The Boeing Company today delivered the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The aircraft were delivered during a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. Attending the ceremony were officials from the RAAF, the Defence Materiel Organisation and Boeing.
Boeing today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes.
"Today's event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that will strengthen the 787 program and allow us to continue building on the footprint we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Locating the second line in North Charleston will allow Boeing to successfully compete in the aerospace market and grow for the long-term benefit of many stakeholders."
Boeing moved the first 747-8 Freighter out of the paint hangar in Everett, Wash., Tuesday night sporting a special "light" livery.
Painted white with blue accents, the 747-8 Freighter unveiled a new twist on the Boeing Commercial Airplanes livery. It features an oversized "8" on the background of the tail as well as "747-8" on the belly.
Airbus has finally broken through the 200 aircraft order ceiling for its A380s with Air Austral firming up its order for two of the megatransports.
The airline, which connects Paris to La Reunion and will use the A380 in a 840-seat configuration, also is considering further orders as it examines whether to expand service also to the French Caribbean. The A380s are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200s.
Mexican airline Mexicana is in preparations of placing an order for either Airbus A350s or Boeing 787s as means of replacing its current long-haul fleet. The carrier is also looking at options to replace its new Boeing 717 fleet once leases expire.
Manuel Borja, Group CEO, said that Mexicana probably needs six A350s or 787s, and is currently in talks with both manufacturers. These will eventually replace the four Boeing 767-200 and -300 and both Airbus A330-300s currently on lease for its long-haul route network.
