Boeing added 46 orders to its backlog last week including 27 aircraft for unidentified customers: Six 747-8s (understood to be freighters), six 777s (understood to be -300ERs for Virgin Blue) and 15 787s.
There is informed opinion from London sources that the 787 order came from Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has been moving rapidly toward a green platform. The carrier recently deferred its remaining six A340-600s and those slots have been taken by Lufthansa. Virgin also deferred its order for six A380s with first delivery slated for 2013.
Two analysts in London said they would be surprised if the airline took either deferred commitment. “Branson’s going all green and for twin engines
Boeing now has sold, net of cancellations, 112 aircraft this year comprising nine 737s, two 747s, 36 767s, 23 777s and 42 787s. Orders for the 787 have passed the 500 mark with 513 sold–490 under contract and 23 pending signature.
By: Skymonster - 21st March 2007 at 10:45
Boeing still making 767’s ?
Indeed, although mainly freighters – this last couple of weeks or so, UPS have ordered 27 and DHL 6 new 767-300ERFs
Andy
By: tommyinyork - 21st March 2007 at 09:19
Boeing still making 767’s ?
By: steve rowell - 21st March 2007 at 08:44
Virgin Blue is to buy six new long-haul Boeing jets as it prepares to launch a new international service on the Pacific route.
The new airline, as yet unnamed, will pay $2.2 billion for six Boeing 777-300ER jets with an option for a seventh, bringing the possible total to $2.6 billion.
Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey described the signing of the contract as a significant milestone for Australian aviation.
He said the decision to launch a new airline was based on the recommendations of the government’s aviation review.
The government review of international aviation, released in February last year, called for open skies and foreign carriers to commit to a long-term presence in Australia.
“Based squarely on that cabinet review and resolution, Virgin Blue took a decision to invest and launch a new international airline for Australia,” Mr Godfrey said.
He hoped US officials would approve up to 10 services a week for what will be the fourth airline flying directly to the United States alongside Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines and US carrier United. Air New Zealand flies Pacific routes, but via New Zealand.
Mr Godfrey denied Virgin Blue had asked for flights from the US three times a day. But he said flights once a day at least were a necessity if the airline was to succeed.
He said likely routes could be from anywhere along Australia’s east coast to anywhere along the US west coast, but declined to talk about airfares.
Transport Minister Mark Vaile said the deal meant Australia was one step closer to having a second national carrier operating the lucrative Pacific route.
“The government is delighted an Australian carrier is able to do this,” Mr Vaile told reporters.
He said he would be talking with US Department of Transportation officials about Virgin Blue’s plans at an APEC transport meeting in Adelaide next week.
Virgin Blue will be the first Australian airline to operate the 777-300ER.
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March 19, 2007 at 7:44 am