Boeing in the UK - Sheffield factory celebrates 5th anniversary....

The U.S. aerospace giant Boeing, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Sheffield-based site, the company’s first European manufacturing facility. Over the past five years, Boeing Sheffield has shipped more than 21,000 UK-made parts supporting the production of the 737 family of aeroplanes.

The £40 million, 6,200 square meter facility continues to play a pivotal role in Boeing's global advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Employees at the South Yorkshire site use advanced manufacturing techniques to make the trailing edge actuator components for the 737 series, including the P-8 Poseidon and the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. Actuator components help control wing flaps during take-off and landing.

Since opening in October 2018, Boeing Sheffield has:

Created more than 100 jobs that contribute to the region's economic growth and employment opportunities.

Partnered with more than 30 direct and indirect suppliers within 100 miles of the factory, fostering a robust regional supply chain network.

Trained more than 30 machining apprentices in partnership with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, and employing most of them today.

Accelerated local investment in South Yorkshire, including a recent joint industry and UK Government investment of £80m to explore advanced manufacturing technologies in the region.

“As we celebrate reaching this milestone, we are reminded of the incredible journey we have undertaken together with our partners and the local community. I would particularly like to thank our fantastic Boeing Sheffield team for everything they’ve achieved,” said Maria Laine, president of Boeing in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. “The enduring relationships we've built in the local area have been integral to our ability to deliver world-class products to our customers worldwide."

Boeing's long-standing history in Sheffield began in 2001, as a co-founder of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). This research and innovation hub was a pivotal factor in choosing Sheffield as the location for Boeing’s first European manufacturing site. The AMRC now supports 520 jobs and contributes over £55 million annually to the South Yorkshire economy.

Boeing struggles to steer defence unit in another year of losses.....

Boeing's defence business is proving harder to turn around than executives initially predicted, with supplier errors and high manufacturing costs contributing to $1.7 billion in losses this year on programs like the next Air Force One and NASA's Starliner capsule, reports Valerie Insinna from Reuters.

Despite absorbing $4.4 billion in losses in 2022 – which executives said would lower the risk of future cost overruns – the unit has seen little improvement this year.  Excluding last year, losses on Boeing's defence programs in 2023 exceed those from all years since 2014, according to a Reuters review of Boeing’s regulatory filings.

Boeing is unique among its defence contractor peers, as companies like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and RTX are seeing higher revenues due to demand from the war in Ukraine.  Unlike those companies, however, Boeing is locked into a handful of contracts that force the planemaker to take a loss when technology development goes over budget. The defence unit's losses this year include $933 million in charges in the third quarter, mostly comprising a $ 482 million loss in building two Air Force One planes and a $315 million charge on an unidentified satellite program that had not previously lost money.

Boeing's executives said they are putting in place new training and deploying resources to suppliers to ensure the unit moves from negative margins to high-single-digit margins by 2025-2026, when its most troubled programs are slated to be past flight testing and on more stable footing.  

Southwest Airlines orders 108 additional Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Southwest Airlines announced today that the budget airline is increasing its commitment to the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family with an order for 108 737-MAX 7s. The new deal supports Southwest's modernization strategy and provides flexibility to expand its fleet.

"We have a long history with Boeing, dating back more than 50 years to the day we commenced service with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three cities," said Bob Jordan, president & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines. "They're part of our history and part of our future as we continue to recognize the many efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet."

The 737 family has long served Southwest by helping fuel the airline's continued growth. Southwest has placed over 300 orders for the 737- MAX 7, growing its orderbook to more than 500 737 MAX jets. Once certified, the 737- MAX 7 will join the carrier's all-Boeing 737 fleet.

"With the world's largest all-Boeing, all-737 fleet, Southwest is counting on the exceptional efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX family," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-MAX 7 is pivotal to Southwest's long-term fleet modernization strategy, and we are honoured to have the airline's continued trust in us to deliver its future fleet."

The 737- MAX 7 has the longest range in its class, capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles and carrying up to 172 passengers. The enhanced environmental performance of the 737 MAX allows carriers to reduce fuel use compared to the previous generation of aeroplanes. The 737 MAX is also quieter, creating a smaller noise footprint than the older 737 jets it replaces. 

Boeing Business Jets unveils premium cabin selections for VIP jets

New "BBJ Select" cabin options streamline the design process, accelerating interiors installation and jet delivery

Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) customers have a new way to customize cabin interiors for the BBJ 737-7, reducing costs and accelerating the delivery of new VIP jets, the company announced today. With BBJ Select, Boeing is offering a wide range of pre-designed cabin layouts and configurations to expedite installation, while lowering the total purchase price of the airplane.

With Boeing Business Jet Select, Boeing is offering customers a wide range of pre-designed cabin layouts and configurations to expedite installation, while lowering the total purchase price of the airplane.

The company shared its new BBJ Select premium interiors at the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

"Boeing Business Jets is offering customers a new, streamlined approach to designing a unique, comfortable and functional interior for our BBJ 737-7 jet," said BBJ President Joe Benson. "For customers who may not have the time or desire to create a fully bespoke interior, BBJ Select offers pre-designed options to outfit their cabin, which allows us to offer the jet at a very attractive, fixed price."

Boeing expanding in Brazil with new engineering and technology centre

Boeing has announced this week the opening of its Engineering and Technology Centre in Brazil, one of 15 Boeing engineering sites around the world that develop advanced technology to drive aerospace innovation. Based in São José dos Campos (SP) where the company began operations in 2014, the engineering centre is an expansion of Boeing’s strategic investments in Brazil, where it employs about 500 engineers supporting current and future programs.

"Boeing's longstanding partnership with Brazil dates back more than 90 years, and during that time, we have collaborated with the Brazilian aerospace industry and community to tap into the incredible technical abilities and problem-solving skills of Brazilian engineers,” said Lynne Hopper, vice president of Boeing Engineering, Strategy and Operations. “Their expertise strengthens our commitment to engineering excellence and positions us to tackle the next generation of challenges in our industry."

At an event with employees and key stakeholders, Boeing shared several new strategic investments in the country. Among them, Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state of São Paulo focused on aerospace technological development including:

• Support for education focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Promoting a joint agenda of industrialization and innovation
• Enhancing and strengthening the talent pipeline throughout Brazil’s aerospace ecosystem, with an emphasis on increasing diversity

Angola's national airline adds four 787 Dreamliners to fleet

Boeing and TAAG Angola Airlines announced today that the African carrier is adding the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner to its fleet with an order for four widebody jets.

Boeing and TAAG Angola Airlines announced today that the African carrier is adding the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner to its fleet with an order for four widebody jets. (Image: Boeing)

"Our goal is to work with the best manufacturers in the world towards a multi-type fleet, in order to ensure we have the appropriate airplanes for each flight typology, namely our intercontinental connections," said Eduardo Fairen, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. "The 787 option suits our intent for modern, size-wise and efficient equipment, able to progressively replace our current widebody fleet, and provide our customers with an improved flight experience."

"The 787 Dreamliner will enable TAAG Angola Airlines to open new routes and expand their international network," said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "The Dreamliner's market-leading efficiency and passenger comfort will advance the carrier's fleet modernization plans."

TAAG Angola Airlines currently flies five 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets, three 777-200ERs and seven 737-700s to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China.

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook for Africa projects that the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades. Overall African air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4%, the third highest among global regions and above the global average growth of 6.1%.

Massive 100 aircraft order for United Airlines

United Orders 110 New Aircraft with Deliveries Starting in 2028

New order builds on the early success of United Next strategy
 and includes 50 Boeing 787-9 and 60 A321neo aircraft

United also secures new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and new purchase rights for up to 40 A321neos at the end of the decade

The leading U.S. mega-carrier, United Airlines announced orders for 110 more aircraft for delivery beginning in 2028, building on the early success of United Next and adding additional flexibility for its long-term fleet.

Airbus A321neo

United converted previous options and purchase rights into firm orders for 50 Boeing 787-9s for delivery between 2028 through 2031, as well as 60 Airbus A321neos for delivery between 2028 and 2030. The company also secured new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft at the end of the decade.

"We're building a bright future at United and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Our planning and focus on the long term have helped us surge past other airlines that stood still. I'm convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically."

United expects to take delivery of about 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft between 2023 and the end of 2032.

Larger Aircraft to More Places

A key component of the United Next plan is growth in gauge, essentially flying larger planes with more available seats on the same route. Given that United currently operates out of the largest markets in the country - Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/NYC, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. - upgauging also boosts overall connectivity domestically and internationally.

In 2019, United averaged 104 seats per North American departure, among the lowest in the industry. By 2027, United expects that number to jump more than 40% to over 145. United now has 180 A321neo and over 370 737 MAX aircraft on firm order through 2030, a combination that will drive the average seats per departure even higher on these larger aircraft, with even lower anticipated per-seat costs.

Fleet Flexibility

United's latest aircraft order starts at the end of the decade and can be used for fleet growth or replacement, depending on the demand and the economic climate at the time. And from a widebody perspective, the 50 incremental 787-9s that United ordered today will allow the airline to further simplify its international fleet – another benefit to customers and employees as well as an area of cost savings.

United is already the largest carrier across the Atlantic and Pacific. The airline now has 150 Boeing 787s on firm order – more than any airline in the world.

New Customer Amenities and Lower Carbon Emissions

The new aircraft in today's order will have the same customer amenities, technological innovations and fuel efficiency benefits as previous United Next narrowbody and widebody orders. For narrowbodies, these include seatback screens in every seat, enough overhead room for everyone's carry-on, Bluetooth connectivity, and fast Wi-Fi. And each new widebody features United Polaris® business class, where customers get their own pod with a lie-flat seats and 16-inch seatback screens. The airline recently announced new business class amenity products and services from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Plus, these new aircraft will continue to reduce United's per-seat carbon emissions compared to the older models they replace, in line with the airline's expectation to be net zero by 2050 by reducing GHG emissions 100% without relying on traditional carbon offsets. According to Boeing, the 787 Dreamliner contributes up to a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions per seat compared with the airplanes it replaces and according to Airbus, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

United expects that 75% of its fleet will be new-generation by 2030.

Silk Way West Airlines takes delivery of first Boeing 777 Freighter

The cargo carrier is modernizing its fleet with five Boeing 777 Freighters

Silk Way West Airlines' first Boeing 777 Freighter arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport today as the airline becomes the newest operator of the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter will enable Silk Way West to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

Silk Way West Airlines’ first Boeing 777 Freighter arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport today as the airline becomes the newest operator of the world's largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. (Photo: Boeing)

"Delivery of this aircraft marks a defining moment in our strategic plan to make Silk Way West Airlines greener, more fuel efficient, and better positioned for growth from conception to reality," said Fadi Nahas, vice president of Silk Way West Airlines, Americas. "This expansion of the fleet will open up opportunities for Silk Way West Airlines to boost the volume of flights and extend our reach to additional strategic destinations, reflecting the growing importance of our home base of Baku as a regional and global transportation hub."

RTX selected by Boeing for X-66A NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project

RTX has been selected by Boeing as a collaborator on the X-66A flight demonstrator, part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Two RTX business units, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, will support Boeing with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, and Collins nacelles and engine accessories. Pratt & Whitney and Collins will also support ground and flight tests, slated to start in 2028.

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is part of NASA's broader Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which is dedicated to developing the technologies needed to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for commercial aviation. Boeing's X-66A program is focused on developing the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept, which could enable significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for next generation single-aisle aircraft.

"NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is a leading example of how public-private partnerships can help foster the technological breakthroughs needed to deliver on the industry-wide goal of a more sustainable, net-zero emissions future," said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president of Engineering & Technology at Pratt & Whitney. "We'll work with Boeing to apply GTF engines to the X-66A and help demonstrate the potential of its pioneering truss-braced wing design."

The GTF engine, with its revolutionary geared fan architecture, delivers industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits for single-aisle aircraft. With up to 20% better fuel efficiency, GTF engines have helped airlines save more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and over 14 million metric tons of CO2 emissions since entering service in 2016. GTF engines are certified to operate with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offer up to a 75% reduction in aircraft noise footprint compared to previous generation engines.

Air Tanzania gets its first Boeing 737 MAX

First African airline to receive the 737-MAX 9

The new jet will enable Air Tanzania to open new routes within the continent and to India

Boeing and Air Tanzania celebrated the arrival of the airline's first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet this week. The East African airline is the first carrier in Africa to receive the larger 737- MAX 9 model as it aims to meet growing travel demand in West Africa, Southern Africa and India.

Boeing and Air Tanzania celebrated the arrival today of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet. (Image: Boeing)

"The acquisition of our first Boeing 737- MAX 9 marks a significant milestone for Air Tanzania, a momentous occasion that echoes the spirit of the Wings of Kilimanjaro," said Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, Managing Director of Air Tanzania. "This advanced airplane is fulfilling our promise to deliver an extraordinary experience to our customer. As we ascend to new heights, Air Tanzania enhances the fleet's capabilities and exemplifies its commitment while extending our appreciation to Boeing as invaluable partners in enabling our vision."

Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners and one 767-300 Freighter. Since its delivery in June 2023, the 767-300 Freighter has solved critical cargo challenges across Africa while opening opportunities to move business globally. The airline has an additional 787- MAX 8 on order.

"Today marks an important milestone for Air Tanzania with the delivery of its 737 MAX, which is perfectly suited to connect the airline to prominent markets in Africa, providing it with enhanced capability and flexibility across its network," said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "The 737- MAX 9, with its versatility and fuel efficiency, will support Air Tanzania's goal of opening new opportunities and expanding its network."

WestJet Group to move all Sunwing's 737 jets to WestJet within a year.

The WestJet Group has set out a targeted timeline for the integration of Sunwing Airlines into WestJet Airlines and to complete a move of all the Boeing 737 jets from Sunwing to WestJet by the end of October 2024.

Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, of the WestJet Group said:  "As we execute upon our network strategy to serve the Canadian leisure market from coast-to-coast, we look forward to consolidating Sunwing Airline's 737 aircraft, with that of WestJet's, enhancing our ability to meet the diverse travel and product needs of all Canadians.  Integration work will prioritize a seamless transition for Sunwing's customers and employees as we work together to bring enhanced sun and leisure offerings to communities across the country and ensure jobs for those transferring to WestJet from Sunwing Airlines."

As the proceeding integration of Swoop will be fully completed by October 28, 2023, the WestJet Group will integrate Sunwing Airlines with the same commitment to delivering a reliable guest and employee experience. The planned activity has no impact on Sunwing Vacations Group and its associated vacation brands.

With safety, people and guests at the forefront, the complex nature of the integration, as well as the involvement of multiple valued stakeholders, including Transport Canada, Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and labour partners, the targeted completion of integration will remain flexible, as necessary while the airline works productively with these groups on timelines and details.  

Independent analysts indicate the move will cost at least 45 jobs at the group. 

Silk Way West Airlines gets ready for first 777F flight.

Just a few days left until the inaugural flight of Silk Way West Airlines' first Boeing 777F to Baku. Get ready for a new era of aviation excellence. Boeing 777F is set to revolutionize our cargo operations, bringing even greater efficiency and capacity. Watch the exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at this game-changing addition to our fleet.

 

https://youtu.be/8JDbxL3eV8U?feature=shared

Ryanair axes winter flights following Boeing MAX delays

The low-fare-high-fee carrier Ryanair has axed a number of flights from its winter schedules because of a delay in aircraft deliveries from Boeing, UK travel trade magazine, TTG reported on Thursday. 

The airline will only receive 14 of the 27 new 737 MAX jets that it was due to receive between September and December this year. Boeing claims the delays are due to production issues at its Kansas factory and repair and delivery delays in Seattle.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:  "We are working closely with Boeing and their supplier, Spirit, to minimise these delivery delays. It is deeply regrettable that production problems in Wichita, and in Seattle, have yet again delayed Boeing’s contracted deliveries to Ryanair this winter. We are in regular dialogue with Boeing, and our primary objective is to ensure we get delivery of all 57 contracted B737 aircraft before the end of May 2024, so that Ryanair’s fleet can grow to over 600 aircraft for what will be our largest ever summer flight programme. These flight cancellations will take effect from the end of Oct, and will be communicated to all affected passengers by email over the coming days. Passengers will be offered reaccommodation on alternative flights or full refunds as they so wish. We apologise sincerely to passengers for any inconvenience caused by these delivery delays this winter."

 

 

Air Canada orders 18 Boeing 787 jets....

The firm order of 18 aircraft and 12 options

are scheduled to arrive from late 2025

Aircraft to feature new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design

Air Canada converts two Boeing 777 freighter orders to passenger aircraft

Air Canada has today said it has placed a firm order with Boeing for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft with deliveries set to start in late 2025. The last of this 18 aircraft order is scheduled to be in the Air Canada fleet by March 2027.  The airline says these new planes will be used to replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft currently in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which may be needed to provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand.

"Air Canada has made investing in the passenger experience a core priority. Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of this popular aircraft, which will premiere a new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design. As importantly, the 787 is highly fuel efficient and will generate operational savings as well as support our sustainability goals of reducing emissions," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner, with two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order. The 787-10 is the largest model of the Dreamliner family and can carry more than 330 customers depending on the seat configuration, and has 175 cubic meters (6,187 cubic feet) of cargo volume. The Dreamliner provides exceptional passenger comfort with enhanced cabin pressurization and humidity controls, and the largest dimmable windows of any commercial aircraft.  According to Boeing, the 787-10 has up to 25 per cent lower fuel emissions per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

Fleet Renewal

The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of an ongoing fleet renewal program at Air Canada, with the airline continuing to take delivery of new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as plans to acquire 28 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft, also beginning in 2025.  In addition, as previously announced, Air Canada has finalized a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace, which are expected to enter service in 2028.

The Boeing 787-10 aircraft order announced with Boeing today substitutes for a previously announced agreement to purchase two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft and, as a result, Air Canada will no longer take delivery of the two freighters. In total, Air Canada currently operates approximately 240 aircraft in its mainline and Air Canada Rouge fleet.

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

UK's RAF E-7 Wedgetail reaches another new milestone......

The Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW1 Programme has reached another milestone with Officer Commanding VIII Squadron (Designate), Wing Commander Sarah McDonnell, qualifying on type.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Boeing Australia delivered the qualifying course, which culminated in Wing Commander McDonnell's graduation during the Summer 2023.

The course, a mix of ground school (class-based instruction and simulator training) and live flying on the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail, concluded with an end of course exercise, where the Wedgetail worked closely with F-35 Lightning.

Following graduation, Wg Cdr McDonnell will now maintain currency on the Wedgetail AEW1, as part of the RAF’s Seedcorn programme, until the arrival of the UK’s Wedgetail aircraft.

The Seedcorn programme, sees RAF technicians, and aircrew embedded within 2 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown, New South Wales. The symbiotic relationship assists the RAAF with the delivery of E-7A Wedgetail capability and will provide a vital core of experienced personnel to operate UK Wedgetail at RAF Lossiemouth.

Wing Commander McDonnell said  “This is another milestone in my journey towards commanding No 8 Squadron in the not-too-distant future, which is a real privilege. I absolutely love this new capability and the camaraderie I felt working as part of a crew again reminded me of my time on the E-3D Sentry.

I have learned so much from the RAAF team and I’m hugely grateful for their continued and unwavering support. I am extremely proud to be joining the team of UK qualified E-7 Wedgetail operators, but more importantly as a collective we cannot wait to return to the UK and start flying our own Wedgetail AEW1."

The E-7 Wedgetail is the most capable and effective airborne early warning and control platform in operation today and has the growth path to match the expected threat over the next 20 years. The RAF has purchased three Wedgetails, which are in various stages of modification by STS Aviation at Birmingham Airport. The handover of the first aircraft to the RAF is expected in late 2024. The Wedgetail AEW1 fleet will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Big order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets....

This new purchase of 25 737-8s expands lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 81 jets

Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital announced this week that the aircraft lessor is ordering 25 Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets which takes the SMBC's backlog to 81 MAX planes.

With travel demand surging around the globe, lessors are looking to increase their single-aisle portfolios to provide airlines with more fuel-efficient jets capable of operating across various route networks.  

"We are pleased to conclude this further order with our long-standing partner Boeing and we look forward to working closely with them in the future. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers with the latest technology," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "Our customers have demonstrated clear, long-term demand for the 737 MAX and our expanded order pipeline positions SMBC Aviation Capital for future growth against the background of a strong global recovery in air travel."

"As one of the industry's leading aeroplane lessors, SMBC's decision to increase its 737 MAX backlog with an order for 25 737-8s shows its confidence in the value the aeroplane brings to its airline customers," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

Based in the IFSC in Dublin Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft operating lease company globally by number of aircraft, with an owned, managed and committed fleet of just under 900 aircraft. The company focuses on the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and narrowbody aircraft types, providing customers across the globe with the aircraft they need to successfully grow their businesses.  Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprised of two of Japan's biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. 

SMBC Aviation Capital puts in order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

This new purchase of 25 737-8s expands lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 81 jets

Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital announced this week that the aircraft lessor is ordering 25 Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets which takes the SMBC's backlog to 81 MAX planes.

With travel demand surging around the globe, lessors are looking to increase their single-aisle portfolios to provide airlines with more fuel-efficient jets capable of operating across various route networks.  

"We are pleased to conclude this further order with our long-standing partner Boeing and we look forward to working closely with them in the future. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers with the latest technology," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "Our customers have demonstrated clear, long-term demand for the 737 MAX and our expanded order pipeline positions SMBC Aviation Capital for future growth against the background of a strong global recovery in air travel."

"As one of the industry's leading aeroplane lessors, SMBC's decision to increase its 737 MAX backlog with an order for 25 737-8s shows its confidence in the value the aeroplane brings to its airline customers," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

Based in the IFSC in Dublin Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft operating lease company globally by number of aircraft, with an owned, managed and committed fleet of just under 900 aircraft. The company focuses on the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and narrowbody aircraft types, providing customers across the globe with the aircraft they need to successfully grow their businesses.  Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprised of two of Japan's biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. 

LATAM group received delivery of a new Boeing 787-9, and is the only group in South America operating this model.

LATAM group has received delivery of a new Boeing 787-9 directly from Charleston to Santiago, Chile, and is the only group of airlines in South America operating this model.

The Boeing 787-9 is equipped with advanced technology that allows it to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20-30% when compared to the previous aircraft according to data from its manufacturer. 

Its arrival is part of LATAM group’s fleet renewal and modernization strategy, which will enable it to have 37 Dreamliners - including the 787-8 variant - by the end of this year, becoming one of the most modern and efficient fleets in South America.

With this, the LATAM group aims to finish 2023 with a fleet of 332 aircraft, of which 78 are Wide Body and 254 are Narrow Body.

“Our renewal and modernization strategy for the fleet is fully aligned with our commitment to sustainability and brings us closer to the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral group by 2050”, said LATAM Airlines Group S.A., CFO, Ramiro Alfonsín. ”We will continue to work on complementing the current fleet with next-generation aircraft to further improve our connectivity while caring for the environment“.

Boeing to Lead Counter-Hypersonic Flight Test, Evaluation for DARPA’s Glide Breaker

Boeing will develop and test technologies for a hypersonic interceptor prototype for DARPA’s Glide Breaker program as part of a four-year effort. Boeing will perform computational fluid dynamics analysis, wind tunnel testing and evaluation of aerodynamic jet interaction effects during flight tests.

“Hypersonic vehicles are among the most dangerous and rapidly evolving threats facing national security,” said Gil Griffin, executive director of Boeing Phantom Works Advanced Weapons. “We’re focusing on the technological understanding needed to further develop our nation’s counter-hypersonic capabilities and defend from future threats.”

Glide Breaker is intended to inform the design and development of future hypersonic interceptors, which could destroy a threat traveling at least five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere during what’s known as the “glide phase” of flight. The Boeing-led development and testing will provide the foundation for future operational glide-phase interceptors capable of defending against these sophisticated and evolving hypersonic threats.

“This phase of the Glide Breaker program will determine how factors like hypersonic airflow and firing jet thrusters to guide the vehicle affect system performance at extreme speed and altitude in a representative digital environment,” said Griffin. “We’re operating on the cutting edge of what’s possible in terms of intercepting an extremely fast object in an incredibly dynamic environment.”

Vietnam Airlines orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines announced today the carrier's commitment to order 50 Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets to be the backbone of its future growth plans.

The commitment was announced during a signing ceremony with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House officials and Vietnamese government leaders today, Monday,11th September.

U.S. and Vietnam officials said the commitment will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing's long history of collaboration with Vietnam's civil aviation industry, the carrier's 737 MAX fleet will support the country's goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.

"In line with Vietnam Airlines' 2025-2030 fleet strategy and a vision to 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial project that underpins positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the airline, said Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines. "The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to foster our overall development and extend our high-quality service on Vietnam Airlines' domestic and Asian routes, as well as modernize our fuel-efficient fleet."

"Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect aeroplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet that regional demand," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s."

Boeing is committed to its strong relationships with Vietnamese suppliers and partnering to create a strong, efficient and resilient global supply chain to deliver the highest quality products and services for our customers. Today, Boeing has a corporate office in Hanoi and Field Service Offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Learn more about the history of the Flag Carrier of Vietnam and its Golden Lotus brand.