Compiled from Boeing press releases
Boeing has opened a new P-8 aircraft production facility near Boeing Field in Seattle.
The refurbished factory gives Boeing and its P-8 partners the space needed to install mission systems and conduct tests on aircraft for current and future customers.
“The new factory is a great fit as Boeing transitions to building production aircraft, in part because it allows us to incorporate a leaner workflow,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “We’ll complete work on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the U.S. Navy and the P-8I aircraft for the Indian navy in this facility, and plan to use this space for future P-8 customers’ aircraft as well.”
The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its existing P-3 fleet.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes employees assemble the P-8 aircraft – which are based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane – in Renton. Following final assembly, the P-8s make a short flight to Boeing Field. Inside the new facility, Defense, Space & Security employees will complete systems installation and testing prior to customer delivery.
Sky Interior delivered
Boeing and Malaysia Airlines have marked the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation 737 with the new, passenger-inspired Boeing Sky Interior.
The national carrier of Malaysia is the first full-service airline to operate the 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior.
The new 737 Boeing Sky Interior features sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, and new, larger stow bins that accommodate more bags while taking up less space in the cabin. Attendants can select from different LED lighting schemes from soft blue overhead sky simulation to a calm, relaxing, pallet of sunset colors. To date, 50 customers have ordered the new interior for 1,386 airplanes.
SpiceJet ordered 737s
Boeing and Indian budget carrier, SpiceJet, announced an order for 30 Next-Generation 737-800s with winglets Nov. 8 in the presence of U.S. President Obama recently.
Valued at about $2.3 billion at list prices, SpiceJet had declared its intent to purchase Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 in July this year. This order was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website. SpiceJet currently operates a fleet of 24 Boeing 737-800s and 737-900ERs.
“SpiceJet is already operating a sizeable fleet of 737-800s and 737-900ERs and the new order underscores the airline’s confidence in the airplane,” said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Boeing International.
