Airline News February 2005

This week is the roll out of the of the 777-200LR on Tuesday Feb. 15 2005 at Boeings Everett plant. The aircraft is the world's longest range, and arguably most economical yet, commercial jet aircraft. Powered by. two GE90 engines the 777 will have a typical range of 18 hours carrying 300 passengers and 18 tons of cargo linking non-stop city pairs such as Singapore, New York, Atlanta, to Hong Kong and in theory at any rate London to Sydney. Boeing claims seat mile cost of 15 to 18% less than competing four engined aircraft. The aircraft will be test flown over the coming months and is expected into airline service January 2006. Currently the 777-200LR is on order from Pakistan International and Eva Airways. http://www.boeing.com Feb. 11, 2005

Feb 14, 2005

Boeing

Boeing sees strong demand for commercial jets through 2006. Boeing expects sales of commercial jetliners to grow to 320 planes in 2005, up from 285 in the previous year. The company forecast up to 385 deliveries in 2006, which analysts said was higher than previously expected.

Feb 3, 2005

Boeing

Boeing reports lower Q4 profit related to tanker cancellation. The termination of the 717 program and the cancellation of an Air Force tanker program caused Boeing's fourth-quarter profits to slip. The aerospace company reported earnings of $186 million, including charges, compared with $1.13 billion a year ago.

Feb 1, 2005

Boeing, SpiceJet

Boeing books orders from Indian discount airline: Indian discount airline SpiceJet will buy 10 Boeing 737-800 jetliners. The order is worth $630 million at list prices, and the airline has placed options for 10 additional jets. The SpiceJet order is the first order Boeing has received from an Indian discount airline.

Feb 10, 2005

British Airways

Club World, British Airways highly successful long haul business class product, and essentially the forerunner of the host of 'flat bed' seating that is being brought in by more and more airlines, is to be upgraded. Passengers will find the seats more comfortable, Dunlop Latex foam now incorporated into the seat cushions. In come larger pillows, thicker blankets and new dark seat covers. Customers will notice a change of presentation with crisp linen tablecloths and meals served on Royal Doulton china. The new improved Club World will be rolled out over the long haul fleet over the next six months, the first aircraft to benefit the airline's ten Boeing 767s, which will now enjoy flat bed seating for the first time. The first refurbished aircraft was completed at the Gatwick engineering center last week, the improvements including the latest World Traveller seats with back seat video screens. The aircraft lose first class but gain World Traveller plus. http://www.ba.com

Feb 14, 2005

British Airways

British Airways has moved quickly following the British and Chinese governments signing a Memorandum of Understanding of the UK's Approved Destination Status. Selected Chinese tour operators can now sell Great

Britain as a destination. BA will add Shanghai to its Chinese destinations. The airline currently operates from Heathrow to Beijing four times each week with a Boeing 777. This will increase to six times per week from June 2005. The airline also flies 17 times weekly from Heathrow to Hong Kong using Boeing 747 aircraft, which will increase to 21 flights a week from June 2005. The airline now plans to open up a five times a week service to the 1999 opened Pudong International Airport north of Shanghai, the airport boost an eight minute 300 mph Maglev ride to Long Yang Station. Air China has a daily service from Heathrow to the old Shanghai airport whilst Virgin Atlantic, established at Shanghai now for some five years, is to introduce ex-London services to Beijing "as soon as practical".