787: Moving ever closer to first flight

At press time, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner program continues to tick off key milestones on the way to first flight. In early May, the first Dreamliner moved to the flight line in Everett, Wash., to begin fuel testing. It will undergo additional airplane power and systems checks including engine run-up tests, which began May 21. After completing final systems checks and high-speed taxi tests, the airplane will be ready for first flight, which is on schedule for later this quarter.

“We are making great progress, and moving ever-closer to first flight,” said Scott Fancher, 787 vice president and general manager. The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 886 airplanes from 57 customers.

First Dreamliner in fueling – Dreamliner number one (designated ZA001) awaits fueling tests at dock on Everett, Wash. flight line.

Engine runs begin – The 787’s first engine runs marked the first all-electric start of a commercial jetliner engine onboard a twin-aisle commercial jetliner. ss

Mexicana signs up for 25 717s

Mexicana Group’s Click subsidiary has begun operating the first few of an eventual 25 717-200s to be leased from Boeing Capital under a long-term deal announced in March. Mexicana is also receiving training support and spares provisioning under a comprehensive Boeing solution. “The 717 offers a wealth of value – greater fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, a modern flight desk and spacious interior,” said Tim Myers, BCC vice president for structured financing. The 717s will replace the carrier’s current fleet of Fokker F-100s.

Boeing hosts annual Middle East conference

Boeing Capital’s fourth annual airline planning conference for Middle East and European bankers and investors was held in Cairo in late April. Despite it being a difficult time for the commercial aircraft financing market, this year’s event continued to increasingly draw senior-level financiers. “Our objective was to share information and perspectives on market conditions that are unique to us, and only available as a result of our objective role as a manufacturer and not as a competing bank or financial institution,” said John Matthews, BCC’s managing director for Middle East and Africa.