Airline News February 2005

Airguide Online, Feb 28, 2005

Feb 14, 2005

Atlanta Airport

Atlanta won't land massive Airbus A380 jumbo jet, official says. The Airbus A380 superjumbo jet is too massive to land at Atlanta's airport, according to airport officials. Ben DeCosta, general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, says he does not think the market will support many of the planes, which can seat up to 800 travelers.

Feb 1, 2005

Bob Hope Airport Burbank

Bob Hope Airport in Burbank Southern California (no its not a joke - the world likes to name airports after the deceased - with the exception of Houston George Bush - Sadam International was force majure) is to gain non-stop services from New York's John F. Kennedy (likewise passed on). With Burbank's location north of LA it could prove to be a useful alternative to LAX, operator JetBlue confident enough to plan three daily services from 24 May with a forth flight due for introduction 15 July. Night owls might like to know that the 2050 BUR departure gets in at JFK at 0500. JetBlue currently operates a fleet of 71 Airbus A320 aircraft and plans to add 13 additional A320s and seven Embraer E190s to its fleet in 2005. http://www.burbankairport.com

Feb 27, 2005

Boeing

Boeing is beginning to pick up the smaller airline orders for the 787 which are vital if the new 'plane is to be a success. Icelandair is the latest carrier to come on board with an order for two aircraft to be delivered in 2010. An engine choice has not been made at this stage. The Icelandic carrier currently operates 12 Boeing 757 aircraft, the 787 its first wide body. Boeing now has 193 announced orders and commitments for the 787 from 16 airlines. http://www.boeing.com

Feb 27, 2005

Boeing

Boeing could stop, then restart 767 line if it receives tanker contract. By midyear, Boeing will announce when it will end production of the 767 jetliner if it hasn't booked any new orders for the plane. If it wins a contract to supply the Air Force with refueling tankers, the company would restart the production line.

Feb 25, 2005

Boeing

Boeing claims 787 will have lower maintenance costs than Airbus rival. Boeing says maintenance for its 787 will come in 32% lower than maintenance for the Airbus A330 after 12 years of service. Boeing said the 787's electrical systems and composite structure will help lower maintenance costs, Air Transport World reports.

Feb 22, 2005

Boeing

Boeing said development of the 747 Large Cargo Freighter is proceeding according to plan and the modified freighters will be ready to support final assembly of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2007. Boeing announced last week the critical "swing zone" of the freighter, the part of the Large Cargo Freighter's aft fuselage that opens to allow loading and unloading of the 787's large composite structures, is being designed in partnership with Gamesa Aeronautica of Spain. Gamesa is the first Spanish supplier supporting the Dreamliner program. The expanded girth of the Large Cargo Freighter will hold three times the cargo by volume of the 747-400 freighters flying today. The airplanes will be modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT), a joint venture between EVA Air and General Electric, and part of Taiwan 's Evergreen Group.Two Large Cargo Freighters will be needed to support initial 787 production. Two 747-400s that will be converted to the new configuration were purchased by Boeing last year. Boeing continues looking for a third airplane that will enter service later. Certification of the first Large Cargo Freighter will occur in 2006, with the airplane returning to service in 2007 to support final assembly of the first Dreamliners.