Page 37 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2016 Online Magazine

NEWS

Gulfstream Aerospace
Commences G600 Iron Bird
Flight Tests
Gulfstream announced the completion of
the first Gulfstream G600 iron bird flight
in February. During the 30-minute flight,
the G600 iron bird simulated taxi, takeoff
and landing as well as manoeuvres and
transitions at altitude and airspeed.
“This first flight sets in motion the
testing and validation required for the
G600’s actual first flight,” said Dan
Nale, senior vice president, Programs,
Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.
“With the iron bird, we can confirm the
characteristics of the system components,
improve the integration maturity, make
modifications and provide those benefits
in a lab environment, all while on the ground Boeing Delivers First Next-Generation 737 to China Eastern Airlines
and still in the design stage to the benefit Boeing has completed the delivery of Xuedong, Chairman, CDB Leasing. “Our
of the flight-test aircraft. Having this the first Next-Generation 737 belonging commitment to our customers is to
resource enhances safety and streamlines to China Development Bank Financial provide them with the most efficient
the testing process.” Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing). The and reliable products and the 737
Essentially a ground-based lab, jetliner was delivered to China Eastern family of airplanes clearly delivers on
the iron bird is a spatially correct, Airlines and marks the delivery of the that promise.” China Eastern Airlines’
dimensionally accurate structure that first 30 Boeing 737NGs that CDB Leasing Next-Generation 737-800 features a
includes a flight deck, which allows has on order. new interior and elements of Boeing’s
engineers to test the flight control and “We are delighted to take delivery innovative Sky Interior with larger
mechanical systems, including landing of CDB Leasing’s first directly pivoting overhead stowage bins and LED
gear, brakes and hydraulics. purchased Boeing airplane,” said Wang lighting.

A350 XWB Added to Singapore Airlines Fleet
airlines will resume its non-stop service
to the U.S. from 2018 with the A350-
900ULR, a service it had earlier operated
using Airbus A340-500s.
The A350 is a key element in our
overall capacity growth and fleet renewal
strategy. Its improved operating efficiency
offers us the opportunity to open up even
more new routes, providing more travel
options to our customers,” Singapore
Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, said at
the welcome ceremony for the aircraft at
Singapore’s Changi International Airport.
The initial lot of A350s will be able to
seat 253 passengers across Business
Class (42), Premium Economy (24) and
Singapore Airlines, took delivery of its first long range flights lasting up to 19 hours. Economy Class (187). Singapore Airlines,
Airbus A350 XWB in February. Singapore The airline’s newest A350 XWB joins will announce the seating configuration
has placed orders for 67 A350-900s out of stablemates the A330 and A380, which for its medium-range A350-900s and
which seven will be able to perform ultra- are in service with the airline. Singapore A350-900ULRs at a later date.

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