As promised, the 2nd edition week in review. All your comments fell on receptive ears and I thank you all for your feedback. Again, this is very much a beta test experiment, so bear with me.
Enjoy.
Script, as requested, after the jump.
Welcome to the FlightBlogger aviation industry week in review for the second week of January 2008.
Looking to push the bounds of twin engine operations for its new A350 XWB, Airbus is studying the possibility of a 350 min ETOPS certification when the aircraft enters service with Qatar Airways in 2013. The requirement would specify that the aircraft could not be more than 5 hours and fifty minutes away from a suitable airport in the event of an emergency. By comparison the A350’s twin engine long range predecessor, the A330 currently holds an ETOPS certification of 180 minutes. If certificated, the A350 will be able to operate more efficient oceanic and polar routes by broadening the number of alternate airports available.
The number of commercially operated A380s doubled this week when Singapore Airlines received its second 471 seat superjumbo. The aircraft, MSN5, which first flew in July of 2006, sports a slightly different paintjob than the first aircraft which inaugurated superjumbo service between Singapore and Sydney in late October of last year. When the aircraft enters service next month with its famed luxury interior, it will serve London on the A380’s first scheduled service to Europe.
Japan’s All Nippon Airlines, frequent launch customer for new aircraft types is exploring the possible purchase of 30 home grown Mitsubishi Regional Jet aircraft.
The current design which is scheduled to enter service in 2013, aims to compete directly with Embraer and Bombardier with an offering that spans the 70 to 90 seat range. The new regional jet will also be the first to be powered by the next generation Pratt & Whitney geared turbo fan engine. The powerplant is expected to be 12% more efficient than its current generation competitors.
The on going speculation regarding program delays for the Boeing 787, tops the stories for this week. Several reports, including one from Flightblogger, indicated that Boeing may miss its end of the month target for power on for Dreamliner One.
Though slippage in its revised schedule is likely, according to sources Boeing continues to make progress on its flight test aircraft with reductions in the amount of unscheduled traveled work that needs to be completed once parts arrive in Everett.
Though Boeing has not publicly confirmed nor denied the Flightblogger report, the company needs to consider addressing what has become a perceived gap between official program timelines and where progress currently stands. Boeing is understandably keeping its cards close to its vest, though increased transparency serves Boeing’s short and long term interests by providing the appropriate context for understanding the program as it moves forward into its next phases.
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