Samsonite

"...While Boeing crunches the data from the latest volley of static tests to validate the side-of-body reinforcement, sources within the company are increasingly confident that the long-delayed program could fly not one, but potentially two 787s later this month. A static test yesterday, internally dubbed "2C", was a key hurdle on the now restarted path to 787 first flight. Boeing will review the data between now and December 9th to formally validate the side-of-body reinforcement and provide a green-light for first flight. However, Boeing is actively preparing ZA001 for its first flight, which could come as early as December 14, according to several program sources. The new date accelerates the internal schedule for first flight by about eight days, reflecting the program's rising confidence..." http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/

See post 1301.

Boeing has always maintained that LN1 (Line Number One) could have flown without the reinforcements, but there wouldn't be any benefit (toward certification) in doing so. LN1 was rolled to the fueling dock this last Saturday night. The new 747-8 was scheduled for first flight early next year, but one of the web sites is now reporting both the 787 and 747-8 are scheduled for first flight on or about 22 December, weather permitting. "Dreamliner One, N787BA, was moved from the 45-04 paint hangar to the fuel dock Saturday night. Mark your calendars, N787BA and 747-8 N747EX are both scheduled to attempt B1 flights on December 22." From: http://kpae.blogspot.com/

While I agree Unions are necessary, after the strike in the Fall of '08, I can't say I blame Boeing for building the second 787 line elsewhere. The C-17 line is still running, but does the 717 (DC-9/MD-95) line still exist or was the property sold off for re-development?

Boeing Breaks Ground on Second 787 Assembly Line in North Charleston, SC Boeing facility expands production capability and increases footprint in South Carolina NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes. "Today's event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that will strengthen the 787 program and allow us to continue building on the footprint we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Locating the second line in North Charleston will allow Boeing to successfully compete in the aerospace market and grow for the long-term benefit of many stakeholders." Today's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Albaugh; South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; Sen. Lindsey Graham; Sen. Jim DeMint; Rep. Henry Brown; Rep. James Clyburn; State Sen. Hugh Leatherman; State Sen. Glenn McConnell; State Rep., Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell; Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, Sr.; North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and other key officials from South Carolina. Anita Zucker, chairperson and CEO of The InterTech Group, Inc., served as master of ceremonies for the event. Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Global Aeronautica, which is 50 percent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural partners. "We look forward to expanding our capability in South Carolina through our existing site, while maintaining our commitment to the Puget Sound region where Boeing Commercial Airplanes remains headquartered," said Albaugh. "Puget Sound will continue to design and produce airplanes, including the 787." The 787 Dreamliner will be more efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of direct, nonstop flights between more cities around the world. Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history. The 787 family of airplanes will carry 210 to 330 passengers on flights up to 8,500 nautical miles (15,750 km). # # # http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=952

Boeing 787 Likely To Make First Flight Around Dec 22 -Source SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Boeing Co. (BA) is planning the first flight of its long-delayed 787 Dreamliner around Dec. 22, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday. "It is now scheduled to take to the sky on Dec. 22, give or take a couple of days. I don't think this will change much," the person told Dow Jones Newswires. Boeing is under intense pressure to get the Dreamliner aloft. The plane is now more than two years behind schedule and Boeing last quarter took a US$2.5 billion charge related to development costs associated with the program. The company has orders for 840 Dreamliners. -By Costas Paris, Dow Jones Newswires; 65 6415 4151; costas.paris@dowjones.com http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-ne...-dec-22--source

I knew taking you off of ignore would be a mistake as I see you've still got your head up your ass, as usual. It has been two years, last month, since the first flying citroen, the a380, was delivered, almost two years late. To make a valid comparison we will have to wait until it has been two years since the first delivery of the 787.

Airbus parent EADS falls to loss, cites 'concern' over A380 Tuesday November 17, 2009. Airbus parent EADS suffered an €87 million ($130.2 million) third-quarter loss, reversed from a €679 million profit in the year-ago period, as unfavorable foreign exchange rates and slight decline in revenue dragged the aerospace giant back into the red following seven consecutive profitable quarters. The nine-month profit of €291 million, down 73% from the €1.08 billion earned in the first nine months of 2008, reflected the "challenging commercial market situation," CEO Louis Gallois said. "Protecting our cash and managing the order book and deliveries, these business priorities served us well this year." He admitted, however, that the "A380 program is still a matter of concern. Industrial and financial reviews are underway." EADS said that progress is "slower than expected" and that "continuing production instability and customer requests for delivery postponements" have forced the company to "review" the production plan. It acknowledged that "a couple" of A380 deliveries scheduled for year end "will likely shift" to early 2010 (ATWOnline, Nov. 13). EADS' third-quarter revenue fell 2% to €9.53 billion and operating income slipped 77% to €201 million from €860 million last year. The Airbus segment reported a 3% year-over-year decline in revenue to €6.24 billion and a 99% plunge in EBIT to €4 million. It said 2008 third-quarter EBIT was "supported by a €965 million effect resulting from the revaluation of loss-making contract provisions at the closing spot rate." It continued, "Compared to last year, higher volumes and Power8 savings were more than offset by hedge rate degradation, price deterioration on aircraft delivered and cost increases." Airbus booked 59 firm orders during the quarter, with the nine-month net reaching 123 aircraft (compared to 737 last year). It has received 26 cancellations this year. As of Sept. 30, its order book was worth €332 billion, down 7.2% year-over-year, including a €14 billion decline owing to a weakening US dollar. EADS said the order book still "provides a solid platform for continued deliveries in the future." Airbus's nine-month EBIT of €523 million represented a 64% drop from the €1.46 billion recorded last year. Revenue slid 2% to €20.19 billion. The group said it is "cautiously envisaging an improvement of the economic and market conditions in the next months" but that "deterioration of hedge rates and uncertainties surrounding the A380" will pose challenges. by Brian Straus"

Cute. If they worked for gates then there would definitely be a problem. With the experiences I've had in the land of smiles, lies, scams, and copies, I would say a little paranoia is not only warranted, but necessary if one doesn't want their trip to become an unpleasant "adventure." By "little paranoia" I mean things like not leaving valuables lying around in your hotel room when you are not there or when you have a "guest," keeping an eye out for pickpockets on the baht bus, checking your bin to make sure the your favorite bartender isn't stuffing your cup, etc, etc. etc.

The owner told me the maid service is contracted out.

Yes.

Considering the maid service is contracted out and they are not employees of the hotel, you've been lucky. I once made the mistake of opening the safe with the maid in the room. She was supposedly making the bed, but out of the corner of my eye I could see she was actually watching me punch in the combination to the safe. I changed it as soon as they left. Nothing went missing, but why take the risk. They work as a team, btw. As many as 3 or 4 can be in your room at a time.

Agreed!

I've found out from experience that it is a RARE bunch of bargirls who won't make comments, usually negative, to a girl brought in from another bar.

Does one enter and leave the hotel via the restaurant or is there a private entrance? Thanks.

At one time they had just over 900 orders, so by your figures they have still sold over 800. Of the 200 or so firm orders for the Flying Citroen (A380) about the same percentage have been canceled. Don't recall your exclamation on that news? :)

The staff is a bunch of thieves. Be sure to keep anything of value, no matter how small, out of sight and locked away.

Consider the source and put him on ignore. He is typical of the "supermarket tabloid class" that think running other people down is good fun. Doesn't matter if it is true or not as he makes it up as he goes along totally without conscience or ethics of any kind. Modern daytime television is aimed at such people.

I correspond with a aviation blogger who has become quite respected in recent years and is now working for a British publication that is decidedly bias in favor of airbust. It was his guess it would be September or October. At this point Boeing has lost all credibility, as far as I'm concerned, and I've taken a "I'll believe when it happens" attitude.

As usual, the truth never bothers CheshirePom. The only thing you got right was the A380 wing broke at 147%. Actually, according to airbust is was "between 145 and 150%." "Minor issue"??!! Hell, Pommy, a commercial airliner has to pass that test or it will not be allowed to go into service, that is, be delivered to the airlines. No deliveries, no money. In the case of the flying critroen airbust was able to convince the regulating bodies that their "fix" was sufficient to being it up to code.

Basically, yes. I've forgotten the name of the test, but the wing has to withstand 150% of the maximum stress it would encounter in flight. The A380 failed that test. A "fix" was installed and they were allowed to put the plane in service without redoing the test. Boeing has not yet done that same test on the 787. They caught the problem before they got that far into the process and want to be sure it passes the 150% test the first time. http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/ "Boeing to complete 787 wing fix design and validation this week By Jon Ostrower on October 21, 2009 11:28 AM In its third quarter 2009 earnings call, Boeing CEO Jim McNerney reiterated that his company remains on track for 787 first flight, adding that engineers will complete and validate the detailed design for the side of body modification later this week. Boeing will then move toward completion of the installations of the structural fittings on the side of body. Once complete, ZA001 will go repeat some gauntlet testing and taxi tests before flying. When asked about the schedule and the pace of the design, McNerney replied, "The schedule changes every day, problems come up, we have to deal with them." McNerney added that within those events, the schedule for 787 first flight remains on track for the close of 2009."

California comes in a pretty close second place, unfortunately. I've been told by native Mexicans that the Mexican food is better in The States, with the right cooks, because of better quality ingredients. Someone either on this board or another recently said the same thing about Thai food.

You obviously don't know the first thing about Mexican food.

Good One!