Positive economic indicators coming out of Europe, Asia and the US over the last ten days give reason to forecast a recovery in the global logistics and express industry. However, for global freight and parcel volumes and revenues to rebound significantly there will need to be major improvements in consumer confidence, industrial output and subsequent international trade volumes, according to new research by independent market analyst Datamonitor. … [Read more...] about Datamonitor: Positive economic signs a start
Aircraft Manufacturers
Air Berlin shelves plan to sell Liesure Cargo
Air Berlin, Europe’s third-largest discount carrier said it has shelved plans to sell its standalone cargo unit - Leisure Cargo - after failing to attract a bid that matched the company’s own valuation and said it is reviewing an order for Boeing’s 787s. The company intends to hold on to the division after two bidders pulled out and one couldn’t arrange financing, CFO Ulf Huttmeyer told analysts. Air Berlin had been trying since March to unload the … [Read more...] about Air Berlin shelves plan to sell Liesure Cargo
Boeing announces revised 787 schedule
The first test flight of Boeing’s long-delayed 787 Dreamliner passenger plane will happen by the end of 2009, some two years behind schedule, the company has said. Boeing also said it expected to deliver its first Dreamliner in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with an original delivery date of May 2008. The company added that the new schedule reflects the previously announced need to reinforce an area of the fuselage where the wings meet the body of the aircraft. The company said … [Read more...] about Boeing announces revised 787 schedule
Boeing finalises Vought purchase for 787s
Boeing announced the conclusion of its acquisition of the business and operations conducted by Vought Aircraft Industries at its South Carolina facility, where a key structure for the 787 Dreamliner is built. The newly acquired facility, located in North Charleston, will be called Boeing Charleston and will be managed by the 787 programme as a wholly owned subsidiary. Boeing Charleston will continue to perform fabrication, assembly and systems installation for 787 aft fuselage sections, which … [Read more...] about Boeing finalises Vought purchase for 787s
Boeing wins US$1.3 billion order from Ethiopian
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for five Boeing 777-200LRs, worth an estimated US$1.3 billion at list prices making it the largest order of the year for Boeing. With the order, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian was the first African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005. Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the carrier is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its … [Read more...] about Boeing wins US$1.3 billion order from Ethiopian
First Boeing 747-8 freighter takes shape
Boeings' much anticipated re-vamped B747 freighter took a major step closer this week toward final assembly as mechanics at its Everett, Washington facility loaded the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing and centre section of the freighter, RC501. “It is exciting to see this airplane taking shape,†said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 Program. “The 747-8 is the largest commercial jet airplane we have assembled. This final body join … [Read more...] about First Boeing 747-8 freighter takes shape