A Boeing press release for the Paris Airshow


BOEING BUILDS NEWEST JETLINER TO DELIVER IN THE NEW CENTURY

The first new
derivative-design airplane to deliver in the next century is taking shape now
as the wing, body and tail sections of the 767-400ER (extended range) are
joined in the Boeing (NYSE: BA) factory.
"We started with aggressive goals, and this airplane has come together
even better than we planned," said Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Group president. "It's setting the stage for a very successful program."
Mulally attributed production success to teamwork, digital design and a
focus on manufacturing quality. Boeing structured its cross-functional teams
to be accountable for an entire section of the airplane. This strategy,
combined with working together with customers and suppliers, enabled the teams
to effectively integrate the large systems that make up the airplane.
Production also benefited from digital definition. Newly designed
airplane parts were created in computer-aided, three-dimensional interactive
(CATIA) software, allowing for a higher degree of accuracy. Teams were able
to pre-assemble parts in computers to check for fit and eliminate
interference. Because a significant number of original mylar drawings also
were converted to three-dimensional digital data, approximately 80 percent of
the airplane now is defined in digital format.
In many cases, digital design was used to create more accurate tools.
Mulally noted these tools enhance the quality of not only the 767-400ER, but
all 767 models.
"We've been preparing to build the 767-400ER for more than two years,"
Mulally said. "We involved everyone -- from the customer to the raw-material
supplier. Now we're realizing the benefits, and it is very exciting."
Boeing developed new features for the 767-400ER that include:

* A state-of-the-art flight deck with large format displays, arranged
similar to the 777, Next-Generation 737, and 747-400 flight decks
* Passenger-cabin architecture inspired by the award-winning 777, with
curved sidewalls and ceilings to create an even greater sense of
spaciousness
* Full-cabin, inflight entertainment, supported by a higher-capacity
(120-kva) electrical power system
* An all-new, main landing gear, which will give this longer airplane
similar handling characteristics to the 767-300 during landing and
takeoff

In addition, Boeing updated a number of airplane systems using the latest
digital technology, which will make the industry's most reliable,
intermediate-sized, twin-engine jetliner even more reliable, robust and easy
to maintain.
The largest 767 -- the 767-400ER -- joins the 767-200/-200ER and
767-300/-300ER, creating a family of airplanes that can carry from 224 to
304 passengers in a typical two-class seating arrangement. About 75 operators
from 41 different countries fly 767s today.
The 767-400ER is scheduled to roll out of the factory in August and make
its inaugural flight in October. The flight-test program will use three
airplanes, with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration type certification and
European Joint Aviation Authority validation of the type certification
expected in April 2000. The first airplane will deliver to launch customer
Delta Air Lines in May 2000.

If they can persuade anyone to fly it http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

James - excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean? Why do you feel people do not want to fly the 767?

I know that Delta (who is the launch customer 767-400ER) is having problems with it's pilots and their demand for super high pay to fly the 777, but I didn't realize that there was a problem with demands on the 767?

Please elaborate if you will.

Steve100,

Essentially, I was joking and I was referring to DL's 777 situaution (hence the wink). Sorry for any confusion.

However, Delta is having problems getting its pilots in to line over 777s and will have to negotiate a new deal with them to fly 767-400s. A new deal is required for each subclass of aircraft so the 400 will not be covered by existing agreements. With the mood Delta's pilots are in latley (re 777s, sleeping accommodation), I don't see any reason why reaching such an agreement will be trivial. Of course, I stand to be corrected by anyone with more accurate infomration.

For those that are interested in the 777 situation, there is a new press release on DL's website (go throuth the Gateway and then to Corporate Information). They have now deferred delivery of all 11 777s still on order to protect passenges/shareholders/schedules, etc.

James

Maybe Delta needs new pilots for new planes. If the current pilots believe that the new planes are too difficult for them to learn!

Maybe DL can give them more stock or options ala Cathay! Meanwhile I hear negotiations continuing whie they arrange to lease out the two they alraedy have! Management (rightfully) is trying to call their bluff and squeeze them on this one!