Boeing in Puget Sound after the IAM 777X vote: bleak, unless something changes

With the rejection last week by the International Association of Machinists Local 751of the Boeing contract offer that would have located the 777X airplane assembly and wing production in Puget Sound (Seattle), the inevitable question arises: What is… Read More

DXB13 Day 1: Airbus scores big orders, Boeing launches 777X

From the Dubai Air Show, Day 1: Airbus Emirates orders 50 A380s Qatar orders A330s Qatar would buy A350-1000 stretch Etihad Orders A350, A320 Boeing 777 Launched: Boeing New Airplane; Montreal Gazette, reporting from Dubai Aviation Week: 787… Read More

Bombardier CSeries in focus

Bombardier’s CSeries is one of three new or derivative airliner to take to the skies, along with the Airbus A350-900 and the Boeing 787-9. But its flight test program is going at a pace far behind the Big… Read More

CFM LEAP accelerating in test program; Airbus and the A350-800

Aviation Week has a long, detailed story about the test program for the CFM LEAP engine, which is accelerating rapidly. In its 737 MAX program update yesterday, Boeing said the LEAP-1B has begun testing and it will benefit… Read More

737 MAX program update

Boeing today gave an update for the 737 MAX program. Keith Leverkuhn, VP of Program Manager, provided the briefing. Michael Teal, chief project engineer, was also on the call. The highlights, paraphrased: KL:: We’ve had firm systems definition,… Read More

How the Scimitar has an advantage over winglets

Alaska Airlines is the latest carrier to order the Aviation Partners Boeing Scimitar split winglets. Here is the press release. United Airlines was the launch customer for the Scimitar. Alaska Airlines image. The Scimitar provides additional fuel burn… Read More

Odds and Ends: Boeing’s MAX to China; Airbus sees no order bubble; Boeing’s wide-body dominance; BBD’s risk

Boeing’s MAX to China: The absence has been conspicuous, but no more: China will take 200 737 MAXes, according to Reuters. It will be interesting to see what delivery slots becoe available. Boeing always holds open some slots… Read More

Lion Air’s massive orders continue to raise doubts

The news that Asia’s Lion Air might be planning an order for the Bombardier CS300 energized the media and those that follow the OEM. If Lion Air follows through, this would be a major defection from Airbus and… Read More

Boeing earnings call: 787 accounting block boosted to 1,300

Boeing announced today that the accounting block for the 787 program has been increased by 200 to 1,300. Introduction of the 787-10, boosting the production rate from 10 to 12 to 14 between now and the end of… Read More

Is tide ready to turn for CSeries?

Is the tide ready to turn for the Bombardier CSeries? Following a nine month delay, the CS100 Flight Test Vehicle #1 took to the air September 16. It’s flown only twice since and has been undergoing ground vibration… Read More