HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has submitted its final bid for NASA’s Cargo Mission Contract (CMC) for the International Space Station (ISS). Boeing's bid draws on more than 50 years of the company's human spaceflight experience, as well as first-hand knowledge of ISS operations and cargo processing.
The contract calls for technical support services, including analysis and physical processing of pressurized cargo and flight crew equipment to be transported between the ISS and Earth. It also includes launch preparations and post-landing activities related to processing cargo and flight crew equipment.
"Boeing sees the ISS CMC as an important opportunity to ensure the viability of the ISS with effective logistics and resupply at an affordable price," said Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space Exploration. "The Boeing CMC team offers the skills and flexibility to support NASA's ISS cargo needs as the space transportation fleet evolves.
"As NASA's partner in the development, operation and sustainment of the ISS, Boeing shares an interest in ensuring this national resource and world-class laboratory is used to its full capability and potential," Shaw added.
NASA plans to select a contractor in November. Work is expected to begin on April 1, 2011, following a 90-day phase-in period. The performance period for the contract is three years with four one-year options, for a potential total of seven years.
If selected, Boeing plans to execute the contract with its highly experienced human spaceflight work force, with support from some of the workers who are currently performing tasks on CMC predecessor contracts.
"Boeing has access to experts within our Space Exploration division and across the Boeing enterprise -- including technical experts in specialty disciplines NASA has relied on before," said Brad Cothran, Boeing capture team lead for the contract. "We will draw on our own resources and our extensive supplier network to offer a solution that is both innovative and cost-effective, while supporting NASA's priorities for safety and mission success."
Boeing encourages personnel on the predecessor contracts to the ISS CMC to visit the company's team website at www.boeing.com/cmc. Following contract award, the website will be updated with content including teammate information, staffing plans, job fairs and other information.
Boeing is the prime contractor to NASA for the ISS program in Houston as well as NASA's contractor for the Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) contract at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. In addition to designing and building the major U.S. elements for the ISS, Boeing also is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of new hardware and software, including components from international partners and sustaining engineering for the ISS.
The services and support Boeing provides under its CAPPS contract include planning for and receiving payloads, maintaining associated ground support systems, integrating payloads with the space shuttle, launch support and space shuttle post-landing payload activities.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Boeing Statement on Award of B-52 Modernization Contract
WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 29, 2010 -- The Boeing Company today received an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract from the U.S. Air Force for B-52 Stratofortress weapon system modernization. The company released the following statement:
"This B-52 modernization contract will include several delivery orders over an eight-year period. The Air Force announced a contract ceiling of $11.9 billion. This is a contracting vehicle that will allow engineering sustaining contracts, studies, production and other activities to occur in support of the B-52. No funds were committed with this contract announcement. We expect our first delivery order to be awarded on Sept. 30."
Boeing has been maintaining and modernizing the B-52 bomber for 55 years -- including engineering services and upgrades to communication technology -- allowing the B-52 to remain a relevant weapon system in support of military missions around the world.
"This B-52 modernization contract will include several delivery orders over an eight-year period. The Air Force announced a contract ceiling of $11.9 billion. This is a contracting vehicle that will allow engineering sustaining contracts, studies, production and other activities to occur in support of the B-52. No funds were committed with this contract announcement. We expect our first delivery order to be awarded on Sept. 30."
Boeing has been maintaining and modernizing the B-52 bomber for 55 years -- including engineering services and upgrades to communication technology -- allowing the B-52 to remain a relevant weapon system in support of military missions around the world.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
1st Boeing SBSS Satellite Sends Initial Signals from Space
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has acquired initial on-orbit signals from the first Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite following its launch at 9:41 p.m. Pacific time on Sept. 25 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The signals indicate that the satellite is functioning normally and is ready to begin orbital maneuvers and operational testing.
The SBSS Block 10 satellite, which was built for the U.S. Air Force by a Boeing-led team that includes Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., was launched by an Orbital Sciences Minotaur IV rocket. The first signals from the advanced space surveillance satellite were received a short time later. The Boeing SBSS Satellite Operations Center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., confirmed that the satellite is healthy.
When it goes into operation with the Air Force, the SBSS satellite will be the service’s only space-based sensor capable of detecting and monitoring debris, satellites and other space objects without the disruptions from weather, atmosphere or time of day that limit ground-based observations. The satellite and its ground system will dramatically improve the accuracy and timeliness of tracking and monitoring capabilities, and provide the flexibility to quickly respond to new and changing mission requirements.
“The United States depends on space assets for security, communications, weather forecasting, and many other essential services,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. “America’s adversaries recognize this increasing dependence, which makes the need for enhanced space situational awareness more and more vital. Today, the Air Force and Boeing SBSS team are delivering this advanced capability to the nation.”
Shortly after launch, the SBSS satellite began an automated sequence that deployed solar arrays, pointed them at the sun, and initialized satellite operations. For the next two weeks, operators will perform health checks on the satellite bus, followed by payload checkout. Tests include sending simulated space situational awareness tasks to the SBSS Satellite Operations Center, which will send commands to the satellite and collect data from those tasks for the Air Force Joint Space Operations Center. The SBSS system is expected to be ready to perform its mission and be turned over to the Air Force within 60 days.
“The successful launch of SBSS is an important milestone to ensure that this nation’s assets are protected,” said David L. Taylor, president and CEO of Ball Aerospace. “We are proud to be a leader in providing critical technology development to the Air Force’s space situational awareness mission.”
Boeing is responsible for overall program management; systems engineering and integration; design and development of the SBSS Satellite Operations Center at Schriever; and system operations and maintenance. Ball Aerospace developed, designed, manufactured, integrated and tested the satellite, using the Boeing-built onboard mission data processor.
The SBSS Block 10 satellite, which was built for the U.S. Air Force by a Boeing-led team that includes Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., was launched by an Orbital Sciences Minotaur IV rocket. The first signals from the advanced space surveillance satellite were received a short time later. The Boeing SBSS Satellite Operations Center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., confirmed that the satellite is healthy.
When it goes into operation with the Air Force, the SBSS satellite will be the service’s only space-based sensor capable of detecting and monitoring debris, satellites and other space objects without the disruptions from weather, atmosphere or time of day that limit ground-based observations. The satellite and its ground system will dramatically improve the accuracy and timeliness of tracking and monitoring capabilities, and provide the flexibility to quickly respond to new and changing mission requirements.
“The United States depends on space assets for security, communications, weather forecasting, and many other essential services,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. “America’s adversaries recognize this increasing dependence, which makes the need for enhanced space situational awareness more and more vital. Today, the Air Force and Boeing SBSS team are delivering this advanced capability to the nation.”
Shortly after launch, the SBSS satellite began an automated sequence that deployed solar arrays, pointed them at the sun, and initialized satellite operations. For the next two weeks, operators will perform health checks on the satellite bus, followed by payload checkout. Tests include sending simulated space situational awareness tasks to the SBSS Satellite Operations Center, which will send commands to the satellite and collect data from those tasks for the Air Force Joint Space Operations Center. The SBSS system is expected to be ready to perform its mission and be turned over to the Air Force within 60 days.
“The successful launch of SBSS is an important milestone to ensure that this nation’s assets are protected,” said David L. Taylor, president and CEO of Ball Aerospace. “We are proud to be a leader in providing critical technology development to the Air Force’s space situational awareness mission.”
Boeing is responsible for overall program management; systems engineering and integration; design and development of the SBSS Satellite Operations Center at Schriever; and system operations and maintenance. Ball Aerospace developed, designed, manufactured, integrated and tested the satellite, using the Boeing-built onboard mission data processor.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Japan Air Lines JAL Boeing 747 Cross Wind Landing
A Japan Air Lines JAL Boeing 747 amazing cross wind landing at Kai Tak Airport. Filmed from the checkerboard used for the approach into Kai Tak. The plane overshoots and then lines it up just to get caught in the wind again.
Boeing Marks Construction Milestone on South Carolina 787 Final Assembly Building
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today marked completion of the steel framework for its new 787 Dreamliner Final Assembly building with a special topping-out ceremony. The event was held in conjunction with BE&K/Turner, the design-builder of the facility.
The final piece of steel was put into place on the 1.1 million-square-foot (102,193 square meters) structure less than a year after the November 2009 groundbreaking. Approximately 18,000 tons of steel are used in the building.
"By this time next year, the Final Assembly building will be complete, and we will have begun production of the first South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner. That is tremendous – from green-field site to airplane production in about 18 months," said Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager, 787 Final Assembly and Delivery. "The support we've received and continue to receive from our South Carolina partners and suppliers, as well as the state and local community is amazing and is one of the main reasons we've been able to reach these significant milestones in such a short timeframe."
Construction on the new facility is on schedule, with airplane production due to begin in July 2011 and first delivery in first-quarter 2012. At full production rate, Boeing will assemble and deliver three 787s per month from South Carolina to customers around the world. The South Carolina Final Assembly facility will be one of only three in the world producing twin-aisle commercial jetliners.
The final piece of steel was put into place on the 1.1 million-square-foot (102,193 square meters) structure less than a year after the November 2009 groundbreaking. Approximately 18,000 tons of steel are used in the building.
"By this time next year, the Final Assembly building will be complete, and we will have begun production of the first South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner. That is tremendous – from green-field site to airplane production in about 18 months," said Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager, 787 Final Assembly and Delivery. "The support we've received and continue to receive from our South Carolina partners and suppliers, as well as the state and local community is amazing and is one of the main reasons we've been able to reach these significant milestones in such a short timeframe."
Construction on the new facility is on schedule, with airplane production due to begin in July 2011 and first delivery in first-quarter 2012. At full production rate, Boeing will assemble and deliver three 787s per month from South Carolina to customers around the world. The South Carolina Final Assembly facility will be one of only three in the world producing twin-aisle commercial jetliners.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 320 Jobs, $17 Million to New Jersey
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 23, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that New Jersey will benefit from an estimated 320 total jobs and generate an estimated $17 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force's next aerial refueling aircraft.
Boeing submitted its proposal July 9 to replace 179 of the Air Force's 400 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aircraft. The Air Force is expected to award a contract in the fall.
“New Jersey is a critical part of Boeing’s mission of providing the U.S. Air Force and its pilots with the most advanced tanker technology available anywhere in the world," said Mark DeVoss, Supplier Management director, Boeing Tanker Programs. “It begins in New Jersey, with the men and women who will help make our NewGen Tanker fly, and whose skilled craftsmanship will ensure that this aircraft can serve America for decades into the future.”
New Jersey manufacturers ready to produce critical components on the NewGen Tanker include Accurate Bushing, of Garwood, and Avionic Instruments, of Avenel.
Currently, Boeing has 179 employees in New Jersey and works with nearly 471 suppliers/vendors, delivering a total $464 million in annual economic impact.
The NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and updated with the latest and most advanced technology. Capable of fulfilling the Air Force's needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients, the combat-ready NewGen Tanker will meet or exceed the 372 mandatory requirements described in the service's final KC-X Request for Proposal released Feb. 24.
The NewGen Tanker will be made with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas as well as U.S. suppliers throughout the nation, with decades of experience delivering dependable military tanker and derivative aircraft. Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker program will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.
The Boeing NewGen Tanker also will be more cost-effective to own and operate than a larger, heavier tanker. It will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel than the competitor's airplane.
Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include the KC-135 that will be replaced in the KC-X competition, and the KC-10 fleet. The company also has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767As to the Italian Air Force.
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| Japan KC-767Js in flying formation, booms extended. The flight pictured is over Kansas during flight test activity. The tankers have since been delivered to Japan and are in operational service. |
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| A B-2 is refueled by the versatile NewGen Tanker |
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| Two NewGen Tankers demonstrating the outstanding capabilities of the aircraft to perform as either a tanker or a receiver. Photo Credit :http://www.unitedstatestanker.com/photos |
Boeing Completes Production of 1st Australian Super Hornet with Provisions for Future Electronic Attack Capability
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 23, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has completed production of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet that has the capability to be converted into an electronic attack aircraft.
Boeing is pre-wiring the RAAF's second lot of 12 Super Hornets for potential electronic attack capability conversion during production at the company's facilities in St. Louis.
"Incorporating the ability to introduce an electronic attack capability on 12 RAAF Super Hornets as they are produced in St. Louis provides maximum flexibility for our Air Force in the future," said RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing, which includes Super Hornet and F-111 aircraft. "Ultimately, if a decision to incorporate an electronic attack option is pursued, it will further expand the broad capability of an already formidable Super Hornet weapon system."
The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Eleven Super Hornets are now operating at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. All 11 aircraft were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget. Boeing will deliver Australia's 24th Super Hornet in 2011.
"Besides giving the RAAF the potential of introducing electronic attack capability in the future, producing these 12 aircraft with this configuration from the outset also reduces cost when compared with retrofitting at a later date," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing.
The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Boeing Receives Florida Governor's Business Expansion Award
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 22, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today received the Governor’s Business Expansion Award from Enterprise Florida at the Governor’s 2010 Business Diversification Awards ceremony in Tallahassee. The Boeing operation at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla., won the award after the site received the consolidated U.S. Navy F/A-18 work and the U.S. Air Force QF-16 contract. The consolidation and contract win will add approximately 75 jobs to the Cecil Field facility.
"This expansion to our work scope will allow us to be even more responsive to our customers by colocating related programs in one spot," said Gary Phillips, Cecil Field site executive for Boeing. “We’re honored that the governor’s office has recognized our expansion as a significant contribution to the community of Jacksonville and the Duval County area."
"Florida's entrepreneurs and business leaders are major contributors to the state's economic growth," said Enterprise Florida President and CEO John Adams Jr. "Today, we recognized some of their exemplary accomplishments in creating marketable products and services, which are increasing Florida's competitiveness and building a future economy that will serve all segments of our population very well."
With the addition of the F/A-18 Structural Repair Facility, Cecil Field’s capabilities now include avionics repairs and upgrades; aircraft modification and maintenance; structural and composite component repair; and full nondestructive inspection. The Boeing team at Cecil Field draws on a decade of experience to support Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18A-F aircraft service, repair and modification programs. The facility, located at Cecil Commerce Center, includes 479,000 square feet of maintenance, manufacturing, warehousing and office space.
"Boeing is proud to be part of the Jacksonville community," Phillips said. "With our growth now and in the future, we look forward to making a positive impact here for many years to come."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
"This expansion to our work scope will allow us to be even more responsive to our customers by colocating related programs in one spot," said Gary Phillips, Cecil Field site executive for Boeing. “We’re honored that the governor’s office has recognized our expansion as a significant contribution to the community of Jacksonville and the Duval County area."
"Florida's entrepreneurs and business leaders are major contributors to the state's economic growth," said Enterprise Florida President and CEO John Adams Jr. "Today, we recognized some of their exemplary accomplishments in creating marketable products and services, which are increasing Florida's competitiveness and building a future economy that will serve all segments of our population very well."
With the addition of the F/A-18 Structural Repair Facility, Cecil Field’s capabilities now include avionics repairs and upgrades; aircraft modification and maintenance; structural and composite component repair; and full nondestructive inspection. The Boeing team at Cecil Field draws on a decade of experience to support Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18A-F aircraft service, repair and modification programs. The facility, located at Cecil Commerce Center, includes 479,000 square feet of maintenance, manufacturing, warehousing and office space.
"Boeing is proud to be part of the Jacksonville community," Phillips said. "With our growth now and in the future, we look forward to making a positive impact here for many years to come."
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways Finalize Contract for Six 777-300ERs
SEATTLE, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier has exercised existing purchase rights for six additional Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range).
The six new airplanes, with an estimated value of US$1.6 billion at Boeing list prices, will increase Cathay Pacific's 777-300ER future fleet from 30 to 36.
Cathay Pacific, one of the world's largest operators of the popular jetliner, also operates 12 Boeing 777-300s and five 777-200s.
"Cathay Pacific is a valued long-time Boeing customer. The global reach of Cathay Pacific's 777 fleet showcases the airplane's exceptional performance features and its passenger appeal around the world," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This additional commitment from a world-class operator like Cathay Pacific is a testament to the greater efficiency, economics and reliability of the 777-300ER."
Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER in 2005. This announcement is Cathay Pacific's fourth increase in its acquisition plans for the long-range jetliner.
"We are very pleased to confirm this purchase of six more Boeing 777-300ERs – a superb aircraft that already has significantly enhanced our operations on key long-haul routes," said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. "We have been very impressed by the operating economics of these aircraft, while their high efficiency has resulted in a reduced environmental impact. As we continue to enhance our fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in the years to come."
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.
Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.
In addition to Boeing 777s, Cathay Pacific operates 47 747-400s in both passenger and cargo versions. The airline also has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The highly efficient new cargo airplane will augment the airline's fleet of 25 747 Freighters used to connect Hong Kong to a wide range of international markets.
Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
The six new airplanes, with an estimated value of US$1.6 billion at Boeing list prices, will increase Cathay Pacific's 777-300ER future fleet from 30 to 36.
Cathay Pacific, one of the world's largest operators of the popular jetliner, also operates 12 Boeing 777-300s and five 777-200s.
"Cathay Pacific is a valued long-time Boeing customer. The global reach of Cathay Pacific's 777 fleet showcases the airplane's exceptional performance features and its passenger appeal around the world," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This additional commitment from a world-class operator like Cathay Pacific is a testament to the greater efficiency, economics and reliability of the 777-300ER."
Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER in 2005. This announcement is Cathay Pacific's fourth increase in its acquisition plans for the long-range jetliner.
"We are very pleased to confirm this purchase of six more Boeing 777-300ERs – a superb aircraft that already has significantly enhanced our operations on key long-haul routes," said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. "We have been very impressed by the operating economics of these aircraft, while their high efficiency has resulted in a reduced environmental impact. As we continue to enhance our fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in the years to come."
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.
Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.
In addition to Boeing 777s, Cathay Pacific operates 47 747-400s in both passenger and cargo versions. The airline also has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The highly efficient new cargo airplane will augment the airline's fleet of 25 747 Freighters used to connect Hong Kong to a wide range of international markets.
Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Boeing to Increase 737 Production Rate
SEATTLE, Sept. 16 -- Boeing announced today its production rate for the Next-Generation 737 program will increase to 38 airplanes per month in the second quarter of 2013. This decision comes just months after announcing a rate increase on the company's best-selling commercial jetliner from 31.5 to 35 airplanes per month in early 2012.
"Increasing production is in response to customer demand for this airplane," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. "Airlines want this innovative airplane sooner to renew their fleets to serve their customers. We made this decision after careful evaluation by Boeing and our supplier partners."
Key factors to the rate decision include the company's current backlog of more than 2,000 Next-Generation 737s, current options that customers are expected to exercise and ongoing sales campaigns. The rate increase is not expected to have a material impact on 2010 financial results.
Next-Generation 737 customers have benefited from continuous innovation of the airplane since its introduction in 1997. The first five airlines will receive the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior by the end of this year. Customers will gain from a two percent reduction in the airplane's fuel consumption by early 2012, through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.
The 2010 Current Market Outlook, Boeing's long-term forecast of air traffic volumes and commercial airplane demand, projects a market of over 21,000 single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years, accounting for an anticipated 69 percent of the airplanes delivered and an estimated 47 percent of the $3.6 trillion total market value.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak to events only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our guidance relating to future financial and operating performance, the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally, and general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, as well as the other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Increasing production is in response to customer demand for this airplane," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. "Airlines want this innovative airplane sooner to renew their fleets to serve their customers. We made this decision after careful evaluation by Boeing and our supplier partners."
Key factors to the rate decision include the company's current backlog of more than 2,000 Next-Generation 737s, current options that customers are expected to exercise and ongoing sales campaigns. The rate increase is not expected to have a material impact on 2010 financial results.
Next-Generation 737 customers have benefited from continuous innovation of the airplane since its introduction in 1997. The first five airlines will receive the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior by the end of this year. Customers will gain from a two percent reduction in the airplane's fuel consumption by early 2012, through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.
The 2010 Current Market Outlook, Boeing's long-term forecast of air traffic volumes and commercial airplane demand, projects a market of over 21,000 single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years, accounting for an anticipated 69 percent of the airplanes delivered and an estimated 47 percent of the $3.6 trillion total market value.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak to events only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our guidance relating to future financial and operating performance, the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally, and general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, as well as the other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
NASA Awards Boeing $1.24B Extension to International Space Station Sustainment Contract
HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2010 -- Boeing today announced that NASA has awarded the company an extension to the International Space Station (ISS) contract for sustaining engineering. The extension is valued at $1.24 billion over a five-year period.
Under the extension, which begins Oct. 1, Boeing will provide sustaining engineering for hardware and software on the U.S. segment of the ISS and for common hardware and software available to the international partners.
The work also will include:
- management of ISS subsystems
- analytical integration and flight support
- on-orbit engineering support
- monitoring and trending system performance
- anomaly resolution, specialty engineering, and oversight of ongoing maintenance.
Boeing will perform the work at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., as well as at Boeing sites in Houston, Huntsville, and Huntington Beach, Calif.
"Boeing’s knowledge of the International Space Station allows us to safely fly and operate the station to 2015, set the stage to enable ISS operations until 2020, and potentially extend operations through 2028," said Joy Bryant, Boeing vice president and program manager for ISS. "We are partnering with NASA to ensure the health of the station’s many subsystems in order to pave the way for ground-breaking science and research aboard the laboratories on station in the years ahead."
Besides sustaining engineering, the overall ISS contract also includes purchasing spare components and modifying current systems.
"We proved to NASA, through our technical and program management performance, that we are the right long-term partner for ongoing support to the International Space Station Program," Bryant said.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Boeing Projects $700 Billion Commercial Airplanes Market in North America Region
MONTREAL, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing forecasts that air carriers in North America will take delivery of about 7,200 new airplanes over the next 20 years at an investment of $700 billion.
New aircraft deliveries in Canada and the United States will be driven largely by the need to retire older, less fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes and regional jets, as airlines replace them with new-generation, more fuel-efficient models.
"North America is a large, mature market, and we expect passenger traffic for the region to grow at a modest rate of 3.4 percent," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, who released Boeing's 2010 North America market outlook today in Montreal. "The fast-paced lifestyles in Canada and the U.S. require rapid, frequent and reliable coast-to-coast and interregional transportation. Driven by this demand, nearly three-quarters of the new deliveries over the next 20 years will be single-aisle airplanes."
Taking retirements of airplanes into account, the North America fleet will increase from 6,590 airplanes today to about 9,000 airplanes by 2029.
Boeing forecasts that single-aisle airplanes will grow from 56 percent of the total North America fleet today to 71 percent of the fleet by 2029. Airlines are increasingly focusing on airplane age as fuel-thirsty, older airplanes weigh increasingly on earnings. Increased attention to aviation's impact on global climate change also will be a factor in selecting airplanes that produce less carbon emissions.
Newer airplane types such as the Next-Generation 737 provide significant advantages in environmental performance as well as improved capabilities, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs.
According to Tinseth "After several years of losses among the region's air carriers, we're seeing signs of improvement and airlines are beginning to implement fleet renewal plans as they look to the future. To help meet this demand, Boeing Commercial Airplanes will continue to work closely with our more than 500 suppliers and partners in Canada. Boeing imports parts and services from Canada amounting to more than a billion U.S. dollars a year, more than $625 million of which is associated with Boeing Commercial Airplanes."
Twin-aisle fleets will evolve in the region as airlines continue to develop international point-to-point services to a wider range of airport pairs and frequencies. Small- and mid-sized twin-aisle airplanes will increase to represent 19 percent of the North America fleet by 2029.
Within the North America market, Boeing sees a demand for 1,180 new , efficient twin-aisle airplanes such as the 787 Dreamliner. Twin-aisles will account for only 16 percent of total airplane demand in the region over 20 years but will have a proportionally higher share of delivery cost, at 37 percent of the overall investment.
Large airplanes (747-size and larger) will not see significant demand in North America, with only about 40 units (all freighters), or one percent of the total investment.
Boeing also predicts declining demand for regional jets in North America as airlines shift to more fuel-efficient turboprops or larger jetliner models. High fuel prices, intensified competition and the superior efficiencies of larger single-aisles will take a toll on the economics of small regional jets. This category will account for just 4 percent of the total investment for new airplanes, with only 800 new regional jet deliveries over the next 20 years, nearly all for replacement.
(For the purposes of the Boeing forecast, the North America market consists of the U.S. and Canada. Mexico is included in Boeing's forecast for Latin America.)
Boeing, US Navy Flight Testing Distributed Targeting System for Super Hornet
CHINA LAKE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2010 – The Boeing Company and the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-31 have begun flight testing a Distributed Targeting System for the F/A -18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Advanced Weapons Lab in China Lake. The current test phase is scheduled to be completed in November 2011.
The Distributed Targeting System uses onboard hardware and software processing to get precise targeting solutions for Super Hornet aircrews. This enhanced targeting capability is part of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Network Centric Warfare Upgrades program as well as the F/A-18E/F Flight Plan, which ensures that the Super Hornet remains ahead of known and emerging threats throughout the coming years.
“Distributed Targeting will continue to broaden the Super Hornet’s already sophisticated multi role capability for the warfighter,” said Kory Mathews, F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president for Boeing. “Distributed Targeting is a powerful tool that will provide Super Hornet aircrews with precise targeting capability when identifying and engaging ground target sets. This is another phase of our evolutionary approach to continuous capability enhancement for the Navy’s combat-proven Super Hornet.”
Successful completion of the flight tests will enable the targeting system to transition to operational testing in late 2011. The capability is expected to become fully operational in F/A-18E/F aircraft in 2012.
The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day and night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.
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