Dubai 2009
I head east bound Thursday night for a leisurely 13-hour jaunt to Doha, then on to Dubai. This should prove to be a fascinating show with the Middle East expected to barrel its way out of the recession before the rest of the planet, so all eyes will be on Dubai as a barometer of global economic health. I'll have much more on this topic heading into the weekend. Anyone making the trip over?
Don't forget, the Twitter hashtag for the Dubai Air Show is #dxb09.
A380 In-Service Report
After just over two years of service with three airlines, Flightglobal reporter Max Kingsley-Jones (just back from A330-200F first flight) has authored an eight-page report that delivers an early verdict on the A380. Max traveled to to Dubai and Singapore to assemble the incredibly comprehensive report. We've put together an online package for the A380 in-service report that features additional interviews with Emirates President Tim Clark and tours of the flight deck and cabin. It is a must read for those who love airline operations and aircraft development.
787s to the Flight Line
Over the weekend, another 787 Dreamliner departed the paint hangar in full ANA colors. The more time that goes on, the more I realize how many different ways you can classify each 787. The most recent flight line arrival is: Airplane 8, Production aircraft 2, ZA101 (fmr. ZA008), JA804A and S/N 34488. The fully painted fuselage is also another indication that ZA100 (JA801A) will wear a special paint scheme upon delivery to ANA at the end of next year.
Next up will be Airplane 9: ZA101, JA803A and S/N 34486.
I feel like this is a short week ahead post. What's on your minds for the week ahead?
I head east bound Thursday night for a leisurely 13-hour jaunt to Doha, then on to Dubai. This should prove to be a fascinating show with the Middle East expected to barrel its way out of the recession before the rest of the planet, so all eyes will be on Dubai as a barometer of global economic health. I'll have much more on this topic heading into the weekend. Anyone making the trip over?
Don't forget, the Twitter hashtag for the Dubai Air Show is #dxb09.
A380 In-Service Report
After just over two years of service with three airlines, Flightglobal reporter Max Kingsley-Jones (just back from A330-200F first flight) has authored an eight-page report that delivers an early verdict on the A380. Max traveled to to Dubai and Singapore to assemble the incredibly comprehensive report. We've put together an online package for the A380 in-service report that features additional interviews with Emirates President Tim Clark and tours of the flight deck and cabin. It is a must read for those who love airline operations and aircraft development.
787s to the Flight LineOver the weekend, another 787 Dreamliner departed the paint hangar in full ANA colors. The more time that goes on, the more I realize how many different ways you can classify each 787. The most recent flight line arrival is: Airplane 8, Production aircraft 2, ZA101 (fmr. ZA008), JA804A and S/N 34488. The fully painted fuselage is also another indication that ZA100 (JA801A) will wear a special paint scheme upon delivery to ANA at the end of next year.
Next up will be Airplane 9: ZA101, JA803A and S/N 34486.
I feel like this is a short week ahead post. What's on your minds for the week ahead?
on November 9, 2009 8:35 PM | Reply
Next up will be Airplane 9: ZA101, JA803A and S/N 34486.
Should that be ZA102??
on November 9, 2009 9:48 PM | Reply
I really love seeing more ANA livery on the flight line. (^-^
If you include the 787 with just an ANA tail, this makes three 787s in ANA's colors!
I wonder who will design the livery for the first production ANA 787. Boeing or ANA? I'm excited to see that and the first flight of these birds.
Hopefully next week keeps bringing news about the 787 program. News that shows positive progress to a mid-Dec flight.
on November 9, 2009 10:30 PM | Reply
Niyoko,
Last I heard, it was an ANA Design, and that only a handful of people at ANA, and now maybe Boeing know what it will be.
I am looking forward to seeing it too!!
on November 10, 2009 4:53 AM | Reply
Airbus bashers should have a close look at the A380 in-service report. This airplane is THE real "game changer", and contrary to others, it flies, for the pleasure of both operators and travelers!
Thanks for your outstanding job, Jon.
on November 10, 2009 5:40 AM | Reply
Semi-reliable sources indicate 3rd or 10th Dec as first-flight date.
on November 10, 2009 8:16 AM | Reply
"Airbus bashers should have a close look at the A380 in-service report."
I saw nothing in the report that would change the minds of critics who legitimately question the commercial viability of the business case for manufacturing this aircraft.
on November 10, 2009 9:06 AM | Reply
There seems to be several estimated dates for First Flight of the 787 ranging from above to a Dec 22nd dates provided by blog "All Things 787".
Lots of speculation and claims to "unofficial", "substantiated", "good sources", etc.
A confirmation of the static wing test would be a better timeline that paces this and hopefully, Jon will inform us accordingly.
on November 10, 2009 10:04 AM | Reply
The A380 article is very interesting. While I commend Airbus for the achievement, it makes the 60's achievement of the 747 even more amazing.
One curious thing about the A380, several times they mention that the fuel burn is lower at Mach .85 compared to Mach .83. As a aviation fan, but certainly no expert, I cannot fathom this. Can anybody provide any insight?