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August 2012

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Recently in Zhuhai 2010 Category

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ZHUHAI -- With six 737s with Boeing's new Sky Interior now handed over to airlines, the airframer is looking ahead to what's next and may be turning its attention to updating the narrowbody's front office.

With a re-engining decision pushed out following a tepid response from its customer base, Boeing is examining a host of incremental improvements to the 737 as it ups its output over the next three years.

"We think we can incremental improvements that keep us competitive with even an A320 re-engine and it might be something we'd have to do as a combination of passenger appeal, flight deck, as well as weight and fuel efficiency improvements," says Beverly Wyse, 737 program vice president and general manager.

General Electric Aviation provided a glimpse into the possible future of the business end of the 737, bringing a mockup to Airshow China of an updated 737 Next Generation flight deck that consolidates today's six 7in liquid crystal displays into three large 787-style 15.4in panels for improved surveillance, communications and situational awareness.

Under the GE plan, the primary flight and navigation displays would be consolidated into the outboard screens while the Common Display System would become more of an Engine Indication and Crew Alerting system (EICAS) combined with an electronic checklist on the center display.

While the GE Aviation mockup features a side-stick controller, the company acknowledge that it took creative liberties on this point and fully expects the Boeing yoke to remain.

John Hamilton, 737 chief engineer, says a new 737 flight deck may be an attractive option that could be done with little transition time for pilots. Additionally, Hamilton sees a maintenance cost benefit by consolidating the number of parts and spares required for the flight deck.

Though, Hamilton says a new flight deck for the 737 isn't a sure thing: "Does it make sense to bring in a large display for the flight deck? That's is one the things we'll take a look at."

Southwest Airlines has already elected to add two outboard 15.4in glass displays to their 737-300 fleet for the carrier's RNP transition. A GE Aviation representative said the center screen was not selected to save cost on the fleet retrofit. The first example is expected to enter service early next year.

Boeing was selected by Southwest as lead integrator on the project, and could leave open the door for a possible dual application by the airframer for a line-fit option on its 737s.
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ZHUHAI -- Rolls-Royce, beset by criticism over its public handling of the uncontained failures of its Trent 900 and 1000 engines, has canceled its planned Airshow China show briefing.

The engine-maker offered no explanation for the cancellation, leaving media attending the show only to speculate on its sudden change of plans.
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ZHUHAI -- At a briefing and announcement at Air Show China Tuesday morning, Comac announced an order for 100 narrowbody C919 aircraft to Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, CBD Leasing and GECAS.

While foreign journalists were banned from the event hosted by state-owned aircraft maker Comac, a side door was left ajar prior to the commencement of the event. Though it was staffed with a police officer, some journalists, includling this one, were provided an unobstructed view of a marketing film for the C919 produced by Comac. Most notably was the presentation of the latest specifications of the new aircraft, but also featured six models that are planned.

These models included the single-class 168-seat (156-seat two class) baseline model, as well as stretched, shrunken, freighter, business configuration and "special" variants. With these plans revealed, Comac's six models appear to be readying for competition against Boeing's 737-700, -700C, -900ER, BBJ and Airbus A319, A321, A320P2F and ACJ.
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ZHUHAI -- Comac's C919 narrowbody is set for its mega debut here at Air Show China with orders from six launch customers, including GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

While the total size of the order has not yet been disclosed, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Chinese lessor CLC and GECAS are lined up to be the first customers for the 160-seat, CFM Leap-X-powered jetliner.

China's domestic market is forecast to be the fastest growth market on the planet with 7.9% year-over-year average growth between 2009 and 2029, according to Boeing. Seventy-one percent, or 3,090 of the 4,330 aircraft needed in China over the next two decades are estimated to be narrowbodies supporting the intra-China market.

An official announcement is expected at 10:30 AM local time here in Southern Eastern China.

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SAN FRANCISCO -- I'm heading West...to go East. After a 5hr hop this afternoon to San Francisco, I'm picking up this Singapore Airlines 777-300ER (Flight 1) for a 14hr 30m flight to Hong Kong for Air Show China in Zhuhai. This aircraft, 9V-SWT, was handed over to SIA at the beginning of 2009 and was the 759th 777 built in Everett. It will be Monday morning by the time I arrive at Chek Lap Kok and then on to nearby Zhuhai by water shuttle.

This week will undoubtedly prove to be one for the aviation history books with the first order for the Comac C919, while it may be ceremonial, the order represents a significant step for China's ascent as a commercial aerospace aspirant. We can only hope this week will bring additional technical clarity about the aircraft as well, despite being six years from its entry into service. I'll have much more on the C919 and ARJ21 as the week unfolds. Next stop, China.

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