Tag: Boeing

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-Top News Legal USA

Boeing to plead guilty to defrauding US regulators

This agreement follows prosecutors’ findings that Boeing violated a previous settlement related to the crashes …reports Asian Lite News

Boeing announced Monday that it has reached a deal with the US Department of Justice regarding the two fatal crashes involving its 737 MAX planes, in which court documents reveal the company will plead guilty to fraud, media reported.

This agreement follows prosecutors’ findings that Boeing violated a previous settlement related to the crashes that claimed 346 lives in Ethiopia and Indonesia over five years ago.

“We have reached an agreement in principle on terms of a resolution with the Justice Department, subject to the finalisation and approval of specific terms,” Boeing stated to AFP.

According to court filings in Texas on Sunday, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to “conspiracy to defraud the United States” during the MAX certification process. Under the terms, Boeing will face fines and commit a minimum of $455 million to enhance compliance and safety programs. Compensation for victims’ families will be determined by the court.

Boeing’s current legal issues stem from the Department of Justice’s determination in mid-May that the company had failed to fulfill requirements outlined in a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) aimed at improving its compliance and ethics program post-MAX crashes.

Families of the crash victims expressed strong dissatisfaction with the settlement, with Clifford Law’s senior partner Robert A. Clifford stating, “Much evidence over the last five years demonstrates Boeing’s continued prioritization of profits over safety.” The families plan to contest the plea deal in court.

The original DPA, announced in January 2021, resolved charges that Boeing had knowingly misled the Federal Aviation Administration during the MAX certification process, requiring Boeing to pay $2.5 billion in fines and restitution while granting immunity from criminal prosecution.

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-Top News Business USA

‘I Don’t Sit By The Doors’: Biden Jokes About Boeing Mishaps

President Joe Biden disembarks Air Force One, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in Morrisville, North Carolina. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

The quip came in response to a question from CBS “Late Show” host Steven Colbert about whether Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had tightened the bolts on the presidential plane – which is a Boeing 747-200B series aircraft – before Biden’s trip to New York City.

President Joe Biden joked about being away from the plane doors manufactured by Boeing, a company recently plagued by mid-flight mishaps, the New York Post reported.

“I don’t sit by the door,” quipped the 81-year-old president, followed by a quick disclaimer, “I’m only kidding. I shouldn’t joke about that.” His remarks came during a high-dollar campaign fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall.

The quip came in response to a question from CBS “Late Show” host Steven Colbert about whether Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had tightened the bolts on the presidential plane before Biden’s trip to New York City.

Boeing is one of two highly customised Boeing 747-200Bs. However, Boeing has faced scrutiny following a series of mid-flight incidents. The troubles began with a door blowout on a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines on January 5th, leading to the grounding of all 737 Max 9s by the Federal Aviation Administration. Investigations revealed missing bolts from the rear door of the Alaska Airlines jet, adding to concerns about Boeing’s safety protocols.

Shortly after, a Boeing aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Japan due to a crack in the cockpit window, further denting the company’s reputation, according to the New York Post.

In another incident, a Delta Airlines-operated Boeing 757 lost its front tire as it was preparing to depart Atlanta International Airport for Bogota, Colombia. These incidents raised alarm bells about the reliability of Boeing’s aircraft.

Adding to the string of mishaps, a UK passenger noticed pieces of tape on the exterior of a Boeing 787 during a flight to India, raising further concerns about maintenance standards. Then, a United Airlines Boeing 777-300 experienced a midair fuel leak, necessitating an emergency landing on March 11th. Amidst these challenges, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced his decision to step down at the end of the year, reflecting the company’s turbulent period.

Biden’s playful remark about avoiding the door on Air Force One brought a moment of levity to the fundraiser, but it also underscored broader concerns about aviation safety and Boeing’s ongoing challenges, New York Post reported. (ANI)

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Business India News Travel

Air India Express Welcomes 50 New Boeing 737 MAX Planes

AIX Connect Managing Director Aloke Singh said that with the integration foundation in place, the growth agenda comes forward….reports Asian Lite News

Air India Express is going to induct 50 new Boeing 737 MAX planes in the next 15 months. AIX Connect Managing Director Aloke Singh said this in his weekly message to the staff.

“Over the next 15 months, a total of 50 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will join the LCC fleet, allowing us to grow our network to new destinations and increase flights on existing routes. Our key focus is now the preparedness for deploying this capacity. Already, over 800+ aircrew and other operational personnel have joined us, under various stages of training,” he wrote. 

He further stated that the first Airbus 320 aircraft moved under the Air India Express AOC and is already operating services under the IX code. 

“One Boeing 737 NG is deployed on domestic route, operating to Guwahati, Imphal, Lucknow ex Delhi/ Mumbai,” said Singh. 

“An interline arrangement enabling guests to book a common itinerary across IX and 15 networks is in place. With Al, a code-share allows sale of 15 domestic sectors as a part of an Air India journey,” said Singh. 

Singh said that with the integration foundation in place, the growth agenda comes forward. September saw us taking delivery of the first two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. 

“The aircraft were flown back home by our own aircrew supported by the Engineering team, from the Boeing delivery airfield in Seattle, USA, to MROS in India where they are being readied for commercial flights,” he said. 

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-Top News Defence India News

Boeing starts production of Apache helicopters for Indian Army

The company’s accomplishments encompass the successful delivery of 22 AH-64E Apaches to the Indian Air Force in 2020….reports Asian Lite News

Defence major Boeing has said it has started the production of Apache Helicopters for the Indian Army at its state-of-art facility in the US (Mesa, Arizona).

The Indian Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters, renowned for their advanced technology and exceptional performance, are poised to enhance operational readiness and fortify defence capabilities.

The production process builds upon an ongoing collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), which plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of AH-64E fuselages at its cutting-edge facility in Hyderabad, India.

Earlier this year, TBAL delivered the first AH-64 Apache fuselage to the Indian Army.

“We are pleased to reach yet another significant milestone, highlighting Boeing’s unwavering commitment to support India’s defence capabilities,” said Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India.

“The AH-64’s state-of-the-art technology and battle-tested performance will elevate the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness and amplify its defensive capabilities”, read the press release.

The company’s accomplishments encompass the successful delivery of 22 AH-64E Apaches to the Indian Air Force in 2020.

Boeing entered into a contract to produce six additional AH-64Es for the Indian Army, with deliveries anticipated in 2024.

Christina Upah, Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Boeing Mesa Site Executive, emphasized, “The AH-64E continues to be the world’s premier attack helicopter”.

The company’s engagement with over 300 local Indian companies, in conjunction with its joint venture focusing on manufacturing key components, reflects Boeing’s vision for a resilient and interconnected aerospace ecosystem in India.

With annual sourcing exceeding $1 billion from India, Boeing’s role as a catalyst for growth extends beyond the technical realm.

The company employs over 5,000 individuals within India and collaborates with over 13,000 supply chain partners, fostering community engagement and implementing citizenship programs that touch the lives of over 500,000 individuals. (ANI)

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi to buy 121 planes from Boeing

The order for Boeing 787s will be divided between Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudis, and a planned new airline called Riyadh Air…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia has planned to order 78 jetliners from Boeing and will take options to buy 43 more in a major boost for the American aircraft manufacturer, taking the total to 121, CTV news reported citing Associated Press.

On Tuesday, two Saudi Arabian airlines said that they will order 121 planes from Boeing. According to CTV news, the order for Boeing 787s will be divided between Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudis, and a planned new airline called Riyadh Air, which Saudi officials introduced over the weekend.

At list prices, the combined deal would be worth about USD 37 billion if the options are exercised, but airlines routinely get deep discounts. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Relatively high oil prices have boosted Saudi Arabia’s economy and government, making it easier for the kingdom to close a multi-billion-dollar jet order.

The creation of Riyadh Air by the Saudi sovereign-wealth fund and the growth of Saudia is part of a broader Saudi strategy to diversify its oil-based economy. Saudi Arabia hopes to become a global aviation hub, attracting 100 million annual visitors by 2030, reported CTV News citing Associated Press.

“The ambition here in the kingdom is huge, and this today … is our first big order,” Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, told CNBC. “There will be more orders.”

The planes covered by the orders and options are long-range, two-aisle “widebody” jets, in the industry jargon. Boeing and Europe’s Airbus dominate the market.

“Serving the Middle East, in our view, is a very, very important and critical market for widebodies, and we like that Boeing won this one,” said Boeing CEO David Calhoun, who traveled to Riyadh for the announcement, according to CTV News.

Recently, Air India also placed an order to purchase 290 aircraft from the company in a bid to scale up its fleet and achieve sustainable growth.

In a statement, Boeing said Air India plans to invest in 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. Along with a comprehensive set of aviation services, Air India is advancing its fleet strategy to sustainably address South Asia’s rapidly growing domestic and international air travel market, Boeing said in February.

Meanwhile, the Saudi deal is also a boost for the Boeing 787, which the company calls the Dreamliner. Boeing has struggled with interruptions in delivering new 787s for more than two years because of production flaws.

Shares of Boeing Co., based in Arlington, Va., rose more than 4 per cent Tuesday, reported CTV News citing Associated Press. (ANI)

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Defence UK News

Boeing to support RAF Poseidon fleet for 5 yrs

These agreements will create 150 jobs in the UK, including more than 100 at RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland, the announcement added…reports Asian Lite News.

American aerospace giant Boeing announced that it has signed an agreement with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to support the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft fleet and train the crews that operate them for the next five years.

In a statement on Thursday, Boeing said that it will provide maintenance services, spares and repairs under the aircraft and training support contract valued at $321.6 million, reports Xinhua news agency.

These agreements will create 150 jobs in the UK, including more than 100 at RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland, the announcement added.

Boeing employees are already working alongside RAF personnel at the station in Moray, supporting the current fleet of five Poseidons.

“We are excited to see our continued growing presence in Scotland with the creation of these highly-skilled jobs, in addition to our existing footprint of more than 2,500 employees across the UK,” said Anna Keeling, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK.

The RAF is on contract for nine Poseidon aircraft with five already delivered and the remaining four scheduled for later this year, when around 200 Boeing employees are expected to be based at RAF Lossiemouth focused on maintenance, training and support, the aerospace giant added.

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READ MORE-Boeing to set up field hospitals in India

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-Top News COVID-19 Travel

Boeing to set up field hospitals in India

The aerospace major has been in talks with five state governments to provide such facilities in their jurisdictions, reports Rohit Vaid.

Aerospace major Boeing has tied-up with state governments along with NGOs to set up field hospitals in India to treat Covid patients.

Accordingly, the aerospace major has been in talks with five state governments to provide such facilities in their jurisdictions.

In the last few days, Boeing India has reached out to UP, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu state governments.

The initiative as part of Boeing’s India Covid relief commitment envisages setting up of such facilities in each of five states which are facing the pandemic resurgence.

As part of the programme, the funding, land and utilities, facility, equipment, doctors as well as medicines will be provided through a partnership model by the joint effort of Boeing, the concerned state government and NGO partners, ‘Doctors for You’ and ‘Care USA’.

The state governments will provide the infrastructure and utilities while ‘Doctors for You’ will provide the medical infrastructure and staff.

The first such facility is expected to come as soon as possible.

“We are in conversations with local and international relief organisations to deploy Boeing’s $10-million emergency assistance package to support India’s Covid-19 response,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India.

“As part of that effort, we’re working with medical, government and public health experts across India to provide relief, including medical supplies and emergency health care to communities most impacted.”

Last month, Boeing announced a $10 million emergency assistance package to support India’s Covid-19 response.

At present, Boeing has 3,000 employees in India.

The company develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products for customers in domestic civil and military sectors.

Lately, India has been heavily battered by record new daily increases in coronavirus infections, prompting lockdowns and restrictive measures.

The exponential rise in new coronavirus cases in India has been termed as a humanitarian crisis.

IndiGo inoculates all op staff

Airline major IndiGo is set to become the first domestic airline with an all inoculated operational staff.

Accordingly, the airline in anticipation of rising travel demand on the back of accelerated vaccination programme has initiated the internal inoculation drive.

Besides, the company wants to restore confidence in not just the travelling public but also in operational crew members, front office and ground handling staff.

vaccine jabs

Recently, Centre allowed for a liberalised vaccination phase under which private entities can procure vaccines at market regulated prices.

These jabs can then be administered under medical supervision to the company’s staff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO5YRfLJ-ec

According to IndiGo’s Chief HR Officer Raj Raghavan: “We are fully committed towards the vaccination of our entire workforce, including our subsidiary Agile, as soon as possible.”

“As of today vaccination drives have already commenced aggressively across 35 stations and we are in the process of including more stations.”

Presently, the airline has around 23,000 employees, including employees belonging to its subsidiary Agile, all of whom, it plans to inoculate

Furthermore, the company is also providing time off to crew members upon vaccination as per guidelines.

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