SATCOM DIRECT

MySky, the only AI-powered spend management platform designed for the private aviation industry, and Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation solutions provider, announced a strategic alliance enabling seamless access to real-time data for private aviation. Subscribers to MySky and SD will greatly benefit from an all-encompassing approach to aircraft management that combines operational and financial information into a single source of data, the SD Pro® platform.

Designed to bring transparency to the industry for the first time, MySky provides unrivaled access to financial data and proprietary IT tools that help owners and operators reduce costs, refine spending and improve the overall aircraft ownership experience. SD Pro, the digital management dashboard, provides relevant and timely information about pre- to- post flight aircraft performance to aircraft operators around the world. An open architecture platform, SD Pro adds value to the user experience through the integration of third-party suppliers. As a result of the integration with MySky, SD will add a financial component to its SD Pro platform.

The agreement between MySky and SD will allow for a full 360-degree approach to business aviation management, promoting a fiduciary duty among industry stakeholders. Through the SD Pro platform, aircraft operators will have direct access to financial and operational information from both MySky and SD. The integrated data can increase longevity of ownership and improve the overall ownership experience. The aggregated information enables better informed, proactive decisions in real-time, heightening control and efficiency. Rote tasks can be automated to increase productivity and reallocate valuable human resources.

“At MySky, our goal is to bring increased transparency and accountability to the private aviation industry by ensuring stakeholders have the necessary tools to better understand and manage the costs of their assets,” said Kirill Kim, co-founder and CEO of MySky. “By combining our industry-leading financial data with SD’s detailed operational information, I’m confident that this alliance will help stakeholders better navigate the long-time obstacles associated with private aviation management.”

“SD is dedicated to delivering advanced technological capabilities to our customers. With the integration of MySky into the SD Pro platform, we are adding a significant resource to the operational mix by providing a business management tool that complements our operations-focused products. We are excited to work closely with the MySky team to foster industry growth and long-term sustainability for our clients,” said Chris Moore, SD president of business aviation.

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BOEING

Boeing and Enter Air announced the Polish airline is expanding its commitment to the 737 family with a new order for two 737-8 airplanes plus options for two more jets.

An all-Boeing operator and Poland’s biggest charter carrier, Enter Air began operations in 2010 with a single 737 airplane. Today, the airline’s fleet includes 22 Next-Generation 737s and two 737 MAX airplanes. When the new purchase agreement is fully exercised, Enter Air’s 737 MAX fleet will rise to 10 aircraft.

“Despite the current crisis, it is important to think about the future. To that end, we have agreed to order additional 737-8 aircraft. Following the rigorous checks that the 737 MAX is undergoing, I am convinced it will be the best aircraft in the world for many years to come,” said Grzegorz Polaniecki, general director and board member, Enter Air.

Enter Air and Boeing also finalized a settlement to address the commercial impacts stemming from the grounding of the 737 MAX fleet. While the details of the agreement are confidential, the compensation will be provided in a number of forms and staggered over a period of time.

“In the settlement with Boeing, we agreed to revise the delivery schedule for the previously-ordered airplanes in response to current market conditions. The specific terms of the settlement are strictly confidential, but we are pleased with the way Boeing has treated us as its customer,” added Polaniecki.

“We are humbled by Enter Air’s commitment to the Boeing 737 family. Their order for additional 737-8s underscores their confidence in the airplane and the men and women of Boeing,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. “We look forward to building on our decade-long partnership with Enter Air and working with the airline to safely return their full 737 fleet to commercial service.”

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GOGO (Biz Jet Info)

Gogo Business Aviation has once again set a new standard for inflight connectivity with its AVANCE L5 system now installed and flying on 1,000 business jets.

It’s a milestone Gogo reached in less than three years following the first installation, making it the most successful adoption of any high-speed broadband inflight connectivity system in business aviation history. In addition to the 1,000 L5 installations, Gogo is nearing 450 installations for the AVANCE L3 system. Combined, the nearly 1,500 AVANCE system installations highlights Gogo’s leadership in inflight connectivity in business aviation.

“Our team hit it out of the park with both the AVANCE L5 and L3 systems,” said Sergio Aguirre, president of Gogo Business Aviation. “And what’s so exciting to me is that we still have so much opportunity ahead of us.”

The Gogo AVANCE L5 delivers a 4G experience to business aircraft of all types and sizes, from light jets to the largest global business jets, and provides the easiest and most economical upgrade path to Gogo 5G when it launches. From the time AVANCE L5 launched in the fourth quarter of 2017, more than 325,000 flights have taken off with the system onboard, flying more than 420,000 hours and 211 million miles, and users consuming 150 million megabytes of data.

“We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the great partnerships we’ve built over more than 25 years with the market-leading business jet manufacturers, our dealers, and charter and fractional operators,” Aguirre said. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic that has had such a dramatic impact on all of aviation, we continued to see a healthy demand from the market for our AVANCE systems.”

Gogo and its OEM partners and dealers have also experienced substantial adoption of both AVANCE L5 and L3 on a retrofit basis with more than 200 supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Both L3 and L5 systems are linefit factory options on the majority of business jets of all types and sizes from the world’s largest business aircraft manufacturers.

The Gogo AVANCE L5 system connects to the Gogo Biz 4G network delivering faster speeds and enhanced network capacity enabling activities such as live streaming video and audio, video conferencing, on-demand movies, faster web browsing, personal smartphone use, real-time data for cockpit apps, and remote diagnostics and support while in flight.
Early in 2018, Gogo launched AVANCE L3, a system that delivers the benefits of the Gogo AVANCE platform to passengers and flight departments in a lightweight, smaller form factor compared to L5. AVANCE L3 allows users to customize their inflight experience based on their unique needs and can be installed on business aircraft of all types and sizes, but is an ideal solution for smaller aircraft including turboprops and light jets.

In total, at the end of the second quarter 2020, Gogo Business Aviation reported 5,399 aircraft flying with its air-to-ground (ATG) systems onboard and also 4,704 aircraft flying with satellite systems onboard.

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OTHER NEWS

• We are real Apple fans!
  And because we are Apple fans, we also are fans of the gentleman who said; “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
  Who said it? Steve Jobs, Apple’s founder gave those words during a Commencement Address at Stanford on June 12, 2005. Today his company is worth $2 Trillion dollars, and unfortunately, he is no longer alive. However, some things he said were far, far ahead of other philosophical suggestions and submittals! We are linking the article from Stanford which is his address at the commencement, and, as he noted – “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”
  Text of Steve Jobs’ Commencement address (2005)
  (Editor’s Note: While there is no question that Steve Jobs was the miracle behind Apple, an engineer named Steve Wozniak was the ‘brains’ behind the Mac, and no Apple story would be complete without him. Wozniak is a genius and is still alive today, involved with a lot of technology and good will. When he started, Mac was not necessarily on his mind: “My dream was actually just to have a computer some day. If I’d imagined that it meant starting a company to sell them, I probably would have avoided the whole thing.” While looking for a final quote from Wozniak that readers would identify with, we found this and it sums up his world quite well: “In the end, I hope there’s a little note somewhere that says I designed a good computer.” Yes Mr. Wozniak, you really, really did!)
• Industry sources indicate that American Airlines is preparing to cut 19,000 jobs by October 1, 2020 and Delta Air Lines is also planning to furlough nearly 2,000 pilots in October.
• Just so you know, there will be a potential asteroid impact on earth Nov. 2 this year. Chances asteroid 2018VPI will hit the earth is 1 in 240 probability, because the miss range will be 4,994.76 km away. And, since it is only 6.5 ft. wide, no worries!
• So, a former engineer asked us: “So with all this anti-virus technology being developed and used, I have a question: Are we setting ourselves up for creating a ‘super-virus’ by using so much anti-viral spray or UV light treatments? I mean, we have all heard before how a treatment or vaccine kills MOST of the germs/virus, but some still survives and over time, the surviving germs/virus become immune to ‘standard’ treatments and thus become ‘super-bugs.’ So all this use of sprays on aircraft or rental cars or hotel rooms; and other places etc. Are we setting ourselves up for an even bigger problem in the future? Just wondering . . .  and if anyone knows, can you verify for me whether or not the UV wavelength that kills the virus does or doesn’t deteriorate the fabrics and materials on cars, planes, and train . . .  thus increasing maintenance and replacement costs?” (We will forward your response – Editor)

Chicago, IL | March 18, 2019– We know lives depend on the work we do, and our teams embrace that responsibility with a deep sense of commitment every day. Our purpose at Boeing is to bring family, friends and loved ones together with our commercial airplanes—safely. The tragic losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 affect us all, uniting people and nations in shared grief for all those in mourning. Our hearts are heavy, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board.

Safety is at the core of who we are at Boeing, and ensuring safe and reliable travel on our airplanes is an enduring value and our absolute commitment to everyone. This overarching focus on safety spans and binds together our entire global aerospace industry and communities. We’re united with our airline customers, international regulators and government authorities in our efforts to support the most recent investigation, understand the facts of what happened and help prevent future tragedies. Based on facts from the Lion Air Flight 610 accident and emerging data as it becomes available from the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident, we’re taking actions to fully ensure the safety of the 737 MAX. We also understand and regret the challenges for our customers and the flying public caused by the fleet’s grounding.

Work is progressing thoroughly and rapidly to learn more about the Ethiopian Airlines accident and understand the information from the airplane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Our team is on-site with investigators to support the investigation and provide technical expertise. The Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau will determine when and how it’s appropriate to release additional details.

Boeing has been in the business of aviation safety for more than 100 years, and we’ll continue providing the best products, training and support to our global airline customers and pilots. This is an ongoing and relentless commitment to make safe airplanes even safer. Soon we’ll release a software update and related pilot training for the 737 MAX that will address concerns discovered in the aftermath of the Lion Air Flight 610 accident. We’ve been working in full cooperation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board on all issues relating to both the Lion Air and the Ethiopian Airlines accidents since the Lion Air accident occurred in October last year.

Our entire team is devoted to the quality and safety of the aircraft we design, produce and support. I’ve dedicated my entire career to Boeing, working shoulder to shoulder with our amazing people and customers for more than three decades, and I personally share their deep sense of commitment. Recently, I spent time with our team members at our 737 production facility in Renton, Wash., and once again saw firsthand the pride our people feel in their work and the pain we’re all experiencing in light of these tragedies. The importance of our work demands the utmost integrity and excellence—that’s what I see in our team, and we’ll never rest in pursuit of it.

Our mission is to connect people and nations, protect freedom, explore our world and the vastness of space, and inspire the next generation of aerospace dreamers and doers—and we’ll fulfill that mission only by upholding and living our values. That’s what safety means to us. Together, we’ll keep working to earn and keep the trust people have placed in Boeing.

Dennis Muilenburg
Chairman, President and CEO
The Boeing Company

Carrier is the first in Russia to fly the 737 MAX airplane
S7 plans to operate 10 more MAX airplanes in the coming years

Moscow, Russia | October 15, 2018– Boeing, Air Lease Corp., and S7 Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first 737 MAX, via lease from ALC.  S7, operated by Globus Airlines, becomes the first Russian airline to fly the new and improved 737 airplane. S7 plans to take 10 more 737 MAX jets over the next few years as part of its strategic plan to strengthen its airplane fleet.

“We always stay up-to-date with the latest developments of manufacturers and actively implement them to improve our service. The airline’s fleet already includes 19 Boeing 737Next Generation aircraft. The new Boeing 737MAX that we received today from our partners at Air Lease Corporation offers even more passenger comfort, reduced noise level and lower environmental impact. We are delighted that our passengers will be the first in Russia to appreciate the benefits onboard these new generation airplanes,” said Vadim Klebanov, general director of Globus Airlines.

The 737 MAX 8 is part of a family of airplanes that offer from about 130 to 230 seats and the ability to fly up to 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 kilometers). The MAX 8, in particular, can seat up to 178 passengers in a standard configuration and features the popular Boeing Sky Interior. The airplane helps reduce fuel use and emissions by 14 percent compared to previous airplanes, outperforming the competition by 8 percent when it comes to operating costs per seat.

“ALC is delighted to be a part of introducing the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Russia with this delivery to our longtime customer, S7 Airlines,” said Alex Khatibi, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “With this new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the airline continues to establish its position as a highly competitive Russian airline operating the most modern and fuel-efficient fleet.”

“With S7 Group’s innovative approach to its business and ambitious long-term goals, the 737 MAX will be a great addition to its fleet and will be seamlessly integrated in the group’s strategy of delivering exceptional performance and value,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history with more than 4,700 orders from 104 customers worldwide.

737 MAX’s market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort lead to repeat order

Jet Airways will be first Indian airline to take delivery of the new and improved 737 jet

Mumbai, India | April 4, 2018–Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Jet Airways today announced a new order for 75 737 MAX airplanes as India’s premier international airline looks to the new and improved 737 jet to power its future growth.

“Our new order for the additional 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will allow us to deliver a differentiated and  world class customer experience to our guests,” said “Vinay Dube, Chief Executive Officer, Jet Airway. “This additional order reemphasizes our trust and confidence in Boeing and also reaffirms our commitment to operate extremely modern, reliable and fuel efficient aircraft as part of our fleet. Jet Airways’ partnership with Boeing goes back 25 years ever since the airline was conceived and took to the skies. This order underscores Jet Airways’ commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Indian aviation market”

Jet Airways announced its first order for 75 MAX airplanes in 2015 as part of a strategy to refresh its fleet with the most modern and environmentally progressive airplanes. The newest order adds 75 more MAXs to support the airline’s future expansion. Jet Airways is set to take direct delivery of its first MAX airplane later this year.

“We are honored that Jet Airways has again placed its trust in Boeing with its order for 75 more 737 MAXs,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “These additional 737 MAX airplanes will help Jet Airways continue to be an industry leader by combining a superior passenger experience with reliable and efficient operations.”

The 737 MAX is a family of airplanes that offer about 130 to 230 seats with the ability to fly up to 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 kilometers). These jets incorporate the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,400 orders from 96 customers worldwide to date. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

• Oman Air and Thales share more than a decade long relationship. Thales is proud to equip Oman Air new B737 MAX fleet with AVANT IFE.
• The newly configured B737 MAX will enter into service January 2018.
• AVANT features modern industrial design and offers a customizable passenger experience with the latest applications on the market.

November 14, 2017– Oman Air, the National Carrier of the Sultanate of Oman signed an agreement with Thales on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, to equip its B737 MAX fleet for developing its Inflight entertainment systems.

As one of the respected airlines of the region with a focus on service excellence and the promise of the highest standards for passenger experience, Oman Air relies on Thales’ advanced state- of-the-art AVANT IFE System to equip its B737 MAX fleet. This new aircraft will enter into service on January 2018.

Oman Air and Thales share more than a decade long relationship. During that time, we have worked together to fulfill the airlines promise to their passengers by developing best in class in-flight entertainment systems for the entire fleet of A330s, B737s, B787s and E-175s.

Oman Air’s B737 MAX business class passengers will enjoy the largest screens provided on a single aisle aircraft. Thales’s unique passenger interface will enable business and economy passengers to access an impressive list of entertainment and informative features.

AVANT is an open, Android-based platform, equipped with high capacity servers, featuring lightweight and full high definition monitors for incredible viewing angles. The system uses a modern industrial design and offers a customizable passenger experience with the latest applications available on the consumer market.

The innovative AVANT infrastructure enables a diverse range of configurations and cutting edge entertainment that will enhance Oman Air’s passenger experiences wherever they fly.

“Guest experience has always been a priority for us, and today Oman Air extends its decade trust in Thales for its newest B737 MAX fleet with one priority in mind: delivering a memorable guest experience with the best in-flight entertainment. The innovative AVANT infrastructure enables a diverse range of configurations and cutting edge entertainment that will enhance Oman Air’s guest experiences wherever they fly. We are very pleased with the choice of Thales In-flight system that match well with our operations.”
Abdulaziz Al-Raisi, Acting CEO, Oman Air said

• Rockwell Collins’ largest nose-to-tail connectivity contract to date
• Passengers will have access to fastest in-flight internet speeds available
• Airline crew and operations will benefit from enhanced efficiency and increased access to information, including global flight tracking

Long Beach, California | September 26, 2017– A large Asia Pacific-based airline has selected Rockwell Collins as its provider of nose-to-tail connectivity services for its fleet of 100 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Cabin connectivity services will be provided by Rockwell Collins’ CabinConnect^TM wireless in-flight connectivity and entertainment solution using Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network. The system will be linefit on the aircraft.

“The ability to stay connected while flying is critically important to airline passengers today, especially in the growing Asia Pac region,” said David Nieuwsma, senior vice president, Information Management Services at Rockwell Collins. “These passengers want to stream video and chat with family, and also enjoy the benefit of flying with a highly efficient airline. That’s exactly what this solution provides.”

With the installation of the new service, passengers will enjoy an improved travel experience, with the ability to surf the internet, use social networks and various instant messenger applications, as well as check emails via smartphones, tablets and personal computers. Passengers will also be able to stream onboard entertainment content using their personal devices.

In the flight deck, the airline will also implement Rockwell Collins’ ARINC GLOBALink^Ⓡ services, including a unique multimedia ACARS communications package with Very High Frequency (VHF), High Frequency (HF) and SwiftBroadband-Safety Services (SB-S). The ARINC GLOBALink service securely and reliably delivers voice and data communications between the aircraft and ground operations over a private aviation network that features 99.999 percent availability. For back office operations, the airline will utilize ARINC OpCenter^SM, the company’s cloud-based ACARS host processor and will be able to monitor its aircraft fleet anywhere in the world using the Rockwell Collins ARINC MultiLink^SM flight tracking solution.

• First aircraft delivered to Southwest Airlines with Global Eagle Entertainment’s KU Band connectivity installed at Boeing factory

Long Beach, CA | September 25, 2017– Kontron, a leading global provider of embedded computing inflight entertainment and connectivity equipment, today announced the launch of Boeing 737 MAX line-fit deliveries in association with a one of its key customers, Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: ENT).  Securing line-fit offerability from Boeing and Airbus is a strategic priority for Kontron, given the resulting efficiencies that can be offered to airlines in terms of cost savings and eliminating the need to take an aircraft out of service. Global Eagle recently announced that its Airconnect 3.0 inflight equipment is the first catalog-offerable line-fit connectivity system available for installation during assembly of the new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Kontron began working with Global Eagle in 2015 to obtain Boeing line-fit approval for Kontron’s Server Management Unit, Modem Data Unit and Cab-N-Connect™ wireless access point. These Kontron designed and manufactured Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) are enabling components of the Global Eagle Airconnect 3.0 inflight Wi-Fi system. Airconnect 3.0 provides KU Band connectivity, IPTV and wireless IFE services to passengers and crew, and is already proven on 865 aircraft around the world.

To obtain Boeing line-fit approval for the three LRUs, Kontron worked with Global Eagle to develop an extensive qualification test program to the Boeing specifications for 737 MAX cabin equipment. The test procedures were successfully executed on the three LRUs by the combined Global Eagle and Kontron teams, with Boeing representatives witnessing. The final qualification test report was generated by Kontron and approved by Global Eagle and Boeing.

“Kontron’s aviation product development strategy includes the concept of line-fit readiness,” said Andy Mason, vice president technology at Kontron America. “This means Boeing and Airbus OEM requirements are considered during the product design and preliminary qualification phase. Our due diligence in creating a qualification test program matched to strict aircraft cabin specifications is proving useful for the future. Kontron is actively pursuing Boeing and Airbus line-fit qualification for our new ACE Flight™ 4608 Server and other avionics products.”

 

“Our collaboration with Kontron adds best-in-class inflight connectivity and helps to remove the worry of aircraft downtime and revenue loss for retrofit installations,” said Per Norén, Global Eagle Senior Vice President, Aviation.

 

Kontron will showcase its extensive line of certified IFE&C open platform solutions at the 2017 APEX Expo in Long Beach, California, September 25-28in Kontron Booth #533. For more information on its avionics product portfolio, please visit: https://www.kontron.com/industries/avionics

Seattle, WA | January 4, 2017–

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), announced today an order for 75 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

The order, booked in December, is valued at $8.25 billion at current list prices. The follow-on order increases the GECAS firm order book for the 737 MAX to 170 airplanes, the largest of any aircraft leasing company.

“These new orders will enable GECAS to serve our clients’ needs — assisting in managing their fleets, transitioning aircraft and providing new equipment,” said Alec Burger, President and Chief Executive Officer, GECAS. “Our customers want the latest technology and fuel efficiency, and the CFM International LEAP-1B engines on these aircraft deliver outstanding productivity and reliability in the single-aisle market.”

“When it comes to demand, this order shows the MAX 8 remains at the heart of the single-aisle market,” said Brad McMullen, vice president, North America and Leasing Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We appreciate the confidence GECAS has in the 737 MAX, and look forward to seeing the airplanes placed with carriers all over the world.”

To date, the 737 MAX has accumulated 3,419 orders, making it the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history.

Dallas, Texas | December 13, 2016– Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is committed to enhancing the inflight Customer experience and improving connectivity on Southwest® flights across the U.S. and near international destinations. This commitment is demonstrated with the carrier’s announcement today that it has entered into connectivity agreements with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE). The agreement with Panasonic provides for their Global Communications Services, which include WiFi and live television, to be offered on a portion of the carrier’s fleet, with the first Panasonic equipped aircraft scheduled to enter service in late 2017. The agreement with GEE extends the carrier’s use of the company’s Airconnect connectivity system and services. Both of the agreements support Southwest’s focus on yielding greater WiFi bandwidth available to Customers on WiFi-equipped aircraft.

Southwest’s agreements with Panasonic and GEE align with next year’s planned retirement of the carrier’s non-WiFi-equipped 737-300 Classic aircraft and the introduction of the new Boeing 737-8 (MAX). By the end of 2017, Southwest Airlines is targeting to operate a 100 percent WiFi-equipped fleet of more than 700 aircraft.

“As the largest domestic airline in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, carrying more than 100 million Customers a year, we are committed to providing an enhanced inflight experience for our Customers,” said Ryan Green, Vice President Marketing for Southwest Airlines. “We’ve led the way in Customer experience, being the first U.S. carrier to offer gate-to-gate connectivity to our Customers while having the foresight that Customers prefer to use their own devices to stay connected. Going forward, our Customers will have the capability to stay connected on Southwest Airlines flights with even more bandwidth at their disposal.”

The Customer experience with connectivity remains a top priority for Southwest. Southwest’s agreements with GEE and Panasonic demonstrate the Company’s focus to keep Customers connected to what matters most in their lives, especially onboard their Southwest flights. In mid-2017, Customers will be able to browse the Internet at increased speeds as a result of an expected bandwidth increase of at least three times more than what they currently experience, with an additional expected bandwidth increase in mid-2018. Connectivity speeds are expected to increase, and Southwest plans to develop relationships with content providers to bring even more exclusive content to its Customers while on flights.

“We are pleased to extend and grow our relationship, including continuing to install GEE’s Airconnect system, WiFi and television services on Southwest Airlines aircraft,” commented Dave Davis, CEO of Global Eagle. “We’re committed to continuously improving the inflight connectivity experience for Southwest’s passengers with our next-generation high performance network, our live television portfolio, and our new passenger experience platform. Global Eagle’s new agreement and contract extension with Southwest Airlines highlights our long-term commitment to enhancing inflight entertainment and connectivity.”

Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics said, “We are both honored and excited to partner with Southwest on a program of this size and magnitude. Over the past year, we’ve been rolling out industry-leading high throughput satellite services, and we’re already evaluating new technologies such as XTSTM (Extreme Throughput Satellite) services, new modem designs and cutting-edge antenna technology that will ensure the best possible WiFi and entertainment experience for our customers and their passengers. We look forward to being a valued partner for both WiFi and entertainment services with Southwest for many years to come.”

“Panasonic has a longstanding reputation within the inflight entertainment and connectivity space and we are excited for them to join our inflight experience. Global Eagle Entertainment has been the inflight connectivity provider for Southwest over the past six years and has continued to grow with our business, extending connectivity to millions of our Customers annually,” Green said. “We are pleased to have both partners helping to provide an improved inflight experience over the next 18 months as we continue to see an increase in demand for inflight WiFi connectivity.”

Customers will continue to enjoy the current onboard entertainment offerings they experience with Southwest today, such as free live TV and $8 per device per day for WiFi connectivity across all WiFi-equipped planes.

Farnborough, UK | July 11, 2016– Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Xiamen Airlines announced today at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of up to 30 737 MAX 200 airplanes, valued at up to $3.39 billion at current list prices.

The airline, which is already a 737 MAX customer, sees the MAX 200 as a fit for its low cost subsidiaries, including Jiangxi Airlines and Hebei Airlines.

Both parties will work closely to finalize the agreement, which requires the approval of Xiamen Airlines board and the China Southern Airline Group board, as well as the Chinese Government.

“We are pleased with this new milestone in our relationship with Xiamen Airlines,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The market-leading efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX 200 will enable Xiamen and its subsidiaries to expand its growing network, while maintaining an optimal fleet. This MOU further demonstrates the strength of our enduring partnership and we look forward to finalizing the deal in the near future.”

Xiamen Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of more than 140 airplanes including six 787 Dreamliners, 130 Next-Generation 737s and four 757s. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes by the end of the decade and looks to expand regionally with the new 737 MAX.

Xiamen-based Xiamen Airlines is a stated-owned subsidiary of China Southern Airlines.

• Boeing to provide services for carrier’s entire 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner fleet
• Agreement represents largest commercial services order in Boeing history

Farnborough, UK | July 11, 2016– Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow that Norwegian has committed to GoldCare coverage for its 737 MAX fleet and expanded coverage for the airline’s entire 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The new services agreements represent the largest commercial services order in Boeing history.

Norwegian will launch Boeing’s 737 MAX GoldCare offering when its first airplane is delivered in May 2017. Under the agreement, Boeing will provide coverage through 2034.

“Boeing has proven to us over the past four years the value of GoldCare for our operations,” said Bjorn Kjos, CEO, Norwegian. “The reliability and operational effectiveness of our 787 fleet has never been better. We have great expectations and confidence in what we can accomplish by leveraging GoldCare across our 737 MAX fleet as well.”

Norwegian has 108 737 MAXs on firm order, with commitments for 92 more airplanes. In addition, the airline will continue adding 787-9s to its existing 787 GoldCare agreement. Boeing has provided GoldCare Services for Norwegian’s 787 fleet since 2012.

“This agreement marks a historic moment for Boeing and our services business—one we are proud to share with Norwegian,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “We are honored that Norwegian is expressing its confidence in Boeing’s GoldCare program. We look forward to continuing to build on our long-standing relationship and further prove the advantages and value that our services portfolio brings to their operation.”

With the GoldCare service, Boeing delivers the operational economics committed to customers when they buy Boeing airplanes. Airlines trust Boeing’s GoldCare services to deliver maintenance, engineering and parts required to run their airline’s unique operations.

GoldCare is tailored to the individual airline, providing a high-value, low-risk and efficient fleet maintenance operations that gives customers a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Boeing has substantially grown its GoldCare subscriptions since 2013, providing support for 60 customers and more than 2,200 airplanes.

Boeing is a leader in providing 24/7 support and service to the global aviation industry. In addition to subscription-based maintenance services such as GoldCare, Boeing offers the industry’s largest portfolio of services including aftermarket parts, freighter conversions and interior modifications, engineering support, crew training, route planning, digital crew scheduling, advanced data analytics and software to enhance airlines and leasing company operations.

• His Excellency Mr. Trần Đại Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President Barack Obama witness historic event
• Order includes 100 737 MAX 200s

Hanoi | May 23, 2016– VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have finalized an order for 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes, the largest ever single commercial airplane purchase in Vietnam aviation. His Excellency Mr. Trần Đại Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and U.S. President Barack Obama, witnessed the historic agreement, valued at approximately $11.3 billion at current list prices.

The signing ceremony, conducted by Vietjet President and CEO Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner, took place at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, at approximately 11:40 a.m. local time.

“Vietjet is efficiently operating a fleet of narrow body airplanes. Our investment in a fleet of B737 Max 200 will accommodate our strategy of growing Vietjet’s coming international route network including long haul flights,” said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo during the signing. “Through this agreement, Vietjet will contribute increasing bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and the United States, as well as the integration and development of the aviation industry in Vietnam.‎”

The airplanes will be delivered from 2019 through 2023, supporting Vietjet’s continuous growth of its domestic as well as international network in the region. This agreement also helps Vietjet to increase its fleet to more than 200 airplanes by the end 2023, with the most modern and advanced technology in the world.

“Boeing is proud to again play an integral role in advancing Vietnam’s aviation industry. We’re honored to be joined by President Quang and President Obama for this historic milestone and order of 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes,” said Conner. “Incorporating the latest design and technology features, the highly efficient 737 MAX 200 will provide Vietjet’s growing network with market-leading economics, a superior passenger experience and contribute significantly to their future success.”

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. To date, the 737 MAX has accumulated 3,098 orders from 65 customers around the world.

If you are wondering why and IFEC newsletter features an airplane cockpit display its because we know you monitor two or three LCD displays (OK, e-Ink too) when you fly but so does the flight crew, and thus, we thought you might like to see them. Being bigger is truly better for flying, but also being LCD, the data source can be flexible for safety reasons, all switchable by the crew. Hey, it beats the fixed source electromechanical displays! We thought our readers might like to see where the cockpit display size is heading and the new Boeing 737 MAX is the perfect example. If you have not seen the wonderful Rockwell Collins large-format displays, check out this week’s rectangle image or download it for your desktop or screensaver image!

According to the company: “The Boeing 737 MAX took its first flight in Renton, Washington, making it the latest next-generation Boeing aircraft to fly with Rockwell Collins’ advanced large-format flight displays. More than 3,000 737 MAX aircraft are on order with the first delivery expected in 2017. The new 737 MAX flight deck includes four configurable 15.1-inch landscape LCD displays from Rockwell Collins that will increase situational awareness and efficiency. The displays will serve as a foundation for NextGen airspace technologies entering the marketplace.” Now, if you have not seen the 737 MAX first flight, you can watch it here: Boeing Completes Successful 737 MAX First Flight – Jan 29, 2016 . Rockwell went on to say; “We share Boeing’s pride in watching the 737 MAX soar, right on program schedule. This first flight was especially exciting for us since it marks the first time that Rockwell Collins displays have been featured on a 737 flight deck,” said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. They went on: “Today’s event also marks the continuation of a strong collaborative relationship with Boeing to bring these advanced displays and flight deck commonality to its entire fleet of next-generation aircraft. In addition to the Boeing 737 MAX, Rockwell Collins is providing its large-format flight deck displays on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777X, and the KC-46 Tanker. The displays are also an upgrade to legacy Boeing 767 and 757 aircraft.” The Boeing 737 MAX will feature four Rockwell Collins large-format, 15.1-inch LCD displays.

Editor’s Note: In the previously linked image you might note the HUD above the Captains seat – The head-up display is a Rockwell Collins product called Head-up Guidance System (HGS). It’s an option on the MAX (and the NG now, too), and is standard on the Boeing 787 (two of them, in fact, one for pilot and co-pilot). Rockwell told us the older HSI and ADI terms are now replaced by “PFD (primary flight display) and MFD (multi-function flight display)? The PFDs are on the outside and the MFDs are the two inner displays.”

Switching channels to the competition; on the Airbus front we found this: “The 737 MAX, like Airbus’ competing A320neo, is a relatively mild evolution of a mass-market airliner that has dominated the skies for decades. The original 737 dates back to the 1960s, improving over the years with different sizes and seating configurations, better engines, and longer range. The big thing with the MAX is the so-called LEAP-1B engine, promising 20 percent better fuel efficiency than the family of models it’s replacing. (The A320neo’s focal point is its new engine too and if you missed the A320neo first flight in Sept 25, 2014 here it is.”

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IFEC NEWS:

1. Gogo announced that its Gogo Vision product has been installed on more than 2,000 aircraft. The technology is disrupting the traditional “seat-back solution” model and has Gogo operating with scale as large as some of the biggest in-flight entertainment companies. Gogo is now the leading provider of wireless in-flight entertainment by a large margin and is making gains on becoming the largest in-flight entertainment provider in the world. “We know that passengers want entertainment on their own devices. We also know that almost everyone boards a plane with at least one Wi-Fi enabled device. Gogo Vision was built to take advantage of this trend,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief commercial officer. “It has become successful because weight matters in aviation. When compared to traditional in-flight entertainment solutions, Gogo is much lighter weight, requires less maintenance and is lower cost.” More than 2,200 commercial aircraft are outfitted with the technology and more than 1 million videos are being watched through Gogo Vision each month. The video content is stored on a server on the plane and delivered to a passenger’s own device through Gogo’s in-cabin network. In the past year alone, Gogo added its Gogo Vision product to more than 1,000 aircraft including aircraft operated by most major U.S. airlines. “We continue to develop digital products and services that leverage our connectivity technology in support of our mission: to advance aviation by connecting every aircraft,” added ElDifrawi. “Whether that’s giving passengers access to the Internet and a host of in-flight entertainment options or building products and services that support airline operations, we continue to build products and services that are advancing aviation.” Editor’s Note: To use Gogo Vision the next time you are on a Gogo Vision flight, download the Gogo Vision app.
   On another Gogo front Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO noted; “In addition to a record number of installs in 2015, Gogo has also grown its awarded backlog of 2Ku aircraft to more than 800 aircraft. The company is ramping-up installations and expects to have most of those aircraft installed by the end of 2018. I couldn’t be more pleased with the performance of 2Ku.” He went on; “2Ku’s position as the premiere technology for global aviation is playing out in the market. We’ve been getting a great reaction from global airlines as they fly and experience this proprietary solution.” Across commercial and business aviation, Gogo operates more than 11,000 connected aircraft systems all over the world. (Editor’s Note: You probably should also read the MRO Network article on “The Death Knell for Traditional IFE Systems!”)
2. IFExpress ran into McTavish Botts, who attended the 2016 MRO Middle East (MROME) and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) meetings in Dubai this week. AIME is a two-day exhibition and conference that provides a for interiors suppliers, providers and buyers. It is co-located with MRO Middle East, an event delivering the latest innovations in aircraft interiors. AIME 2016 was held at Dubai World Trade Centre on 3 – 4 February. As the Middle East’s only aircraft interiors event, AIME 2016 featured over 278 exhibitors, over 4,500 attendees from over 100 countries, as well as some 100 airlines represented from around the world (over 700 attending) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Representatives from local biggies like Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were in attendance alongside many others who traveled from Africa, India and Europe to network and create relationships with the 278 exhibitors at the event. More importantly, Business Wire reported: “The Middle East is the second fastest-growing MRO market. By 2023, the MRO market in the Middle East will reach $7 billion, the result of 7.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).” We note that Mr. Botts provided the linked photos of the show and he asked us to show then to our IFExpress readers. Said Botts; “Of note, flydubai won the Inflight Magazine Best Airline Middle East Award (they have Lumexis FTTS IFE). Global Eagle Entertainment won best Middle East connectivity provider as well.” Botts didn’t give us the names of the other winners and for more about the show you might have to check Inflight Magazine FMI 

Images from MROME & AIME: Panasonic; Lumexis; Thales; Gogo; digEcor

• New single-aisle airplane rolls out of paint in striking livery
• Program prepares for flight test to begin in early 2016

Renton, WA | December 8, 2015– Today, thousands of Boeing (NYSE: BA) employees in Renton, Wash., celebrated the completion of final assembly of the first 737 MAX 8.

“Today marks another in a long series of milestones that our team has achieved on time, per plan, together,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the rollout of the new 737 MAX – the first new airplane of Boeing’s second century – our team is upholding an incredible legacy while taking the 737 to the next level of performance.”

The production-complete airplane rolled out of the Renton factory and into the paint hangar on Nov. 30, the precise date determined when the MAX development schedule was defined more than four years ago. Today the freshly painted 737 MAX 8, named the Spirit of Renton, was revealed to employees in a special teal version of the Boeing livery. After celebrations are complete, the airplane will undergo pre-flight preparation in the factory before departing for Renton Field to continue flight test readiness. The airplane is on track for first flight in early 2016.

With the second and third 737 MAX 8 flight test airplanes currently in final assembly and the fourth (and final) in sub-assembly, the 737 MAX remains on track for first delivery to launch customer Southwest Airlines in the third quarter of 2017.

The new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs: 8 percent per seat less than the A320neo.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Boeing-designed Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX 8 is the first member in Boeing’s new family of single-aisle airplanes – the 737 MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 200 and MAX 9 – to begin production. The 737 MAX family has nearly 3,000 orders from 60 customers worldwide.

• Deal can reach up to 52 Boeing airplanes if options are exercised

Seattle, WA | November 5, 2015– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air today finalized the airline’s order of 30 737 MAXs and two additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners valued at nearly $4 billion at current list prices. The airline also has options for additional 737 MAXs as part of the order, which was previously announced as a commitment during the Paris Air Show in June.

With this order for up to 52 Boeing airplanes, Korean Air becomes Boeing’s newest 737 MAX customer and now has 62 firm Boeing airplane orders on backlog.

“Korean Air is a valued Boeing customer and today’s order is the culmination of our longstanding partnership that spans over four decades,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Korean Air has been a pioneer in Asia’s commercial aviation industry and today, we are truly honored to welcome Korean into the new 737 MAX family. I am confident these new airplanes will play an important role in Korean Air’s fleet modernization program for many years to come.”

As part of this order for 737 MAX airplanes, Korean Air also adds another two 777-300ERs as it continues to modernize its long-haul widebody fleet.

Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 91 Boeing passenger airplanes that consist of 737, 747 and 777 models. The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 28 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is a key Boeing partner on both the 747-8 and 787 programs, supplying the distinctive raked wing-tips for each model. They are also one of two suppliers producing the new 737 MAX Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Beginning in 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. With broad market acceptance, the 737 MAX has 2,929 orders from 60 customers worldwide.

The 777-300ER is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service. The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by 2 percent. The flagship of the world’s elite airlines, the 777-300ER carries 396 passengers in a standard two-class configuration up to 7,370 nautical miles (13,650 kilometers), on non-stop routes. Korean Air has configured its 777-300ER with a seating capacity of 277 passengers in a three-class configuration.

Korean Air, with a fleet of 166 aircraft, is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, and operates more than 430 flights per day to 128 cities in 45 countries. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which together with its 20 members, offers its 612 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 16,000 daily flights covering 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

• Line-fit requirements met, new seat-centric IFE offering for the MAX

APEX EXPO, Portland, Oregon | September 28, 2015– Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ On-demand in-flight entertainment (IFE) system is now offered for the 737 MAX. The seat-centric IFE solution has been added to the 737 MAX catalog.

“PAVES On-demand quickly engages passengers with compelling applications on their own large-screen HD display in front of them,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “The PAVES On-demand system is a big draw for airlines because of the attractive options it provides passengers, as well as the potential for ancillary revenue from advertising, paid services and more. Airlines also like the system because it eliminates any single points of failure.”

With the PAVES On-demand seat-centric design, each in-seat system is independent, so if one unit has an issue, no other in-seat systems are affected. Additionally, PAVES On-demand is equipped with a quick-release mechanism to quickly remove and replace in-seat displays.

PAVES On-demand seamlessly integrates with Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ Broadcast overhead IFE system. This allows airlines to configure cabins for their unique requirements, such as in-seat IFE in first class and overhead IFE in economy. PAVES also offers airlines a high degree of flexibility to manage their digital content.

Irvine, CA | August 31, 2015– Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Lumexis Corporation today announce that the Lumexis Fiber-To-The-Screen® (FTTS®) In-Flight Entertainment system is now offerable for linefit on both the Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX families of aircraft.

“The Lumexis team is delighted with the significant achievement of having gained Boeing’s confidence in our company’s leading edge FTTS system and team,” said Doug Cline, Lumexis Corporation Chief Executive Officer. “We are most appreciative of their supportive and collaborative offerability team, and we look forward to seeing the first FTTS system installed on the 737 production line in the very near future.”

“Boeing has worked closely with Lumexis through the offerability process to evaluate the FTTS technology on Boeing 737 platforms,” said Mike Murphy, chief project engineer for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This is an offering which can be selected immediately by our worldwide airline customers.”

Lumexis President and Chief Operating Officer Lou Sharkey adds, “This will make Lumexis the first new IFE company to be approved by Boeing in many years. We are immeasurably pleased and appreciative of this recognition.”

737 MAX progressing toward final assembly

787-10 Dreamliner design ahead of schedule

777X approaching firm configuration
Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France | June 16, 2015– Boeing (NYSE: BA) today provided insights into the development of its newest commercial airplane products – the 737 MAX, the 787-10 Dreamliner and the 777X – further validating its strategy for successful airplane development.

“Our commercial airplane development programs are progressing as planned and are on schedule,” said Scott Fancher, senior vice president and general manager of Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Each of our seven development programs is meeting its design and performance targets. Design requirements are stable and our customers continue to tell us we’re on the right track to deliver the airplanes they need to support their fleet strategies and serve their passengers.”

In various phases of development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes are the 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, MAX 7 and MAX 200; the 787-10; and the 777-8X and 777-9X.

“The volume of new development in commercial airplanes is unprecedented,” Fancher said. “To successfully bring these products to market as promised we are focused on three priorities: ensuring we meet our customers’ expectations, delivering value to the marketplace and reducing risk in development.”

Fancher provided the following updates on its development programs at the Paris Air Show, the aerospace industry’s largest gathering of aerospace leaders held biannually outside Paris at Le Bourget International Airport.

737 MAX: Ninety percent of detailed design completed; assembly of the first 737 MAX began on the day originally scheduled three years prior – May 29; CFM LEAP-1B engine development proceeding as planned; design work for the MAX 9, MAX 7 and MAX 200 progressing rapidly

787-10: Modeling the development success of the 787-9; 95 percent design commonality with the 787-9, delivering productivity and cost benefits; Rolls-Royce TEN engine development progressing as planned; 90 percent design completion on track for this year; pre-production verification is validating 787-10 design and build processes

777X: Preliminary designs have been validated; GE9X engine development progressing well; construction of new production facilities in Everett, Wash. and St. Louis is progressing rapidly; firm configuration targeted for third quarter this year

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the work our teams are doing to design, build and eventually flight test and certify these new, exciting airplanes,” Fancher said. “Without the talent and expertise of our people, we wouldn’t be on the path we’re on. With it, we are making new airplane development a true discriminator and advantage for Boeing.”

• New single-aisle airplane on track for first delivery in third quarter 2017

Renton, WA | June 2, 2015– Boeing (NYSE: BA) employees in Renton, Wash., have started building the first 737 MAX on schedule. Last week, employees started to assemble the wings for the first 737 MAX flight test airplane. Wings are the first 737 components to be assembled in the Renton production process.

“Employees in Renton are the best in the world at building single-aisle airplanes and now this world-class team is building the future with the first 737 MAX,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX. “Achieving this milestone on schedule is a testament to the success of the 737 and our integrated design and build team.”

Machine operators loaded 737 MAX wing skin panels and stringers into the new panel assembly line that uses automation to drill holes and install fasteners in the upper and lower wing panels. Mechanics also loaded the initial parts of the first 737 MAX spars – internal support structures in wings – into automated spar assembly machines. The unfinished skins, stringers and spars were machined by Boeing Fabrication Skin and Spar in Auburn and Fredrickson, Wash. When finished, the panels and spars will be transformed into completed wings.

“It’s really exciting to be starting something that you know is going to be in the future and that you are going to be building,” said David Dowell, 737 mechanic. “I’m looking forward to it and future growth.”

The wings will be attached to the first 737 MAX fuselage on the new Central line in Renton Final Assembly later this year. The new production line will allow the team to isolate the first 737 MAX build from the rest of production in order to learn and perfect the build process while the Renton factory continues to build at a rate of 42 airplanes a month.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Beginning in 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. To date, the 737 MAX has 2,720 orders from 57 customers worldwide.

Irvine, California | May 12, 2015– Lumexis Corporation today announce that their Lumexis Fiber-To-The-Screen® (FTTS®) In-Flight Entertainment system has been made offerable for linefit on both the 737 NG and 737 MAX families of aircraft.

“The Lumexis team is delighted with the significant achievement of having gained Boeing’s confidence in our company’s leading edge FTTS system and team,” said Doug Cline, Lumexis Corporation Chief Executive Officer. “We are most appreciative of their supportive and collaborative offerability team, and we look forward to seeing the first FTTS system installed on the 737 production line in the very near future.”

“Lumexis has worked closely with Boeing through their Technical Services Agreement (TSA) process to develop and apply the FTTS technology on Boeing 737 platforms,” said Jon Norris, Lumexis Vice President Sales. “This is an offering which can be selected immediately by Boeing’s worldwide airline customers.”

Lumexis President and Chief Operating Officer Lou Sharkey adds, “After 5 years of numerous retrofit installations on both wide-body and narrow-body airframes, the Lumexis team is so proud to have achieved linefit offerable status on Boeing’s highest production 737 models.”

• Carrier takes delivery of its 44th aircraft
• Average age of fleet is 3.1 years
• Carrier takes delivery of 6 more aircraft by end of 2015

Dubai | February 5, 2015– flydubai recently took delivery of its 44th Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The vision of the UAE Government together with its focus on the development of world-class infrastructure has enabled flydubai to grow its fleet, one of the youngest in the skies today, with an average of 3.1 years.

This first delivery in 2015 will see flydubai realise its original business plan as it will receive its 50th aircraft later this year. The continued investment in the aviation sector in the UAE will ensure that flydubai is well positioned to take delivery of its next order of 111 new aircraft which will be used to further enhance connectivity to and from Dubai over the next few years.

Notes to editor
flydubai’s current fleet Size:
44 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft from an order of 50 at the Farnborough Airshow in 2008.
The first order of 50 aircraft was valued at USD 4 billion at current list price.
flydubai has received 8 Next-Generation Boeing aircraft in 2014 and the first aircraft for 2015.
The remaining aircraft from its 2008 order will be fulfilled by 2015 .

flydubai’s latest aircraft order:
75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft ordered at the Dubai Airshow 2013.
flydubai retains purchase rights for an additional 25 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The order for 75 737 MAX 8s, 11 Next-Generation 737-800s valued at USD 8.8 billion at current list price.
With the 25 optional, it can go up to USD 11.4 billion.
The first aircraft, the 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s from this order, will be delivered between 2016 and 2017.
Deliveries of the first Boeing 737 MAX will commence in the second half of 2017 and continue until the end of 2023.

About flydubai:
Dubai-based flydubai strives to remove barriers to travel and enhance connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network. Since launching its operations in 2009, flydubai has:

• Created a network of 89 destinations, with 23 new routes launched in 2014.
• Opened up 56 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
• Built up a fleet of 44 new Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will take delivery of more than 100 Boeing aircraft by the end of 2023.

In addition, flydubai’s agility and flexibility as a young airline has enhanced Dubai’s economic development, in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision, by creating trade and tourism flows in previously underserved markets.
For more information about flydubai services, please visit flydubai.com.

• New Canadian ultra-low cost carrier starts building its fleet

Seattle, WA | December 15, 2014–Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Jetlines today announced an order for five 737 MAX 7s as the new Canadian ultra-low cost carrier builds its future fleet. The order, valued at $438 million at current list prices, includes purchase rights for an additional 16 737 MAXs.

“This agreement with Boeing is a major milestone for Jetlines,” said Jim Scott, CEO of Jetlines. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Boeing and look forward to introducing the 737 MAX 7 into our fleet.”

The new airline, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, plans to tap into passenger demand by offering low cost airfares on routes that avoid direct competition with other airlines.

“Boeing is proud to partner with Jetlines as it begins a journey to offer low airfares to passengers across Canada,” said Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 MAX 7 is perfectly suited to the airline’s needs, and we appreciate the confidence Jetlines has in the airplane.”

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX 7 will be capable of flying more than 3,800 nautical miles, extending the range over today’s 737-700 by approximately 400 nautical miles (741km).

With this order, the 737 MAX has orders for 2,562 airplanes from 55 customers worldwide.

• Modified 737-700C to be delivered to U.S. Navy

Renton, WA | July 16, 2014/PRNewswire/– Boeing (NYSE: BA) rolled out the 5000th Next-Generation 737 this week. The airplane is a Boeing C-40A Clipper, a modified 737-700C, that will serve as a transport aircraft for the U.S. Navy.

“This milestone is another testament to the popularity of our Next-Generation 737 and represents the confidence our customers have in the work of our team,” said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, 737 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 is hugely popular with both our commercial and military customers because of its efficiency and proven reliability.”

Utilizing the 737 commercial platform takes advantage of the proven efficiencies, manufacturing processes and performance of the existing Next-Generation 737 production system. Boeing’s P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and the C-40 are among the 737 military derivatives.

“The quality and dependability of these aircraft are directly linked not simply to their design, but to the hardworking men and women who build them,” said Vice Admiral Robin Braun, chief of Navy Reserve and commander, U.S. Navy Reserve Force.

To date, orders stand at 6,804 for Next-Generation 737s and 2,109 for 737 MAXs. Total 737 orders have surpassed 12,000 including Classics and more than 100 orders for military derivatives.

“With more than 280 different customers, it’s easy to see why the 737 is the best selling airplane in the world,” said Wyse.

• Extends preference for all-Boeing single-aisle fleet

Farnborough, UK | July 16, 2014/PRNewswire/– Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Hainan Airlines today announced that the two companies are finalizing terms and working toward a purchase agreement for 50 737 MAX 8s, reaffirming the Chinese airline’s preference for an all-Boeing single-aisle fleet.

The commitment, valued at more than $5.1 billion at current list prices, will be subject to the approval of the Chinese government and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

“The 737 is the backbone of our single-aisle fleet,” said Adam Tan, vice chairman and president of Hainan Group. “The new 737 MAX will help our airline grow, become more efficient and offer five-star service for our passengers.”

“It is a privilege to welcome Hainan Airlines as Boeing’s newest 737 MAX customer,” said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As China’s first Skytrax 5-star airline, Hainan continues to modernize its fleet with market-leading next-generation airplanes, including the 787 Dreamliner and now the 737 MAX. We are confident that the 737 MAX will play a significant role in Hainan’s continued success.”

The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,100 orders from 42 customers worldwide and is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX 8 provides customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the competition in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo.

• 737’s reliability and efficiency supports Okay Airways’ growth

• First Chinese airline to fly 737-900ER

Farnborough | July 14, 2014/PRNewswire/– Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Okay Airways announced an order today for six 737 MAX 8s and four Next-Generation 737-800s, valued at $980 million at current list prices.

Okay Airways, the first privately owned airline in China, also announced it will convert five 737-800s from a previous order into 737-900ERs (Extended Range). With today’s conversion announcement, Okay Airways will be the first airline in China to operate the 737-900ER and has eight of the airplanes on order.

“The 737 is the backbone of our fleet and has fueled our growth with its proven reliability and efficiency,” said Liu Weining, president, Okay Airways. “The addition of the new 737 MAX airplanes will help us explore new regional markets while strengthening our existing domestic routes.”

“We are honored to partner with Okay Airways once again, as the airline continues to modernize its fleet with Boeing’s 737 airplane family,” said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The combination of Next-Generation 737-800s and 737 MAX 8 airplanes is a perfect fit for Okay Airways and will provide its fleet with market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort for many years to come.”

Okay Airways is headquartered in Beijing with its main hub at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Its jetliner fleet includes 12 Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737-300 Freighter, which serves 40 domestic destinations.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX 8 is 2.2 meters longer, providing customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the A320neo in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo. The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history.

The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The 737-900ER complements the 737-800s that many Next-Generation 737 customers already have in their fleets by providing 31 additional seats for more incremental revenue opportunity.