UPDATE 2-Boeing engineers reject four-year contract offer

Oct 2 (Reuters) - In a widely expected show of force, Boeing Co's engineers and technical workers rejected a pay offer late Monday, setting the stage for talks to resume Tuesday for labor agreements covering 23,000 workers.

The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said 95.5 percent of engineers and 97.1 percent of technicians voted against the contract offer, sending their bargaining teams back to the negotiating table.

The union and Boeing had agreed before the mail-in ballots were counted that if the contract offer was voted down they would meet Tuesday to continue discussions on a deal to replace two labor agreements that expire on Oct. 6.

Figures released by Speea showed 15,097 members voted to reject the contract, compared with 608 who supported it, with 72 percent of all members voting.

"We hope the vote results clear away the nonsense and allow us to begin substantive negotiations," said Ray Goforth, executive director of Speea in a statement.

Boeing issued a statement saying: "We are committed to continuing discussions, answering questions and considering any proposals or counter-proposals from your negotiations team."

Analysts said they did not expect the vote to affect Boeing's operations or share price in the short term, since engineers can continue working under the current contract after it expires on Oct. 6.
Boeing said that should talks go beyond Oct. 6, the contract would terminate on Nov. 25 because Speea had filed a 60-day termination notice.

"No strike can take place until after Nov. 25," Boeing said.

A separate vote is required to authorize a strike, and most experts, including union and Boeing officials, say they consider a strike unlikely.

Earlier on Monday Boeing's chief executive, Jim McNerney, said he expected negotiations to result in a "successful resolution over the next few weeks."

"(Boeing) will simply have to come back with a more generous contract," said aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia of the Virginia-based Teal Group. "That's what it comes down to."

He said the Nov. 25 deadline didn't pose a major concern. "That should be enough time to reach an agreement."

Russell Solomon, senior vice president and analyst at Moody's Investors Service, said he had been expecting Boeing and the union to have to agree within 30 days. The longer timeframe "actually indicates more of a willingness and certainly an expectation that some mutually accept agreement will be reached."

Boeing had said its "market leading" offer reflected the competitive market for commercial aircraft and its defense businesses.

Michael Delaney, vice president for engineering, Commercial Airplanes division, has also said that the company would have to send work to engineers outside of the Seattle area if the union demands higher pay and benefits, according to The Seattle Times.

The union says its members rejected a contract offer which would give annual pay rises of 3.5 percent for engineers for the next four years, a cut from the current 5 percent annual rise, raise healthcare costs and appeared to allow the company to make changes to the agreement after it was ratified, Speea spokesman Bill Dugovich said.

The union says it deserves a better offer, considering Boeing is posting strong profits, has increased its dividend and has more than 4,000 aircraft orders.

"Boeing is pointing towards that external climate, which is completely different than the climate for the Boeing company," Dugovich said.

The union and analysts said the contract vote was aimed at showing Speea's negotiators have the backing from rank and file workers.

"It's symbolic," said Carter Leake, an aerospace analyst with BB&T Capital Markets in Richmond, Virginia. "It's a way to signal your disgust -- a kabuki dance we've got to go through."

The vote follows rallies last week in the Seattle area, where most Speea members are based, aimed at showing that the rank and file are united behind bargaining units for the engineers and technical workers. The union made a contract offer in June, and Boeing tabled its offer in September.

Dugovich said the vote "shows that our members are not going to stand for being treated like second-class citizens when the executives are getting double-digit raises and bonuses equivalent to a year's salary."

According to company filings, McNerney received $1.9 million in base salary in 2011 an amount that has not increased since 2008. He received a $4.4 million bonus in 2011 and an additional bonus of $4.3 million for 2009-2011.

GE calls for new round of inspections on GEnx engines

* Service bulletin to be issued to airlines
* Focus is on low-pressure turbine after Shanghai failure
By Scott Malone
Oct 2 (Reuters) - General Electric Co is calling for a new round of inspections by airlines on its new GEnx engine on Boeing Co aircraft, with a focus on the section of the engine that failed on a 747-8 freighter in Shanghai last month.
U.S. inspectors have determined that a section of the engine called the low-pressure turbine caused the freighter's engine to fail. A cracked fan shaft was identified as the cause of a failure of a GEnx engine in a pre-flight test on a 787 Dreamliner in Charleston, South Carolina, in July.
"We're issuing a service bulletin within the next day or two to all the GEnx operators, and what that will do is call for an inspection of the low-pressure turbine area," Rick Kennedy, a spokesman for GE, said on Tuesday
GE is the world's biggest maker of jet engines.
Neither of the incidents has resulted in any injuries. But t he chief executive of Q atar Airways, Akbar Al-Baker, on Tuesday said his airline would not accept delivery of the 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners it has ordered until the engines are modified.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration last month declared that aircraft using the GEnx engine should have their fan shafts inspected every 90 days to ensure that no new cracks develop. GE has since changed the way it makes the engine to use a new coating on the shaft intended to reduce the risk of cracks.
In both the Charleston incident, which occurred on a jet that was being tested before delivery, and in Shanghai, where a freighter aborted takeoff, U.S. regulators found the accidents were "contained," meaning that no parts from the engine endangered the main fuselage of the aircraft.
It is unusual but not unheard of for two failures to emerge on an engine already being sold to airlines, said William Storey, president of the Teal Group, an aviation consulting group.
"Usually that's the sort of failure that gets taken out in the development and testing process," Storey said. Qatar Air's threat, said, "should light a fire under GE" to resolve the problem.
In July, Japan's All Nippon Airways briefly grounded its Dreamliners after tests revealed a risk of corrosion in engines built by GE rival Rolls-Royce PLC. The aircraft returned to service in early August, and last month ANA said it would buy another 11 Dreamliners.
Boeing rival Airbus has faced problems with cracks in the wings of its A380 aircraft.
About 120 GEnx engines have shipped to airlines so far and another 1,000 have been ordered, a sales benchmark that no previous generation of GE engine met so quickly, GE officials said.
"It is essentially sold out for the next five years," Kennedy said.

Emirates to Offer In-Flight Mobile Phone Service

Emirates will begin offering in-flight mobile phone service on its fleet of A380s, as part of of the Dubai carrier's connectivity package with OnAir.

The OnAir system uses EDGE and GPRS connections to allow passengers to make and receive phone calls and text messages through their individual mobile service providers.

Emirates said the OnAir mobile service has been successfully installed and tested on one of its A380s, and will be retrofitted to its entire fleet of 25 A380s going forward.

“Our goal on every flight is to exceed our passenger’s’ expectations. We believe that exceeding expectations should not only apply to our Cabin Crew’s award-winning inflight service and our SKYTRAX ‘World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’ ice system, but also to our passenger’s desire to stay in touch while travelling,” said Patrick Brannelly, VP of corporate communications at Emirates.



(Emirates customer connects onboard the A380)

Qatar Airways Seeks 787 Engine Modification Before Delivery

Qatar Airways is refusing to take deliveries of the 30 firm Boeing 787 Dreamliners it has on order until the jet engines are modified, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of the government-run Middle Eastern carrier, said until the mid-fan shaft defect has been fixed in the GE engines, it will not take deliveries of the new aircraft; it was scheduled to receive five Dreamliners later this year.

“Qatar Airways will not take deliveries of any 787s until the engines have the new modified midfan shaft and this is what Boeing is going to oblige,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways.

There have been several recent incidents involving GEnx engines installed on Boeing 787s resulting from defects found on the midfan shafts of the engines.

In September, FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) calling for ultrasonic inspections (UI) of all GEnx-1B and 2B engines.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Boeing and GE have completed initial inspections on all affected engines in-service of Sept. 19, but the Qatar Airways chief is calling for a replacement of the engines on the 787s that are scheduled for delivery to his airline.

"The 787 has a new technology engine," Al Baker said. "However, there has been a material defect in the midfan shaft of the engine which now needs replacement and inspection at very short intervals."

GECAS Finalizes Order for up to 100 Boeing 737s

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) finalized an order with Boeing for up to 100 737 aircraft.
The $6 billion order was first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow. The order calls for 75 737 MAX 8s, 10 Next-Generation 737-800s and includes an option for an additional 15 737-800s.

Boeing did not announce when it expects to deliver the 737s to the commercial aircraft financing and leasing firm.

"The 737 MAX will be a perfect compliment to our broad portfolio of modern, fuel efficient aircraft that offer our airline customers the lowest operating costs," said Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO of GECAS.

Boeing also recently announced a major order for its 737s from Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes.

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(Reuters) - Representatives from Air India took delivery on Friday of the first Boeing Co (BA.N) 787 Dreamliner made in South Carolina and the first manufactured outside Boeing Commercial Airplane's headquarters in Washington state.

The delivery marks another milestone in Boeing's efforts to broaden its production base beyond Washington, where all of its other jets have been built. The 787 is largely outsourced to other countries, with wings and other parts shipped in for final assembly to Boeing facilities in Washington and now, South Carolina. Boeing's corporate headquarters are in Chicago.

"Airplane built, airplane completed, airplane flown and now today, airplane delivered," said Jack Jones, chief executive of Boeing South Carolina whose $750 million final assembly plant in North Charleston was started in fall 2009. Production began in the summer of 2011. The first plane was completed in April.

Boeing South Carolina also makes and assembles the mid-body and aft-body fuselage sections for all 787s at the plant.

"Three years ago, nothing was here," Jones said. "Some of these employees - a year and half of experience. That's unprecedented. It's also historic."

Today's delivery was the third 787 for Air India AIRID.UL. It took delivery of two more last month, both made in Washington.

By March 2013, the state-owned airline will have taken eight of the 27 Dreamliners it ordered in 2005.

"We should have had all 27 aircraft by 2008," said Air India board member K.M. Unni, speaking at a delivery ceremony in North Charleston.

Boeing's new, lightweight, fuel-efficient passenger jet was plagued by years of supply chain problems and production delays.

Delivery of Air India's completed 787s was further delayed this summer by talks between Boeing and the Indian government over compensation for the production delays and by bureaucracy, said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing's vice president of sales and marketing for Asia-Pacific and India.

"These airplanes were late," Keskar said. The decision to accept compensation "had to go all the way to the cabinet of the country."

The 787 is a key component of the troubled airline's turnaround strategy, officials said. The jets are now in domestic service and also fly to Dubai, and by mid-October, the airline will open 787 routes to Frankfurt, Paris and London, Unni said. Next year, Air India will open 787 routes to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Osaka and Australia, he said.

By 2031, India will have the fourth-largest economy in the world, Keskar said. "No place in the world, including China, has a greater rate of growth," he said. Boeing forecasts that India will need 1,450 airplanes in the next 20 years, Keskar said.

"Roughly 234 of those airplanes will be the 787, 777 type of airplanes," Keskar said.

Boeing also forecasts that Asia is going to take 40 percent of the world's airplanes in the next 20 years, he said. The company has delivered 28 Dreamliners as of Friday, Keskar said. It has orders of 824 more from 58 customers, he said.

(Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Editing by Alwyn Scott and Tim Dobbyn)

Airbus lags Boeing in 9-mth plane orders

(Reuters) - European planemaker Airbus won less than half as many aircraft orders as Boeing in the first nine months of the year as its U.S. arch-rival benefited from a surge in demand for its new fuel-efficient single-aisle model.

Airbus sold 437 planes in the period from January to September, compared with 962 for Boeing between January 1 and October 2. After cancellations, Boeing outsold Airbus by 879 to 382, based on the latest figures published by both companies.

Boeing also outpaced Airbus in terms of deliveries, with 436 planes handed over to airline and leasing customers against 405 for Airbus. This was helped by a doubling in deliveries of Boeing's delayed carbon-composite 787 Dreamliner in the third quarter to 12.

The fresh data show Boeing is on course to reclaim the top spot in commercial aircraft production from Airbus this year. The U.S. group lagged Airbus on deliveries for the ninth year in a row last year.

Boeing's market share sank to its worst level in the history of its 40-year rivalry with Airbus in 2011 as it took longer to decide on a strategy to meet demand for more fuel-efficient single-aisle jets in response to Airbus' new A320neo.

But the arrival of the 737 MAX is helping Boeing accelerate ahead of Airbus this year, with overall orders rising to 404 in the third quarter from 36 in the second as it logged 377 sales of the new model.
Airbus' new business in September included follow-on orders for 10 A330-300 long-haul aircraft from Philippine Airlines and 10 A320neo planes for an undisclosed customer. Dublin-based lessor Aircraft Purchase Fleet Ltd also bought two A320s.

Airbus last month reaffirmed its sales target of 650 gross orders this year, with sales chief John Leahy saying the planemaker was "on track to do at least 650, hopefully a bit more".

He reiterated then that it was becoming tougher to reach its target of selling 30 A380 aircraft, although Airbus was on track to deliver 30 of the superjumbos this year.

Airbus said on Friday that it had delivered 17 A380s in the nine months through September. (Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Helen Massy-Beresford and Christian Plumb)

Boeing: Qatar has taken delivery of first 787

Oct 5 (Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Friday that Qatar Airways had taken delivery of a 787 Dreamliner plane.

Qatar's chief executive had said on Oct. 2 that the airline would not take any 787s until an engine defect was corrected. Qatar has placed 30 firm Dreamliner orders and an option for 30 more and selected a General Electric Co engine.

Qatar Airways was not immediately available for comment on Friday evening.

Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said on Friday that the plane would "now head to Victorville, Calif., to install Qatar Airways' connectivity modifications."

Alder said that the company would hold a delivery celebration once the plane returns to Seattle. Qatar Airways, is the first airline from the Middle East to take delivery of a Boeing 787, Alder said.

Boeing doubles 787 deliveries in the third quarter

(Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Thursday it doubled deliveries of its fuel-efficient 787 jets in the third quarter to 12, compared with six in the second quarter.

Boeing is years behind its initial delivery schedule on the new light-weight, carbon-composite 787 aircraft after extensive development delays.

The company declined to say how many of the 787s delivered in the quarter came from a group of previously produced jets that needed engineering changes after they left the factory.

Boeing has produced more than 70 of its 787 jet and delivered 26, suggesting that 45 or more jets require the post-factory retrofitting, said Russell Solomon an analyst at Moody's Investors Service in New York.

"When you do the math, there are 50-ish sitting there with some level of work that needs to be completed," he said. "We think most of those will get delivered next year. A few more from that group should be delivered this year."

All of 787s delivered so far have been produced at Boeing's plant in Everett, Wash.

Boeing is trying to speed up production to five 787s per month by year-end. The rate will include jets made at its plant in South Carolina. That factory is expected to deliver its first 787 from South Carolina on Friday, to Air India.

Overall, the company delivered 149 jets in the third quarter, down from 150 in the second, but up from 137 in the first quarter. Deliveries rose 17 percent from a year ago.

Orders rose sharply in the latest quarter, hitting 404, compared with 36 in the second quarter.

Orders for the new 737 MAX drove the increase, Boeing said. The company logged orders for 377 of the single-aisle 737 jets in the quarter, up from just three in the second quarter of 2012, and compared with 243 in the third quarter of 2011.

Among the big buyers, United Airlines ordered 100 of the 737 MAX planes, and Air Lease Corp and GE Capital Aviation Services ordered 75 each. Virgin Australia Airlines ordered 23. (Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Maureen Bavdek, Tim Dobbyn and M.D. Golan)

Garuda Buka Rute Baru Domestik dengan Pesawat Bombardier CRJ 1000

Surabaya - PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk terus mengepakkan sayapnya menjangkau pasar domestik maupun jarak jauh. Khusus pasar domestik atau jarak pendek, Garuda Branch Office Surabaya membuka rute baru Surabaya-Mataram dan Surabaya-Semarang menggunakan pesawat baru jenis CRJ 1000 NextGen dari Bombardier Aerospace, perusahaan pesawat asal Canada.

Pembukaan rute baru Surabaya-Semarang PP dan Surabaya-Mataram PP ini efektif per November 2012.

"Untuk melayani permintaan pasar yang semakin meningkat, baik untuk perjalanan tujuan business maupun leisure," kata GM Branch Office Surabaya PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Muchwendi Harahap, Kamis (6/9/2012).

Ia menerangkan, penggunaan pesawat baru jenis CRJ 1000 NextGen karena, pesawat ini sangat handal dan ramah lingkungan, dengan biaya operasional dan konsumsi bahan bakar yang sangat efisien dan kapasitas yang optimal.

Selain itu, kata Muchwendi, tampilan dan desain pesawat yang nantinya akan memiliki kapasitas kursi sebanyak 12 kelas bisnis dan 86 kelas ekonomi, memiliki interoir yang nyaman bagi penumpang dengan dilengkapi bagasi kabin yang cukup luas, desain baru yang lebih menarik pada jendela dan panel langit-langit pesawat. Serta sistem pencahayaan kabin dengan teknologi yang lebih baik.

"Kita harapkan load factor-nya sekitar 80 persen untuk tujuan Surabaya-Semarang maupun Surabaya-Mataram," tuturnya.

Selain untuk kedua tujuan itu, pesawat CRJ 1000 NextGen ini pertama kali akan dioperasikan PT Garuda Indonesia khususnya Branch Office Surabaya pada 16 Oktober 2012 untuk rute Surabaya-Denpasar PP.

"Dengan menggunakan tipe pesawat yang sama, akan menambah frekuensi Surabaya-Denpasar PP dari semula 4 kali per hari menjadi 5 kali per hari, efektif 23 Oktober 2012," terangnya.

Untuk program tahun depan, rencananya pihaknya akan membuka rute domestik seperti Surabaya-Batam dan Surabaya-Banjarmasin. Sedangkan rute internasional, sekitar Juni 2013 Garuda Indonesia akan membuka rute penerbangan Surabaya-Jeddah dengan transit di Medan selama 1 jam.

Penerbangan ini akan dilayani menggunakan pesawat Boeing seri B747-400 dengan kapasitas sekitar 450 seat full kelas ekonomi.

"Kami melihat marketnya sangat banyak. Selain itu, kan waktunya lebih cepat," jelasnya.

source: detik.com

Boeing Delivers First South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner

Historic delivery to Air India begins a new chapter of Boeing airplane production in region

By Boeing

 

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 5, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today marked a historic milestone with delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner built at its North Charleston, S.C., facility to Air India.

The delivery continues the momentum of the 787 Dreamliner's entry into revenue service by customers globally and marks the beginning of a new era of commercial airplane production in South Carolina.

"Within just three years of breaking ground, we have flown and delivered our first airplane built at Boeing South Carolina," said Jack Jones, vice president and general manager, Boeing South Carolina. "This is a tribute to the remarkable Boeing South Carolina team and the support we have received from our airline customers, our supplier partners and the Boeing enterprise, as well as the relationship we have with the State of South Carolina."

Work on the Boeing South Carolina Final Assembly and Delivery Center began in November 2009. Production of the first South Carolina-built 787 began in mid-2011 and the completed airplane rolled out of the factory in April.

Boeing South Carolina fabricates, integrates and assembles the midbody and aftbody fuselage sections for all 787 Dreamliners. Completed sections are joined in South Carolina Final Assembly, or transported via the Dreamlifter to 787 Final Assembly in Everett, Wash.

"We're delighted to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Dreamliner from this beautiful factory and look forward to taking many more," said Air India Board Member K.M. Unni. "The 787 is an airplane with unmatched efficiency and technology, which will help in our airline's turnaround plan."

Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, praised Boeing's long, successful partnership with Air India, including delivery in September of its first two of 27 Dreamliners. "With two 787s successfully introduced to Air India's fleet, passengers are enjoying breakthrough features such as larger windows, lower cabin altitude and unprecedented flying experience," said Keskar.

Today's delivery marks the 28^th 787 Dreamliner delivered to date. Boeing South Carolina will increase final assembly production to three 787s per month by the end of 2013.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made primarily of advanced composite materials. It offers exceptional passenger comfort features, including cleaner air, a lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, bigger windows that dim electronically and more overhead storage space. Airlines appreciate its fuel efficiency, which is 20 percent better than other airplanes in its class and results in 20 percent lower carbon emissions.

Contact: Tim Deaton Boeing South Carolina +1 843-789-810 timothy.r.deaton@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/05/4316054/boeing-delivers-first-south-carolina.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/05/4316054/boeing-delivers-first-south-carolina.html#storylink=cpy

Boeing Delivers Africa's First 777 Freighter to Ethiopian Airlines

-- First African airline to operate 777F

-- Airline to begin replacing older freighters with more efficient and capable fleet

 

These images are available for editorial use by news media.

SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today delivered the first 777 Freighter to Ethiopian Airlines marking the first 777F to be operated by an African carrier. Today's 777F is being leased to Ethiopian Airlines from GECAS.

"This delivery marks another special day for Ethiopian Airlines and all of Ethiopia. We are not only becoming the first African carrier operating Boeing's 777 Freighter, today we are also taking our cargo operations to a new level and into a new era," said Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world - between Africa and Europe, Middle East, and Asia - the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities."

The 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

"We are proud to deliver another first in African aviation to Ethiopian Airlines as they continue to show the world they are a leader in aviation," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America, & Caribbean for Commercial airplanes. "The proven operational and economical efficiency of the 777F will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hyper competitive market."

Boeing offers the most complete family of freighters, providing superior efficiency and operating economics in support of airline profitability.

Ethiopian Airlines was the first airline in the world outside of Japan to operate the 787 Dreamliner and the first African airline to operate the 777-200LR in 2010. They currently operate an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767, 777, and now 787 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11, 747, and this new 777 in cargo operations.

Contact:
Adam Morgan
International Communications
Latin America, Africa, & the Caribbean
+1 206.766.2229 (desk)
+1 281.386.4396 (cell)
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com

Esete Yeshitla
Ethiopian Airlines
+251 11(5) 178407
esetey@ethiopianairlines.com
 
Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com
SOURCE Boeing

Boeing, Indonesia Collaboration to Enhance Aerospace Growth

Indonesia’s President witnesses signing on Indonesian Investment Day

Boeing will support commercial aviation safety, efficiency, infrastructure and aerospace industry development

These images are available for editorial use by news media.

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2012 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Republic of Indonesia today announced that they will collaborate on commercial aviation safety, efficiency and aerospace industry development in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This enhanced cooperation will support Indonesia’s vision for current and future economic development as well as the ongoing and anticipated growth of the country’s aerospace sector.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Boeing during the government’s Indonesia Investment Day, held at the New York Stock Exchange.

“This MOA reflects a growing partnership between Boeing and Indonesia in the growth of our civil aviation sector. We see this Memorandum as a milestone event for our aviation industry,” said Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dr. Dino Patti Djalal. “As Indonesia's economy takes off, we are proud to have a solid partner in Boeing to help accelerate that growth in a safe and efficient manner.”

“Indonesia’s impressive economic development is driving rapid growth in the aerospace sector and commercial aviation system,” said Shep Hill, president of Boeing International. “By collaborating with the government, airlines and industry, Boeing is focusing its efforts to help meet Indonesia’s objectives for continued development of human capital, aerospace sector growth and best-in-class infrastructure.”

The MOA was signed by Ambassador Djalal and Stanley Roth, Boeing vice president of international government relations. The collaboration plan lays out several areas where Boeing will engage with Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Education, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, commercial airlines, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and other key stakeholders. 

Boeing will work with Indonesian airlines, airports and regulatory agencies to support air traffic management initiatives focused on enhancing safety, capacity and efficiency. 

Boeing has agreed to work with airlines and others to address unprecedented demand for commercial airline pilots, maintenance technicians and other personnel due to the rapid expansion of Indonesia’s airlines. In addition, Boeing and the government will collaborate to survey Indonesia’s aerospace manufacturing-related companies, universities, and research and development centers and will continue to look for win-win opportunities for further engagement.

Indonesia’s economy has grown rapidly in recent years and is projected to achieve further significant growth and development in the future. The government has developed and implemented an economic development plan to support sustained growth by achieving developed country status by the year 2025 through eight main programs, including the commercial aviation industry. 

Boeing has forecasted that air travel in Southeast Asia will grow at an average annual rate of 6.5 percent over the next 20 years. Traffic within the region is expected to grow at a rate of 7.6 percent per year. Boeing has longstanding relationships with Indonesia’s commercial airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, the country’s major network carrier, and Lion Air, a low-cost carrier that operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the world’s largest operator of the 737-900ER.

  

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. For more information about Boeing please visit www.boeing.com.

# # #

Contact:

Jay Krishnan

Boeing Southeast Asia Communications

+65 688 39809

Jay.Krishnan@boeing.com

Tom McLean

Boeing International Corporate Communications

703-465-3637

thomas.c.mclean-jr@boeing.com

Jessica Kowal

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications

206-766-2908

jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com

Boeing Delivers United Airlines' First 787 Dreamliner

- United is the first North American carrier to fly the 787

- Dreamliner opens new routes for United

 

These images are available for editorial use by news media.

EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and United Airlines announced today the delivery of the airline's first 787 Dreamliner.  United is the first airline in North America to take delivery of the 787.

Jeff Smisek, president and CEO of United, said, "As the North American launch customer, we are delighted to be getting our first 787 Dreamliner. As we continue to build the world's leading airline, we are excited for our customers and co-workers to experience this game-changing aircraft."

United has announced it will initially use the 787 on international routes to Africa, Asia and Europe. The airline will conduct temporary domestic flights before transitioning its 787 fleet to international service in late 2012.

"This 787 delivery represents the continuation in the more than 80-year partnership between our two companies," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"United now begins a new chapter with the 787 Dreamliner, the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner ever built. It reinforces United's commitment to be the world's leading airline by providing unmatched fuel efficiency and passenger comfort."

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience.

This delivery marks the first of 50 Dreamliners that United has on order. The airline's 787 cabin is configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 seats in United Economy. Customers will be more comfortable with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other features.
United's first Dreamliner is expected to arrive in Houston later this week to begin a month-long training and certification program including non-commercial flights to each of United's domestic hubs.

Contact:
Tim Bader
North America and Leasing Communications
+1 425-717-0672
tim.s.bader@boeing.com
More information: www.newairplane.com/787/delivery-airline/en/ual/

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing, ANA Announce Orders for 11 787-9 Dreamliners

SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced that the ANA Group has ordered an additional 11 787-9 Dreamliners. The order, valued at $2.7 billion at current list prices, bring the total number of 787s ANA has ordered to 66 airplanes consisting of 36 787-8s and 30 787-9s.

"The improved fuel efficiency and greater seating capacity of the 787-9 will provide ANA with added flexibility," said Hideki Kunugi, Head of Aircraft Purchasing & Sales at ANA. "The new Dreamliners will also help support the profitable expansion of ANA's international and domestic routes in the future."

ANA, the launch customer for the 787 Dreamliner, is Boeing's largest commercial airline customer for the 787 Dreamliner.

"As a repeat 787 customer we are honored to have ANA validate the 787 as a truly game-changing airplane in commercial aviation," said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Japan, Greater China and Korea, Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with ANA and are committed to supporting ANA as we continue to make history together."

The airline has announced plans to launch a new route from Narita to San Jose starting January 2013 using the 787, while current services between Narita and Seattle service will switch to 787 operations on Oct. 1, 2012 and Haneda to Beijing to the 787 on October 28, 2012.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a slightly longer version of the 787-8 and will carry 250-290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers).

The 787 provides airlines with incredible fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. It travels at a speed of Mach 0.85, which is similar to the speed of other Boeing twin-aisle airplanes.

Contact:
Kevin Yoo
BCA International Communications
+1 206-249-6372
kevin.k.yoo@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing Celebrates First Anniversary of First 787 Delivery

EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the one year anniversary of the first delivery of the first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner to Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways). Since then, Boeing has delivered 25 Dreamliners to six different customers.

"One year ago today we reached a significant milestone in Boeing and ANA's partnership," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are grateful for the support and confidence that ANA has placed in Boeing as the launch customer of the 787 Dreamliner."

"ANA has helped validate the airplane as truly game-changing," said Conner.  "All of our 787 customers have been an integral part of making the 787 a success. We are committed to each of them as they put the Dreamliner into service."

Thousands of Boeing employees and dignitaries celebrated the historic delivery in a ceremony on Sept. 26 that highlighted the pride and dedication of the team that created the airplane and the cooperation and support of the airline.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made primarily of advanced composite materials. It offers exceptional passenger comfort features including cleaner air, a lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, bigger windows that dim electronically and more overhead storage space.

Airlines appreciate its fuel efficiency, which is 20 percent better than other airplanes in its class. This fuel efficiency also results in 20 percent lower carbon emissions, helping Boeing to achieve its environmental objectives.

Contact:
Lori Gunter
787 Communications
+1 206 931 5919

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing to Release Third-Quarter Results on October 24

CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2012 at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 24. Boeing Capital Corp. results will also be released at that time.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith will discuss the results and company outlook during a conference that day at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Visit http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/financial/  to access a link to the live broadcast of the conference. A Boeing news release will also be available on that site.

Individuals should check the website prior to the session to ensure their computers can access the audio stream and slide presentation.  Instructions for obtaining the required free downloadable software will be posted on the site.

Contact: Communications, (312) 544-2002

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing, GOL Announce order for 60 737 MAX Airplanes

- Brazil's largest low-cost airline to use 737 MAX to replace airplanes with more efficient fleet

 

These images are available for editorial use by news media.

SAO PAULO, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes announced today GOL's purchase of 60 737 MAX airplanes. GOL plans to use the new super-efficient 737 MAX to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.

The order is valued at approximately $6 billion at published list prices, making it the largest order in GOL's 12-year history and the largest airplane order from a single airline in South America's aviation history.

"The decision to order Boeing 737 MAX is in line with our commitment to maintain a modern and safe fleet that will allow us to sustain our competitive advantage in the long term," said Paulo Kakinoff, CEO of GOL. "The new airplanes will have one of the best cost-benefit ratios in the market due to its unique operational economy, so it is fully compatible with our low-cost model."

The 737 MAX builds on the strengths of Boeing's best-selling Next-Generation 737 with big advances in fuel-efficiency and environmental performance. Equipped with new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International and improvements such as the Advanced Technology winglet, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13 percent and maintains the 8 percent operating cost advantage over future competition. This order puts the 737 MAX at 724 firm orders to date.

"Boeing has partnered with GOL since their inception just over 12 years ago. We've watched them grow from a small start-up airline to a driving force in global aviation and we are proud to partner with them as the South American launch customer for the 737 MAX," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"The unmatched operating economics of the 737 MAX make it the absolute best airplane for the world's low-cost carriers and legacy carriers alike. GOL's commitment to the MAX proves this once again."

In just more than 11 years, GOL has established itself as one of the fastest growing low-cost, low-fare airlines in the world. GOL currently offers the most extensive and convenient routes in South America with approximately 810 daily flights to 63 destinations in Brazil and 12 in South America and the Caribbean. Combined with six code-share partnerships and more than 60 interline agreements with foreign companies, GOL's route network is among the best serving customers traveling to, from and within Brazil.

Contact:
Adam Morgan
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com
Marcus De Barros Pinto
GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes
+ 55 11 8160 8019
mbpinto@golnaweb.com.br
Photos and captions are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing Forecasts Air Cargo Growth Driven by Globalization and Trade

Long-term forecast projects 5.2 percent annual growth over next 20 years; world freighter fleet to expand to nearly 3,200 airplanes by 2031

 

ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) said today that the global air cargo market will expand at a 5.2 percent annual rate over the next 20 years. According to the Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast 2012/2013, growth will be driven by world gross domestic product (GDP) that will nearly double over the forecast period.

Trade is expected to increase through liberalization of markets and more efficient aircraft and infrastructure improvements will reduce the cost of air cargo.

Boeing released the biennial forecast, which is widely cited by airlines and industry groups, at the International Air Cargo Forum and Exhibition 2012 in Atlanta.

Air cargo traffic will grow over the long term despite current near-term market weakness and worldwide economic uncertainty. The industry languished following the 2010 recovery posting slight declines in traffic in 2011 and thus far in 2012.

"Current industry uncertainty has brought a disparity of viewpoint concerning the future of the air cargo business, but economic activity – particularly world gross domestic product and industrial production – remains the key driver of the air cargo market," said Tom Crabtree, regional director, Business Development & Strategic Integration, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Over the long term, indicators such as GDP growth at 3.2 percent and the need for greater operational efficiency will prevail in the marketplace."

Boeing forecasts the world freighter fleet will increase to 3,198 airplanes from 1,738 by 2031. Large freighters – such as the Boeing 747 and 777 – will represent 36 percent of the fleet, compared to 31 percent today.

 The significant efficiency and capability advantages of large freighters will enable carriers to manage projected traffic growth without increasing the number of airplanes proportionately. Freighter demand will be met by 935 new factory-built airplanes, valued at $250 billion, with 1,820 freighters coming from passenger-to-freighter conversions. Conversions will account for about 66 percent of total demand.

"Air cargo is and will continue to be a vital tool for global businesses and commerce in the management of supply chains and bringing critical goods to market," said Crabtree.

Markets connecting Asia-Pacific will lead the industry in growth, with domestic China and intra-Asia traffic experiencing the highest percentage traffic growth, at 8 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively, over the 20-year forecast period. North America-Asia, Europe-South Asia, Europe-Asia, and Europe-Middle East also will be above the world average.

Fuel costs are expected to be volatile, but are not anticipated to move significantly higher than current levels. Additionally, shippers of such cargo as perishables and very high value commodities will continue to find value in the speed of air cargo.

Boeing provides the most complete and efficient freighter product line, including new production freighters and passenger-to-freighter conversions, teaming with industry leaders to provide innovative conversion solutions to match virtually any air cargo requirement.

The World Air Cargo Forecast 2012/2013 is available at http://www.boeing.com/commercial/cargo. Boeing has published the biennial World Air Cargo Forecast as an individual report since 1986.

Contact:
Bob Saling
Cargo Communications
+1 206 852-3327
bob.saling@boeing.com
More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/cargo

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing, GECAS Finalize Order for up to 100 737 MAXs and Next-Generation 737s

- Firm order for 75 737 MAX 8s and 10 Next-Generation 737-800s

- Another 15 737-800s could be added

- 737 MAX momentum continues in the leasing industry

 

These images are available for editorial use by news media.

SEATTLE, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), finalized a firm order for 85 737s, which includes 75 737 MAX 8s and 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow in July, allows for up to 15 additional 737-800s.

The order, worth $8.4 billion at list prices, further illustrates both the strength of the 737 MAX and the continuing strong demand for the Next-Generation 737 in the airplane-leasing industry. To date, 821 737 MAX airplanes have been ordered.

"The 737 MAX will be a perfect complement to our broad portfolio of modern, fuel efficient aircraft that offer our airline customers the lowest operating costs," said GECAS President and CEO Norman C.T. Liu.

"GECAS is a leader in the commercial airplane leasing industry with a successful track record of placing 737s with airlines worldwide," said President and CEO Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The GECAS leadership team will have the same success with the 737 MAX. The airplane will provide passengers with the exceptional flying experience that they have come to expect from the 737 family, but with increased fuel efficiency and technological advancements."

The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.

With this order, GECAS has ordered 580 airplanes directly from Boeing since 1995, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 433 of the airplanes.   

About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)

GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,710 owned and serviced aircraft with approximately 235 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.

GE works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works.

For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com

Contact:
Tim Bader
North America and Leasing Communications
+1 425-717-0672
Tim.s.bader@boeing.com
More information: www.newairplane.com/737max/gecas

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing Reports Third-Quarter Deliveries

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) announced today deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the third quarter of 2012.
Major program deliveries during the third quarter were as follows:

Major Programs	3rd Quarter 2012			Year-to-Date 2012
Commercial Airplanes Programs
737 Next Generation		102			310
747		8			21
767		7			20
777		20			62
787		12			23
Total		149			436
Defense, Space & Security Programs
AEW&C		-			2
Apache (New Builds)		10			13
Chinook (New Builds)		18			40
C-17		3			8
F-15		-			8
F/A-18E/F and EA-18G		12			36
P-8		2			3
Satellites (Government & Commercial)		5			9

 

Contact:	Stephanie Pope (312) 544-2140 (Investor Relations)
	Matt Welch (312) 544-2140 (Investor Relations)
	Chaz Bickers (312) 544-2002 (Communications)

SOURCE Boeing

Boeing Delivers First South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner

 

Historic delivery to Air India begins a new chapter of Boeing airplane production in region

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today marked a historic milestone with delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner built at its North Charleston, S.C., facility to Air India.

The delivery continues the momentum of the 787 Dreamliner's entry into revenue service by customers globally and marks the beginning of a new era of commercial airplane production in South Carolina.

"Within just three years of breaking ground, we have flown and delivered our first airplane built at Boeing South Carolina," said Jack Jones, vice president and general manager, Boeing South Carolina. "This is a tribute to the remarkable Boeing South Carolina team and the support we have received from our airline customers, our supplier partners and the Boeing enterprise, as well as the relationship we have with the State of South Carolina."

Work on the Boeing South Carolina Final Assembly and Delivery Center began in November 2009. Production of the first South Carolina-built 787 began in mid-2011 and the completed airplane rolled out of the factory in April.

Boeing South Carolina fabricates, integrates and assembles the midbody and aftbody fuselage sections for all 787 Dreamliners. Completed sections are joined in South Carolina Final Assembly, or transported via the Dreamlifter to 787 Final Assembly in Everett, Wash.

"We're delighted to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Dreamliner from this beautiful factory and look forward to taking many more," said Air India Board Member K.M. Unni. "The 787 is an airplane with unmatched efficiency and technology, which will help in our airline's turnaround plan."

Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, praised Boeing's long, successful partnership with Air India, including delivery in September of its first two of 27 Dreamliners. "With two 787s successfully introduced to Air India's fleet, passengers are enjoying breakthrough features such as larger windows, lower cabin altitude and unprecedented flying experience," said Keskar.

Today's delivery marks the 28^th 787 Dreamliner delivered to date. Boeing South Carolina will increase final assembly production to three 787s per month by the end of 2013.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made primarily of advanced composite materials. It offers exceptional passenger comfort features, including cleaner air, a lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, bigger windows that dim electronically and more overhead storage space.

Airlines appreciate its fuel efficiency, which is 20 percent better than other airplanes in its class and results in 20 percent lower carbon emissions.

Contact:
Tim Deaton
Boeing South Carolina
+1 843-789-810
timothy.r.deaton@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing