Delivery Delayed

Boeing Photo

Cargolux Airlines informed Boeing that they do not intend to take delivery of the first 747-8F on Monday, September 19th. The reason are unresolved contractual issues for the aircraft. While this may be a temporary bump to eventual delivery to the aircraft the concern is what effect wold this have on other 747-8F customers? They may hold out on delivery as well in return to renegotiate their contracts prior to the delivery of their airplanes. This may turn into a serious situation nd the 787 may end being delivered before the 747. Cargolux (and Boeing) has also been touting the impending delivery of the 748F on their web site so it could be some language in the paperwork that needs to be straighten out. So let's see how this contract issue plays out. Cargolux has paid up much upfront costs for these airplanes and they want them right way so they're not going to just walk away.

Never Forget

9/11 Never Forget

787 type certification today, first delivery in 31 days, EIS in 60 days

Boeing will receive the amended type certificate for the Rolls Royce powered 787-8 today which will set off a countdown to the type's first delivery and first revenue flight. There will be a ceremony at Everett marking the occasion with ZA001 to serve as a backdrop to the ceremony (it's currently at the Boeing Delivery Center in Everett) where Randy Babbit, the FAA Administrator will speak along with other guests and ZA002 is looking to do a fly past during the ceremony coming from Boeing Field. Both the FAA and EASA will hand over the certification documents to Boeing today as well as the amended production certificate (APC) from the FAA for the 787 production.

Boeing is continuing flight tests on the GEnx-1B powered version of the 787. They should be starting F&R/ETOPS testing soon though date still has not been made public. 60% of Boeing's 787 order book will be equipped with the GEnx engine thus type certification of this engine/airframe combination is crucial.

Boeing and ANA have said that first delivery ceremony will occur on September 26th (31 days from now) but the contratual delivery will occur on September 25th (this is where all the paperwork is signed and ANA pays for it's airplane) with the aircraft being ferried to Haneda Int'l Airport on September 27th from Everett. 30 days after ANA formally accepts the first 787 the airline will run it's first revenue flight from Haneda to Hong Kong (a charter flight). Starting on November 1st the 787 will be put on regular scheduled service between Haneda and Okyama and Hiroshima.

ANA also plans to commence international 787 service from Haneda going to Beijing in December, 2011 and Frankfurt in January, 2012.

Here's Boeing's announcement on first delivery:

ANA, Boeing Set Date for First 787 Dreamliner Delivery

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and ANA will celebrate delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner on Sept. 26 in Everett, Wash., after contractual delivery occurs on Sept. 25. Events throughout the day on Sept. 26 will commemorate delivery of this game changing airplane to its launch customer.

"The airplane is ready. ANA is ready. And, Boeing is ready," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This airplane begins a new chapter in aviation history."

ANA's airplane will arrive in Tokyo on Sept. 28, following a Sept. 27 departure from Everett, Wash., and will be greeted by ANA employees, media and Japanese partners. Details of events in Everett and Tokyo will be provided in the weeks ahead. Many of the events will be webcast live, allowing people around the world to participate in the celebration.

Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA Group, said, "As launch customer, we are delighted to be taking delivery of our first 787 Dreamliner. This aircraft will enable us to offer new standards of service and comfort to our passengers and will play an important role in our international expansion strategy as we seek to become Asia's number one airline."

ANA launched the 787 program with a record-setting order of 50 airplanes in April 2004. The airline has played a key role in guiding the design of the Dreamliner.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new commercial jetliner that brings new efficiencies to airlines and delivers superior comfort to passengers. The airplane features the industry's largest windows, a lower cabin altitude and cleaner air. These features combine to allow passengers to arrive at their destinations more refreshed.

Here's Boeing's press release on receiving FAA and EASA type certification:

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Receives FAA, EASA Certification

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) received certification for the all-new 787 Dreamliner from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) during a ceremony at the company's Everett, Wash., facility.

FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt presented the U.S. Type Certificate, which verifies that the 787 has been tested and found to be in compliance with all federal regulations, to 787 Chief Pilot Mike Carriker and 787 Vice President and Chief Project Engineer Mike Sinnett, both of whom have worked on the program since the day it began.

Babbitt presented the amended Production Certificate 700 to John Cornish, vice president of 787 Final Assembly & Delivery, and Barb O'Dell, vice president of Quality for the 787 program. The Production Certificate adds the 787 to the list of Boeing Commercial Airplane production systems that have been found to be compliant with all federal regulations.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said, "Certification is a milestone that validates what we have promised the world since we started talking about this airplane. This airplane embodies the hopes and dreams of everyone fortunate enough to work on it. Their dreams are now coming true."

Patrick Goudou, executive director of EASA, presented Dan Mooney, vice president of 787-8 Development, and Terry Beezhold, former leader of the 787 Airplane Level Integration Team, with the European Type Certificate for the 787.

Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program for Boeing, wrapped up the event addressing the broad team of those who worked on the program.

"This is truly a great airplane. From the advanced materials and innovative technologies to the improved passenger experience and unbeatable economics, the 787 really is a game-changing airplane," Fancher said.

Boeing receives type certification for 747-8F

Boeing Photo

Boeing announced today that it has received type certification and the company now has clear path to start delivering the freighter version of the newest member of the 747 family in early September to Cargolux.

Cargolux will receive the first 747-8F early next month. The next four months will see Boeing delivering 3 new airplanes to customers (787-8, 747-8F and 747-8I) which is unprecedented in commercial aviation history. The FAA has given Boeing the Amended Type Certificate as well as the Amended Production Certificate (which allows Boeing to produce the 747-8F using FAA validated methods). EASA has also granted the amended type certificate to the 747-8F.

Even though the FAA has certified the 747-8F this is not the end of certification activities for this particular airplane. The 747-8F was certified with the flight management software for the 747-400. Full certification with the improvements to the software would have delayed the entry into service of the aircraft thus Boeing elected to certify the airplane with the older version of the software and then certify the 747-8 flight management software later this year.

Here's a description of the 747-8 flight management software from Guy Norris of Aviation Week:

The debate over readiness centers on the standard of software in the Honeywell-supplied Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS) at the heart of the 747-8 avionics suite. The system enables Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 0.1, and enables operators to comply with both the U.S. NextGen Air Traffic Management (ATM) and the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) program. The system also supports Wide Area Augmentation System Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance, Future Air Navigation System 1 (FANS-1) and FANS-2 requirements.

The core of the new FMS also is flying on the Gulfstream G650 ultra-long range business jet, but incorporates an architecture that partitions the flight management code from the user interface. This has enabled 747-8-specific user interfaces, inputs and outputs to be connected to the advanced FMS via a number of “abstraction” layers. The NGFMS software also will run in the same basic FMS box as the current Boeing 747-400, which will be upgraded by inserting a single processor card.

There is no word on when flight testing will be complete on the 747-8 flight management software. Boeing is continuing flight testing on the 747-8I and thus far it has flown just under 500 flight test hours of the 600 flight test hours that is needed for certification. Boeing still plans to start deliveries of that aircraft by the end of the year.

Meanwhile Boeing is awaiting FAA certification of the Rolls Royce powered 787-8. It is being reported that the certification is expected in another week for the 787-8. Meanwhile ZA101, the first 787 to be delivered started its Trent-1000 engines for the first time yesterday and I anticipate B-1 flight (Boeing first flight) very soon after type certification fy the FAA. Boeing is also planning to start F&R/ETOPs testing on the GEnx powered version of the 787 sometime in September though the date is still unknown. Boeing's 787 backlog is heavily skewed in favor of GEnx powered aircraft thus it is highly important for Boeing to conduct those final tests in order to certify and deliver that version of the plane. The derivative the GEnx-1B that powered the 787, the GEnx-2B will be flying for customers first when the 747-8F enters revenue service.

Here's Boeing's Statemeent of the 747-8F type certificate:

New Boeing 747-8 Freighter Certified for Entry into Service

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency certify design of new member of 747 family

SEATTLE, Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification Friday for the new 747-8 Freighter, passing two of the final landmarks on the airplane's journey to entry into service. The FAA granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) and an Amended Production Certificate for the 747-8 Freighter, while the EASA also granted the company an ATC for the airplane.

With these certificates, the program is in the final stages of preparing to deliver the first 747-8 Freighter to launch customer Cargolux in early September.

"This is such a great day for everyone on the 747 team," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Over the last several years, this team has overcome challenge after challenge. Through their hard work and dedication, they have ensured that the 747, the Queen of the Skies, will fly for decades to come."

The drive to certify the 747-8 Freighter was a team effort, said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager, 747 Program. "This is a day to express our profound thanks to everyone at Boeing and at our suppliers who played a part in designing, building and testing this airplane," she said. "It's a day to thank our colleagues at the
FAA and EASA for all of their hard work. And it's a day to appreciate our customers for their commitment to the program."

The Amended Type Certificate acknowledges that the FAA and EASA have certified that the design of the 747-8 Freighter is compliant with all aviation regulatory requirements and will produce a safe and reliable airplane. The airplane logged more than 3,400 hours of flight testing and many thousands more of ground, part, component, materials and other testing on the road to certification.

The Amended Production Certificate shows the FAA has validated that the Boeing 747
production system can reliably produce airplanes that will conform to the airplane's design. EASA accepts FAA oversight of Boeing production certificates as sufficient for its regulations, as FAA accepts EASA oversight of European manufacturers' production certificates.

The 747-8 Freighter is the new high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor. That translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold
pallets. The 747-8 Freighters will be powered with GE's GEnx-2B engines.

Boeing announces the completion of 787 type certification testing

ZA102 returning to Everett...Boeing Photo

Today Boeing announced that they have completed type certification for the 787-8.

The final F&R test flight was conducted on Saturday and they will now submit all remaining type certification paperwork to the FAA for their review and the issuance of type certification for the Trent powered 787.

Boeing says that testing will continue for type certification of the GEnx powered 787 as well as to complete Boeing test points (which are not needed for type certification or delivery). Issuance of the final type certification is now expected by the end of the month with deliveries to start next month.

What is still unclear is how many 787s will be delivered to customers this year as the number of 787s needing re-work continues to grow at Everett. The later assembled aircraft do need less rework then the ones produced in the last 2-3 years but the number of jobs still needing to be done is still significant.

Here's a Boeing video on the completion of type certification testing:

And here's Boeing's press release:

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Completes Flight Testing for Type Certification

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) completed all flight tests required for type certification of the 787-8 Dreamliner with Rolls-Royce engines this weekend. The all-new jetliner is bringing unprecedented levels of fuel economy, maintenance cost improvements, and environmental sensitivity to the marketplace through the use of new technologies including composites, more-electric systems, advanced aerodynamics and the latest advancements in propulsion.

"We are very pleased with the performance of the airplane during the Function & Reliability and Extended Operations testing over the last month," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "The Dreamliner continues to demonstrate that we will indeed deliver a truly revolutionary airplane that will be a game changer in the marketplace."

The final flight occurred Saturday onboard ZA102, the ninth 787 to be built. Capt. Mike Carriker, chief pilot for the 787 program, brought ZA102 back to its home base at Paine Field in Everett at 1:58 p.m. (Pacific time) following a 90 minute flight that originated in Billings, Mont. During the flight, the 14-person crew completed simulations of a dispatch with a failed generator and failed fuel flow indication.

"When ZA102 returned to Paine Field, it brought back with it the hopes and dreams of the many thousands of men and women of Boeing and our global partners who have worked so long for this day," Fancher said. "Their hard work and commitment to
this amazing airplane has been a true inspiration. We look forward to making our first delivery to our good friends at ANA in September."

Video highlights of 787 flight testing can be found at: http://youtu.be/9yRmwGMNuDo

Flight testing continues for 787s with GE engines and for Boeing test points not related to certification.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features a wide array of passenger amenities including
larger windows, cleaner air, higher humidity and a lower cabin altitude.

Boeing looking to complete certification test flights today

Boeing is expected to complete the system functionality and reliability testing today using ZA102. The aircraft will fly to Salt Lake City International Airport from Paine Field then on to Billings Logan international Airport in Montana and finally back to Paine Field. As of last night the aircraft has accumulated about 280 test flight hours and needs another 7 hours to finish the required FAA certification testing. Today's flights would last about 2hrs, 3hrs and 1.5 hrs respectively getting to the needed 287 hours that will fulfill the FAA mandates.

It is expected that Boeing will submit the final paperwork to the FAA around Monday and then to have the final type certification later in the week after the FAA Board meets to discuss the results. First delivery is expected around mid September for the Trent-1000 powered version of the aircraft to ANA followed by the GEnx-1B powered version sometime in the 4th quarter to JAL. Boeing actually has more orders for the GE powered version of the 787 then the Rolls Royce powered version so they would need to make final certification of this version a priority though it is still unknown when they will start F&R/ETOPs testing.

Trent powered 787 due to finish certification testing this weekend

Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO, Jim Albaugh speaking at the Jefferies conference said that the 787 just has 24 hour more flight testing left to be done to complete certification testing for the Trent-1000 powered version of the airplane. Boeing expects to receive type certification for the 787 sometime next week and plans to deliver the first 787, ZA101, to ANA next month.

The last bit of F&R testing (which is being undertaken by ZA102) will be completed by this weekend which will allow Boeing to submit the last bit of paperwork to the FAA. The FAA will have a review board meeting with Boeing to go over the the type certification of the 787 which is expected to result in the FAA granting type certification.

Yet to be done is the F&R/ETOPs testing for the GEnx powered version of the 787. There is still isn't any clarification as to when that will be started and when Boeing plans to deliver the first GEnx-1B powered 787 to Japan Airlines. Boeing is still talking to the FAA about that testing regime for the GEnx powered 787 and which aircraft(s) will be used to conduct that testing.

Albaugh also indicated that the long pole in the tent with increasing the 787 production rate is the North Charleston facilities that Boeing had bought (previously owned by Vought and Global Aeronautica). Those facilities are the "pinch point" according to Albaugh.

James Albaugh also said that Boeing is meeting this week with the FAA regarding the type certification of the 747-8F but still plans to deliver the first example to Cargolux next month. Type certification is expected in the next couple of weeks for this airplane.

787 Production Update

I've learned today the customers who will be receiving 787s designated from LN 64 to LN70.

They are as follows:

ZA463/LN64 to Qatar Airways
ZA182/LN65 to Japan Airlines
ZA135/LN66 to ANA
ZA118/LN67 to ANA
ZA536/LN68 to LAN
ZA119/LN69 to ANA
ZA240/LN70 to Air India

I don't have information, as of yet, where each will be built (Everett or Charleston) but I'm working to try and get that information. Boeing is planning to increase its 787 production rate to 2.5 airplanes a month by the end of this month.

Boeing unveils first service ready 787

Boeing Photos

Boeing unveiled the first service ready 787 to a group of waiting ANA executives and assembled media (unfortunately your truly wasn't amongst them). The crowd was able to board and view the 787 configured for regional medium range missions for ANA. ANA expects to conduct the first revenue flight between Tokyo and Hong Kong sometime in October after delivery sometime next month. This is another clear sign that Boeing is ready to switch the program from a development program to production though the production system is still sorely needing a dramatic turn around. ZA101 now is now registered as JA801A and will soon undertake standard Boeing and customer test flights. ZA102 or ZA100 is expected to be the 2nd 787 delivered to ANA.

ZA102 is still conducting functionality and reliability testing around Everett and has about 60 more flight hours to complete. After this testing is done Boeing will submit all the remaining paperwork to the FAA and after about 30 days Boeing should have the final type certification for the Rolls Royce powered 787. Meanwhile flight testing is still continuing on the GEnx powered 787 with both ZA005 and ZA006 flying test missions. There is still no word on when Boeing will start GEnx F&R/ETOPs testing or which aircraft(s) will be used in that testing. Unsurprisingly the Trent powered 787s are not flying much as that part of the test program is completed though Boeing will probably have them on stand by in case the FAA wants them to run any further tests after the submission of paperwork.

Lastly, Boeing has restarted the 787 line with new deliveries for airplane 44 arriving into Everett. That aircraft is now in position 1 in building 40-26. According to Flightblogger, Boeing is expected to increase the rate to 2.5 by the end of August.

Here's Boeing's Press Release:

Boeing, ANA Roll Out the First 787 Dreamliner that Will Enter into Service

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner that will enter into service with launch customer ANA rolled out of the paint hangar today. The airplane bears a special livery signifying the core element's of ANA's service brand – innovation, uniqueness and the inspiration of Japan.

"Our teams are making outstanding progress in completing the first airplane to be delivered and achieving certification of the 787," said Scott Fancher, vice presidentand general manager of the 787 program. "We are inspired by the airline's enthusiasm for this airplane and look forward to the day when we make our first delivery to ANA."

ANA's first 787 features a short-haul international interior design with business- and economy-class cabins.

"ANA's passengers will be the first to experience the 787 Dreamliner's comfortable interior environment," said Mitsuo Morimoto, ANA senior executive vice president and member of the board of directors. "Combined with ANA's superior levels of service, passengers will enjoy a spacious interior, larger windows, comfortable seats and touch-panel in-flight entertainment screens."

Some of the most innovative technologies aboard the 787 aren't visible, but will help passengers have a more pleasant and comfortable flight. Passengers will arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed with the airplane's cleaner cabin air, lower cabin altitude and higher humidity.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 to ANA in September. ANA will operate its first 787 revenue flight as a charter international flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong.

747-8F completes certification testing

Boeing announced that it has completed the certification testing for the 747-8F.

This now means that the company will submit the remainig paperwork to the FAA which will issue the type certification for the airplane ususally in about 30 days. I suspect that Boeing will be able to deliver hte first 747-8F around mid September time frame to Cargolux.

Here's Boeing's Press Release:

New Boeing 747-8 Freighter Completes Certification Flight Testing

EVERETT, Wash., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Freighter successfully completed its certification flight test program Tuesday, with two airplanes landing at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Flight test airplane RC522 completed testing of the flight management computer (FMC) and RC523 completed function & reliability (F&R) testing.

"This is such a great day for the new 747-8 and for all the employees who played a part in designing, building and testing this incredible, game-changing airplane," said Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 program. "We are in the home stretch in delivering this airplane to our customers."

The first 747-8 Freighter is scheduled to be delivered to launch customer Cargolux in September after certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The 747-8 Freighter has flown more than 1,200 flights and 3,400 hours since its first flight Feb. 8, 2010. During that time, the five-airplane test fleet was used to gather data for more than 1,700 FAA certification requirements. Boeing tested the capabilities of these airplanes far beyond what they are expected to encounter in normal service. Tests concluded with F&R testing, a final phase in which an airplane must accrue 300 FAA-approved flight hours in its final delivery configuration.

"My team and I had the pleasure of spending hundreds of hours in these airplanes," said 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein. "We can truly say this airplane is a joy to fly, and our customers are going to love it. It flies like a 747, but one from the 21st century."

The 747-8 Freighter is the new high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor. That translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The 747-8 Freighters will be powered with GE's GEnx-2B engines.

Progress

One down one to go. Boeing has completed the ETOPs portion of F&R/ETOPs testing phase leaving only about 80 hours of F&R testing and the submittal of the final documents to the FAA as the final hurdle to type certification of the 787. Of course the GEnx powered 787 will have to replicate the testing that ZA102 has accomplished so far and Boeing will have to do the 330 minute ETOPs testing early next year after they implement a software change. The current ETOPS certification is for 180 minute ETOPs.

Another sign of progress...Boeing will roll out the first 787 to be delivered to a customer (ZA101) this Saturday fully painted and furnished with the interior that ANA has chosen. This is another important milestone that Boeing has been trying to reach for well over 3 years. Type certification should come around mid September with first delivery to follow soon thereafter.

787 still faces uphill production issues as flight testing winds down

UPDATE (8/2/2011): ZA233 is now expected to have its B-1 test flight today. The sensor in question was not connected propoerly and the issue has now been rectified. It should be flown to Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas in about a week or so.

Boeing's 787 program is currently winding up the flight testing and certification program for the 787 as ZA102 has flown more than 2/3 of the needed 300 flight test hours for the F&R/ETOPs flight testing campaign. This aircraft just returned from more than two weeks for flight testing around the western Pacific flying out of Guam. According to the latest stats, ZA102 has completed about 218 hours which puts it on track to complete the final phase of 787 testing in about 11 to 12 days (assuming 7 flight hours per day). Given that Boeing would wait about 30 days for final type certification from the FAA, this would give Boeing the opportunity to finally start deliveries to ANA around mid September. Indeed ANA has announced that the 787 will fly charter service between Narita and Hong Kong starting in October, one month after receiving it's first 787. However, questions are arising as to the timing of future deliveries to ANA and other customers after the first delivery.

As Boeing prepares for the delivery of ZA101 it is currently in the midst of another 787 assembly stoppage in 40-26 as issues with the assembly completion of the rear fuselage sections is forcing Boeing to institute this halt. It appears that Boeing will have these start and stop production hiccups on the 787 final assembly line for the foreseeable future and this is going to complicate Boeing's attempts to ramp up to 10/month by the end of 2013. They're were planning to be at a 2.5 production rate during this summer but now they're saying that the 787 line in Everett will be at 2.5 sometime in 2011. My opinion is that Boeing will not reach 10/month until sometime in mid/ late 2014. The ongoing change incorporation program along with supplier challenges will continue to weigh down the 787 production rate in the near term.

Even so Boeing is still experiencing issues in getting the 30 787s that they have assembled ready for customers. With Boeing trying to correct many of the supplier defects in parts as well as incorporate the changes mandated by the FAA as a result of test flying, Boeing is still having trouble getting planes ready for delivery. Re-work is simply taking way too much time due to the amount of work that has to be done on each airplane though later airplanes need less time in re-work. We have to all stay tuned for development regarding this issue in the 787 program. Boeing has reduced its guidance ithat they will deliver this year (from upwards of 40 to now upwards of 30). It is understoood that the number of 787s will comprise the majority if not all of the reduction guidance.

Lastly, ZA233, a 787 for Air India made it first flight today (July 31, 2011) but unfortunately lasted only 15 minutes as the aircraft an inflight anomoly which they said is a failed sensor. Boeing is currently checking all these sensors in the assembled aircraft. This airplane is scheduled to make the trip to San Antonio for change incorporation and re-work and then be delivered to Air India by the end of the this year. This issue is not expected to cause any delays.

Flightblogger: 787 production line halt for 1 month

Flightblogger revealed today that Boeing has halted any further shipments of 787 parts into Everett in order to allow the supply chain to catch up with shortages of parts as well as to address engineering changes.

According to the post this is the first work stoppage this year for the 787 line and started in early July. The stoppage will last until the first week on August though manufacturing work will continue on the airplanes that are currently on the line as well as those that are under going change incorporation.

Some corrections to my earlier post via Flightblogger's post: LN 46 which is the first 787 to be built in Charleston should start final assembly later this month perhaps as early as late this week and that aircraft will go to Air India.

Lastly, Flightblogger is also reporting that Boeing is planning to update the 787 delivery guidance during it's 2nd quarter results conference call scheduled for July 27th. Boeing is maintaining its plans to deliver 12 - 20 787s by the end of this year as well as to increase production from 2 to 2.5 787 per month this summer and to be pushing out 10 787s per month by the end of 2013. There should be more clarity on July 27th as to those plans.

Boeing is still preparing to deliver ANA's first 787 during the 3rd quarter (August/September) but what is unknown is the pace of follow on deliveries which appear to be sliding to the right. Air India was supposed to be receiving its first 787 around November and now it is understood to be scheduled for December. Similarly, Flightblogger said that Ethiopian was supposed to receive its first 787 in December 2011 and is now expected to receive it in March 2012.

These slides are probably a result of the extensive amount of re-work and change incorporation that each aircraft has to have done before they are delivered as well as feeding these changes back into the supply chain.

Read Flightblogger's post:

Flightblogger: Boeing holding 787 line for a month, to update 2011 delivery guidance

787/747 Update

Boeing continues to make steady progress towards the 787's delivery target schedule for sometime next month or the month after. ZA102 (LN9) has already flow about 86.25 hours of the approximately 300 hours needed to to complete F&R/ETOPs testing as of July 10th. Currently the airplane is in Hawaii for tests and will be returning to Paine Field today.

ZA002 has just completed SROV testing in Japan with final testing between Tokyo and Nagoya. From all indications, the testing went very well and the production aircraft will be service ready when they start reaching customers. Here's a recap of ZA002 schedule from the past week in Japan:

Flight 1 LV. SEA 7-3-11 5AM ARR. HND 7-4-11 6:30AM
Flight 2 LV. HND 7-5-11 6:30AM ARR. ITM 7-5-11 7:30AM
Flight 3 LV. ITM 7-5-11 11:30AM ARR. HND 7-5-11 12:30AM
Flight 4 LV. HND 7-6-11 6:30AM ARR. KIX 7-6-11 8:00AM
Flight 5 LV. KIX 7-6-11 12:00PM ARR. HND 7-6-11 1:30PM
Flight 6 LV. HND 7-7-11 6:00AM ARR. OKJ 7-7-11 7:30AM
Flight 7 LV. OKJ 7-7-11 11:00AM ARR. HND 7-7-11 12:30PM
Flight 8 LV. HND 7-7-11 3:00PM ARR. HIJ 7-7-11 5:00PM
Flight 9 LV. HIJ 7-7-11 7:00PM ARR. HND 7-7-22 8:30PM
Flight 10 LV. HND 7-10-11 6:25AM ARR. NGO 7-10-11 7:30AM
Flight 11 LV. NGO 7-10-11 6:00PM ARR. HND 7-10-11 6:45PM

When ANA starts revenue service with the 787, the destination will either be Okayama or Hiroshima from its base at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

Next stop for ZA002 is India where it will fly be shown to customers Air India and Jet Airways. Air India is expecting it's first 787 in December of this year while Jet Airways will receive its first airplane sometime in 2014. ZA002 will fly from Haneda in Tokyo to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and then on to Mumbai. From there it is not known if ZA002 will fly back to Seattle or will fly on to other destination for other visits with customer airlines.

The 787 test fleet continues to fly occasional Boeing test flights with ZA001, ZA003 and ZA005 taking flights over the past week or so.

Production continues at Everett at a rate of two 787s per month. Boeing will starting final assembly on ZA261 (LN44) for Ethiopian Airlines on July 20th but more importantly, the first 787 to be assembled in North Charleston, SC will start final assembly on August 17th. That airplane ZA286 (LN46) for United Airlines already has its wings delivered to the final assembly hall and will be waiting for the forward fuselage from Wichita as well as the center and rear section just next door to the final assembly hall. the horizontal tail plane form Grottaglie, Italy as well as the numerous other parts (tail fin from from Washington State and landing gear) are expected to be delivered soon. Boeing is expected to increase production from 2/month to 2.5/month though it is still unclear when this increase is supposed to happen. The current schedule doesn't show assembly start dates past airplane number 46 which indicates that Boeing is currently reviewing plans for future assembly start dates and thus reviewing the ramp up to the 2.5 rate.

Meanwhile Boeing has added a third 747-8I to the flight test program. The aircraft, RC003/N5020K will be used to perform high intensity radio frequency tests. It is in Southern California currently. The 747-8F F&R testing has continued but RC523 has not carried out any test flights recently. Boeing is very close to finishing off the 747-8F test program and anticipates delivering the first 747-8F to Cargolux this summer.

Boeing starts 787/Trent 1000 F&R and ETOPs Testing

Boeing announced the start of F&R/ETOPs testing today. The sole aircraft that is conducting the tests, ZA102, kicked the testing off yesterday with a seven hour and thirty minute flight along the west coast of the US. This airplane will be conducting all the F&R and ETOPs testing with the Trent 1000 engine.

This phase should last about 300 flight test hours after which Boeing should receive type certification and can proceed with deliveries to ANA around August or September. Given the amount of testing and allowing for maintenance, I anticipate that this final phase of testing should last about 45 days which means a mid August completion for the final phase of testing.

Boeing will still have to submit any remaining deliverables to the FAA and EASA and they would take at least a couple of weeks to issue the final type certification for the 787. Therefore, it is looking like an early to mid September delivery time frame for the 787 to ANA.

F&R is testing that measures the production aircraft's response to normal as well off-normal operations which would include simulated engine and systems failures. This testing is only to certify the Trent-1000/787 engine airframe combination.

Boeing is still in discussions with the FAA regarding F&R/ETOPs testing for the GEnx version. Until those discussions are completed it is unknown which aircraft(s) with the GEnx-1B engines will be used for those tests. It is anticipated that GE F&R/ETOPs should start around August. Given this time frame the GEnx powered 787 should be delivered to Japan Airlines around October.

Meanwhile Boeing is still using the other airplanes for testing purposes. ZA001 just returned from Europe and the Paris Air Show and will be spending a week at Boeing Charleston as workers prepare to load the first 787 into the tooling fixtures at that plant. ZA002 will be making the trip to Japan for service ready validation operational validation. That airplane will be there for about a week conducting those tests. ZA003 is conducting Boeing test flights to evaluate the hybrid laminar flow control system proposed for the 787-9. ZA004 is conducting nautical air miles tests (NAMS) using the package "B" Trent 1000 engines. This testing will be used to evaluate the improved fuel efficiency over the package "A" Trents. ZA005 and ZA006 will continue certification flight tests with the GEnx-1Bs.

Here's Boeing Press Release on the start of F&R/ETOPs:

Boeing Begins Final Phase of 787 Flight Testing

EVERETT, Wash., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) yesterday started Function & Reliability (F&R) testing and extended operations (ETOPS) demonstrations on the 787 Dreamliner. This is the final phase of flight testing prior to certification of the airplane.

"We are ready for this final phase of flight testing," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "The team has created a solid plan for accomplishing the hours and test points required for F&R and ETOPS testing in support of delivery to our customer ANA in the August to September time period."

F&R testing simulates various normal and non-normal operations for the airplane, in a realistic airline-like flight environment. ETOPS refers to extended operations – for twin jets, flights that are more than 60 minutes away from a suitable landing field. During ETOPS demonstrations the company validates the airplane's ability to safely divert for a variety of reasons, including long diversions with one engine shut down.

In addition to F&R and ETOPS testing for the 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, Boeing continues certification testing on 787s with General Electric engines and will conduct a separate F&R/ETOPS test program for that version of the airplane. Other activities will continue on the flight test fleet to support Boeing objectives including examining potential technologies for the 787-9 and testing engine improvement packages.

Paris Air Show, 2011, Final Order Summary

Paris 2011
Order Tracker

Airbus
30 x A320neo – SAS
60 x A320neo – GECAS
4 x A330-300 – Saudi Arabian Airlines
20 x A320neo – Air Lease Corp.
16 x A321neo – Air Lease Corp.
11 A330 – Air Lease Corp.
1 x A321 – Air Lease Corp.
6 x A321neo – TransAsia Airways
50 x A320neo – CIT
40 x A320neo – JetBlue
10 x A320neo – Garuda Indonesia
15 x A320 – Garuda Indonesia
150 x A320neo – Indigo
30 x A320 – Indigo
20 x A320neo – LAN Airlines
40 x A320neo – Republic Airways
40 x A319neo – Republic Airways
6 x A350-900 – ALAFCO
18 x A320 - Avianca/Taca
33 x A320neo – Avianca/Taca
30 x A320neo – ALAFCO
72 x A320neo – GoAir
2 x A380 – Skymark
200 x A320neo – Air Asia
10 x A380 – Hong Kong Airlines

Total Airbus – 914

Breakdown:
A319neo – 40
A320 – 63
A320neo – 755
A321neo - 22
A321 - 1
A330 – 15
A350 – 6
A380 – 12

Boeing
6 x 777-300ER – Qatar Airways
15 x 747-8I – Hong Kong Airlines
2 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
20 x 737-800 – Air Lease Corp.
4 x 787-9 – Air Lease Corp.
5 x 777-300ER – Air Lease Corp.
2 x 737-800 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
1 x 767-300 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
15 x 737-800 - Norwegian Air Shuttle
8 x 777-300ER – Aeroflot
10 x 737-800 – Malaysia Airlines
2 x 747-8F – GECAS
8 x 777-300ER – GECAS
33 x 737-800 – UTair
7 x 737-900ER - UTair

Total Boeing – 138

Breakdown:
737 – 87
787 – 4
777 – 27
767 - 1
747 – 19

Bombardier
10 x CS100 – Undisclosed Customer
10 x CS300 – Korean Air
10 x CS100 – Unidentified Customer

Total Bombardier - 30

ATR
15 x ATR 72-600 – GECAS
10 x ATR 72-600 – Azul
3 x ATR 42-500 - TAME

Total ATR - 28

Embraer
20 x E190 – Sriwijaya Air
2 x E190 – Air Astana
5 x E190 – Air Lease Corp.
10 x E190 – Kenya Airways
2 x E190 – GECAS

Total Embraer - 39

SuperJet
12 x SSJ100 – PT Sky Aviation
8 x SSJ100 – Blue Panorama
Total SuperJet - 20

Paris Air Show 2011, Day 3 Order Summary

Paris 2011
Order Tracker

Airbus
30 x A320neo – SAS
60 x A320neo – GECAS
4 x A330-300 – Saudi Arabian Airlines
20 x A320neo – Air Lease Corp.
16 x A321neo – Air Lease Corp.
11 A330 – Air Lease Corp.
1 x A321 – Air Lease Corp.
6 x A321neo – TransAsia Airways
50 x A320neo – CIT
40 x A320neo – JetBlue
10 x A320neo – Garuda Indonesia
15 x A320 – Garuda Indonesia
150 x A320neo – Indigo
30 x A320 – Indigo
20 x A320neo – LAN Airlines
40 x A320neo – Republic Airways
40 x A319neo – Republic Airways
6 x A350-900 – ALAFCO
18 x A320 - Avianca/Taca
33 x A320neo – Avianca/Taca
30 x A320neo – ALAFCO

Total Airbus – 630

Breakdown:
A319neo – 40
A320 – 63
A320neo – 483
A321neo - 22
A321 - 1
A330 – 15
A350 – 6

Boeing
6 x 777-300ER – Qatar Airways
15 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
2 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
20 x 737-800 – Air Lease Corp.
4 x 787-9 – Air Lease Corp.
5 x 777-300ER – Air Lease Corp.
2 x 737-800 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
1 x 767-300 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
15 x 737-800 - Norwegian Air Shuttle
8 x 777-300ER – Aeroflot
10 x 737-800 – Malaysia Airlines
2 x 747-8F – GECAS
8 x 777-300ER – GECAS
33 x 737-800 – UTair
7 x 737-900ER - UTair

Total Boeing – 138

Breakdown:
737 – 87
787 – 4
777 – 27
767 - 1
747 – 19

Bombardier
10 x CS100 – Undisclosed Customer
10 x CS300 – Korean Air

Total Bombardier - 20

ATR
15 x ATR 72-600 – GECAS
10 x ATR 72-600 – Azul
3 x ATR 42-500 - TAME

Total ATR - 28

Embraer
20 x E190 – Sriwijaya Air
2 x E190 – Air Astana
5 x E190 – Air Lease Corp.
10 x E190 – Kenya Airways
2 x E190 – GECAS

Total Embraer - 39

SuperJet
12 x SSJ100 – PT Sky Aviation
8 x SSJ100 – Blue Panorama

Total SuperJet - 20

Paris Air Show 2011, Day 2 Order Summary

Paris 2011
Order Tracker

Airbus
30 x A320neo – SAS
60 x A320neo – GECAS
4 x A330-300 – Saudi Arabian Airlines
20 x A320neo – Air Lease Corp.
16 x A321neo – Air Lease Corp.
11 A330 – Air Lease Corp.
1 x A321 – Air Lease Corp.
6 x A321neo – TransAsia Airways
50 x A320neo – CIT
40 x A320neo – JetBlue
10 x A320neo – Garuda Indonesia
15 x A320 – Garuda Indonesia



Total Airbus – 263



Breakdown:
A320 – 15
A320neo – 210
A321neo - 22
A321 - 1
A330 – 15

Boeing
6 x 777-300ER – Qatar Airways
15 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
2 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
20 x 737-800 – Air Lease Corp.
4 x 787-9 – Air Lease Corp.
5 x 777-300ER – Air Lease Corp.
2 x 737-800 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
1 x 767-300 – MIAT Mongolian Airlines
15 x 737-800 - Norwegian Air Shuttle
8 x 777-300ER – Aeroflot
10 x 737-800 – Malaysia Airlines
2 x 747-8F – GECAS
8 x 777-300ER – GECAS



Total Boeing – 98



Breakdown:
737 – 47
787 – 4
777 – 27
767 - 1
747 – 19

Bombardier
10 x CS100 – Undisclosed Customer
10 x CS300 – Korean Air
Total Bombardier - 20

ATR
15 x ATR 72-600 – GECAS
10 x ATR 72-600 – Azul
Total ATR - 25

Embraer
20 x E190 – Sriwijaya Air
2 x E190 – Air Astana

SuperJet
12 x SSJ100 – PT Sky Aviation

Paris Air Show 2011, Day 1 Order Summary

Here's a summary of today's commercial aircraft order action from Le Bourget. The biggest surprise was the 17 orders that Boeing received from two unidentified customers for the 747-8I. I'll update this throughout the week of the air show. If I'm missing anything let me know!


Paris 2011 Order Tracker

Airbus
30 x A320neo – SAS
60 x A320neo – GECAS
4 x A330-300 – Saudi Arabian Airlines
20 x A320neo – Air Lease Corp.
16 x A321neo – Air Lease Corp.
11 A330 – Air Lease Corp.
1 x A321 – Air Lease Corp.

Total Airbus – 142

Breakdown:
A320neo – 110
A321neo - 16
A321 - 1
A330 – 15

Boeing
6 x 777-300ER – Qatar Airways
15 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
2 x 747-8I – Undisclosed Customer
20 x 737-800 – Air Lease Corp.
4 x 787-9 – Air Lease Corp.
5 x 777-300ER – Air Lease Corp.

Total Boeing – 52

Breakdown:
737 – 20
787 – 4
777 – 11
747 – 17

Bombardier
10 x CS100 – Undisclosed Customer

ATR
15 x ATR 72-600 – GECAS

Embraer
20 x E190 – Sriwijaya Air
2 x E190 – Air Astana

787 test flight fleet done

On the eve of the Paris Air Show, James Albaugh. President of Boeing Commercial aircraft, revealed that Boeing is done with 97% of the required testing on the Trent 1000 powered and that the Boeing test flight fleet ZA001- ZA006 would not be flying for certification purposes. Boeing still has to complete SROV activities in Japan early next month as well as start ETOPs/F&R testing using ZA102 (LN9) for the Trent-1000 engines.

It is unclear which GEnx powered 787 will be used to conduct the ETOPS/F&R testing for the GEnx version of the 787 though ZA177 a GE powered 787 is still in change incorporation and maybe a possible candidate to conduct those tests around August or September depending on the progress of its change incorporation. If not then the only option is for ZA005 or ZA006 to conduct those tests.

ZA102 was supposed to start F&R testing in early June but as of today it still has no started and now Boeing is saying late June for the start of testing. I have no word from sources as to the actual start date thus far.

Even though Boeing's 787 test flight fleet certification duties are over, their flight testing duties are on going with ZA004 undertaking NAMS (nautical air mile) testing with the package "B" Trent 1000 engines. ZA003 is testing the hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC) which, it is hoped, will reduce drag by delaying the transition of laminar air flow over the horizontal tail plane to turbulent air flow. If these tests are successful, then it is planned to introduce this system on the HTP for the 787-9 and possibly to the 787-8 as well. ZA001 will fly to Paris for the air show then on to Warsaw and Berlin for marketing related activities with Air Berlin and LOT. As mentioned earlier, ZA002 will be dispatched Japan for Service Ready Operational Validation Testing.

Below is the schedule for the SROV tests with ANA in Japan:

Flight 1 LV. SEA 7-3-11 5AM ARR. HND 7-4-11 6:30AM
Flight 2 LV. HND 7-5-11 6:30AM ARR. ITM 7-5-11 7:30AM
Flight 3 LV. ITM 7-5-11 11:30AM ARR. HND 7-5-11 12:30AM
Flight 4 LV. HND 7-6-11 6:30AM ARR. KIX 7-6-11 8:00AM
Flight 5 LV. KIX 7-6-11 12:00PM ARR. HND 7-6-11 1:30PM
Flight 6 LV. HND 7-7-11 6:00AM ARR. OKJ 7-7-11 7:30AM
Flight 7 LV. OKJ 7-7-11 11:00AM ARR. HND 7-7-11 12:30PM
Flight 8 LV. HND 7-7-11 3:00PM ARR. HIJ 7-7-11 5:00PM
Flight 9 LV. HIJ 7-7-11 7:00PM ARR. HND 7-7-22 8:30PM
Flight 10 LV. HND 7-9-11 1:00PM ARR. SEA 7-9-11 6:30AM