The new DC-9...er ARJ-21
As we covered a few months ago, China has been in the development of their aircraft.
We already talked about how this plane is hardly new in the last blog, so maybe will just talk more about how this actually happened and the Chinese are taking a real dive into the airline aircraft market.
The aircraft is designed to carry 70 to 110 passengers and have a range of about 2,000 nautical miles (2,300 mi/3680 km).
They are trying to stay on target to start the first deliveries in late 2009. They are produced 6 already and hope to be able to deliver 20 per year.
At about $27 million US Dollars per plane, it could end up being a deal for airlines, depending if the reliability and quality can be shown to be with par with the ARJ-21’s siblings, the MD-90 series.
Source: KOMO Image: Xinhua
Turkish Airlines Boeing 737
I really don’t want to write about how air travel is down this holiday (mostly because of this great economy), I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
I know using this picture might be a little cheesy, but oh well (saying anyone even gets it)!
Image: Thomas Becker
Nokair Boeing 737
Yes, this “bird” has a beak on its nose AND tail! From Nok Air from Thailand.
A dog chasing birds
One of the biggest enemies for a large jet airliner is still a bird. Birds can get sucked into an engine and especially during a crucial time like take off can cause a lot of havoc. According to the FAA from 1990 to 2007 there have been about 80,000 bird strikes, 11 people have died from the result of bird strikes, and bird strikes have cost almost $300 million in damages.
There have been many different methods used to get rid of flocks of birds around airports (sounds, sprays, killing, etc), but Southwest Florida International Airport is one of 20 airports trying something a little different: using a dog to keep the birds in line.
Thanks Kate for the tip!
Source: USA Today Image: Mark Beaudin via USA Today
That's a green Boeing
The on-going strike at Boeing is surely having an adverse affect on its commercial airline divison.
Boeing went from delivering 36 planes per month during August and July down to 12 in September and only 5 in October.
The end is in sight, since the 27,000 striking workers approved a new four-year contract this last Saturday.
This, of course will cause another set back for the already much delayed Boeing 787. This coupled with the hurting economy will most likely have a negative impact on airlines as well.
Source: KOMONews Image: Individuo