Boeing Receives Official Certificates for 787 World Records

Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association, presented Boeing (NYSE: BA) with two certificates confirming the official status of the two world records earned by the 787 Dreamliner in late 2011.
The airplane earned records for completing the longest flight for an airplane in its weight class (440,924 to 551,155 lbs.) with a 10,336 nmi (19,142 km) flight to Dhaka, Bangladesh. This record had previously been held by the Airbus A330 with a 9,126 nmi (16,901 km) flight in 2002.

Following refueling in Dhaka, the crew continued eastbound and returned to Seattle 42 hours and 26 minutes after their initial departure, completing the fastest around-the-world trip for the same weight class at 470 knots (871 km/h). There was no previous around-the-world speed record for this weight class.
 
Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed Gaffney to an informal ceremony in Everett attended by more than 2,000 employees.

"These world records demonstrate what we have been saying about the 787 all along – it is a world-class product. The airlines told us they wanted an airplane that was fuel-efficient, durable and capable," said Albaugh. "That's what we are delivering with the Dreamliner."

Gaffney told employees, "Around-the-world records are extremely challenging, and Boeing should be very proud of the successful world and national records they achieved with these flights.  We were proud to have had the opportunity to record and certify them."

He presented the certificates to two of the six pilots who flew the record-setting missions. Capt. Rod Skaar led the crew, which included former 787 chief pilot Capt. Mike Carriker.

"It's an honor to receive these certificates on behalf of all of the men and women of The Boeing Company," said Skaar. "It takes an amazing amount of talent and perseverance to create an all-new airplane. A lucky few of us get to fly the airplane. We are always well aware that we are carrying the pride of the entire company as we go."
 
Boeing 787 Dreamliner The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity (210-250 passengers in a three-class seating), allowing airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. The airplane is 20 percent more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes. Fifty-nine customers have 865 Dreamliners on order. The first five 787s have been delivered to ANA (All Nippon Airways) and are performing well in services.
 
National Aeronautic Association
The National Aeronautic Association is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. A non-profit association, NAA is "dedicated to the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation in the United States," according to its Mission Statement. The core of the organization is its members; thousands of individuals, organizations, and corporations representing all segments of American aviation. NAA encompasses all areas of flight from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, military aircraft, and spaceflight.
NAA is the official record-keeper for United States aviation. The organization provides observers for many record attempts and compiles the data necessary to certify aviation and spaceflight records of all kinds.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Passes High-Speed Taxi Tests

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental has successfully completed its high-speed taxi tests. This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight.

During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 90 knots (103 mph, 167 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement.

The 747-8 Intercontinental is the only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat market, stretched 5.6 m (18.3 ft) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a three-class configuration and a 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range. Using 787-technology engines, the airplane will be quieter, produce lower emissions, and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. The 747 Intercontinental will provide nearly equivalent trip costs and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs than the 747-400, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume. Operating economics will offer a significant improvement over the A380. The 747-8 is more than 10 percent lighter per seat than the A380 and will consume 11 percent less fuel per passenger than the 555-seat airplane. That translates into a trip-cost reduction of 21 percent and a seat-mile cost reduction of more than 6 percent, compared to the A380. Both the 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter can use the existing infrastructure and ground equipment at most airports worldwide.

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_facts.html