Company Watch - Boeing.

Nov 20, 2006

Aeromexico announced firm orders for two 787-8s and 10 737-700s, orders that previously were listed by Boeing as unidentified. The combined value of the 12 aircraft is more than $830 million. The 787s, to be delivered in 2011, are in addition to three the carrier plans to lease from ILFC. The 737-700s, scheduled for delivery starting in early 2010, are in addition to six 737NGs it ordered last winter. Nov 15, 2006

Aeromexico said the 787s and two recently leased 777-200ERs will be used on routes to Europe, South America and Asia, replacing 767s coming off leases. "The speed and flightdeck commonality of the 787 and the 777 will allow Aeromexico to adjust its long-distance routes, such as between Mexico and Japan, according to capacity demands," CEO Andres Conesa said. Nov 15, 2006

Boeing books 29 new jet orders. Boeing has booked 29 orders for new planes worth $5 billion, based on list prices. The orders include 17 wide-bodies. Nov 17, 2006

DHS says border security costs could rise to $30 billion. The Homeland Security Department's inspector general says upgrading security along the Mexican border could cost up to $30 billion, 15 times higher than the original $2 billion estimate. Boeing in September won an initial $67 million contract to build a "virtual fence" of cameras and new surveillance technology along the border. The higher cost raises questions about the future of the White House's effort to overhaul immigration policies. Nov 17, 2006

Boeing delivered to Air China a 737-800 adorned with an official Beijing 2008 Olympics livery, marking the 150th Boeing plane delivered to the carrier. Nov 15, 2006

Boeing reaches agreement with Tennessee machinists. Boeing on Sunday said it reached an agreement with striking machinists at its plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The machinists walked off the job on Aug. 6. Workers will vote on the contract, which includes an 11% pay increase over three years, on Nov. 27. Nov 14, 2006

Boeing looks at boosting composites to lighten 747-8I. Boeing is understood to be looking at taking a few pounds off the 747-8 Intercontinental with increased use of composites, a move aimed at gaining the extra range Emirates requires for its Dubai-US West Coast mission. Nov 13, 2006

Boeing's defense unit prospers with helicopters, likely rocket deal. Boeing's defense business is bouncing back under the leadership of CEO James McNerney. Last week, the company landed a large contract to provide search-and-rescue helicopters for the Air Force. This week, the Air Force is expected to approve a joint venture between the company and Lockheed Martin to develop rockets, government and industry officials say. Nov 13, 2006

Judge puts settlement in Boeing shareholder case on hold. A Cook County, Ill., circuit judge has ordered plaintiffs in a suit filed by shareholders over Boeing's procurement scandals to be questioned in court. The decision delays a settlement, which includes $12 million in legal fees, until at least December. The judge wants to know how the shareholders became plaintiffs, when they bought stock, and how much they owned. Nov 13, 2006

KLM identified as converting six 737-800 options to firm orders. Boeing revealed yesterday that KLM converted six options for 737-800s that will be delivered before mid-2008. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Dutch arm of Air France KLM, had ordered six Boeing Next-Generation 737s, worth about USD$423 million at list prices. Nov 13, 2006

US Airways say the merger would drive a consolidation of wide-body aircraft. Delta operates 104 767-300/400 aircraft and eight 777s. The US Airways fleet includes 10 767-200s and nine A330-300s. The fleet plan does involve a reduction in 50-seat regional jets. Officials avoided specifics in any aircraft category. Nov 19, 2006

El Al Israel Airlines said on Tuesday it had cancelled its option to buy Boeing 787 jets. El Al has canceled its 10 787 options, according to a filing with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange cited by press reports. The carrier said Boeing will return the $1.5 million deposit on the aircraft that would have been delivered in 2013 or 2014 if firmed. A Boeing spokesperson told Reuters that the company "will continue to communicate with El Al concerning its interest in the 787." Nov 14, 2006

EVA Air will convert eight 747-400s to freighters, with the first conversion entering service next year, UDN News reported. They will replace the carrier's MD-11Fs. According to airline sources, EVA will convert one of its three outstanding 777-200LR orders to a dash 300ER and the balance to dash 200Fs. It had ordered the dash 200LRs to perform the Taipei-New York mission year round but found that the dash 300ER is achieving 3% lower fuel burn than guarantee, enabling it to operate the route. Nov 15, 2006

Precision Conversions delivered a 757-200 converted freighter to Icelandair Cargo last week. Modification was performed at Flightstar Aircraft Services in Florida. Nov 15, 2006

TAAG Angola Airlines took delivery on Nov. 11 of three 737-700s and two 777-200ERs. Chairman Jesus Nelson said TAAG will take delivery of an additional 737-700 in January and another 777-200ER in the fourth quarter of next year. He added that the airline is in negotiations to acquire a 777-300ER. Nov 14, 2006

US Airways disputed that it is "an Airbus airline." It is working with Boeing in a replacement program for 737 and 757s, Parker says. Furthermore, Boeing occupies the chair of the Delta creditors committee and will be in a position to wield strong influence--for the merger or against it--in addition to securing a place for Boeing aircraft. Nov 19, 2006

Editor: Aram Gesar, eMail: [e-mail]

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Nov 13, 2006