New aircraft, innovation and technology in focus at Farnborough
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The recently concluded Farnborough International Airshow saw new aircraft, innovation and technology rule the event. Key highlights included the first flying display of the 787 Dreamliner in Qatar Airways livery, Enduring Awareness Pavilion, a display of advanced command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
The show attracted close to 130,000 visitors over two days. Over 50 aircraft were on static display across the weekend and together with a range of rides, interactive exhibits, prototype cars, flight simulators, extreme sports demonstrations and restaurants and cafes to suit every taste. The show also witnessed huge demand for the 737 family of airplanes – including the new 737 MAX. Boeing’s new aircraft and innovative technologies attracted customers, partners and government officials.
The order booklet was topped with United Airlines announcing its order for 150 737 airplanes, including 100 737 MAX 9s and 50 Next-Generation 737-900ERs. The deal, worth US$14.7 billion at list prices, brought the total order book to more than 10,000 to date.
Over the past week, customers have announced orders and commitments for 396 airplanes, valued at more than US$37 billion. The number of Boeing net orders for 2012 currently stands at 691, and the 737 MAX has accumulated 649 orders to date.
The company also shared plans for the 2012 ecoDemonstrator, an American Airlines 737-800 that will be used as a flying test-bed to accelerate environmentally progressive technologies. Other highlights at the show were the presence of a Korean Air 737-900ER with the new Boeing Sky Interior; the multi-role F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter; the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor; the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter; the F-15E Eagle fighter and the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter.