 787 revenue service."

Bair congratulated the team for a spectacular 2006 and reminded everyone that 2007 is when many of the program's major milestones must be completed.

"We open our Everett factory next year and start producing airplanes," Bair said. "We will have our rollout and first flight and will begin the flight test program. Every year has been important as we move toward starting deliveries in 2008 but next year will be the most demanding experience for many of us.

"This is why we came to work for Boeing," he added, "to create new airplanes that bring new levels of performance to our customers and new levels of comfort and convenience to the passengers of the world.

"It's a challenge, no doubt about it. This is the team, all of us together - our customers, our partners and each of us - who will bring this airplane to life. It's an amazing journey from where we started just four years ago. But the best part is yet to come."

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Program
2006 Major Accomplishments
All factories begin part production
Wing test box complete and testing under way
Major systems laboratories opened and running
On-time start of major assembly
Large Cargo Freighter first flight and flight testing
First production wire bundle shipped
GoldCare Lifecycle Support Solution offered for service
25 percent of systems for airplane No. 1 shipped
Virtual rollout
First 787 VIP models sold
Orders and commitments increase to 458 airplanes from 37 customers


(source: boeing)

[polska2006]

LOT Polish Airlines will be the first airline
in Europe to take delivery of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners

[ch1le]

i find it kinda funny how those first renders of the 7E7 (at the time) illustrated a whizzbang airplane, which looked noticably different than the usual airplane, it looked cool... and now it has lost all that...

[Jim Koeleman]

Last news from a source from boeing netherlands.

There is placed an order for 82 boeing 787's by an arab airline.

EK?

[GlasgowMan]

First Choice Airways will base two Boeing 787s at Glasgow International. They will operate their current routes to the USA and Caribeban plus new routes to Brazil, other south American destinations and Indian Ocean destinations.

FlyGlobespan are also looking into the Boeing 787, they currently use a mix of Boeing 737-800, Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 767-300 for transatlantic routes.

[FM 2258]

Originally Posted by Jim Koeleman

Last news from a source from boeing netherlands.

There is placed an order for 82 boeing 787's by an arab airline.

EK?

Hmmm.....maybe some Boeing 787-10s? That would be cool.

[Rachmaninov]

SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed that UK-based carrier and integrated-tour operator First Choice Airways has ordered an additional two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with deliveries beginning in 2011. This order previously was listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries webpage attributed to an unidentified customer.

First Choice, the European launch customer for the 787, placed its first order for six 787s in July 2004. With today's announcement, First Choice now has eight 787s on order. Boeing will deliver First Choice's first 787 in the first quarter of 2009.

"The additional 787s are integral to providing our customers the most comfortable air-travel experience possible in an environmentally responsible way," said Chris Browne, Managing Director, First Choice Airways. "Thanks to its unique cabin environment featuring a more spacious interior, bigger windows and higher humidity, we firmly believe passengers will prefer the First Choice 787 product. From a business perspective, the 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency will benefit our bottom line and facilitate our growth into new markets."

First Choice's 787s will be powered by all-new GEnx engines developed by General Electric.

"This follow-on order from our European launch customer First Choice speaks volumes about their belief in the exceptional benefits the 787 will bring to their passengers," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are delighted they are furthering their commitment to this innovative airplane which incorporates the most advanced materials and technologies available today to airlines around the world."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, when it enters service in 2008, will provide passengers with a better flying experience. Inside the airplane, passengers will find bigger windows and more stowage space, and experience cleaner air and a higher humidity. The improvements in cabin altitude combined with higher humidity and cleaner air create an overall improvement in passenger comfort.

Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with 20 percent lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings.

As of Dec. 5, Boeing has received 458 orders and commitments for the 787 Dreamliner

(source: Boeing)

[Jim Koeleman]

Originally Posted by Jim Koeleman

Last news from a source from boeing netherlands.

There is placed an order for 82 boeing 787's by an arab airline.

EK?

I've just heard that the order might be from Etihad. The order is for about 67 aircrafts. So i don't know from where the number 82 comes from(maybe 67 Firm + 15 Options). Strange, for an airliner with a fleet of 19 planes at this moment. They're also negotaiting about an order of 747-8I's.

I dont know if this true, but EK is clearly missing the boat if Etihad orders 67 aircrafts.

[Jim Koeleman]

Originally Posted by FM 2258

Hmmm.....maybe some Boeing 787-10s? That would be cool.

If EK orders the plane, then there are orders for the dash 10.
If EY orders the plane, then there are probably no orders for the dash 10.

[Wezza]

Originally Posted by ch1le

i find it kinda funny how those first renders of the 7E7 (at the time) illustrated a whizzbang airplane, which looked noticably different than the usual airplane, it looked cool... and now it has lost all that...

I think the aircraft was made to look more conventional because it had something to do with the dynamics?? Not sure.....

[JasonB52]

Originally Posted by ch1le

i find it kinda funny how those first renders of the 7E7 (at the time) illustrated a whizzbang airplane, which looked noticably different than the usual airplane, it looked cool... and now it has lost all that...

I don't think it has lost it's luster at all. If you look at the airplane it is replacing, you'll find that it is indeed a big step up. I thought the initial renderings looked kinda silly anyways.

[nazrey]

Boeing Schedules 787 Dreamliner First Flight For Q2 2009; First Delivery For Q1 2010
December 12, 2008 12:53 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Boeing has announced an updated schedule for its all-new 787 Dreamliner programme that moves the commercial jet's first flight into the second quarter of 2009 and first delivery into the first quarter of 2010.

The new schedule reflects the impact of disruption caused by the recent Machinists' strike along with the requirement to replace certain fasteners in early production airplanes, it said in a statement.

"Our industry team has made progress with structural testing, systems hardware qualification and production, but we must adjust our schedule for these two unexpected disruptions," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson.

Prior to the strike that halted much of the company's commercial airplane work from early September into November, the 787 was to make its first flight late in the fourth quarter of 2008, it said.

First delivery was slated for the third quarter of 2009, said Beoing.

"We're laser focused on what needs to be done to prepare for first flight," said Pat Shanahan, 787 programme vice-president.

"We will overcome this set of circumstances as we have others in the past, and we understand clearly what needs to be done moving forward."

Included in the preparations for first flight, Shanahan said, are finalising and incorporating remaining engineering changes and completing systems testing, qualifications and certification.

Boeing is evaluating the specific impact of this delay on customer delivery dates and will provide customers with updated schedules once completed.

The company is also determining any financial impact from this schedule change and will incorporate that into updated financial and overall airplane delivery guidance that will be released at a later date.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=377836

[Shezan]

lovely plane

in the Shiphol plaza you can find the HerpaWings B787 Model already