Category Archives: Dreamliner

Air Canada flying high with new honors

02 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by in Air Canada, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner

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Air Canada

Calin Rovinescu

Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu

Just last week, Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu was named the CEO of the Year by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine.

This week, the airline is celebrating another achievement – it has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by industry publication Global Traveler.

“The success we have had transforming our airline into a leading global carrier is being recognized worldwide and we continue to invest in new aircraft, onboard services, airport amenities and a new loyalty program to build on our leading position,” Rovinescu said.

“Mostly, however, this award recognizes the hard work of our employees and their commitment to deliver customer service excellence every day, for which I thank them,” he added.

The airline said Global Traveler’s advisory board weighed the nominees’ financial data, safety records, product offerings, onboard menus and overall image as a brand before selecting Air Canada as Airline of the Year.

Maple Leaf Lounge

Maple Leaf Lounge offers dishes prepared by celebrity chefs.

Since 2010, Rovinescu has presided over a rapid expansion of the airline, investing $12 billion on new aircraft and routes.

Rovinescu’s fleet renewal program has seen the deployment of new Boeing 777s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The airline’s popular Maple Leaf Lounge, featuring dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, is also part of his program to elevate the travel experience.

Rovinescu has been at the helm of Air Canada since early 2009.

Images are courtesy of Air Canada.

ANA celebrates a Dreamliner milestone

12 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Airlines, Airports, All Nippon Airways, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Life, News

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anaJapan’s biggest airline has been celebrating a milestone – its 100,000th revenue flight with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The launch customer of the Dreamliner, All Nippon Airways is also the first airline in the world to reach 100,000 787 flights. 

“The 787 Dreamliner has played an important role especially in forming the backbone of our international fleet,” said Osamu Shinobe, president and CEO of ANA, as the airline and Boeing held a ceremony at Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport to mark the occasion.

“As the largest customer of the 787, we look forward to introducing the entire family of Dreamliners into our fleet as we aim to celebrate another 100,000 flights and beyond.” 

ANA started operating the Dreamliner In 2011. With 44 aircraft, it has the world’s largest Dreamliner fleet. Another 39 are on order. 

“We are honoured to celebrate this important milestone with ANA, especially here in Seattle,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our long-standing relationship and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with ANA going forward.”

The image is courtesy of Boeing.

 

Vietjet orders 30 Airbus A321s

10 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by in A320, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Lufthansa Technik AG, News, Transport, Travel, Vietjet

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VietjetA Vietnamese budget airline, which was launched just four years ago, was the top newsmaker on the third of the Dubai Airshow.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietjet announced an order for 30 Airbus A321s.

“Today’s order for additional A321s responds to our growth strategy and to the need for additional seat capacity on both domestic and international routes,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, president and CEO

“Our aim is to be Vietnam and Asia’s new-age carrier, known for quality, efficiency and comfort and our A320 fleet has earned us this reputation.”

Vietjet already operates a fleet of 29 A320s and with Tuesday’s announcement, the airline has placed firm orders for a total of 99 A320 family aircraft.

OmanAirbus also won an order from Oman Air to upgrade the cabins of its A330s.

This interior modernization will harmonize the airline’s business class cabins across its long range fleet and ensure the latest standards in its in-service A330s, Airbus said.

The project is to be completed next year.

In other show news:

Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik AG unveiled their new VIP cabin design to initial customers.

The two German companies said they had been working on the design since it was first announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva in May.

cabin

“The floor plan presented here visualizes the typical Mercedes-Benz modern luxury combined with Lufthansa Technik’s highest quality design approach,” said Walter Heerdt, senior vice-president at Lufthansa Technik.

“The result is a unique, organic and functional design for a modern VIP Jet. Together with Lufthansa Technik’s latest in-flight communication and entertainment innovations, the new cabin will be ideal for global players wishing to travel in style.”

The images are courtesy of Airbus and  Lufthansa Technik.

Dubai Airshow in pictures

08 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Buisness, Business Aircraft, Canada, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, News, Sheikh Mohammed, Transport, Travel, UAE, UAE Space Agency

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A few images from Sunday’s opening of the 14th Dubai Airshow by the emirate’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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Visiting the brand new two-class Emirates Airbus A380.

Visiting the brand new two-class Emirates Airbus A380.

Touring Qatar Airways A380 with the airline's GCEO, Akbar Al Baker.

Touring Qatar Airways A380 with the airline’s GCEO, Akbar Al Baker.

Touring the CS100 with Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

Touring the CS100 with Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

At the UAE Space Agency pavilion.

At the UAE Space Agency pavilion.

The images are courtesy of F&E Aerospace, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Bombardier and the UAE Space Agency.

Dubai Airshow takes off

08 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by in 3D Printing, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aviation, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, News, Transport, Travel

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OpenThe focus was on partnerships rather than mega deals as Dubai 2015 opened Sunday with more than 1,100 exhibitors from around the world descending on the city to showcase their products.

Aircraft orders worth more than US$200 billion were announced at the previous show in 2013, but analysts say they don’t expect any major deals this time as airlines have ordered enough airplanes to meet their demands.

Instead, manufactures like Boeing and Airbus are expected to announce partnerships with regional aerospace companies.

The UAE Space Agency is one of the new exhibitors at the show. The government organization was created last year to regulate and support the country’s space sector.

spaceDubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who opened the airshow, also toured the space agency pavilion.

“With the addition of the UAE Space Agency to our existing exhibitor list, we have added yet another dimension to the Dubai Airshow,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of F&E Aerospace, the organizers of the Dubai Airshow.

Dubai 2015 has also added a dedicated 3D print pavilion, 3D Printshow Dubai.

“With (3D printing leader) Stratasys recently reported to have 3D printed more than 1,000 in-flight parts for the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and GE already developing and testing engines with 3D printed parts, the technology is a natural fit for inclusion in the Dubai Airshow,” the organizers said.

In other show news:

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that the CS100 flight test program is almost complete.

Fred“Only a few tests remain to be completed and Bombardier is on track to have the aircraft certified this year with Transport Canada,” said president Fred Cromer (right).

“We’re proud to be moving into the entry-in-service and production phase as we look to deliver the aircraft in the first half of 2016 to SWISS, a customer that has been with the program from the beginning.”

airBombardier also announced that Riga, Latvia-based airBaltic will be the launch customer of the CS300 aircraft when it takes delivery in the second half of 2016.

The Latvian flag carrier has 13 CS300 aircraft on firm order and retains options for seven CS300 aircraft.

“Bombardier’s CS300 airliners are integral to the execution of airBaltic’s business development strategy and fleet optimization plan,” said Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic.
airbal“The CS300 aircraft has exceeded our expectations in terms of its noise and emissions footprint, aligned with airBaltic’s low environmental impact vision, ” he added.

“Additionally, it will offer airBaltic passengers a widebody, unparalleled in-flight passenger experience, perfectly complementing our modern fleet of 12 Bombardier Q400 turboprops.”

The show runs until Thursday.

Images are courtesy of Dubai Media Office, UAE Space Agency, airBaltic and Bombardier. The CS100 photo is by Abdul Latheef.

Stars of the Dubai Airshow

06 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CSeries, Dassault Falcon, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Gulfstream, News, Textron, Transport, Travel

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DubailogoThe 14th edition of the Dubai Airshow opens on Sunday. DAS 2015 is the biggest in the show’s history. More than 160 aircraft will be on display at the five-day show.

Featured below are some of them: The first two-class configured Emirates A380, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, the Bell 429, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A350XWB, the Bombardier CS100, the Bombardier Global 6000, the Gulfstream E650ER, the Embraer Legacy 650, the Dassault Falcon 9000LX and the Embraer Phenom 100.

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sukhoiStar1








QatarStar3bbdStar5Star8Falcon
EmbraerPhenomImages are courtesy of their respective owners. 

First Dreamliner goes on show in Nagoya

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Airports, ANA, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Centrair International Airport, Dreamliner, Japan Airlines, Museum, Nagoya, News, Technology, Tourism, Transport, Travel, ZA001

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ZA001Several key parts of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are made in Nagoya, the heart of Japan’s aerospace industry.

They are then flown from the city’s airport in a converted 747-400 freighter known as Dreamlifter to Boeing assembly plants in the United States.

AirportToday, Boeing rewarded the city for its contribution by donating the first 787-8 flight test aircraft to the Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Code-named ZA001, the airplane first flew on Dec. 15, 2009. It touched down in Nagoya on its last flight on June 22, 2015.

Many of its parts, including the main wing, forward fuselage and centre wing box, were manufactured in Nagoya.

“It is fitting that we bring Boeing’s first-ever 787 Dreamliner back home to Nagoya,” said George Maffeo, president of Boeing Japan.

“Many of our partners here spent countless hours to develop and produce the 787 Dreamliner’s airframe structure and Centrair was with us from the very start of the journey.”

He said the ZA001 had grown to symbolize the partnership between Boeing and Japan’s aerospace industry.

Airport4
“We are honoured to be selected by Boeing to house the permanent display of the world’s first-ever 787 Dreamliner,” said Masanao Tomozoe, president and CEO, Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd.

“This milestone will allow us to significantly contribute to the aerospace community as well as the Greater Nagoya region by spurring the imagination and interest of future aviation pioneers here in Japan.”

Airport5Located on a man-made island off the coast of Nagoya, Centrair is an international hub serving some 30 cities.

Boeing has now donated three of the six Dreamliner flight-test and certification program aircraft.

The ZA002 was presented to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Ariz. and the ZA003 to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

Vietnam Airlines gets its first A350 XWB

30 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in AerCap, Airbus, Airbus A350XWB, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, News, Paris Air Show, Tourism, Transport, Travel, Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines

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VietVietnam Airlines has been in the news a lot in the past few weeks – all for good reasons.

The airline’s brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner was one of the main attractions at this month’s Paris Air Show.

Today, the Vietnamese flag carrier has received its first Airbus A350 XWB (above) through a lease agreement with AerCap.

It will become the second airline in the world to operate the aircraft after Qatar Airways.

Viet2The A350-900 will be first used on a domestic route and then for regular non-stop service between Hanoi and Paris.

The aircraft is configured with a three-class layout, with 29 seats in Business Class, 45 in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy, Airbus said.

The airline already operates 59 Airbus aircraft — 49 A321s and 10 A330s. The new aircraft is one of the 14 A350s it has ordered.

“The arrival of the A350 XWB marks the start of a major upgrade of our long-haul fleet,” said Trinh Ngoc Thanh, executive vice-president of Vietnam Airlines.

“Combining the latest technologies, a wider cabin and the highest levels of comfort, the A350 XWB will enable us to fly our passengers in style whichever class of travel they choose.”

Viet4In all, Vietnam Airlines has 90 aircraft and flies to more than 50 cities, including 21 international destinations.

Airbus has received 781 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 40 customers worldwide.

Images are courtesy of Airbus.

Bombardier: CSeries ‘better than advertised’

14 Sunday Jun 2015

Posted by in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, ATR, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Tourism, Transport

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CS300 2On the eve of the opening of the Paris Air Show, Bombardier has announced that the performance of its all-new CSeries aircraft is “better than advertised.”

It said, based on flight tests results, its CS300 and CS100 airplanes exceeded their original targets for fuel burn, payload, range and airfield performance.

“In addition, the CSeries aircraft are on track to meet noise performance targets, making them the quietest commercial jets in production,” the Canadian aircraft manufacturer told a special media event in Le Bourge.

It said the CSeries aircraft’s maximum range had been confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted.

The CSeries is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft, Bombardier added.

FC“The CSeries performance is better than advertised,” said Fred Cromer (right), president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

The long-delayed CS300, designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market, is making its air show debut in Le Bourge, four months after its maiden flight.

The aircraft is expected to enter service in late 2016.

Bombardier believes the CS300 offers the best seat-mile cost in its category and is ideal for a range of routes from short-haul to longer transcontinental markets.

CS100
Test flights for the smaller CS100, which can carry up to 125 people, began in 2013.

Certification for that aircraft is expected in the second half of this year with commercial flights starting shortly after that.

Bombardier has won 243 firm orders for the CSeries aircraft, 180 of them for the CS300.

Show logoThe 51st edition of the Paris Air Show opens Monday.

The week-long event has attracted more than 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries including 18 from Canada.

Boeing Dreamliner in stunning performance ahead of the Paris Air Show

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in 787-9, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, News, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel, Vietnam Airlines

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Boeing has released a stunning new video of the 787-9 Dreamliner soaring above Washington state ahead of next week’s Paris Air Show.

The Vietnam Airlines Dreamliner is scheduled to fly during the show that opens June 15.

The video was filmed above Moses Lake, Wash. It highlights technical manoeuvres that showcase some of the airplane’s many capabilities.

As of last month, Boeing says, 30 customers have ordered 509 787-9s, 46 per cent of all 787 orders.

The Dreamliner video is courtesy of Boeing.

The stars of the Paris Air Show 2015

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Tourism, Travel

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Some of the aircraft that will be on static/flying display at the Paris Air Show next week.

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS100

The Bombardier CS100

The Airbus A350XWB

The Airbus A350 XWB

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Bell 429 WLG

The Bell 429 WLG

The Embraer ERJ135

The Embraer ERJ135

 Images are courtesy of Bombardier, Qatar Airways, Boeing, Bell and Embraer.

Air Europa orders 14 Boeing 787-9s

15 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in Air Europa, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, All Nippon Airways, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Globalia, Madrid, News, Spain

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ae

As it continues its transition to an all-Boeing long-haul fleet, Spanish airline Air Europa has ordered 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $3.6 billion.

Boeing said Thursday the order was booked in December and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer.

In all, the airline has ordered 22 787-8s and 787-9s.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (from my collection).

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (from my collection).

“Since its beginning, Air Europa has always operated the most contemporary airplanes available to the market. With the steps we are taking, we will become an airline with the most modern fleet in the world,” said Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa.

“We have always looked for the best quality and comfort for our passengers and the Boeing 787 meets our needs because it is faster, quieter and more comfortable as well as being more efficient and more respectful to the environment.”

The first Dreamliners will start arriving in 2016.

The airplanes will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

The deal with Rolls-Royce also includes a long term service support, the British engine maker said.

“We have plans to further expand our long-haul service and the Trent 1000 will deliver excellent economics through its performance and support service,” Hidalgo said.

The airline already has eight Trent 1000-powered 787-8s on order that will enter service in 2016.

TrentRolls-Royce said its engines powered the 787 test flight in 2009, the first 787-8 to enter service in late 2011 and the first 787-9 to enter service last year.

The first 787 was delivered to the launch customer All Nippon Airways in September 2011.

Boeing has won orders for 1,071 Dreamliners and delivered 228 so far. In addition to ANA, major customers include AerCap, Etihad Airways, Air New Zealand, Air Canada and Air India.

Air Europa is one of Spain’s largest airlines, serving more than 40 destinations.

Images are courtesy of Air Europa and Rolls-Royce.

Seattle museum gets a Dreamliner

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Air Canada, Air India, Air New Zealand, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, All Nippon Airways, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Japan Airlines, Museums, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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D2Seattle’s Museum of Flight is celebrating a rare acquisition — one of the original Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner test airplanes.

It was donated this week to the museum by the American manufacturer, also based in Seattle.

Known as ZA003, the airplane was the third 787-8 produced by Boeing.

In donating the aircraft, the company cited its unique past.

Boeing said the ZA003 had circumnavigated the globe multiple times in 2011 and 2012, first as part of test and certification program and later during the Dream Tour, which introduced the 787 to the world.

“This revolutionary airplane caps the museum’s collection of historic commercial airplanes, beginning with our 1932 Boeing 247, which was the first all-metal, modern airliner,” said Doug King, president and CEO of the museum.

“It was followed by our 1969 prototype 747, the first jumbo jet, and now with the first composite airliner, the 787. It’s an incredible addition to our comprehensive display.”

One of the largest air and space museums in the world, the Museum of Flight attracts more than a half million visitors annually.

As of last month, Boeing had won orders for 1,050 Dreamliners from nearly 60 customers. More than 200 airplanes have been delivered so far.

Major Dreamliner operators include All Nippon Airways, Air India, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Canada.

Photo shows visitors waiting to see the Dreamliner at the museum Saturday. Courtesy: Boeing 

Etihad’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery beautiful

28 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in A380, Abu Dhabi, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Eithad Airways, News, Transport, Travel

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AirbusLess than a week after unveiling its first Airbus A380 in the beautiful “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery, Etihad Airways has revealed its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the same colours.

The airline says the new livery is inspired by the culture, landscapes and the modern architecture of the UAE’s capital.

While the A380 rolled out of the Airbus paint hangar in Germany last week, the Dreamliner rolled out of its paint hangar in the United States on Sunday.

787-9Etihad has ordered a total of 10 Superjumbos and the first A380 will operate on the Abu Dhabi-London route from December. Sydney and New York are other planned A380 routes.

Etihad, which has ordered 71 Dreamliners including 41 787-9s, will get its first aircraft later this year.

They will be introduced on six of the airline’s routes: Dusseldorf, Doha, Washington, Mumbai, Brisbane, Australia and Moscow.

The airline hopes to paint its entire fleet of more than 100 aircraft in the new livery over the next three years.

Images are courtesy of Airbus and Boeing

 

Boeing: Aircraft market strong, resilient

10 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by in A350XWB, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, News, Transport, Travel

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OutlookNearly 37,000 new airplanes worth US$5.2 trillion – that’s what Boeing expects the world will need over the next 20 years.

The American aircraft manufacturer released its annual Current Market Outlook in London ahead of next week’s Farnborough International Airshow.

It projects a demand for 36,770 new aircraft, an increase of 4.2 per cent from last year’s forecast.

“This market is strong and resilient,” said Randy Tinseth of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“With new and more efficient airplanes entering service, the growth in air travel is being driven by customers who want to fly where they want, when they want.”

The single-aisle market is projected to be the fastest growing segment because of the continued emergence of low-cost carriers.

Boeing said 25,680 new airplanes will be needed in this segment, making up 70 per cent of the total units in the forecast.

“Based on the overwhelming amount of orders and deliveries, we see the heart of the single-aisle market in the 160-seat range,” said Tinseth.

ANZ5In the twin-aisle segment, Boeing forecasts that 8,600 new airplanes will be needed. That will be led by small widebody airplanes in the 200 to 300 seat range such as the 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner, the company said.

Boeing will showcase its new 787-9 Dreamliner, the first of which was delivered to Air New Zealand this week, at the Farnborough Airshow, which opens Monday.

Airbus, the European manufacturer, will bring its new A350 XWB.