I used to smile inwardly when my colleagues said that they started to feel old when the aircraft they flew in previous lives had been taken from service – retired.
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Archive for the ‘Boeing/Airbus’ CategoryQueen of the SkiesiPad – the EFB wonderhorse?Most of the flying world now seems to be convinced that this revolutionary device is now sitting in poll position to take most if not all of the honours in the handheld EFB race. Developers like Globalnavsource are producing well developed, FAA verified systems to perform the tasks that were seen to be the territory of larger, server driven versions. Well, the argument (if there ever was one) seems to point towards the popularity of the iPad. 787 design finalisedThe video says it all really, the -9 variant looks to be the one to watch for its increased capacity and range. It sits nicely between the 787-8 and the 777. Boeing being bullish!
Interesting. This wouldn’t be a move taken ‘on spec’ would it? Strong demand normally means that airlines/leasing companies have expressed firm interest and backed it up with production line options. 747-8 flies!
Not one to miss, more of a final chapter in the life of a fabulous jet.
A400 – wings and politics.Ben has some interesting things to say about the way large entities like Boeing and EDS are structured.
Look for a moment at the A400 fiasco. The RAF wants and needs the C17, more now than ever before with a seriously compromised airlift capability. The early C130 series aircraft are on their last legs, we don’t have enough ‘Js’ to replace them. Talking to those who have operated and administered the C130 and the C17 provides a measure of both aircraft against the in theatre requirements. Apparently the C17 in greater numbers and the ‘Js’ would do the lot! A matter of opinion perhaps but my source was well qualified to comment. Despite Boeing offering very significant inducements to help them keep the C17 line open the A400 was chosen and for the usual reason – politics. The threat of job losses in the UK Airbus wing manufacturing (in the news) being one of them and the political implications for the government in power. This issue is dominating at the moment with the Chinese ramping up their wing manufacturing capability and EADS both supporting and flagging the efforts to apply pressure. Politics in the heart of manufacturing.
Who’s interest would it be in to have large portions of its aircraft manufactured in China? Who would be forced to follow? Where would the job losses be reflected? In the end, who would have the money to fly aboard the products? One enormous circle of politics and prosperity that needs balance and no breaks to keep it functional. Who do we trust with the circle, politicians of course. I will be voting for change then praying for competence just like I always do. Another forlorn hope? Third 787 delay pushes back first flight to fourth quarter
The temptation is to play on the ‘Dream/Nightmare’ line here, but that would be crass. I had a real go at Airbus over the A380s delays into service but a clear pattern emerges here with the problems that assault manufacturers as they seek to deliver a gold standard product whilst retaining cost controls. Throwing money at problems just isn’t something that anyone can afford to do these days and when sophisticated problems occur during manufacture or hugely diverse supply lines fail, delays become inevitable. With fuel prices and other concerns exerting colossal pressure on the customer, the airlines will be depressed and angry and may even beat that by now well worn path to the compensation table, but at the end of the day – we wait. by Geoffrey Thomas
Boeing admits Dreamliner rethinkTime was when we were all looking askance at Airbus’ A380 and its procession of delays into service. Unless you are intimately involved with the process and understand the intricacies of aircraft production it is easy to criticize, far more difficult to execute. This has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated aircraft ever to come into service with fuel prices going North as they are, I guess we need to be patient.
BA038 images – the damageFor those curious to know what she (G-YMMM) looked like after she had slid to a stop, here are a few pictures from a friend. These were not sourced from private or privileged connections, I am told that they are available in the public domain. Investigations are still proceeding as to the cause of the accident, there remain many theories about the cause, but nothing specific/official has yet been released by the AAIB, Boeing or Rolls Royce. We all have our theories but for the moment they must remain waiting in the wings.
When will Boeing build the 777 ADV?
If you look at the advances made with the 787, and then to the industry, there is a desire among operators reeling under inflating oil prices to see those economic and technical benefits available for a new 777. Quite what Boeing thinks of that idea is unknown to me, but the Boeing ‘head shed’ must have seen this coming. They will want the design to have ‘washed its face’ before it either leaves, or comes off the top of their offering, so maybe a few pencils are being chewed over that factor as well. One astute operator has floated the concept – others must be thinking the same way.
This particular corner of the market is going to be an intense battleground. |
Boeing have stepped up production on the 777 and 747-8 series aircraft. This chimes with rumours being heard around the bazaars, not necessarily related to BA. More orders for the 747-8? Boeing must be delighted!
