Posted on 03/15/2005 5:33:30 PM PST by Paleo Conservative
In keeping with its 7-Series tradition, Boeing has given its mid-sized 7E7 jetliner the official model designation number of 787, and the name Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Able to seat 200 to 300 passengers, the twin-aisle aircraft reportedly will use 20 percent less fuel compared to a plane of comparable size.
Boeing also announced that it has completed the 787's first full-scale, one-piece fuselage section, demonstrating concepts for production scheduled to begin next year. The first major 787 structure to reach this stage of development, the 7m/22-ft long, 6m/19-ft wide fuselage barrel section was completed in December 2004. The section was fabricated using a computerized tape laying process and was autoclave-cured. Windows and doors were cut and a painting process was tested. According to the company, numerous tests were then performed to confirm structural integrity.
The 787 launch helped Boeing end 2004 with a nearly 14 percent net increase in orders for its commercial airplanes. It has received deposits from customers securing nearly 260 787 aircraft, committing the first two years of planned production deliveries. In total, 191 firm orders have been taken from 15 airlines for the 787. Boeing also delivered 285 commercial airplanes as scheduled and plans to increase production to 320 aircraft in 2005, with further increases anticipated in 2006.
Boeing confirmed that Vietnam Airlines will take four 787-8s in 2010, valued at $500 million (USD) at list prices. The order is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2005. Continental Airlines, the first major U.S. carrier to announce 787 acquisition plans, signed an agreement to purchase ten 787-8s, with delivery scheduled for 2009. Rounding out the list of purchasers for 2004 is Japan Airlines Corp. (JAL), with a firm order for 30 (787-3s and 787-8s) and an option for 20 more. Deliveries are scheduled for 2008 and will replace JAL's Boeing 767s and Airbus A300-600s.
The Peoples' Republic of China recently signed a preliminary agreement worth $7.2 billion, which paves the way for the purchase of a total of 60 787s by Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Boeing has announced an ambitious production schedule, with each carrier scheduled to take delivery of its first 787 in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Ethiopian Airlines also announced a preliminary $1.3 billion agreement for as many as ten 787s (five firm orders), making it the first African-based airline to purchase the plane.
If you want on or off my ping list, please contact me by Freep mail not by posting to this thread.
good news bump
btw, this may be historic. FR's first link to an article in "High-Performance Composites"
Damn! I guess I should have gotten my order in sooner, now it looks like I'll have to wait six or seven years to get one.
Who pays list prices?
I don't get it.
If you want knowledge, get yourself a scientist
Thank you
BA ping
This is a factual happening. 12/23/04. Thank you JetBlue, out of NY.
That is a huge dragon fly!
Karma? I think so!
This is why Boeing is so profitable. If you look at their balance sheet, ( I did several nights ago) you will find very little debt, a company strategy that goes back to Mr Boeing who did not like debt. They also have $4.6 Billion in Cash and Cash equivalents and another $4.5 Billions in Receivables.
I'm sure the Vietnamese are familiar with the quailty of other fine Boeing products.
Not a bad strategy. Just look at how many of Boeing's competitors are still in busisness.
HA!!!
Ok, we landed safely. But give me a plane that can overide the system any day. The Airbust can't.
I believe you.
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