Month: September 2008

Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen First Flight

This week Bombardier Aerospace announced that the prototype CRJ1000 NextGen jetliner, serial number 19991, made its successful inaugural flight from the Bombardier facility at Mirabel, Québec.

Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen First Flight
Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen First Flight

The flight, crewed by pilots Jacques Thibaudeau and Chuck Ellis and flight test engineer Eugene Lardizabal lasted three hours and 25 minutes. It reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 m) and a maximum speed of 260 knots (481 km/h).

The CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft program has attracted a total of 63 firm orders, conditional orders and options, from four airlines. Brit Air (a subsidiary of Air France) has ordered eight aircraft and holds options on an additional eight. Myair.com in Italy ordered 15 aircraft, converting an earlier order for 15 CRJ900 jets to the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft. Adria Airways of Slovenia has ordered one aircraft, and also holds one option. An undisclosed customer has ordered 15 CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft, with a conditional order for 15.

Source: Bombardier
Photos: Bombardier

Summary – Latest Boeing Orders and Deliveries

Well folks, I’m back from holiday and to starting up the blog again, here is a short summary of the latest orders and deliveries announced by Boeing during last weeks.

EgyptAir announced an order for two 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, with options for two additional airplanes, as part of the airline’s twin-aisle fleet upgrade for its long-haul service. Some time ago the airline announced its new, more modern livery, as shown below.

Egyptair Boeing 777-300ER with new livery

Brazil’s Varig Airlines got delivered two 737-800s. The 737-800s are equipped with Blended Winglets and Boeing’s special short-field performance package designed for short runways such as Santos Dumont in Rio de Janeiro.

Varig 737-800

Dubai-based airline Emirates celebrated the delivery of a 777-300ER (Extended Range) and a 777-200LR (Longer Range). These new 777s are the 62nd and 63rd of the model type delivered to Emirates. Representatives from the Emirates and Boeing team are pictured here prior to the airplanes’ departure for Dubai.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR Double Delivery

Istanbul-based airline Saga Airlines announced an order for two Boeing 737-800s with Blended Winglets. Saga Airlines has also secured two purchase rights for the same model.

Photos: Boeing