PARIS (June 15, 2009) – Rockwell Collins’ next generation avionics systems are installed and in final preparations for the first flight of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner airplane. The company provides and serves as systems integrator for the airplane’s flight deck display system and crew alerting system, pilot controls, communication and surveillance systems, the aircraft’s common data network, and the core network cabinet.

“We’re tremendously proud of our success in meeting and exceeding our program milestones for the 787 Dreamliner and eagerly anticipate the airplane’s first flight,” said Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Commercial Systems at Rockwell Collins. “Rockwell Collins has been an active teammate with Boeing throughout the design and development of this new airplane. We’re excited about the relationship we’ve built with Boeing during this process, and look forward to realizing the advancements in safety, efficiency and sustainability that will be made with our next generation avionics.”

During the development and design process, Rockwell Collins has served on Boeing’s 787 Partner Council and has employees working onsite at Boeing participating in day-to-day program design, integration and production activities.

Rockwell Collins content on Boeing’s 787 airplane includes an integrated display system featuring five 15.1-inch diagonal LCD displays – four across the flight deck and one in the control stand for emulation of the Control Display Units (CDU) – as well as dual LCD head-up displays (HUD). The system utilizes cursor control devices and a multi-function key pad for data entry and retrieval. Rockwell Collins employed advanced model based development processes and tools to make significant reductions in development cost, cycle time and life cycle costs typically associated with display systems.

The 787 flight deck also features Rockwell Collins’ latest generation of pilot controls – further advancing the company’s leadership in design, integration and manufacturing of this technology. Rockwell Collins has developed the control stand including auto throttles, and pitch, roll, yaw and primary flight controls, as well as their interfaces to the aircraft’s fly-by-wire systems. The modular design of the pilot controls will simplify installation and maintenance. This new system meets Boeing’s objective of providing operators with a look and feel similar to the Boeing 777, while achieving significant weight savings.

Rockwell Collins provides a newly developed Integrated Surveillance System (ISS) for the 787. This highly integrated system includes functions such as hazard detection, traffic alert and collision avoidance, Mode S surveillance, and terrain awareness and warning capabilities.

The 787′s communication system includes Rockwell Collins’ VHF-2100, SAT-2100 and HFS 900D. The lighter weight, highly reliable VHF-2100 is VDL Mode 2 capable with future growth to VDL Mode 3 and 4. The new, smaller and more reliable SAT-2100 supports the International Civil Aviation Organization’s safety services, as well as three channels of voice communications and offers growth to future Inmarsat Swift high-speed data capabilities. As part of the communications package, Rockwell Collins is also providing a state of the art digital flight deck audio system, and the cockpit voice and flight data recording system.

The Core Network, offered as basic on the 787, leverages Rockwell Collins’ investment in Information Management products. This next generation of the Core Network plays a key role in Boeing’s objective to ‘e-enable’ the entire aircraft. Utilizing commercial open standards, the Core Network hosts a wide range of third-party applications, and manages onboard information flow, to improve airline operational efficiency.

The 787′s Common Data Network (CDN) advances Rockwell Collins’ leadership as a supplier of advanced networking technologies. As a key component of GE Aviation Systems’ Common Core System, the CDN is a high integrity, bi-directional fiber optic and copper network that uses ARINC 664 protocols and standards to manage the information flow between the aircraft’s onboard systems. Based on commercial Ethernet technology, adapted to the avionics environment, the integrity and deterministic characteristics of Rockwell Collins’ CDN allows systems integrators to utilize this network for systems requiring a high level of data criticality. The CDN offers significant improvements over current generation data buses including expanded connectivity, higher data rates and significant reductions in aircraft weight when compared with point to point topologies.

In addition to leadership and engineering support, Rockwell Collins has used its service center in the region – the Kent Service Center – to actively support the program. Much of the work for 787 has been done at the company’s facilities in Iowa; Melbourne, Fla.; Irvine, Calif.; and Portland, Ore.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by nearly 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

EVERETT, Wash., June 8 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed the intermediate gauntlet phase of testing on the first 787 Dreamliner.

During the testing, pilots and engineers simulated multiple scenarios using all airplane systems as if the aircraft were in flight, including power, avionics and flight controls. Test scenarios ranged from standard flights to single and multiple systems failures during flights.

Intermediate gauntlet testing included about one week’s worth of operations on the airplane and hundreds of discrete test conditions.

“The team has done an incredible job supporting an exhaustive test regimen,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “I couldn’t be more proud.
“We will continue to take a hard look at the results, make adjustments and finish up our testing so we can get to first flight.”

Beginning June 9, at noon PDT (7 p.m. GMT), video highlights including the road to gauntlet, gauntlet testing highlights and a tribute to the men and women conducting the gauntlet testing can be found at www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com.

GENEVA, May 11, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the BBJ Convertible is now available to prospective customers. The airplane reconfigures from all-passenger to all-cargo configuration in less than eight hours.

Multi-mission Capability

Governments, corporations and private individuals can quickly change from transporting VIPs, staff or troops to delivering disaster-relief supplies or configuring for medical evacuation. There is room for transporting tools, parts and machinery; race cars or race horses; or equipment for touring bands and musicians.

Overhead Space Kitted for Flexibility

Boeing recently finalized an agreement with Greenpoint Technologies to provide 747-8 VIP owners and their chosen completion centers with a kit that adds 75 square-meters of space to the airplane’s crown. The Overhead Space Utilization or OSU kit is installed post production above the main cabin ceilings between doors three and five. The kit includes stairs from the main deck to the space above. Greenpoint offers three artistically engineered OSU designs.

BBJ Performance Improvements Set

BBJ owners receiving their airplanes after mid-2011 will reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent through a combination of airframe and engine improvements that Boeing announced in late April. Airplane structural improvements will reduce drag on the airplane, reducing fuel use by about 1 percent.

Boeing’s engine partner, CFM is contributing a further 1 percent fuel savings through hardware changes to its CFM56-7B Evolution engine.

Hill Announces Retirement

Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets since August 2004, will retire in July after 35 years with Boeing. Taking Hill’s place is Stephen R. Taylor, currently the BBJ chief pilot. Taylor has held positions as a production flight test pilot for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, served as a captain for Boeing executive flight operations and was a self-employed BBJ pilot for two years. Taylor joined The Boeing Company in 1991 as a flight operations engineer.

ISTANBUL, May 06, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines have signed an order for five Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes valued at $1.36 billion at current list prices. This is the first time Turkish Airlines has purchased new 777s directly from Boeing. The airline currently operates a fleet of 65 Boeing airplanes including Next-Generation 737s and leased 777-300ERs.

“The 777-300ER will provide Turkish Airlines with exceptional fuel economy, efficiency and reliability, combined with unmatched levels of payload and range,” said Aldo Basile, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It will also help Turkey build on its position as a rapidly growing market of international importance.”

The Boeing 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The airplane can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Fifty-six customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.

Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing and prosperous airlines in the world. It carries approximately 20 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 108 international and 33 domestic destinations. The airline was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes that carried a total of 28 passengers. The airline made its first domestic flight in 1933 and the first international flight in 1947.

EVERETT, Wash., May 03, 2009 — The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner that will fly later this quarter has moved to the flight line. Fuel testing – the first in the next phase of extensive checks the airplane must undergo – will begin in the next few days.

“We are making great progress, and moving ever-closer to first flight,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 Dreamliner program.

In recent weeks, the 787 (designated ZA001) completed a rigorous series of tests including build verification tests, structures and systems integration tests, landing gear swings and factory gauntlet, which is the full simulation of the first flight using the actual airplane. With Chief Pilot Mike Carriker at the controls, the simulation tested all flight controls, hardware and software. The simulation also included manual and automatic landings and an extensive suite of subsequent ground tests.

“These results give us confidence in our ability to move into further gauntlet testing using either ground power or the airplane’s engines or auxiliary power unit. This is a significant milestone on the path to first flight,” Fancher said.

All structural tests required on the static airframe prior to first flight also are complete. The final test occurred April 21 when the wing and trailing edges were subjected to their limit load – the highest loads expected to be seen in service. The load is about the same as the airplane experiencing 2.5 times the force of gravity.

“We continue to analyze the data, but the initial results are positive,” Fancher said. On April 13, the leading edge of the wing was subjected to its limit load while the rest of the airplane was subjected to loads expected at cruise. And in September 2008, the “high blow” high-pressure test was completed on the static airframe. During that test, the airframe reached an internal pressure of 150 percent of the maximum levels expected to be seen in service – 14.9 lbs. per square inch (1.05 kilograms per centimeter) gauge (psig).

Ground vibration testing, which measures the airplane’s response to flutter, also concluded on the second flight-test airplane, designated ZA002, at the end of this week. All the necessary structural tests required prior to first flight now are complete.

Now on the flight line, ZA001 will undergo additional airplane power and systems tests as well as engine runs. After completing final systems checks and high-speed taxi tests, the airplane will be ready for first flight, which is on schedule for later this quarter.

The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 886 airplanes from 57 customers.

SEATTLE, April 28, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that seven airlines will be the first to incorporate the new, spacious 737 Boeing Sky Interior starting in late 2010. The interior features soft, blue-sky-like lighting overhead.

The airlines are:

• FlyDubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Continental Airlines – Houston
• Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA – Fornebu, Norway
• Malaysia Airlines – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• TUI Travel PLC – London
• GOL Airlines – Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Lion Air – Jakarta, Indonesia

787 Style in the World’s Leading Single-Aisle Airplane
Drawing from years of research used to design the interior for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, 787-style modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers’ eyes to the airplane’s windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. On a more practical note, the sidewall design integrates the air vent so that before-flight security checks go more quickly for maintenance staff.

The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.

Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.

Speakers are integrated into each row’s passenger-service unit to improve sound and clarity of public address operations, while the new integrated air vent and improved noise-dampening materials reduce overall cabin noise.

More efficient, more clean
Changes to the Next-Generation 737 are more than cosmetic: Boeing is targeting a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. Airplane structural improvements will reduce drag on the airplane, reducing fuel use by about 1 percent. Boeing’s engine partner, CFM, is contributing the other 1 percent fuel savings through hardware changes to its engine.

Continental Airlines will make a Next-Generation 737-800 available to Boeing to flight test the performance improvements.

EVERETT, Wash., April 27, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has passed a major milestone in the design of the 747-8 Intercontinental, completing 25 percent of the design releases for the new passenger airplane. This means a quarter of the information needed to build parts and tools for assembly has been completed and released for fabrication or procurement. “We have made tremendous progress on the design engineering,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager for the 747 Program. “The engineering is proceeding as planned and we are a step closer to bringing the 747-8 Intercontinental to market.”

Since much of the design is the same as the 747-8 Freighter, which Boeing is building first, the engineering focus is on work that is unique to the 747-8 Intercontinental, comprising mostly fuselage and interior design. The most obvious difference is that the 747-8 Intercontinental fuselage will boast an extended upper deck.

On the interior, the airplane will incorporate features from the 787 Dreamliner, including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture will be accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

“The 747 family has been a favorite among passengers,” said Michael Teal, 747-8 chief project engineer. “The 747-8 Intercontinental will build on the memorable experiences they’ve had on a 747. The moment passengers step aboard a 747-8 Intercontinental, they will know it’s a brand new airplane and enjoy a more relaxing flying experience.”

As for the airplane’s performance, the 747-8 will be stretched 18.3 feet (5.6 meters) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a three-class configuration and a range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles (14,815 kilometers). It will deliver nearly equivalent trip costs to those of the 747-400 and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume. The 747-8 Intercontinental also will be 16 percent more fuel efficient and create a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than its predecessor.

“The 747-8 Intercontinental will be a great airplane for our customers,” said Yahyavi. “Our team is focused on completing the remaining detailed design needed to deliver the airplane in late 2011.”

The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005 by Cargolux Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Lufthansa was the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental in December 2006.

• First-quarter net income was $0.6 billion with earnings per share of $0.86 which includes the previously announced $0.38 per share reduction from revised twin-aisle commercial airplane production rates and lower price escalation forecasts
• Revenue rose 3 percent to $16.5 billion on higher commercial airplane deliveries and higher volume in defense
• Operating cash flow was $0.2 billion
• Backlog at $339 billion — nearly five times current annual revenues
• 2009 earnings outlook reduced to reflect changes in commercial market; outlook for Integrated Defense Systems is reaffirmed on solid execution

Read the details at Boeing.com

EVERETT, Wash., April 21, 2009 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has completed major assembly of the first set of wings for the 747-8 Freighter. The new 135-foot 3-inch (41.2 m) wings incorporate the latest aerodynamic technologies to fly farther and more efficiently. The advanced airfoil provides improved overall performance and greater fuel capacity.

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental are the new high-capacity 747s that offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger or freighter airplane, while providing enhanced environmental performance.

SEATTLE, April 16, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today celebrated a special program milestone with the delivery of the 6,000th 737. It was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) which will lease the 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. The airplane’s tail features a special decal denoting this milestone.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about being part of this important milestone for the 737. With its continuous innovations, the Next-Generation 737 brings the right combination of operational and environmental performance to address the requirements of our markets,” said Bjorn Kjos, chief executive officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.

Norwegian Air Shuttle is the largest low-fare airline company in Scandinavia and has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East. Norwegian has 39 737s in its fleet and an additional 42 on firm order with Boeing. “ILFC’s very first Boeing delivery was a 737 and since then we’ve taken delivery of more than 400 of this outstanding model, re-ordering incremental airplanes dozens of times,” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ILFC chairman and chief executive officer. “The Next-Generation 737 is a major cornerstone to ILFC’s modern, fuel-efficient and economical portfolio of more than 1,000 commercial jets.”

Boeing remains focused on continuous enhancement of the Next-Generation 737 family to ensure the airplane provides market-leading operational, economic and environmental performance to airlines and lessors around the world.

“It is exciting to deliver our 6,000th 737 to ILFC and Norwegian Air Shuttle, and we thank them for being among the hundreds of airlines, operators and leasing companies who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner,” said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager, 737 Airplane Programs. “Thousands of employees have supported the many 737 variations Boeing has introduced, including today’s all-new Next-Generation 737 family which is used in private, government and commercial service.”

To date, unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2200 airplanes valued at approximately $163 billion at list prices.

SEATTLE, April 10, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and longtime partner Air France celebrated significant milestones today with the delivery of the 777th Boeing 777 airplane. The new Boeing 777-300ER also will be the first to bear a new Air France livery and company brand identity.

The 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Fifty-six customers around the world have ordered just over 1,100 777s. The 777′s combination of unmatched payload and range, as well as the lowest fuel consumption and operating costs in its class, make it one of the most popular airplanes with passengers and airlines. Air France operates one of the largest fleets of 777s in the world and was the launch customer for both the 777-300ER and the 777 Freighter. “The 777 has been a valuable asset to the long-haul fleet of Air France and it is the right aircraft to allow us to maximize our revenues in the most economic and efficient manner,” said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president, New Aircraft & Corporate Fleet Planning, Air France.

“It is a fitting tribute to the success of the program that an industry leader such as Air France is taking delivery of our 777th 777,” said Aldo Basile vice president, Sales Europe, Russia and Central Asia for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 continues to offer an unbeatable combination of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort that places it at the forefront of modern commercial aviation.”

The relationship between Air France and Boeing goes back to the early days of the airline, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. Air France’s early fleet of DC-3s sported the distinctive silver and royal blue livery that was used to launch the airline.

Three generations of Boeing airplanes have carried three Air France liveries. The first was with the arrival of the jet age and the Boeing 707. The second opened up long-haul international travel, epitomized by the Boeing 747 and finally, today with the unveiling of the Boeing 777-300ER. The latest incarnation of the distinctive Air France livery continues the all-white theme but is intended to position the company in the 21st century as a truly international carrier that has more than half of its passengers based outside France.

SEATTLE, April 09, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it will adjust its twin-aisle airplane production plans for 2010 due to significant deterioration in the business environment for airlines and cargo operators driven by unprecedented global economic conditions.

Monthly production of the 777 will decline from seven to five airplanes per month beginning in June 2010. Boeing will also delay previous plans to modestly increase 747-8 and 767 production. No change is being made at this time to the 737 production rate.

In addition, the weak global economy has contributed to significant declines in the escalation indices that affect forecasted pricing for commercial airplanes already ordered.

The production decisions and unfavorable price escalation are expected to reduce Boeing’s first-quarter 2009 net earnings by approximately $0.38 per share. Because the 747 program is currently in a loss position, the reduced earnings associated with the factors above will be recorded for most units in the 747 backlog. That impact, somewhat offset by a refinement in cost estimates, accounts for approximately $0.31 per share of the first-quarter charge. For the other commercial programs, the impact will be reflected in lower margins on deliveries as they occur, including an estimated $0.07 per share net earnings reduction in the quarter.

The company will update its 2009 guidance when it reports first-quarter results on April 22.
“These are extremely difficult economic times for our customers,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson. “It’s necessary to adjust our production plans to align supply with these tough market conditions. We are in close contact with our customers as we continue to monitor this dynamic business environment.”

The production rate decisions announced today solely reflect delivery deferrals requested by customers in response to unprecedented declines in global passenger and air-cargo volumes. No 767, 747 or 777 orders have been cancelled this year. Boeing’s commercial backlog of more than 3,500 airplanes remains strong and well-diversified in terms of airplane models, geography and customer business models.

Something is going on in Seattle. Sure, Boeing stock has dropped some 5% because of recent announcements of reduced earnings, reduced commercial aircraft production as a result of sluggish demand, and finally, proposed reductions in military spending by the Obama administration. The airline traffic decline will not rebound as easily as in the past. Further, when the turnaround does occur, oil prices and the cost of money will not aid the planemakers rebound. Internet blogs have their way with the Chicago aerospace manufacturers’ management while Airbus seems to plow ahead with the A350. Even the military tanker program is threatened with program bifurcation…GE’s boss, Immelt, is recommending two manufacturers. Is there an end to this negative energy? Nope!

Last week, warned of reduced first quarter earnings in 2009, while announcing reduced production of the B777 to 5 aircraft per month from 7 beginning next year. They will also cancel a planned modest rate increase of the B747-8 and B767. The B737 rates remain unchanged for now, but as Embraer and Bombardier eat into the shorter haul, single-asile plane market, those rates may be in jeopardy. Finally, we have a Aviation statewide council being formed at the gubernatorial level – why – to keep Boeing in the State of Washington. Surely there is something a foot and an evaluation of the sales declines and existent costs, Chicago decision makers are surely looking at other venues for cost reductions. But what does all this mean for InFlight Entertainment?

If Boeing plans production cuts of some 24 B777s (perhaps, two thirds of those were passenger versions), that would reduce 18 B777′s so equipped. Each B777 might have a total of ~$3M of IFE inboard and that would total approx. $63M. Also, there is often a corresponding fleet retrofit program that accompanies new airplane deliveries to maintain fleet commonality. Depending upon who the B777 customers are, their retrofits might either be cancelled on slid to the right. Let’s guess this means another 9 aircraft retrofits are lost so that would total about $32M. All told $95M lost not including any B767/B747-8 cuts. Hmm… sounds like IFE just took about a 5% sales hit… and that doesn’t include fleet retrofits not driven by new aircraft sales. It has long been the case, that the economy drives aircraft sales with a lag that ranges from six months to one year. That change trickles down to changes in IFE sales some one year to eighteen months down the road. If we add Airbus impacts, these numbers could easily double. Hang on IFE and stay tuned.

CHICAGO, April 02, 2009 – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the first quarter of 2009.

Major program deliveries during the first quarter were as follows:

Major Programs	1st Quarter 2009			Year-to-Date 2009
Commercial Airplanes Programs
737 Next Generation	91			91
747	4			4
767	3			3
777	23			23
Total	121			121
Integrated Defense Systems Programs
Apache (New Builds)	5			5
Chinook (New Builds)	-			-
C-17	3			3
Delta II – Commercial	-			-
F-15	4			4
F/A-18E/F and EA-18G	10			10
Satellites (Government & Commercial)	1			1
T-45TS	2			2
767 Tanker (International)	1			1

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 18, 2009) – Oman Air has selected Rockwell Collins to provide avionics for its fleet of 12 next-generation Boeing 737 aircrafts (6 leased, 6 direct purchase). Oman Air will also retrofit its current fleet of 9 next-generation Boeing 737 aircraft with the Rockwell Collins Data Link products.

“This is an important win as we look to further expand our presence in the Middle East,” said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager for Air Transport Systems at Rockwell Collins. “We are extremely honored to provide next generation avionics and information management capabilities which will provide Oman Air with a solution that will increase efficiency of their aircraft operations, enhance situational awareness for their pilot, and ultimately provide added comfort and safety for their passengers.”

Rockwell Collins MultiScanTM Hazard Detection System is among the avionics selected by Oman Air. The MultiScanTM system is the first and only radar that analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content. The MultiScanTM system is derived from extensive operational experience to create a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.

Rockwell Collins Data Link system supports current Mode 2 31.5 Kbits/sec VHF data radios and is the future platform for air traffic control Data Link mandates such as Link 2000+. It allows flight crews to request and receive messages such as clearances, flight plan updates, weather data, diversion and emergency reports and passenger lists. The system can be tailored with application-specific menus and messages to further enhance efficiency and optimize operations. The system also supports the automatic downlink of engine and fuel performance data, which can be used to reduce maintenance and operating costs.

Oman Air also has selected Rockwell Collins sensors. Products selected include: ADF-900 Automatic Direction Finder, DFA-901 Direction Finding Antenna, DME-900 Distance Measuring Equipment, HFS-900D High Frequency Data Radio,CPL-920D Coupling Unit, GLU925 Multi-Mode Receiver,PAU-700 Passenger Address Unit, LRA-900 Low-range Radio Altimeter, TPR-901 Mode S Transponder,VHF-2100 High Speed Multi-Mode Data Radio, VOR-900 VHF Omnidirectional Range Receiver, and TTR-921 Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II Receiver/Transmitter.

In September 2008, Oman Air selected Rockwell Collins to provide its Airshow 4200D Moving Map and Flight Information System and Rockwell Collins’ Tailwind 560 in-flight TV system for seven of the airline’s Airbus 330 fleet.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

March 24, 2009 (Brea, CA)—Gabon Airlines, based in Libreville, Gabon, will launch portable media players from The IMS Company in the second quarter of 2009 on routes from Libreville to France, the Congo, and South Africa in Business and Economy classes in an agreement made by IMS with Paris-based Groupe Nesse on behalf of Gabon Airlines, according to Harry Gray, IMS’ vice president sales and marketing.

The PAV-705 seven-inch touchscreen players will be utilized on B767 aircraft and will provide seven feature-length movies and video programming totaling 18 and a half hours, as well as audio content and games. The privately-owned airline began in November 2006.The IMS Company is providing the portable media players and accessories, the ground-based infrastructure, and turnkey content management services.

The IMS Company, the leading provider of portable entertainment solutions in the inflight entertainment industry, will be exhibiting their products in Hall B6, space #6B10 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, March 31 to April 2 in Hamburg, Germany.

About The IMS Company:

Founded in 1996, The IMS Company is an entertainment and communications solutions provider in the travel industry and a systems and software solutions provider to the aerospace industry and the military. IMS serves more than twenty commercial airlines with portable entertainment, wireless communications, and content management services, as well as the provision of advanced systems and software engineering support in the development and deployment of the latest in inflight entertainment, cabin avionics, and media distribution systems. IMS also provides engineering services and software development services to unmanned vehicles and software-defined radios. IMS has expanded into the provisioning of content services and hardware solutions for business aviation, rental car, rail passenger, and related markets reaching the traveling public. In 2008, IMS was named the 14th fastest-growing privately-held company in technology-heavy Orange County, California by the Orange County Business Journal, up from the 24th fastest-growing in the 2007 survey.

For more information see: www.imsco-us.com.

March 23, 2009 (Brea, CA)—Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, will begin using 7-inch touchscreen PAV705 portable media players from The IMS Company on May 1 on European and United States routes in First and Business Class cabins, according to IMS president, Rod Farley.

The players will be used on two B777, four A340, and five A300 aircraft. Over the three-year agreement, The IMS Company will provide several hundred media players and accessories, ground support equipment and recurring content management services.

“Kuwait Airways has selected the IMS PAV705 Portable Media Player as part of enhancing our First and Business Class Inflight Entertainment Service,” said Waleed Al Hooty, Assistant Director Onboard Services, Ground Handling Department, for Kuwait Airways Corporation. “IMS has been the only company to have a complete range of portable media players along with an extensive clientele. In this short period of time, IMS has proved their genuine commitment to providing excellent services to Kuwait Airways.”

Each portable device has a 160GB storage capacity and will contain over 284 hours of video content—including 72 movies—along with a large offering of audio content and games. A generous variety of Hollywood movies, Arabic movies, and Arabic and Hindi classic movies, along with news and current affairs, comedies, documentaries and sports programs, and Kuwaiti television are included as a part of the entertainment package provided to Kuwait Airways’ premium class passengers.

The PAV705 is the lightest weight, most compact and best value portable media player on the market today, according to Harry Gray, IMS vice president sales and marketing. These attributes along with its stylish ergonomic design and ease of use make it the most popular device in the airline market.

The leading provider of portable entertainment solution in inflight entertainment, The IMS Company will be exhibiting its products in Hall B6, space #6B10, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo on March 31 to April 2, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany.

About The IMS Company:

Founded in 1996, The IMS Company is an entertainment and communications solutions provider in the travel industry and a systems and software solutions provider to the aerospace industry and the military. IMS serves more than twenty commercial airlines with portable entertainment, wireless communications, and content management services, as well as the provision of advanced systems and software engineering support in the development and deployment of the latest in inflight entertainment, cabin avionics, and media distribution systems. IMS also provides engineering services and software development services to unmanned vehicles and software-defined radios. IMS has expanded into the provisioning of content services and hardware solutions for business aviation, rental car, rail passenger, and related markets reaching the traveling public. In 2008, IMS was named the 14th fastest-growing privately-held company in technology-heavy Orange County, California by the Orange County Business Journal, up from the 24th fastest-growing in the 2007 survey.

For more information see: www.imsco-us.com.

EVERETT, Wash., March 19, 2009 — The sixth and final Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner designated for flight test is now undergoing final assembly in Everett, Wash. The airplane, designated ZA006, will be powered with General Electric GEnx engines.

Progress continues on the fleet. The first flight test airplane, ZA001, is getting its paint touched up this week before finishing factory testing. Power was brought onto the second airplane, ZA002, in late February and build verification tests are progressing well. Production work continues on ZA003, ZA004 and ZA005. In all, assemblies for 31 Dreamliners are currently in production throughout the supply chain.

The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 878 airplanes from 57 customers.

SEATTLE, March 09, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Mexicana Group today announced a lease agreement for 25 Boeing 717-200 airplanes to be used by Mexicana’s Click operation.

Under a multi-year arrangement, MexicanaClick will begin receiving the 717s from Boeing Capital Corporation in March, making Mexicana the first North American 717 operator outside the U.S. Boeing Capital is the world’s largest lease provider of the modern, fuel-efficient twin jet.
In addition to the airplanes, Boeing through its Commercial Aviation Services group will provide training for flight crew, cabin crew and maintenance staff as well as spare parts provisioning. In total this approach represents a comprehensive Boeing solution to Mexicana Group’s fleet renewal needs.

“With these 25 airplanes, we give a strong boost to MexicanaClick and a better way to improve the passengers’ experience and the airline’s operating efficiency to maintain its leadership both in quality of equipment as well as on-board services,” said Manuel Borja, Mexicana Group director general.

The Boeing 717 has distinguished itself in service to nine airlines on four continents. Designed for quick turnaround, high-frequency and short- range markets (up to 1,500 nautical miles), the 717 offers big-jet passenger comfort with the lowest noise and emissions in its class. The Rolls Royce-powered 717s will replace Fokker F-100s operated by the airline.

“At a time when economic conditions pose challenges to airline operators and travelers, the 717 offers a wealth of value–greater fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, a modern flight deck and spacious interior,” said Tim Myers, Boeing Capital Corp. vice president for structured financing. “We’re pleased to join forces with Mexicana to bring the 717 to the region.”

Click’s 717 fleet will be configured to carry 104 passengers with 20 in Mexicana Elite class, with two-by-two seating, allowing all passengers to enjoy either aisle or window seats, and 84 in tourist class where the five-abreast, wide leather seats will appeal to travelers.

Boeing and Mexicana have worked together for decades. The airline was among the world’s largest operators of the Boeing 727 and its current long-haul routes depend on the Boeing 767.

“We congratulate MexicanaClick on joining the ranks of airlines that depend on the 717′s high dispatch reliability and low maintenance costs to compete successfully,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president for Latin American sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Add to that a quiet and fuel-efficient airplane, with great comfort and passenger appeal and an average fleet age of less than five years, and the result is a great platform to grow Click’s market success.”

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 2 – Tyco Electronics Ltd. today announced that it has received a 2008 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance. Tyco Electronics maintained a Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from Oct. 1, 2007, to Sept. 30, 2008.

This year, Boeing recognized 411 suppliers who achieved either a Gold or Silver level Boeing Performance Excellence Award. Tyco Electronics is among 325 suppliers to receive the Silver level of recognition.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this high level of recognition from Boeing,” said Kevin Rock, president of Tyco Electronics’ Aerospace, Defense & Marine Business Unit. “Earning this award clearly demonstrates our commitment to their programs and highlights the excellent working relationship that exists between our two companies.”

Tyco Electronics supplies interconnection products and other electronic components to Boeing for various aircraft programs.

ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONICS

Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and wireless systems, with 2008 sales of $14.8 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in industries from automotive, appliance and aerospace and defense to telecommunications, computers and consumer electronics. With nearly 8,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics’ commitment is our customers’ advantage. More information on Tyco Electronics can be found at http://www.tycoelectronics.com.

SEATTLE, Feb. 27, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today received confirmation from the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam that a third Boeing employee has been identified as among the fatalities from this week’s Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 accident in Amsterdam. Boeing extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. With the consent of the affected families, Boeing confirms the names and conditions of the four Boeing employees on Flight 1951. Three employees – Ronald A. Richey of Duvall, Wash., John Salman of Kent, Wash., and Ricky E. Wilson of Clinton, Wash. – died in the crash. One employee – Michael T. Hemmer of Federal Way, Wash. – was among the injured and remains hospitalized. Boeing remains committed to supporting the families of our employees through this very difficult time.

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 24, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered the second of eight 777-200LRs (Longer Range) jetliners that have been ordered by Qatar Airways. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett in the early afternoon on a shuttle flight of more than 14 hours to its new operational base at Doha International Airport. Qatar Airways has ordered 17 777-300ERs (Extended Range), five of which have been delivered, and two 777 Freighters for future delivery. The first Boeing 777-200LR to join the airline’s fleet arrived in Doha Feb. 8.

CHICAGO, Feb. 18, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that all of its major manufacturing facilities received the internationally recognized ISO 14001 environmental certification by the end of 2008, marking achievement of one of the company’s most significant environmental goals. Certification is a global benchmark of an organization’s commitment to understand and continually improve its environmental performance.

“We recognized many areas of excellence at Boeing, from employee involvement programs to recycling efforts, in one of the most aggressive ISO 14001 certification efforts we’ve seen,” said Sidney Vianna, director of Aviation, Space & Defense Services for independent auditors Det Norske Veritas, an accredited certification body of quality, environmental and safety management systems. “Congratulations to Boeing on this significant accomplishment. We look forward to our ongoing partnership in continual environmental improvement.”

The following Boeing sites certified during 2008 were commended for their environmental performance with more than 80 positive noteworthy efforts and no major nonconformances:
Alabama: Huntsville
Arizona: Mesa
Australia: Bankstown, Fishermans Bend
California: El Segundo, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Sylmar, Taft, Torrance
Canada: Winnipeg
Florida: Kennedy Space Center
Missouri: St. Louis, St. Charles
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Texas: San Antonio
Utah: Salt Lake City
Washington: Auburn, Frederickson, Renton and North Boeing Field, Integrated Defense Systems sites in Puget Sound

“As a responsible corporate citizen and neighbor, we are focused on reducing energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and waste at our facilities,” said Mary Armstrong, Boeing vice president, Environment, Health and Safety. “Certification is a tremendous achievement by our employees, ensuring that Boeing products, from our super-efficient commercial airplanes to our military aircraft, satellites and world record-holding solar cells, are manufactured in facilities that conform to the ISO 14001 standard of environmental performance.”

Facilities in Exmouth, Australia; Everett, Wash.; and Portland, Ore. had previously achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Boeing is committed to pioneering environmentally progressive products and services and reducing its environmental footprint. Some other highlights of its 2008 work include:

The establishment of aggressive targets to improve by 25 percent greenhouse gas emissions intensity, energy efficiency and recycling rates at its major manufacturing facilities by 2012, with a similar goal for hazardous waste reduction.

The world’s first series of test flights powered in part by sustainable biofuels, in collaboration with Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines and Japan Airlines. Boeing is focused on research for advanced generations of sustainable biofuels using biomass that do not compete with food crops or water resources.

The release of an Environment Report detailing its performance, strategy and actions to reduce its environmental footprint and lead the aerospace industry with environmentally progressive products and services.

The world’s first straight-and-level flight of a manned airplane powered only by a fuel-cell, led by Madrid-based Boeing Research & Technology Europe. The research may benefit secondary aircraft system power use.

Delivery of world-record holding solar cells by Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab Inc., to an Australian customer to power a 154MW power station.

To learn more about the company’s ISO 14001 certification achievement, read the feature story in Boeing Frontiers here.

Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

18th February 2009 – Emirates Airline today unveiled plans to grow the number of flights across its network by 14 per cent in 2009.

This year, the Dubai based carrier will add 18 new passenger aircraft to its fleet, increasing seating capacity by 14 per cent and enabling it to start new routes as well as increase frequencies on many existing routes. It will also expand cargo capacity by 17 per cent.

The additional frequencies will afford passengers a greater choice of flights, more frequent connections with their target markets and shorter, more convenient connection times.

Emirates currently has a fleet of 129 wide-bodied aircraft. By the end of the 2008-09 financial year (ending 31st March 2009), that figure will stand at 132, including four superjumbo Airbus A380s. The carrier will welcome a further seven A380s in fiscal year 2009-10 (ending 31st March 2010), as well as 10 Boeing 777-300ER, one 777-200LR and one Boeing 777 freighter.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “The next year is not going to be an easy ride for the airline industry. Emirates has prepared the best we can for the challenges we foresee, but we also see it as a time of opportunity. 2009, with our significant capacity increase, will be a year of consolidation for us, with fewer new routes launched than in previous years.

“Instead, we will concentrate on strengthening our presence on routes where there is a greater demand from our customers. All of our new capacity will be deployed in markets where we see growth potential, particularly Africa and the Middle East.”

Indeed, Emirates’ fastest growing markets are Africa and the Middle East, recording 17 and six per cent growth respectively in the last 12 months. To this end, Emirates recently added a second daily flight to Lagos.

It will also introduce services from Dubai to Durban, South Africa on 1st October 2009. The route will be served by a two-class, 278-seat Airbus A330-200 which can carry up to 14 tonnes of cargo into the port city.

Last month, Emirates announced a vast Middle East expansion plan taking the number of seats in the region to 50,000 on 180 flights a week. Additional services to Amman, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait and Damascus were started recently.

Emirates has added 32 weekly flights to its existing Indian services since November. The enhanced capacity means customers now have a choice of 163 weekly flights into 10 gateways in the country.

As new aircraft come online, both Los Angeles and San Francisco – Emirates’ newest routes, launched in October and December – will go from thrice weekly to daily from May. The extra services will add more than 2,000 seats a week between the US west coast and Dubai, which is more than a 100 per cent increase on the current 1,600 seats.

There is increased capacity to Australia with additional daily flights to Brisbane and Melbourne, taking the total number of flights a week to 63 effective from 1st February. Later this year, a third daily service to Sydney will be added. On 1st February, Emirates became the first carrier to operate commercial A380 flights into New Zealand with the launch of its Dubai-Sydney-Auckland service. Operated by a 489-seat Airbus A380 three times a week, it will go daily from 1st May.

Plans are also afoot to deploy superjumbos on Dubai–Seoul and Dubai–Singapore services in November and December respectively.

The first A380 flight between Dubai and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport will depart in November, while the Singapore service will start in December and initially run four times weekly.

In Europe, Emirates has already embarked on an expansion programme. In recent months it has commenced double daily flights into Milan, increased Istanbul services to 11 flights a week, increased services on the Larnaca-Malta route to seven times weekly and Nice flights to five times weekly.

Second daily services into Moscow and Athens are also planned for March.

In total, the additional capacity will see more than 8,635 seats and around 600 tonnes of cargo capacity added to the Emirates fleet.

“Emirates has recorded an annual growth rate of 20 per cent over the last five years,” reported HH Sheikh Ahmed. “In the last two years alone, we have launched 11 new passenger and three cargo-only routes. In 2007, with the launch of its Dubai–Sao Paulo service, we became the first – and only – carrier to fly to six continents non-stop from a single hub.”

Established in October 1985 with flights to Karachi and Mumbai, Emirates Airline today directly serves 101 cities in 61 countries. In October 2008, the Emirates dedicated Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport opened. With a total built-up area of 515,000 sq metres and the capability of handling 43 million passengers annually, the 10-storey concourse was specifically designed with Emirates’ future growth plans in mind.

In 2008, 22 million Emirates passengers passed through Dubai International Airport – an 11 per cent increase on 2007.

For more information, visit http://www.emirates.com/uk