In a statement on May 6, 2024, the confirmed that Boeing had 鈥渧oluntarily informed鈥� it in April 2024 of an issue related to inspections for 鈥渁dequate bonding and grounding鈥� where the wings join the fuselage on certain 787 planes.  

鈥淭he FAA is investigating whether Boeing completed the inspections and whether company employees may have falsified aircraft records. At the same time, Boeing is reinspecting all 787 airplanes still within the production system and must also create a plan to address the in-service fleet,鈥� the FAA said. 

Separately, Boeing shared a memo addressed to employees on April 29, 2024, from the 787 Vice President Scott Stoker who addressed the new setback for the firm.  

Crucially, he wrote that engineers had assessed the 鈥渕isconduct鈥� and concluded that the issue did not 鈥渃reate an immediate safety of flight issue鈥�. 

Stoker said in the memo that the company violation became known thanks to a whistleblower at the South Carolina Boeing facility who spoke to a manager about his concerns. 

鈥淭he teammate saw what appeared to be an irregularity in a required conformance test in wing body join,鈥� Stoker wrote. 

Following the report Boeing learned that several workers had been violating company policies by not performing a required test but still recording the work as having been completed.  

‘Swift and serious corrective action’

Stocker added that the company was taking 鈥渟wift and serious corrective action with multiple teammates.鈥澛�

Boeing精东影业 latest problem comes after an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 suffered a plug door blowout on January 5, 2024, shortly after takeoff.聽聽

The accident prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that announced in a preliminary accident investigation report that key bolts to hold the door plug in place appeared to be missing. 

鈥淔our bolts that prevent upward movement of the mid exit door plug were missing before the mid exit plug moved upward off the stop pads,鈥� the NTSB said.    

This led to the FAA launching a six-week audit of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems which found 鈥渕ultiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements鈥�.   

More recently whistleblower Sam Salehpour has alleged that processes were carried out during the production of 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets which put the longevity and safety of both aircraft types at risk.    

Aircraft production has been scaled back at Boeing while it struggles to get on top of the crisis and airlines have been forced to readjust ambitions for the future due to the reduction in deliveries that has been forecast.   

Boeing defends 787 Dreamliner from whistleblower精东影业 claims over assembly safety聽

• Aviation Safety

byIan Molyneaux

2024-04-16

Announcing the move on February 26, 2024, Qatar Airways said that the decision was taken due to GOX精东影业 ability to deliver a 鈥渟uperior airport experience for travelers鈥�.聽

Qatar Airways confirmed that it will cease operations at GOI on June 20, 2024, with the last flight taking off from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to the south Goan airport on June 19, 2024.   

The last departure from GOI to Qatar will depart on June 20, 2024.  

Once operations move to GOX, located in the North Goa district, the route will still be served with the same schedule of direct daily flights, on the same mix of Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft. 

Qatar Airways is joining a list of airlines ready to be served by GOX, including strategic partners IndiGo and Oman Air. 

The Qatari flag carrier said it was attracted to the newer airport’s 鈥渟tate-of-the-art infrastructure, and close proximity to hotels and public transportation鈥�. 

Qatar Airways first launched its operations in Goa in 2009, marking the start of the long-standing partnership between Doha and Goa.   

鈥淕OX精东影业 expansive airport experience is designed to reflect the exuberant nature of the local culture with its blend of contemporary and Goan architecture. Its cargo facilities, comprising of 25,000 metric tons of temperature-controlled handling capacity, has the potential to make GOX the ideal export hub in the region,鈥� the carrier said in a statement. 

Currently, Qatar Airways flies to 13 destinations in India including: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Thiruvananthapuram. 

GOX began operations at the airport in January 2023.聽

IndiGo to lease Qatar Airways Boeing 737 MAX planes amid ongoing engine issues聽

• Airlines
• Aviation

byLuke Peters

2024-02-05

With this order, which had already been the object of some industry rumors in the weeks ahead of the airshow, the Thai carrier expects to tap the recovering air traffic demand across Asia. Thai Airways already operates eight B787s (six of the -8s version and two of the larger -9 one)  

Thai Airways suffered heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in 2020, had to file for bankruptcy protection.   

The airline has undergone a massive restructuring program in the last four years. Thai Airways has downsized its international footprint, shed part of its fleet, including its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft, and absorbed its low-cost subsidiary Thai Smile.   

The order was actually finalized in December 2023, but Boeing had listed it as going to an undisclosed customer.  

Thai Airways鈥� new Dreamliners are going to be powered by GEnx engines.  

Norse, a Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline, announced on February 12, 2024, that it will extend the subleases on four of its 15 787 Dreamliners.聽聽

Three Boeing 787-8s have been extended by up to one year from the original return date and will now be redelivered to Norse between the end of March and the end of May 2025.   

While one Boeing 787-9 will be extended by just two months, therefore returning to Norse in early May 2024, ahead of it entering the peak summer flying program. 

All 15 of Norse精东影业 Dreamliners are on long-term flexible lease terms agreed during 2021 when lease rates were at historical low prices. 

Norse took the opportunity to 鈥渋ncrease secured total cash profit鈥� by extending the subleases which the airline has on a fixed price, with no inflationary adjustments.  

鈥淭his extension to the sublease agreements for four of our Dreamliner aircraft provides a further opportunity to increase secured total cash profit during the lease period. Our strategy is to grow at a steady pace in line with market demand,鈥� Bj酶rn Tore Larsen, CEO and Founder Norse Atlantic Airways, said. 

He added: 鈥淲e intend to operate 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft during our summer 2024 season, and we look forward to building up to a fully operational fleet of 15 aircraft in 2025.鈥� 

Norse sees strong forward bookings for 2024 and expects first profits聽

• Aviation Economics & Finance

byLuke Peters

2024-01-09

Air India reached an agreement with the German outfit RECARO which will undertake the mammoth project for both linefit and retrofit programs over the next five to six years.聽聽

Air India selected RECARO精东影业 CL3710 and the brand-new CL3810 for economy class, while the PL3530 will outfit the premium economy cabin.聽

The first phase of this collaboration involves the retrofitting of 40 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft with CL3710 and PL3530 seats, set to enter service in 2024.   

The same seat configuration will also be adopted for 12 Airbus A350s and 787 aircraft entering service in 2025. 

While an additional order for 34 Airbus A350 and 787 aircraft will be fitted with CL3810 in economy and PL3530 in premium economy.聽

鈥淲e鈥檙e happy to get into this partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating,鈥� said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India, said. 鈥淭his will help us offer an enhanced experience for our passengers at this transformative time for Air India and add value to our passenger-centric focus making us more competitive on the global aviation stage.鈥� 

According to RECARO the PL3530 offers 鈥渦nparalleled comfort, functionality, ample stowage, and a generous 7鈥� recline鈥� while the economy CL3710, 鈥渇eatures a six-way adjustable headrest with neck support, enhancing sleeping comfort鈥�. 

The brand-new CL3810 comes with 鈥渟pacious seating, ample legroom, a six-way adjustable headrest, and lumbar support鈥�.聽

鈥淒esigned with customization and modularity in mind, the CL3810 brings together comfort innovations and a sleek, modern aesthetic for economy class travelers,鈥� 蝉补颈诲.听听

All 22,000 seats will showcase Air India’s signature custom trim and finish and latest inflight entertainment systems will also be integrated into each one. 

Having placed a record-setting order of 470 aircraft, Air India currently has 117 operating in its fleet and will be receiving a new jet every six days throughout 2024.聽 聽

Southwest Airlines unveils design plans for new cabins, seats and staff uniforms

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-02-05

The North African carrier currently operates nine Dreamliners, and hopes to quadruple its fleet before 2037.

“The two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable Royal Air Maroc to expand in the short-term its long-haul network in response to the highly favorable market conditions in 2023,” Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Maroc said in a press statement.

“The 787 Dreamliner is perfectly suited to support Royal Air Maroc’s growth and modernization plans,” Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing said.

“Boeing’s relationship with the airline spans more than five decades, and we look forward to more opportunities to strengthen our partnership with Royal Air Maroc,” McMullen added.

Royal Air Maroc精东影业 fleet of Boeing airplanes includes 737s, in addition to 787s (a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s).

In August 2023, Royal Air Maroc secured four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in a $300 million lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC). 

Royal Air Maroc secures more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in $300M deal

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2023-08-17

When the alarm was raised, Kenya Airways’ Boeing 787, designated as KQ100, was flying over the UK. The Royal Air Force (RAF) swiftly dispatched Typhoon fighter jets to intercept the plane 鈥渁s a precaution鈥�.聽

“The civilian aircraft remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout,鈥� a UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesperson said. 

The plane was skillfully rerouted to STN, a location strategically chosen for such incidents due to its distance (approximately 50 kilometers north) from central London. This ensures that potential threats are kept away from densely populated areas, minimizing risk to the public. 

Upon landing, the aircraft was escorted to a remote parking stand, where it was met by Essex Police and eight fire crews.聽聽

Kenya Airways stated that its鈥痟eadquarters had been notified of a possible security issue aboard the KQ100. According to the airline, the alert was received at around 10:30 (08:30 BST).  

“KQ management in conjunction with the security authorities of the Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat,鈥� the airline wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “The crew on board were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board.” 

鈥淭his threat has since been established to have low credibility,鈥� it added in a separate statement. 

After conducting a thorough inspection of the plane, Essex Police also confirmed that there was “nothing of concern” aboard. 

“There was suspicion of some of the people on board. But nothing to do with a bomb or anything like that,鈥� llan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways told the . “The precautions that we were taking were because that threat had been raised and so we just wanted to make sure that there was nothing untoward.”聽

Scoot flight escorted by Singapore’s F-15SG fighter aircraft due to bomb threat

• Airlines
• Aviation Safety

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-10-13

The two aviation giants announced on September 25, 2023, that Canada精东影业 flag carrier had agreed to purchase 18 787-10 Dreamliner widebody jets, with the option to purchase 12 more.

The order means that the airline will fly every model in the 787 Dreamliner family.

“Air Canada has made investing in the passenger experience a core priority. Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of this popular aircraft, which will premiere a new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design. As importantly, the 787 is highly fuel efficient and will generate operational savings as well as support our sustainability goals of reducing emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in Q4 2025 with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027.

Air Canada currently operates a fleet of 38 787s, including eight 787-8 and 30 787-9 jets. The airline is also waiting for two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order.

The largest model in the family, the 787-10, can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 6,330 nautical miles (11,730 km).

The 787-10 is the newest Dreamline and is a stretched version of the 787-9, making it the longest in the 787 family.

“With the 787 Dreamliner family, Air Canada will soon operate one of the most modern, efficient widebody fleets in the world,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787-10 will provide Air Canada with greater flexibility and commonality across its expansive network, connecting Canadians to destinations around the world.”

The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of an ongoing fleet renewal program at Air Canada, with the airline continuing to take delivery of new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as plans to acquire 28 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft, also beginning in 2025.

In addition, as previously announced, Air Canada has finalized a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by , which are expected to enter service in 2028.

Air Canada confirmed the 787-10 aircraft order with Boeing today substitutes for a previously announced agreement to purchase two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft and, as a result, Air Canada will no longer take delivery of the two freighters.

Canada is among Boeing’s largest international supply bases with more than 550 suppliers.

There are more than a dozen Canadian suppliers supporting the 787 program, including Boeing’s aerospace composite manufacturing facility in Winnipeg.

Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has opened more than 370 new nonstop routes around the world and received more than 1,760 orders from 87 customers 鈥� including more than 870 repeat orders from 56 repeat customers.

Over the last year, the 787 has received more than 295 orders and commitments.

Nearly half of all 787 Dreamliner operators fly more than one variant and four airlines operate, or will operate, fleets with all three variants.

Air New Zealand pokes fun at Air Canada Jetz for new all-black livery

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-09-14

In the company精东影业 Q2 2023 results report, Bj酶rn Tore Larsen, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and largest shareholder at Norse Atlantic Airways, said: 鈥淨3 is expected to be our first financial quarter generating a profit. The move to profitability is driven primarily by having all 15 aircraft generating revenue for the first time, from 1st July.鈥�

Larsen clarified that of the 15 aircraft, 10 were operated by the airline, while five were generating revenue 鈥渢hrough sublease鈥�. The quintet 鈥渨ill be redelivered to Norse on a staggered basis from end of Q1 2024 through to end of Q2 2024鈥�.

鈥淎 milestone was passed during Q3 as we surpassed one million booked passengers. By providing affordable air fares on competitive and established routes to key primary airports and destinations, we allow more people to explore the world and enjoy the experience of long-haul travel whether for leisure or business,鈥� the CEO and founder continued.

In Q2 2023, Norse Atlantic Airways generated $100.1 million worth of revenue, operating 812 flights and carrying 204,564 passengers. During the first six months of 2023, the long-haul low-cost airline generated a revenue of $139.9 million while welcoming 314,827 passengers, averaging a load factor of 67% (Q2 2023: 75%).

Excluding leases, depreciation, and amortization, Norse精东影业 operating costs in Q2 2023 were $97.8 million and $170.5 million across H1 2023. Notably, its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs (EBITDAR) were positive in Q2 2023 ($2.2 million).

As such, it ended Q2鈥�2023 with a net loss of $35.1 million and H1 2023 with a loss of $105.8 million.

Norse Atlantic has said that the Q2 2023 loss was expected, as it only began ramping up operations in the latter part of May 2023.

鈥淭he financial year 2023 will be Norse精东影业 first year that has production through all months, though the first half will be of limited activity as Norse ramped-up from the end of May and through June, ahead of the peak summer months and onwards,鈥� the airline精东影业 report reads.

However, Norse did not provide guidance for the full year in its Q2 2023 report. In a previous interview with 精东影业, Charles Duncan, the President of Norse Atlantic Airways, said that while the airline does not have a clear passenger number goal in mind, it has targets related to 鈥渁ncillary revenue, aircraft utilization, our crew utilization, air cargo revenue, charters, you name it鈥�.

鈥淣orse will be the first truly low-cost profitable long-haul airline,鈥� Larsen concluded.

The carrier was born out of the ashes of Norwegian精东影业 exit from the low-cost long-haul market, which occurred in January 2021 amidst the global pandemic. Norse acquired ex-Norwegian aircraft, with Duncan mentioning that Larsen had the idea to establish the low-cost long-haul carrier when lease rates for aircraft were at levels the industry had never seen before.

鈥淲e got very attractive pricing, because we were able to opportunistically sign the leases at the bottom of the market when no one else wanted these aircraft, and they鈥檙e on long term lease,鈥� Duncan continued.

“We鈥檒l be number one in ancillaries.鈥� Charles Duncan, President, Norse Atlantic

• Executive Spotlight

byMiquel Ros

2023-05-15

Previously, the story incorrectly reported that the aircraft would be scrapped.

The LATAM Airlines wide-body jet, registered as CC-BBF, belongs to the carrier精东影业 Chilean subsidiary. Pictures shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed the aircraft without its tail and multiple workers and equipment near the 787.

The decision to dismantle the 9.2-year-old aircraft for maintenance followed an incident in early May 2023 when it was involved an incent at Bogota El Dorado Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento International Airport (BOG), Colombia. The aircraft was being repositioned by a tug when a towbar snapped, resulting in the tug becoming stuck underneath the fuselage of the aircraft.

Post-incident videos showed substantial damage to the bottom fuselage, including deep cuts in some areas of the 787精东影业 composite fuselage.

According to ch-aviation.com data, CC-BBF has a total of 10,300 Flight Hours (FH) and 1,575 Flight Cycles (FC), operating an average stage length of six hours and 32 minutes.

Previously, two former Norwegian Boeing 787s were scrapped at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), Scotland in February 2023. The pair, registered as VP-CVL and VP-CVM, had been stored at PIK since May and September 2019, respectively. While neither was involved in an incident, presumably no operator was interested in purchasing the aircraft on the second-hand market after almost four years in storage.

The two Boeing 787s were delivered to Norwegian in 2013.

However, Boeing also dismantled one 787 testbed, namely a 787-8 with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 40694, in April 2018.

A world first: Two 10-year-old Boeing 787 to be dismantled for parts

• Aircraft
• Aviation Economics & Finance

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-02-28

UPDATE September 2, 2023, 15:15 PM (UTC +3): The article was updated to better reflect the status of the LATAM Airlines Boeing 787.