Monthly Archives: April 2018

Qatar Airways and AS Roma announce a new partnership

AS Roma and Qatar Airways are delighted to announce a multi-year partnership that will see Qatar Airways become the club’s official shirt sponsor.

The sponsorship, the largest ever signed by the club and one of the biggest ever agreed by an Italian football club, will see the airline’s logo adorn the front of the first team’s shirts until the end of the 2020-21 season.

Launched in 1997, Qatar Airways is one of the youngest global airlines to serve all six continents and connects over 150 destinations on the map every day. One of an elite group of airlines worldwide to have earned a 5-star rating by Skytrax, Qatar Airways was voted Airline of the Year in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017.

Under the terms of the deal, Qatar Airways becomes Roma’s Main Global Partner and will be only the seventh shirt sponsor in the club’s 90-year history.

Formed in 1927, Roma is one of Italy’s most successful football clubs, winning three Serie A titles, nine Coppa Italia crowns, and regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League.

The new partnership will enable Qatar Airways to engage with the club’s 263 million fans worldwide and help Roma reach millions of potential new fans across the globe.
The agreement also further strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to Italy. The airline currently flies twice a day to Rome and Milan, as well as daily to Venice and Pisa. Qatar Airways last year announced the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy.

Photos: AS Roma.

Ultra Long Range Airbus A350 XWB completes its first flight

Airbus made this announcement:

The Ultra Long Range version of the A350 XWB, msn 216, has successfully completed its first flight. The latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family will be able to fly further than any other commercial airliner and will enter service with launch operator Singapore Airlines in second half 2018.

The aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines has embarked on a short flight test programme to certify the changes over the standard A350-900 that will extend its range capability to 9,700 nautical miles. These changes include a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres, without the need for additional fuel tanks. The test phase will also measure enhanced performance from aerodynamic improvements, including extended winglets.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tons, the Ultra Long Range A350 XWB is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.

Altogether, Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, which it will use on nonstop flights between Singapore and the US, including the world’s longest commercial service between Singapore and New York.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace by Airbus cabin offering absolute well-being on board with the quietest twin-aisle cabin and new air systems.

At the end of March 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Singapore Airlines is one of the largest customers for the A350 XWB Family, having ordered a total of 67 A350-900s, including the seven Ultra Long Range models. The carrier has already taken delivery of 21 A350-900s.

Photo: Airbus/P. Pigeyre.

Ryanair finalizes its order for 25 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s

Ryanair and Boeing on April 24, 2018 announced they finalized an order for 25 additional high-capacity 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The $3 billion order, at current list prices, was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

“We are pleased to announce the exercise of 25 Boeing 737 “Gamechanger” options, bringing our firm order to 135 737 MAX 8s,” said Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, Ryanair. “The Gamechanger has eight more seats than our current 189-seat Boeing 737-800NG and incorporates the latest technology engines and winglets which reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions, ensuring we remain Europe’s greenest, cleanest airline and lowest cost airline. We look forward to taking delivery of our first Gamechanger in Spring 2019.”

Ryanair launched the high-capacity 737 MAX 8 in late 2014 with an order for 100 airplanes, followed by an additional order for 10 airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The airplane will provide Ryanair with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential and delivering up to 14 percent lower fuel consumption than today’s Next-Generation 737s.

The Dublin-based carrier is the largest 737-800 customer in the world and the largest Boeing operator in Europe. Last month, Ryanair took delivery of its 500^th Next-Generation 737-800 and has now ordered more than 650 Boeing airplanes.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Inaugural JetBlue ‘Gateway Select’ pilot trainees one step closer to becoming commercial pilots

JetBlue Airways on April 23, 2018 announced the first graduation of candidates from the training portion of its innovative pilot recruiting pathway – Gateway Select, the airline’s competency-based training program for aspiring pilots. The first group of pilots has completed their primary classroom, technical and flight training and will now continue on a path to receiving their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate by earning their FAA-mandated 1,500 hours of flying time as flight instructors. After instructing for two years, they will begin flying as first officers at JetBlue, as early as 2020.

“Following a rigorous selection process and extensive training, we’re proud to see the first cohort complete the training portion of our Gateway Select program,” said Warren Christie, senior vice president of safety, security and air operations, JetBlue. “This milestone with the first class further proves our competency-based pathway works and provides a new path of entry for those who never saw commercial aviation as a career option.”

JetBlue partners with CAE (NYSE:CAE) to deliver Gateway Select’s training curriculum. This milestone is the first from this innovative program which trains high-quality pilots based on aptitude. The program is being completed in cohort classes. There are currently four classes in various stages of the program ranging from private pilot training through positions as Flight Instructors.

Cohort one started in August 2016 and has completed the training curriculum portion of the program. This first class went through airline and skills-based training at JetBlue’s state-of-the art training campus – JetBlue University in Orlando, and gained flying experience at CAE Phoenix, CAE’s aviation academy in Mesa, AZ. As flight instructors, the candidates will pass the baton providing flight instruction to Cohort three, currently in the finishing stages of their classroom learning.

“Gateway Select was designed to help make pilot careers more accessible to a broader range of candidates,” Christie said. “We remain committed to recruiting a diverse talent pipeline with our seven Gateway Programs by continuing to partner with colleges, technical schools and other organizations that also seek to make the commercial pilot ranks more accessible.”

“CAE is proud to be the training partner of choice of this historic cadet creation program,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group president, Civil Aviation Training Solutions. “It is part of our mission to grow and train tomorrow’s pilots to the highest standards. Congratulations to the first cohort of JetBlue’s Gateway Select future pilots.”

As JetBlue commemorates this milestone, the airline is currently accepting applications for the next round of candidates slated to start training as early as fall of 2018. Applications and more information on the Gateway Select program will be available at http://pilots.jetblue.com/gateway-select.

Gateway Select Pilot Training Program – The Gateway Select program provides participants with the opportunity to become JetBlue pilots after completing a rigorous multi-year training program which encompasses classroom learning, extensive real-world flying experience and instruction in full-flight simulators. Gateway Select candidates go through a series of assessments based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pilot competencies and JetBlue’s own selection criteria.

JetBlue partners with CAE, leveraging CAE’s experience in delivering competency-based training programs to airlines throughout the world, to deliver Gateway Select’s training curriculum. Gateway Select takes the best from training programs used by the U.S. military and international airlines and applies the safety standards and federal requirements for current pilots. The Pilot trainees came from a diverse set of backgrounds and professional experiences, including a heavy machine operator, a supermarket sales clerk and an accountant.

How It Works

Pilot trainees complete a series of training phases with guidance and mentorship from JetBlue to build the skills and experience required of a pilot for a major airline. The curriculum is also aligned with JetBlue’s unique customer-focused culture.

Trainees attend JetBlue University in Orlando for two weeks to learn the fundamentals of aviation and become acquainted with the company.
Trainees continue to CAE Phoenix, CAE’s aviation academy in Mesa, AZ for 30 weeks to develop core flying skills. Upon completion, candidates receive their private pilot’s license.
Trainees then return to JetBlue University for training on highly complex transport category aircraft, concluding with a JetBlue Line Operational Evaluation (LOE) and the completion of the Airline Transport Pilot – Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP). Training includes the safe and efficient operation of the Embraer 190 or the Airbus 320
Next, trainees return to CAE Phoenix for 12 weeks of additional FAA licensing requirements to receive their Commercial single & multi-engine instrument ratings. Trainees will then attend an instructor course to achieve their CFI (certified flight instructor) and CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) qualifications and ratings. Upon completion, trainees then begin working as entry-level salaried instructors for CAE’s aviation academy while accumulating flight hours to achieve the FAA’s 1,500 flight-hour requirement.
Upon meeting the FAA and Gateway Select requirements, pilots become new hires at JetBlue, where they complete the same orientation and six-week instruction that all first officers complete.

JetBlue hires hundreds of new pilots every year, recruiting through its seven JetBlue Pilot Gateway programs^®. These pilot pathways include University Gateway, Transition Gateway, and qualified first officer recruiting. Information about all of JetBlue’s pilot recruitment pathways, including Gateway Select, can be found at http://pilots.jetblue.com.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Delta to add more flights between New York-JFK and the Caribbean

Delta Air Lines is expanding access between New York-JFK and the Caribbean with a second daily flight to Nassau, The Bahamas, beginning October 1, 2018; new daily service to Kingston, Jamaica, effective December 20, 2018; and new Saturday-only service to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, beginning December 22, 2018.

This winter, Delta will operate up to 145 flights per week to 16 Caribbean destinations from JFK. The new schedules are as follows:

New York (JFK) – Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS)

Flight Number	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
DL494	JFK at 1:45 p.m.	NAS at 5:10 p.m.	Daily
DL799	NAS at 6 p.m.	JFK at 9:10 p.m.	Daily

New York (JFK) – Kingston, Jamaica (KIN)

Flight Number	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
DL2841	JFK at 7:40 a.m.	KIN at 12:05 p.m.	Daily
DL2843	KIN at 8 a.m.	JFK at noon	Daily

New York (JFK) – Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP)

Flight Number	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
DL2716	JFK at 8:35 a.m.	PAP at 12:50 p.m.	Saturdays only
DL2718	PAP at 1:55 p.m.	JFK at 5:55 p.m.	Saturdays only

Flights to Kingston will operate on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 16 First Class seats, 36 Delta Comfort+® seats, and 108 Main Cabin seats. Flights to Nassau and Port-au-Prince will operate on Airbus A320 aircraft featuring 16 First Class seats, 18 Delta Comfort+® seats, and 126 Main Cabin seats. Once onboard, all customers on flights from New York to the Caribbean can enjoy complimentary Delta Studio featuring more than 1,000 hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment on individual seatback screens or streamed directly to a laptop, tablet or mobile. There is also free mobile messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, plus optional access to high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft.

Domestic service enhancements build on Delta’s commitment to New York customers

Delta’s new Caribbean service from New York complements a number of recent and upcoming enhancements to the airline’s domestic offerings. From JFK, Delta will launch new daily service to San Jose, Calif., in June, while also growing its Dallas service to three times daily by September and adding an eighth nonstop to Delta’s Atlanta hub, a fifth nonstop to Delta’s Detroit hub and additional increased nonstop frequencies to top business markets including Charlotte, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Nashville, Norfolk, and Washington, D.C. Service to the West Coast has grown this summer to include four daily flights to San Diego and six daily trips to Seattle, with dedicated Delta One service on select flights to those destinations as well as to Las Vegas. Finally, Delta has increased the number of seats with new Airbus A321 aircraft and renovated Airbus A320s, both of which offer seatback entertainment, on a mix of routes, specifically to destinations across Florida.

At LaGuardia, Delta has added new service to Chattanooga, Tenn., and improved service to business markets including Denver; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Madison, Wis., and Omaha. The airline has also expanded its Delta Shuttle service to Chicago-O’Hare with a 15th peak daily flight with larger mainline Boeing 717 aircraft on the route in premium business time channels. Finally, Saturday leisure service from LaGuardia has improved year-over-year with over 20 additional daily Delta departures.

Delta is New York’s largest carrier with more than 500 peak-day departures to more than 130 destinations worldwide from its hubs at LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport — including more destinations from New York State than any other airline. Delta has invested more than $2 billion in New York airport infrastructure over the past seven years and is currently building a new, $3.9 billion, 37-gate facility at LaGuardia. Delta and its more than 10,000 New York-based employees are part of the fabric of the New York community, acting as the official airline of Madison Square Garden, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, Chelsea Piers and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The airline also partners with more than 40 community organizations. In 2018, Delta paid out more than $110 million in profit sharing to its New York employees and contributed one percent of its net income from the previous year to key charitable organizations, including organizations in New York.

Delta aircraft slide show (Boeing):

JetBlue and JetSuiteX announce codeshare partnership

JetBlue Airways and JetSuiteX on April 23, 2018 announced a first-of-its-kind partnership making JetSuiteX-operated flights available on JetBlue.com with a new codeshare agreement.

For travel starting May 1, 2018, JetBlue will place its “B6” airline code on JetSuiteX Air-operated flights between West Coast destinations, offering new point-to-point routes for JetBlue customers. This includes flights between Burbank, Calif. (BUR); Concord, Calif. (CCR); Oakland, Calif. (OAK); and Las Vegas (LAS), and marks the first codeshare between a semi-private public charter operator (JetSuiteX) and a major national carrier.

Customers purchasing these itineraries will get the benefits of JetSuiteX’s semi-private flying experience, traveling between private terminals for commercial airline prices. Additional JetSuiteX features include two free checked bags (combined up to 50 lbs.), 36” of leg room, power at every seat and complimentary cocktail and snack service on board. Unlike more traditional major airlines, JetSuiteX customers arrive just 15-20 minutes before departure and board in just minutes, with no cattle calls or baggage claims. And now Corporate customers may book JetSuiteX flights directly at JetBlue.com.

At this time, the codeshare does not include connecting flights to or from JetBlue’s network; customers must arrive and depart from JetSuiteX’s private terminals and FBOs for their JetSuiteX operated flights.

JetBlue serves nine airports in California and flies more nonstop routes from the Golden State to New York and Boston than any other airline. The airline has recently expanded service in markets across Southern California and in the Bay Area. JetBlue has also expanded its industry-leading premium Mint service to new markets beyond Los Angeles and San Francisco, adding Mint in San Diego, Las Vegas, Seattle and Palm Springs in just the last year.

Photo: JetSuiteX.

United Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-9 MAX 9

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-FDKj2t4/A

United Airlines announced today that it has taken delivery of its first 737 MAX 9 aircraft from the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, WA. The new aircraft, which arrived right after Earth Day, reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions significantly compared with older generation aircraft. In honor of this more eco-friendly aircraft, United has given the MAX a new livery, similar to its fuel-efficient Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, so that employees and customers can easily recognize the plane and its superior fuel efficiency.

United expects to take delivery of two more 737 MAX 9 aircraft this month, and will have 10 737 MAX 9 aircraft by the end of 2018. As previously announced, the aircraft will enter United’s schedule June 7 with service between the airline’s hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and five cities – Anchorage, Alaska; Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Orlando, FL. and San Diego. The aircraft will operate on additional routes from Houston and Los Angeles International Airport starting June 29.

As previously reported, United Airlines announced it has added its newest aircraft type, the Boeing 737 MAX 9, to its domestic flight schedules. The MAX 9 features Boeing’s Advanced Technology winglets and fuel efficient engines providing a quieter ride and the ability to fly farther on less fuel.

United expects to begin operating MAX 9 aircraft on June 7, between its hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and five cities. Beginning June 29, United expects to add additional MAX 9 flights from its Houston and Los Angeles hubs including service between Los Angeles and Honolulu.

“The addition of the MAX 9 furthers our efforts to become a more efficient and productive airline. It has better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs and does all of this while maximizing customer comfort,” said United’s Chief Financial Officer Andrew Levy. This year, United will receive 10 new MAX 9 aircraft from Boeing and will continue to add service from its hubs to cities throughout the United States.

Scheduled Boeing 737 MAX 9 service
Date	United Hub	Destination	Depart	Arrive
June 7	Houston (IAH)	Anchorage (ANC)	2:40 p.m.	6:58 p.m.
June 7	Houston (IAH)	Austin (AUS)	10:25 a.m.	11:15 a.m.
June 7	Houston (IAH)	Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)	2:20 p.m.	5:52 p.m.
June 7	Houston (IAH)	Orlando (MCO)	7:35 a.m.	10:38 p.m.
June 7	Houston (IAH)	Orlando (MCO)	2:50 p.m.	6:19 p.m.
June 7	Houston (IAH)	San Diego (SAN)	9:50 p.m.	10:52 p.m.
June 29	Los Angeles (LAX)	Honolulu (HNL)	11:05 a.m.	2:00 p.m.
June 29	Los Angeles (LAX)	Houston (IAH)	8:15 a.m.	1:37 p.m.
June 29	Los Angeles (LAX)	Houston (IAH)	1:00 a.m.	6:14 a.m.
June 29	Houston (IAH)	Los Angeles (LAX)	7:45 a.m.	9:23 a.m.
June 29	Houston (IAH)	Los Angeles (LAX)	9:35 p.m.	10:59 p.m.
June 29	Houston (IAH)	Sacramento (SMF)	9:50 p.m.	11:27 p.m.
June 29	Houston (IAH)	Tampa (TPA)	2:50 p.m.	6:02 p.m.
June 29	Houston (IAH)	Tampa (TPA)	7:50 a.m.	10:59 a.m.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 features 179 seats including 20 United First seats in a 2-2 configuration, 48 in Economy Plus in a 3-3 configuration with 34 inches of pitch, and 111 United Economy seats in a 3-3 configuration with at least 30 inches of pitch. Customers also have access to in-seat power outlets and the opportunity to purchase satellite Wi-Fi. United Private Screening personal device entertainment will be available throughout the aircraft and enables customers to play thousands of hours of movies and television programs on their electronic devices.

United’s new, extra-spacious United First seat features contoured, two-tone leather, a six-way adjustable headrest and a padded articulating seat cushion. The seat is equipped with storage spaces for personal items, including an in-arm tablet/laptop slot, a personal water bottle console and double seatback pockets. The seat also features a new tray table design with a flip-up mobile device holder that fits more than 200 phone and tablet models, and a universal AC power plug to charge devices on the fly. A granite-topped extendable cocktail table in the center console adds an extra bit of elegance, keeping the tray table free for eating, working or staying entertained.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Alaska Air Group reports first quarter 2018 results

Alaska Airlines Group has made this announcement:

Financial Highlights:

Reported net income for the first quarter under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to net income of $93 million, or $0.75 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017. As the company has recently implemented new accounting standards, including the standards relating to revenue recognition and retirement benefits, 2017 financial information has been adjusted.
Reported first quarter 2018 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.14 compared to $0.99reported in the first quarter of 2017. First quarter adjusted net income excluding special items such as merger-related costs, an employee bonus awarded in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments was $18 million, compared to $124 million in the first quarter of 2017. This quarter’s adjusted results compare to the First Call analyst consensus estimate of $0.12 per share.
Paid a $0.32 per-share quarterly cash dividend in the first quarter, a 7% increase over the dividend paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Repurchased a total of 185,661 shares of common stock for approximately $12 million in the first three months of 2018.
Generated approximately $310 million of operating cash flow and used approximately $235 millionfor capital expenditures, resulting in approximately $75 million of free cash flow for the first three months of 2018.
Held $1.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2018.

Operational Highlights:

Obtained a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, our most significant integration milestone to date. The SOC recognizes Alaska and Virgin America as one airline.
Reached an agreement in early April 2018 with mainline flight attendants that includes a merger transition plan and a two-year extension from December 2019 to December 2021. The agreement provides pay increases and paves the way to fully align nearly 5,700 mainline flight attendants under a single agreement.
Expanded our codeshare partnerships with Japan Airlines, Fiji Airways, Cathay Pacific and Finnair.
Began installation of next-generation Gogo satellite-based Wi-Fi in the first quarter of 2018, which will provide guests a faster internet connection across the Boeing and Airbus fleets.
Added one Boeing 737-900ER aircraft and two Airbus A321neo aircraft to the mainline operating fleet in the first quarter of 2018. Added one Embraer 175 (E175) regional jet to Horizon Air’s fleet in the first quarter of 2018 and added two E175 aircraft operated by SkyWest Airlines.

Alaska Air Group, Inc., on April 23, 2018 reported first quarter 2018 GAAP net income of $4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to $93 million, or $0.75 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017. Excluding the impact of certain noted items, the company reported adjusted net income of $18 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to $124 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, in 2017.

Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-990 ER SSWL N265AK (msn 62682) (Honoring Those Who Serve) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 941100.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

Air Italy’s first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 is painted

Air Italy (3rd) (formerly Meridiana) has 20 new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 airplanes on order. It is the Italian launch partner for the new type.

The first MAX 8n has been painted by Boeing at Portland and is pending delivery.

The pictured EI-GFY also officially unveils the previously announced new 2018 livery for the reborn brand.

Top Copyright Photo: (all others by Craig Larsen Photography/Boeing): Air Italy (3rd) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 EI-GFY (msn 64605) BFI (Brandon Farris). Image: 941666.

The first commercial aircraft to fly using 100% biofuel

Boeing made this announcement on social media:

This FedEx Express Boeing 777F Freighter is the first commercial aircraft to fly using 100% biofuel. The “sky’s the limit” for our ecoDemonstrator Program to deliver new technologies to meet environmental goals.

Boeing previously announced the innovative program in November 2017 for the 777F:

To most, it looked like a normal delivery to FedEx Express recently when Boeing Commercial Airplanes handed over the keys to a 777 Freighter. Yet, the special decals attached to the fuselage indicated it will be the next ecoDemonstrator, the fifth iteration of the flight test program.

It will be the first time a 777 is used for the ecoDemonstrator flying testbed, having used a 737, 787, 757 and Embraer airplane in previous years. To date, the ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 80 technologies using four airplanes as flying test beds.

In 2018, Boeing and FedEx plan to work together to test more than 35 technologies aboard the FedEx-owned 777 Freighter, including flight deck enhancements, compact thrust reverser and advanced materials.

Before testing innovations that could enhance flight safety and efficiency, the airplane will first go into revenue service in the FedEx fleet through the end of the year, flying international routes. The freighter will be returned to Boeing in January, when it will serve as the ecoDemonstrator testbed through May.

“Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program plays an important role in the company’s innovation and environmental strategy,” said Mike Sinnett, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Strategy and Future Airplane Development. “By using flight testing to accelerate new technologies, we can move development along, off the critical path.”

Some of the technology, with the goal of reducing emissions and noise, also can improve airlines’ gate-to-gate efficiency and other operational goals. Proven ecoDemonstrator technologies and processes might be incorporated into existing production models, made available for in-service fleets or applied to new airplane development programs.

After testing is completed, the airplane will be returned to FedEx in original condition so the carrier can return the airplane to service in its fleet.

By Bret Jensen

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Boeing): FedEx Express Boeing 777F N878FD (msn 40684) (ecoDemonstrator Program) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 939725.

Bottom Copyright Photo: FedEx Express Boeing 777F N878FD (msn 40684) (ecoDemonstrator Program) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 941665.