Airbus and Boeing products running behind schedule

[CheshireTom 1,377]

It looks like the 3rd A380 for Singapore Airline's London service is arriving today ..........

 

MrMango will be impressed!

 

 

 

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

Looks like part of the tanker deal was greater investment in US.

 

http://www.eads.com/1024/en/pressdb/pressd...eads_kc-30.html

 

Selection of the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker by the U.S. Air Force, a system based on EADS’ A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) and designated by the USAF as the KC-45A, will significantly increase EADS’ industrial presence and commitment in the United States, as well as its role as a U.S.-based defence and homeland security provider.

 

EADS North America is the partner to Northrop Grumman on the new tanker, with responsibility for assembling airframes and providing completed flight-qualified aircraft and refuelling sub-systems.

 

The KC-45A Tanker is based on the EADS A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport). Its airframe is derived from the popular A330 jetliner produced by EADS’ Airbus Division, of which more than 880 have been ordered worldwide in passenger and freighter configurations. The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) is responsible within the EADS Group for all military derivative programmes based on Airbus platforms, including tankers.

This latest success in a series of competitions worldwide confirms the EADS-based military tanker as the best solution available on the market. Following its purchase by the Royal Australian Air Force, the MRTT solution has been officially ordered by the Royal Saudi Air Force and the UAE Air Force, as well as selected by the Royal Air Force of the UK.

 

Selection of the KC-45A Tanker was announced today by the U.S. Air Force, culminating a multi-year evaluation. The programme award calls for 179 aircraft with an estimated contract value of US$ 40 billion. The initial KC-45A contract for Northrop Grumman covers four System Design and Development aircraft and is valued at US$ 1.5 billion.

 

Louis Gallois, CEO of EADS, stated: “We have committed our energies to this important U.S. Air Force programme and to our team mate Northrop Grumman. Selecting a tanker based on the A330 MRTT will provide the U.S. Air Force with the most modern and capable tanker aircraft available today.”

 

He added: “This major selection is a win-win for our customers, for allied industrial cooperation and for EADS. It signals a quantum leap forward in our commitment to the U.S. defence customer, reflects and supports our global strategy to increase EADS’ industrial presence in key markets and our goal to balance the company’s defence and commercial portfolios.”

 

Tom Enders, President and CEO of Airbus said: “Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force can count on the full resources of Airbus to support the KC-45A tanker’s production and delivery. All four System Design and Development aircraft are already in production. Preparatory work is now underway for our commitment to co-locate the final assembly of the tankers and A330 civilian freighter aircraft at Mobile, Alabama, creating the first new large commercial aircraft assembly facility in the U.S. in over 40 years.”

Carlos Suárez, Chairman of EADS CASA and Head of Military Transport Aircraft Division stated: “This selection is a monumental achievement and firmly establishes the A330 MRTT as the state-of-the-art air refuelling system. The A330 MRTT platform now has won five consecutive global competitions and is clearly the standard for new-generation tankers worldwide.”

 

“We are proud that the U.S. Air Force chose the Northrop Grumman/EADS team to modernize its aerial refuelling fleet,” said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “EADS has committed our full resources to support this vital programme for our prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Air Force and the warfighters that this system will serve for decades to come. We already have begun the work necessary to expand our U.S. industrial footprint in support of this important programme.”

 

EADS has made major investments in the KC-45A Tanker, as well as its international tanker programmes, spending more than US$ 100 million to develop the aircraft’s advanced Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), while also building the first airframe – which made its maiden flight last September, and will now begin military conversion to the full aerial cargo configuration.

 

Production of KC-45A airframes will be performed at Airbus’ new Mobile, Alabama aerospace centre of excellence which houses the Airbus KC-45A final assembly facility. In addition the final assembly of Airbus A330 civilian freighters will be performed there, providing a robust final assembly line to ensure low risk, high efficiency and increased capacity for both the U.S. Air Force and commercial Airbus customers.

 

EADS North America’s role in support of the Northrop Grumman KC-45A Tanker programme marks its latest contribution to the defence and security of the United States. The company already is supplying through its subsidiary American Eurocopter up to 345 UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters to the U.S. Army for homeland security operations, medical evacuation, passenger/logistics transportation and drug interdiction missions. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard is acquiring CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft, designated the HC-144A, from EADS CASA, and the service operates a fleet of nearly 100 Eurocopter HH-65 helicopters, whose upgrades were provided by American Eurocopter.

 

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of € 39.4 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Edited March 10, 2008 by wacmedia

[MrMango 665]

It looks like the 3rd A380 for Singapore Airline's London service is arriving today ..........

 

MrMango will be impressed!

Not sure what arrival screen that is, but it sounds like they are delivering about 1 every few months.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Not sure what arrival screen that is, but it sounds like they are delivering about 1 every few months.

 

Just keeping you up to date ............ After all, You're not very good at understanding this delivery lark ..............

 

"Lets see - They delivered one last year, and they are maybe going to deliver one in October this year - That makes one a year, on average."

[eltib 54]

My Congreeional representative calls the virtual fence a "failure." Probably so because Boeing keeps worthless employees that buy Birthday cakes, instead of showing up for work.

 

REP. CALVERT CALLS VIRTUAL FENCE A REAL FAILURE

 

Congressional Testimony Reveals Virtual Fence a Flop

 

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC. March 5, 2008 – Today Congressman Calvert (R-CA) voiced his frustration in response to testimony last week by Richard M. Stana of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) who told Congress that the first 28 mile stretch of virtual fence in Arizona is non-operable and over-budget.

 

"Once again the Department of Homeland Security refuses to acknowledge the will of Congress, as stated in the Secure Fence Act of 2006, that we must have physical fencing and barriers along our southern border," said Rep. Calvert. "The 14 miles of double-layer fencing in San Diego demonstrates the effectiveness of an actual fence and DHS should stop wasting taxpayer money for an unproven system."

 

GAO reported that DHS has spent $20 million on the failed virtual fence and much of the equipment will have to be replaced at taxpayers' additional expense. The first phase of the virtual fence, a 100-mile section ending in El Paso, was supposed to be deployed at the end of 2008 but is now expected to take another three years.

 

According to the Washington Post:

 

"The pilot virtual fence included nine mobile towers, radar, cameras, and vehicles retrofitted with laptops and satellite phones or handheld devices. They were to be linked to a near-real-time, maplike projection of the frontier that agents could use to track targets and direct law enforcement resources. GAO investigators said that Boeing's software could not process large amounts of sensor data. The resulting delays made it hard for operators in a Tucson command center 65 miles to the north to lock cameras on targets. Radar systems were also triggered inadvertently by rain and other environmental factors. Cameras had trouble resolving images at five kilometers when they were expected to work at twice that distance, Stana said.

 

He added that the system was developed with "minimal input" from Border Patrol agents, resulting in an unworkable "demonstration project" instead of a operating pilot system. He blamed the DHS for acting too hastily in trying to deliver a working pilot by last June.

 

The effort produced "a product that did not fully meet user needs, and the project's design will not be used as the basis for future . . . development," Stana testified, adding that the DHS plans to replace most of the components." (Washington Post, 2/28/08).

 

"American taxpayers, who overwhelmingly support the border fence, should not have their hard-earned money wasted on untested virtual fencing when we have an alternative that delivers results: the physical two-layer fence," said Rep. Calvert.

 

Link

Edited March 11, 2008 by eltib

[wacmedia 277]

REP. CALVERT CALLS VIRTUAL FENCE A REAL FAILURE

 

Hi,

 

Must be a wake-up call for Scalawag.

[TheFiend 1,181]

Boeing is trapped in a nightmare as delays on the production of its 787 Dreamliner are causing airlines to raise hell.

 

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are in talks with The Boeing Co. (nyse: BA - news - people ) over expected delivery delays for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft they ordered in 2007. This is the fourth delay to occur on the aircraft.

 

Virgin Atlantic is in talks with Boeing about compensation for the 15 extended-range 787-9s it originally expected to receive in early 2011, while BA is talking to Boeing about the 24 787s the company expected in the first quarter of 2010.

 

Virgin has expressed interest in another 28 aircraft from Boeing in a deal worth $8 billion.

 

Delays come from a redesign that Boeing is doing to parts of the aircraft. "It is a normal part of the development of a new airplane to discover need for improvements, and that is what we are experiencing on the 787," said Boeing spokeswoman Yvonne Leach.

 

It said in February that it expected to deliver Dreamliners sometime in early 2009. Shares of Boeing were down .5%, or 39 cents, to $75.90 on Tuesday.

 

The Associated Press and Thomson Financial contributed to this article.

 

Looks like the Nightmareliner delays will start hitting Boeing in the pocket.

[eltib 54]

Virgin Atlantic is in talks with Boeing about compensation for the 15 extended-range 787-9s it originally expected to receive in early 2011, while BA is talking to Boeing about the 24 787s the company expected in the first quarter of 2010.

 

Virgin has expressed interest in another 28 aircraft from Boeing in a deal worth $8 billion.

 

That sounds like an old Dennis the Menace Episode from the 60s were Uncle Ned went to Quigley's market and bought a jar of pickle relish for $.25. Mr. Quigley was offering a double a money the back guarantee if you didn't like it. Sure enough Uncle Ned didn't like it, got $.50 back, and bought 2 more jars, etc. etc etc...

 

 

Boeing = Mr. Quigley's Market

 

Virgin Atlantic = Uncle Ned

 

 

 

 

Gotta love it...

[MrMango 665]

Anybody like rumers?

I just had a conversation with a United 777 Captain regarding the 777 that went down a couple of weeks ago. I told him that it looked initally like "wind sheer" but since nothing has been mentioned about this as the casuse, it cou not be, as airport radar would quickly prove or disprove this theory.

 

He agreed,a nd the latest rumors going around pilots is that a engine sensor malfunctioned and shut down one of the engines, causing the plane to stall, bringing it to the ground.

 

I mentioned that i thought that all Boeing's designs give the pilot the ultimate authority for such decisions, but apparently this design is a "Fly by wire", where computers make the final decision with no input from the cockpit.

 

I now turn this discussion over the all of the mango haters to flame away...

 

So much for the argument between Airbus and Boeing regarding if the pilot or a computer makes the final decision.

[eltib 54]

I mentioned that i thought that all Boeing's designs give the pilot the ultimate authority for such decisions, but apparently this design is a "Fly by wire", where computers make the final decision with no input from the cockpit.

 

I now turn this discussion over the all of the mango haters to flame away...

 

So much for the argument between Airbus and Boeing regarding if the pilot or a computer makes the final decision.

 

Why?

 

I knew the 777 was fly by wire. Wouldn't surprise me if the later versions 737, 747, 757 and 767 were built that way too. Now if you were to go on and say a crash in a Boeing was more survivable than a Airbus, the flamethrowers would be going full force.

 

Pretty much every modern jet today is flown by computer on takeoff and landing. That's why they tell you to turn off your electronic devices.

Edited March 27, 2008 by eltib

[torrenova 644]

I still reckon I'd prefer a human to have the final say. Computers cannot be taught the value of human life.

[Samsonite 181]

The Boeing Fly-by-Wine system does give the pilot the last say, but even when the pilot has control of the aircraft, the computers are working in the background taking care of smaller task, such as trim, etc.

As to the BA 777 that crashed at LHR, the final report hasn't come in, but it looks like some sort of fuel contamination.

 

Most airlines have the pilot take the plane up manually, but do use the computer to land the aircraft. A pilot friend of mine who flew A340s said his airline required all take offs to be done by the pilots, but the computers did 9 out of every 10 landings.

[MrMango 665]

The Boeing Fly-by-Wine system does give the pilot the last say, but even when the pilot has control of the aircraft, the computers are working in the background taking care of smaller task, such as trim, etc.

Thats what I thought, but my Pilot Friend who flies 777 does not - According to him, the computer has the last word on what to do.

 

 

As to the BA 777 that crashed at LHR, the final report hasn't come in, but it looks like some sort of fuel contamination.

Again, according to him, the rumor was that the computer prematurely shut the engine down. If it was fuel contamination, you think that both engines would be involved.

[joekicker 53]

Again, according to him, the rumor was that the computer prematurely shut the engine down. If it was fuel contamination, you think that both engines would be involved.

 

Both engines were involved. The engines were not shut down.

 

Gee, you know, this is three months later. Putting out bad info is not helpful. Nor is it necessary to cite rumours when we have facts on record.

 

Initial Report Update 23 January 2008

 

As previously reported, whilst the aircraft was stabilised

on an ILS approach with the autopilot engaged, the

autothrust system commanded an increase in thrust from both

engines. The engines both initially responded but after

about 3 seconds the thrust of the right engine reduced.

Some eight seconds later the thrust reduced on the left

engine to a similar level. The engines did not shut down

and both engines continued to produce thrust at an engine

speed above flight idle, but less than the commanded thrust.

Edited April 12, 2008 by joekicker

[Samsonite 181]

Thats what I thought, but my Pilot Friend who flies 777 does not - According to him, the computer has the last word on what to do.

Sounds like you and your pilot friend may have crossed wires.

 

He may have been talking more in the terms of the following:

 

"....By using electrical control circuits combined with computers, designers can save weight, improve reliability, and use the computers to prevent the undesirable characteristics mentioned above. Advanced modern fly-by-wire systems are also used to control otherwise unstable fighter aircraft.

 

The words "Fly-by-Wire" imply an electrically-signalled only control system. The term is generally used, however, in the sense of computer-configured controls. This is where, between the operator and the final control actuator or surface, a computer system is interposed. This modifies the inputs of the pilot in accordance with software programmes. These are carefully developed and validated in order to produce maximum operational effect without compromising safety."

 

But, the article goes on to say,

 

"Boeing and Airbus differ in their FBW philosophies. In Airbus aircraft, the computer always retains ultimate control and will not permit the pilot to fly outside the normal flight envelope. In a Boeing 777, the pilot can override the system, allowing the aircraft to be flown outside this envelope in emergencies. The pattern started by the Airbus A320 has been continued with the Airbus family and the Boeing 777."

 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_flight_control_systems

Edited April 12, 2008 by Scalawag

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

This plane is becoming a Nightmare.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7341490.stm

 

Airlines seek Boeing compensation

 

The 787 is now running more than a year late

A growing number of airlines have said they will be seeking compensation from Boeing for the latest delay to the new 787 Dreamliner plane.

 

The move follows Boeing's announcement on Wednesday that the first 787 jets will not now be delivered until the third quarter of next year.

 

Boeing had initially promised the planes by May 2008, before the first delay pushed this back to early 2009.

 

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are among those seeking compensation.

 

Other airlines also wanting financial redress are Air New Zealand, Air India, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.

Boeing has blamed slow progress on assembly and continuing problems with suppliers for the delays.

 

The US giant had received 802 orders for the Dreamliner by the start of 2008, which makes it the plane maker's fastest-selling model.

 

It will be Boeing's first completely new aircraft since 1995.

[eltib 54]

Hi,

 

This plane is becoming a Nightmare.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7341490.stm

 

Airlines seek Boeing compensation

 

Maybe they'll offer them 767s, destined to be tankers from spare parts as compensation...

[Samsonite 181]

Maybe they'll offer them 767s, destined to be tankers from spare parts as compensation...

Well, they haven't built the tanker they offered the U.S. Air Force, yet, but there is on paper sometime called the 767AT. There has been some speculation on the aviation boards of Boeing putting a new cockpit and the GEnx engines on a 767 and offereing it to the airlines, but that is just speculation and nothing more. That extra thrust from the GEnx engines (the engines for the 787 and a smaller version for the 747-8) might give the 767 the kind of performance the 757 is know for, i.e., throws you back in your seat and climbs like rocket.

The 767 is a good aircraft. A new converted 767-300BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter, a former passenger model converted to cargo use) just flew non-stop from Singapore to Seattle, a 14, plus, hour flight. Of course, it was empty.

We will have to see. Who knows, something good might come from all of this.

Edited April 15, 2008 by Scalawag

[MrMango 665]

"Boeing and Airbus differ in their FBW philosophies. In Airbus aircraft, the computer always retains ultimate control and will not permit the pilot to fly outside the normal flight envelope. In a Boeing 777, the pilot can override the system, allowing the aircraft to be flown outside this envelope in emergencies. The pattern started by the Airbus A320 has been continued with the Airbus family and the Boeing 777."

Thats exactly what i thought, and I specifically asked the 777 pilot the exact above question. His reply was the pilot cannot override all of the computer controls.

[Samsonite 181]

Thats exactly what i thought, and I specifically asked the 777 pilot the exact above question. His reply was the pilot cannot override all of the computer controls.

You just answered your own question. The key word is "all."

Go back and re-read the second paragraph of what I quoted in post #715.

Edited April 12, 2008 by Scalawag

[MrMango 665]

Both engines were involved. The engines were not shut down.

 

Gee, you know, this is three months later. Putting out bad info is not helpful. Nor is it necessary to cite rumours when we have facts on record.

Who says that I put out "bad info"? I simply provided information from a reliable source (777 Caption) that is widely available to insiders.

 

Initial Report Update 23 January 2008

 

As previously reported, whilst the aircraft was stabilised

on an ILS approach with the autopilot engaged, the

autothrust system commanded an increase in thrust from both

engines. The engines both initially responded but after

about 3 seconds the thrust of the right engine reduced.

Some eight seconds later the thrust reduced on the left

engine to a similar level. The engines did not shut down

and both engines continued to produce thrust at an engine

speed above flight idle, but less than the commanded thrust.

Please make available your source, but I do not think that is in basic conflict to my original statement. One engine went to idle, and it sounds like the computer ordered the other one to do the same.

 

Besides, it looks like a clear cut "Pilot Error". the pilot in charge should have immediately lowered the nose to keep airspeed up, rather than allowing the bird to stall.

[Samsonite 181]

Please make available your source, but I do not think that is in basic conflict to my original statement. One engine went to idle, and it sounds like the computer ordered the other one to do the same.

It is widely known to be considered a fuel problem. Here, probably more than you wanted to know:

 

http://www.flightglobal.com/search/zibbsea...words=777+crash

 

One of the more recent articles:

 

"DATE:14/03/08

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

Fuel system tests continue following 777 crash landing

By David Learmount

 

Following the British Airways Boeing 777 crash landing at London Heathrow airport, the manufacturer says it is testing the fuel system upstream of the high-pressure engine fuel pumps to try to replicate what may have happened on 17 January when the engines failed to respond to demands for increased power shortly before touchdown.

 

Boeing's chief pilot flight operations safety division Capt Dave Carbaugh says the fact that the fuel pumps, according to the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), had been cavitating not long before the impact might indicate a restriction in the fuel flow to the pumps, whether as a result of ice crystals in the fuel or a low-temperature change in fuel viscosity.

 

The manufacturer says it is working with the AAIB to try to find the reason for the possible fuel flow restriction by replicating a range of conditions in the fuel lines, and measuring the results.

 

Meanwhile senior BA 777 captains say there have been no operational advisory notices applied to the 777 fleet since the accident.

 

The event occurred at 720ft (220m) on final approach to Heathrow's runway 27L, and the aircraft was forced to descend steeply to land about 350m short of the runway end.

 

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/...sh-landing.html

[TheFiend 1,181]

Singapore takes gets it's 4th A380

 

TOULOUSE, France, April 26 - Singapore Airlines took delivery on Saturday of its fourth Airbus A380 superjumbo, the world's biggest airliner.

 

Airbus spokeswomen said the double-decker plane, the fourth to leave the production line, had taken off from Toulouse and was due to enter service in mid-May between Singapore and Tokyo.

 

Singapore became the first airline to operate the A380 when it entered service last October following an 18-month delay due to production problems.

 

Airbus has said it will deliver a total of 13 A380s this year, and its ability to stick to this schedule is a key factor driving the shares of parent EADS . (Reporting by Nicolas Fichot in Toulouse and Tim Hepher in Paris; writing by Francois Murphy; Editing by Gerrard Raven)

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

Emirates is about to take over from BA as the largest long-haul operator. Emirates have ordered 58 A380's.

 

 

Emirates' long-haul fleet set to soar

 

By Alistair Osborne in Dubai

Last Updated: 12:55am BST 01/05/2008

 

Emirates is poised to overtake British Airways this summer as the world's largest operator of long-haul aircraft after another record-breaking year for the Dubai-based airline.

 

The carrier, which yesterday reported a 62.1pc jump in net profits to 5bn dirhams (£690m) on revenues up 32.3pc at 39.5bn dirhams, closed the year to March 31 with a fleet of 114 wide-bodied aircraft, including 10 freighters. That compares to BA's current 121-strong fleet.

 

advertisementSuch is Emirates' rapid expansion, fuelled by Dubai's 16pc GDP growth, it will soon overtake the British flag-carrier as it capitalises on the booming local economy and its geographical position to launch new routes. Some 21.2m passengers flew with Emirates last year, an increase of 3.7m.

 

Emirates has a 182 planes on order, with a list price of $58bn (£29.5bn), including 58 A380 superjumbos, the first five of which are due for delivery in the coming year. Most of a 404m dirhams "liquidated damages" payment in the accounts came from Airbus as compensation for the late delivery of A380s.

 

"We will have 137 aircraft in the fleet by the end of the next financial year," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group, which also includes the Dnata ground-handling business and a resorts wing. "I believe the threat of an economic downturn will be offset for Emirates by the boom in the Middle East," he said, noting how "people have been talking about the Dubai bubble for five years now", with no sign of it bursting. "At Emirates we are very confident. We can prove that by our orders of aircraft."

 

Group net profits rose 54.1pc to 5.3bn dirhams and the company's 35,286 staff, drawn from 145 different nationalities, were rewarded with a 14-week bonus.

 

Sheikh Ahmed said: "As we plan for the next decade, our biggest challenges will be to find more pilots, engineers, cabin crew and skilled staff." Last year, Emirates hired another 7,000 staff, including 360 new pilots.

 

The immediate challenge is the rocketing oil price, which Sheikh Ahmed said pushed the airline's fuel bill $500m higher than planned.

 

He hit back at suggestions that Emirates received a fuel subsidy or any other help from the government of Dubai. "We paid a 1bn dirhams dividend to the government. There is no support at all from the government."

 

He would not be drawn on tentative plans for a float, valuing the carrier at up to $20bn. "It's up to the government. It's not me who calls the shots," he said, although he did suggest that any initial public offering would be for about 25pc-30pc of the company.

 

He is also setting up a new low-cost carrier, which will be run at an arm's length from Emirates. He said the current plan was to launch the new airline by next April, though no firm date has been set.

[BigDUSA 71]

Leading US jet builder Boeing denied Saturday German media reports that deliveries of its next-generation B787 Dreamliner would be delayed by another nine weeks.

 

"There is no further delay. It is exactly what we announced in April. It is the same schedule, no further delay," Boeing spokeswoman Yvonne Leach told AFP.

 

Earlier Saturday German newspaper Die Welt reported that Boeing had signalled a further nine-month delay to clients for the Dreamliner.

 

The report cited a letter sent by the company explaining that orders will now be fulfilled a total of 27 months late.

 

Die Welt said the delay would affect primarily companies expecting to take delivery from 2012 and beyond, including Air Europe, Gulf Air, Vietnam Airlines and British Airways.

 

On April 9, Boeing said the first B787 flight would move into the fourth quarter of this year rather than the end of the second, with first delivery planned for the third quarter of 2009 instead of the first.