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WA004, originally uploaded by flightblogger.

I flew United to France on the slim chance that I would get to fly one
of these storied 777s. This one, N773UA was line 4 out of Everett in
1994 and took part in the 777 flight test program. it first flew
October 28,1994.

It once went by the name WA004 and validated the 1000 cycle ETOPS
testing for the FAA.

There is a rich history behind this beauty.

Toulouse — Airbus has announced a partnership with JetBlue, IAE and Honeywell to test the 2nd generation of biofuels.

The joint activity will help develop renewable energy technology to convert vegetation and algae-based oils into aviation fuels.

The goal is to examine the benefits of jet fuels that are made from renewable biomass sources that do not compete with existing food or water resources.

Beyond the initial environmental benefits of reduced carbon footprint and reduced emissions, the examination of 2nd generation biofuels will also investigate the potential for payload-range aircraft performance, reduction in fuel burn and increased engine reliability and durability.

“Airbus believes that 2nd generation bio-jet could provide up to 30 percent of all commercial aviation jet fuel by 2030,” said Sebastien Remy, head of Alternative Fuels Research Programs for Airbus.

JetBlue’s fleet of Airbus A320 are entirely powered by IAE V2500 engines.

Filed on location at the Airbus Technical Press Briefing

Toulouse — Airbus announced it intended to test an electric taxi system for A320 family aircraft.

The system, which would see electrical motors installed in the wheels, would power the narrowbody aircraft to the take off area to significantly reduce the amount of fuel burned during the taxi phase of the flight.

“We are always looking to save as much fuel as possible,” said A320 Family Program Executive Vice President Alain Flourens.

UPDATE: During the initial tests, which are slated to take place before year’s end, the motors will be powered by the auxiliary power unit in the tail of the aircraft. Flourens added that any increase in weight due to the addition of the motors on the aircraft landing gear would be offset by the expected overall fuel savings of the system.

Posted on location at the Airbus Technical Press Briefing

Airbus Flightline

Originally uploaded by flightblogger

Note the vintage A300B on the left and the line up of A330/A340 for
Finnair, QANTAS, Kingfisher and Jet Airways.

At Work in Toulouse

Originally uploaded by flightblogger

Airbus COO John Leahy briefs the press on the market as the company
sees it.

More to follow.

Just broke on the Air Transport Intelligence News Wire:

Airbus confirms new A380 delays
Nicholas Ionides, – (13 May 08 13:43 GMT)

Airbus has confirmed a new round of delays to the A380 programme
that will affect deliveries at least this year and next year.

The manufacturer says in a statement that it has “completed
the A380 programme review and is now informing customers about
changes to its delivery schedule”.

It says it now plans for 12 deliveries this year, rather than
13 as previously expected, and 21 next year, instead of 25.

“Details about the new plan and the further ramp-up and
delivery slots in 2010 and the following years will be discussed
with customers in the coming weeks,” it adds.

“The results of this review do not, at this stage, cover the
financial impact. The extent of the additional costs will be
influenced by the actual production and delivery scenario.
This will follow discussions with the customers and a more
precise evaluation of the implications of the new delivery
schedule for 2010 deliveries and beyond.”

CONTINUED