The 787-9 Dreamliner parked next to the Boeing Future of Flight and a sweet Dreamlifter!
A while back, I started to see photos of a purple and pink 787 and wondered what the heck it was all about. Then I saw that people had the chance to get up close and personal with the plane at the Boeing Future of Flight, and I realized that I needed to figure out the full story. It turns out that the special livery is inspired by the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing. And what is ECF, you might ask? Good question. According to Boeing:
“Since 1948, ECF has funded approximately $1 billion to local communities across the United States. The ECF has 20 chapters across Boeing, giving employees an opportunity to make a difference where they live and work. Each chapter is managed by local employees who make grants based on the needs of their communities. The special livery celebrates the commitment and generosity of our employees in their local communities.”
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The ECF design is mostly a big decal.
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The fun graphics near the rear of the 787.
I would say that is a pretty worthy cause to support this unique livery. This is also special, since it is not actually all paint, but is comprised of the largest decal ever on a composite aircraft. Boeing has certified the decal technology, so now airline customers can start using them. I am hoping it means more special liveries and please, oh please, I hope it means less European white designs.
One group of AvGeeks enjoy the American 727 – Photo: Francis Zera
At the end of September we got to enjoy another amazing Aviation Geek Fest. If you follow the site, the name probably sounds familiar. It is a VIP-access event that allows AvGeeks to get together and experience some pretty cool things not typically open to the general public. This year we had people converge from around the world (guests from Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, & USA) to Seattle, WA to partake in this three-day aviation-themed event. How cool is that?
As it has been the last in previous years, the events and activities are amazing, but you cannot beat hanging around a bunch of other like-minded folks for a few days! Everyone gets to tell their airplane stories and everyone actually wants to listen!
Wine (and more) under a Starship? Sure! – Photo: Future of Flight
On Friday, June 19th, there is going to be some awesome action going down at the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, located just north of Seattle: Wine, Wings & More. And if you do not already have tickets — you can not only win two of them, but also a free night at the Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel is in the perfect location… like a 30 second walk away, which is great is you have a few glasses of wine. First, the details:
WHEN: Friday, June 19th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
WHERE: Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
HOW: Keep reading to win some tickets. Can’t wait? Get some now!
WHAT:
- WINE! Yes, fermented grapes from some of the best people that know how to do it. Not a wine fan — no worries. There will also be some breweries and non-alcoholic goodness as well.
- Classy stuff to make your stomach not hungry (aka food)
- Some great Jazz beats from the Kerry Wallingford Quartet
- Silent auctions (shhh) relating to all things “taste”
- Take some selfies with a Boeing 787
A previous Wine, Wings & More – Photo: Future of Flight
If you are into indulging yourself, going to be around the Seattle area on June 19th, and like aviation, then the Future of Flight’s Wine, Wings & More might be plane (yes, cheesy spelling on purpose) fun for you! The details:
WHEN: Friday, June 19th from 6:00 to 9:00pm
WHERE: Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
HOW: Get your early bird tickets by May 19th ($35 or $25 for members) or standard tickets after May 20th ($45, $35 for members)
WHAT: See below…
Enjoy local wines – Photo: Future of Flight
- Taste some of the Northwest’s finest beverages, with 20+ wineries, and several breweries, distilleries, and non-alcoholic beverage distributors
- Lavish, catered foods
- Jazz melodies from the Kerry Wallingford Quartet
- Tasting-related silent auction items
- Photo ops with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Also, proceeds will benefit the Future of Flight Foundation’s education and exhibit programs. We hope to see you there!
One of the AGF15 groups on the 747-8 factory floor – Photo: Boeing
It has been a while since we celebrated Aviation Geek Fest Seattle 2015 back in February, but I am still feeling the excitement. What an amazing two-day AvGeek event that was held here, in Seattle, WA on February 21 and 22.
This year, all 250 “Full” tickets sold out in less than 30 seconds. Less than 30% of the guests were from Washington state and the rest came from around the world. We had AvGeeks from Austria, Denmark, the UK, Dubai, India and, of course, our friends up north from Canada. It was a blast!
Paine Field is beyond beautiful – Photo: AvGeek Joe
For those of you not familiar with Aviation Geek Fest Seattle, it is a two-day event, where attendees get to have amazing aviation experiences with VIP access. This was our sixth time doing this, and I think the best one yet.
