Economy Class & Beyond

787 Update: Thomson Airways cuts 787 from May and June

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UK leisure carrier Thomson Airways (part of TUI) was meant to be the UK launch carrier of the 787, with services commencing on the 1st May 2013. However, this launch has been suspended due to the ongoing issues with the Boeing 787 and the batteries inside it that have been giving Boeing a major headache.  Thomson Airways 787's are not part of the "currently grounded fleet of … [Read more...]

787 Watch: Boeing proposes a fix…

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It's time for another edition of 787 watch, with late breaking news that Boeing is proposing a fix to the 787 issues. The FAA has released a statement Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari, FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta and other FAA officials met with senior executives from The Boeing Company today to discuss the status of ongoing work to address 787 battery … [Read more...]

Lufthansa to take a cut to First Class Cabins

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Lufthansa is to take an axe to some of its first class seats aboard its international services by 25% according to Bloomberg. The cuts will be targeted in two ways - on certain routes (such as Vancouver) and plane classes (Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400). Chief Executive Officer Christoph Franz says: "They’ll serve routes where there is simply no more demand for … [Read more...]

787 Watch: Batteries in the ANA 787 incident showed signs of swelling

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Time to turn our attention back to the 787, and to the issues with batteries that the class is having. Investigators in Japan have been analysing the lithium-ion battery that powers the auxiliary power unit (APU) have revealed swelling in two of the eight cells - as well the main battery aboard the plane (also Li-ion) failed and overheated too. Investigators have been … [Read more...]

787: Two Test Flights… Flights “Uneventful”

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With a single frame cleared to fly Boeing 787 ZA005 - part of the cadre of 787's used for testing the fleet have had two test flights, all took off and landed without an issue The first test flight took place on 9th February, and departed from Boeing Field with a crew of 13 on board – all Boeing pilots and flight test personnel. The flight lasted 2 hours and 19 minutes … [Read more...]

Boeing cleared to fly test flights with the 787

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Following the successful flight of a Boeing 787 yesterday, Boeing have been cleared to conduct test flights with the Dreamliner by the Federal Aviation Administration . The FAA agrees with Boeing that test flights are an important part to ensure passenger safety, and the eventual return to service of the 787 fleet.  The purpose of the test flights will be information about … [Read more...]

787 Update: Boeing requests to fly test flights

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3 weeks into the grounding, and we have fresh news today from the manufacture of the 787 - Boeing - who wish to conduct test flights. The airframer is seeking permission from the US Federal Aviation Administration to take the bird back into the skies. According to CNBC: Through the testing of batteries and review of data, Boeing believes it now is to the point where … [Read more...]

Japan Airlines delays Tokyo – Helsinki route due to 787 groundings

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As we go into week 3 of the grounding of Boeing 787's, Japan Airlines has confirmed it will not be operating its Tokyo Narita - Helsinki route. The route which announced way before the 787 groundings and due to commence on the 25th February was to be operated 4 times a week. Since the grounding of the fleet since the 16th January, a lot of airlines have managed to cover … [Read more...]

Boeing goes on the defensive again over 787 batteries

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Boeing it seems is on the full defensive on the use of Lithium-Ion Batteries in its 787 Dreamliner plane in a rebuttal from Elon Musk (of Tesla Cars and SpaceX) who states the batteries shipped to Boeing are "fundamentally unsafe". As you're all aware, the 787 Dreamliners are all sitting on the ground after two battery incidents with the aircraft. In the FlightGlobal … [Read more...]

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