ALL THINGS BOEING

                  Boeing Begins 777-9 Certification Flight Testing

Boeing completed its first certification test flight of the 777-9 on July 12th after receiving the long-delayed jet’s “type inspection authorization” (TIA) from the Federal Aviation Administration.  That document is a green light from the regulator, certifying that the 777-9 will likely meet certification requirements and approving the start of flight testing for certification credits.  Boeing disclosed having received the TIA on January 13.  It has said it expects the 777-9 will enter service next year.

Receiving the TIA marks a significant milestone for the 777-9 program. It brings much-needed bright news for Boeing, which in recent months has been hammered by negative press, much of it involving questions about the safety of its production system.

“We appreciate our regulator’s rigorous oversight and are grateful to our customers who have chosen the 777-9 for its efficiency, environmental performance, and passenger comfort,” Boeing said.  While Boeing just started flight testing for certification credit, its flight-test 777-9 has completed more than 1,200 flights and logged some 3,500 hours in the air as part of Boeing’s own flight-test regiment, it says.

“The 777-9 flight-test fleet will undergo the most thorough commercial flight-test effort Boeing has ever undertaken.  We have also spent significant time working through the required certification deliverables in preparation for TIA,” Boeing adds.

The 777-9 will have 7,285nm(13,500km) of range and be capable of carrying 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, Boeing says it is 76.7m(252ft) from nose to tail.

Boeing’s 777-9 flight-test fleet includes four aircraft.  Test jet “WH001” has been assigned avionics, brakes, flutter, icing, stability, and low-speed aerodynamics testing, and “WH002” is handling ground-effect aerodynamics, auto-land, and stability and control tests.

Boeing is using test aircraft “WH003” to validate handling, avionics, propulsion, and auxiliary power unit, while “WH004” has been assigned extended-operations environmental-control system, reliability, and noise evaluations, Boeing says.

Source: Boeing, picture Boeing

Boeing Board of Directors Made a Good Decision in Picking Its CEO

The board picked longtime aerospace executive Kelly Ortberg to succeed David Calhoun as chief executive.  “Best choice they could have made,” says Alex Krutz, managing director at aerospace and defense advisory Patriot Industrial Partners. “He exhibits everything that can make a company like Boeing great.”  Ortberg will succeed Calhoun as CEO on August 8.  “You could not ask for a better selection,” says analyst Richard Aboulafia with AeroDynamic Advisory.

Aboulafia views Boeing, in picking Ortberg, as stepping back toward its engineering roots and away from the finance-centric management team that has been in charge for several decades.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Ortberg will be based in Seattle, a surely welcome change for the Puget Sound region, which in recent years has watched as Boeing shifted production elsewhere and moved its headquarters first to Chicago and then in 2022, to Virginia, solidifying a perception that Boeing lost its way.  Based on his extensive background he will be ready for the challenge.

Source: Boeing and other sources researched by the writer.                 

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

             Airbus’s A321XLR Secures European Certification

Airbus has secured European certification for the long-range A321XLR, following a campaign that has focused particularly on safety given the substantial technical modifications introduced during the development of the aircraft.  Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency covers the CFM International Leap-1A version.

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury had stated in early July that certification “was very close to happening”, adding: “ Each and every document, justification, answer to questions, everything has to be completed before it goes from zero to one,” he says.

Certification of the Pratt &Whitney PW1100G-powered version is expected later this year.

Spanish flag-carrier Iberia is poised to become the first operator to accept the XLR, supplanting sister airline Aer Lingus, and intends to put the twinjet into service on routes to Boston from Mid-November, and Washington Dulles in January 2025.

Source: Airbus

                      Airbus Launches Cost Cuts to Save 2024

Airbus has launched a program of cost cuts and freeze an overall headcount to shore up performance at its core planemaking business in 2024 and beyond, weeks after being forced to cut targets for jet production, industry sources said.

Code-named “LEAD!”, the new initiative will urgently tackle an increase in costs per aircraft and address deeper productivity issues as the platemaker braces for the eventual recovery of struggling US rival Boeing.  Some positions may disappear and the overall number of positions will be capped but the company does not plan a conventional redundancy plan, planemaking CEO Christian Scherer said in a memo to staff, according to industry sources.

“Because of the continued pressure in the supply chain as well as the overall complex economic situation, there is a need to concentrate our efforts on the fundamentals,” the spokesperson said.  In the memo, Scherer predicted that Boeing’s ongoing corporate and industrial crisis would force Airbus’ main rival to radically change for the better, the sources said.

Sources: Airbus, Reuters          

        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

            Gulfstream G500 & G600 Surpass 100,000 Flight Hours

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, both aircraft feature the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, with safety-enhancing technology, including the industry’s first active control side sticks and the most extensive use of touch-screen technology, along with Phase-of-Flight intelligence.

Both aircraft are recognized for their industry-leading cabin comfort, with award-winning seating and interior design.  “Our award-winning G500 and G600 continue to demonstrate impressive performance,” said Mark Burns, president, of Gulfstream.

“This achievement is a result of the strong demand and high activity we are seeing from customers around the world.  Having exceeded 100,000 flight hours further reiterates the durability and dependability of the G500 and G600.”

Source: Gulfstream, Picture Gulfstream

    Polish Flag-Carrier LOT has Received its First Embraer 195-E2

LOT has received its first Embraer 195-E2 one of three it is leasing from US-based company Azorra. LOT had disclosed in early May that it had signed for the aircraft for introduction this summer.  It will commence services with the Twinjet on August 11, either in Oslo or Zurich.

“With these aircraft, we will increase the frequency of flights to selected European cities, offering passengers a high level of comfort in the latest-generation fleet”, says chief executive Michal Fijol.

The commonality of the cockpit will allow LOT’s E-Jet pilots to transition smoothly to the E2 fleet, says LOT’s Embraer fleet manager Piotr Strzalkowski.  LOT will have all three leased E2s in operation by the end of the third quarter, the carrier states. The type is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines.

Source: LOT, picture Embraer                                                                    

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

                                  Lockheed Delivers 2,700th C-130

Military airframer Lockheed Martin has delivered the 2,700th example of the company’s venerable C-130 Hercules tactical transport.  The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J refueller variant, will be operated by the US Marine Corps at Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Lockheed disclosed the delivery on June 18, noting the USMC is the largest KCJ operator globally.

“Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C130’s ongoing relevance,” says Rod McLean, general manager of LockHeed’s air mobility unit.

The transfer comes as Lockheed reports strong demand for battle-tested turboprop, having recently delivered the last of six aircraft ordered by Germany.

“There is robust demand from the US government and our international customers,” Larry Gallogly , Lockheed director of customer requirements for air mobility, told FlightGlobal at the ILA Berlin air show on June 6.

“We see very strong demand throughout Europe and Asia for replacing their current airlift with C-130Js.”

Lockheed says the four-engined transport is operated in 70 countries globally, with 22 flying the latest J- Variant Hercules.Globally, 1,206 C-130s of all variants are in service, Cirium data says, with another 236 in storage.  More than 560 of the active C-130s are J-models, according to Lockheed.

Source: Lockheed Martin, Picture Lockheed Martin.

GE rolls Out X-ray Method to Identify Defects In Metal Engine Parts

GE Aerospace will soon introduce new X-ray technology intended to help technicians better identify anomalies in metallic parts and allow airlines to keep some components in service longer.

The company will start using the new ”non-destructive open-beam X-ray fluorescence XRF” method at its new Ohio-based Service Technology Acceleration Center(STAC) which is scheduled to open this month, GE said on June 19.

“XRF provides a view of the part’s chemical composition that can help a service engineer more readily spot anomalies,” says GE, adding that the technology can detect “microstructure variations in metal parts”.

The engine maker plans first to use the method at its STAC facility in Ohio before bringing the technology to its other maintenance shops globally.  XRF is the only one scanning method used by GE to inspect engine components.

Carriers are squeezing more life out of older jets and engines due to factors including durability problems with new-generation engines and limited availability of new jets’ as a result of Airbus and Boeing struggling to ramp production amid ongoing parts and labor shortages.

Sources: GE Aerospace, Picture Flightglobal

   Alaska Airlines Sells 737 Max 9 With Blown Door Back to Boeing

Alaska Airlines has sold the Boeing 737 Max 9 involved in the January 5th, flight 1282 door-plug out back to Boeing for an undisclosed amount.  Both companies confirmed the deal on July 11, with Alaska adding that it placed an order for a 737 Max 10 to replace the returned jet.

Alaska has “entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing for aircraft N704AL…  They have taken possession of it and the registration has been changed”, the carrier says. ”It is no longer part of our fleet.”  Boeing confirms it has “reached an agreement with Alaska Airlines to Purchase the airplane” but provides no further details.

Sources: Alaska Airlines, Boeing

                          Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN Engine

Flight testing has commenced for a modified high-pressure turbine blade for the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN engine, intended to double  the time-on wing for the powerplant. The Trent 1000 TEN is an option for the Boeing 787 family.

Speaking during a half-year briefing, Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the first test flight took place on July 31 and lasted 1 hour 15min.

He says the flight was “successful” and that the test program will continue for eight weeks.  The company expects US FAA certification this year.  Rolls-Royce has been striving to improve the durability of the Trent 1000 engine, and Erginbilgic is confident that the effort will enable the manufacturer to regain market share lost to real GE Aerospace GEnx.

“Our issue with the Trent 1000 is not reliability,” says Erginbilgic.  The reliability of this engine is as good as the competitor’s engine.  Time-on-wing has been the issue.  He says the company’s 1 billion pounds investment initiative which covers all engines but primarily the Trent 1000 and the Airbus A350-1000’s Trent XWB-97 is intended to help rebuild market share.  “ The flight test is a very significant moment…when that is certified, we’ll double time-on-wing,” he states.

Source: Rolls-Royce, Picture Rolls-Royce      

LATEST NEWS

• El Al after months of deliberation over which of the two major aircraft manufacturers would supply its future narrowbody fleet, El Al Israel Airlines has chosen Boeing once again. Boeing as well as with aircraft companies for approximately 30 737 MAXs.

• IndiGo Indian budget carrier has firmed its order for 30 Airbus A350-900s in the IndiGo deal, which entered on Airbus’s backlog on June 6.

• Copa Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8.  It is the first of seven total examples on order with Boeing.

• TAROM Romanian has agreed to lease a pair of Boeing 737 Max 8s from Irish lessor CDB Aviation, with the initial aircraft to arrive in late 2025.

• Air Canada is set to lease eight more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Lessor BOC Aviation.  The eight Max 8 airframes join 40 of the same type.  The company also has 10 more Max aircraft on option.

• Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing 787-9s and taken options on 10 more, confirming earlier-disclosed fleet rental plans.

• WestJet Airlines announced on June 3rd plans to add three Boeing 737 Max 8s that will integrate them into its fleet this year.  The airline will lease the jets from Lessor BOC aviation.

• Korean Air announced on the first day of the Farnborough shows on July 22 that it will order 20 777-9s and another 20 787-10s and also placed an option on 10 787-10s.

Sources: Boeing, Airbus, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada

AIR CARGO

                Turkish Airlines Orders Four More 777 Freighters

Turkish Airlines has ordered four more Boeing 777 freighters, taking it to a dozen its firm commitments for the type.  Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Ali Turk says:  ”This new investment is expanding our cargo fleet and underscores our commitment to mating the growing global demand for air freight services.

“The addition of these Boeing 777 freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of the air cargo sector worldwide.” Ali Turk said

Source: Turkish Airlines, Picture Turkish Airlines

      National Air Cargo Orders Four 777-200LRF Freighters

US air freight company National Air Cargo has ordered four Boeing 777-200LRF Freighters, with the first two jets set for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the remaining two in the first quarter of 2026.

National Air Cargo chairman Christopher Alf says the incoming Boeing jets will help the airline capitalize on increased demand for transportation of commerce shipments.  “Customers are demanding… urgent shipments of freight,” Alf says.

The incoming 777s will supplement National Air Cargo’s existing fleet of nine 747-400Fs.  Alf expects the airline will eventually replace its 747Fs with Boeing’s in-development 777-8F, which Boeing has said it expects to bring to market in 2027.

Source: National Air Cargo

         Maersk Takes Delivery of its First Owned Boeing 777F

Maersk Air Cargo (MAC) took delivery of its first of two new Boeing 777-200LRF.  It’s the first Boeing 777 owned by a Danish airline.  The hand-over was celebrated at Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle.  Maersk Air Cargo is part of the global integrator of logistics, A.P. Moller Maersk.   The plane arrived at its home airport Billund in Denmark on Saturday, July 13th.

Maersk ordered the two 777Fs in November 2021 as part of the modernization of its fleet. The delivery of the second aircraft is scheduled for later in Q3.  Maersk Air Cargo’s owned controlled fleet will then comprise two Boeing 777Fs and 20 Boeing 767Fs.

“We are delighted to take this important delivery and upgrade our fleet with two of the largest and most reliable freighters available on the market.  With this step, we are entering the premier league of cargo aviation.  The B777F can transport more than double of payload on each flight compared to our 767Fs, and it is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world with the GE90 engines.” Said Lars Jordan Head of Maersk Air Cargo.

Source: Maersk Air Cargo, Picture Maersk Air cargo.

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian