Aircraft News - North America

AirGuide Business, April 14, 2008

Boeing

Boeing said Monday that it would update investors on the progress of its 787 Dreamliner on Wednesday, likely heralding a widely anticipated further six- to nine-month delay for the troubled program. Such a setback would be the third major change to the original schedule and put first delivery of the lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft as much as 18 months behind the original target. Problems with a shortage of parts, redesigned components and a widespread supplier base have bedeviled Boeing since it started major assembly on the first 787 last May. The midsized, widebody plane, which has not yet left the ground for tests, was originally scheduled for first delivery next month. Wall Street analysts and industry experts now expect first delivery, to All Nippon Airways of Japan, to be as late as September 2009. Boeing made a big mistake by outsourcing so much of its design and manufacturing on the 787 project instead of relying on its traditional supply chain. Apr 8, 2008

Bombardier

More aircraft manufacturers are moving operations to Mexico as part of efforts to lower their costs. Jetmaker Bombardier has indicated that it eventually wants to assemble jets in Mexico. The country's aerospace-related exports have more than tripled since 2004, to $683.2 million in 2007. Apr 7, 2008

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines canceled about two dozen flights on Wednesday and Alaska Airlines, 14, to address the same situation on their MD-80s. Delta canceled hundreds of flights at the same time as American in late March. Dan Garton, American's marketing chief, told reporters the carrier hoped to have full operations by Saturday. "We're working hard to get the airline back to normal," Garton said. Airline officials could not estimate the hit financially but Arpey said the episode would be "costly." A spokesman estimated about 100,000 passengers were affected by the 1,094 cancellations. Apr 10, 2008

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines voluntarily re-inspected about half of its 117 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) MD-80s on Tuesday night and canceled about two dozen flights on Wednesday. About 20 planes required extra work. The airline was to recheck the other half of that fleet on Wednesday night. It rebooked passengers on other Delta flights and expects no additional customer impact, a spokeswoman said. Delta said it was working directly with the FAA on the new inspections. Apr 10, 2008

NavAero, Boeing

NavAero received STC authority for the navAero tBag C22 as a Class II EFB on Boeing MD-82/-83/-87 series aircraft. Product is suitable during all phases of flight. Apr 7, 2008

Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney yesterday announced the launch of the second phase of ground testing for its Geared Turbofan demonstrator engine. Tests analyzing engine performance, acoustic characteristics and the nacelle system are underway at Pratt's facility in West Palm Beach. The first phase validated the design and efficiency of the fan, low pressure compressor, fan drive gear system and thermal management system. The demonstrator has logged 130 ground testing hr. to date. Apr 11, 2008