Aviation

Boeing awarded $200m contract to support F/A-18E/F aircraft production

A $200 million modification contract has been awarded to Boeing for the purchase of crucial long lead material and related activities necessary to construct F/A-18E/F aircraft.

The contract adjustment intends to maintain the manufacturing schedule, with work anticipated to be finished by June 2025. The contract is supervised by the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland.

The US Navy has granted Boeing, which has its main office in St. Louis, Missouri, a $200 million contract modification. By obtaining essential long-lead material and making related efforts, the modification intends to support the manufacture of F/A-18E/F aircraft.

The Super Hornets’ fuselage sections are constructed in El Segundo, California, by Boeing subcontractor Northrop Grumman before being shipped to Boeing’s Missouri aircraft facility, where about 70% of the contract will be carried out.

The Super Hornets’ long-term deal comes after Congress increased funding for the Navy’s Super Hornets by 20 over the previous two fiscal years: $977 million for 12 in the fiscal year 2022 and $600 million for eight in the fiscal year 2023.

This agreement demonstrates the US Navy’s dedication to keeping the F/A-18E/F aircraft in service even as it develops the F/A-XX programme. As both the US Navy and Boeing attempt to balance the expenses of the Next Generation Air Dominance programme and existing platforms, it may also suggest that the manufacture of the aircraft won’t end as soon as previously anticipated.

Aviation

China Eastern Receives Its Ninth C919 Aircraft, Marking a New Milestone

China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its ninth COMAC C919 aircraft, continuing its lead as the launch customer for China’s domestic narrow-body airliner.

On Thursday, the airline received the latest addition to its fleet, registered as B-657T, marking another step in China’s ambitious efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.

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This delivery is part of a major achievement for COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), which has now delivered a total of 10 comac c919 in 2024 alone, a remarkable increase from just three jets delivered by the end of 2023.

The C919 program represents China’s entry into the competitive market for commercial aircraft, aiming to rival the dominance of manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body sector.

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One standout feature of the c919 is its innovative in-flight technology, particularly its Wi-Fi system. Developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), this system allows passengers to connect to the “CEAIR-WIFI” wireless hotspot, providing seamless access to in-flight entertainment.

Through the website www.muflyer.com, travelers can enjoy a range of features including “Air Cinema” and “Air Games,” which enhance the flying experience.

Looking ahead, COMAC’s ambitions are not limited to narrow-body aircraft. At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, c919 aircraft price made waves with the announcement of over 100 new aircraft orders.

A significant highlight was a high-profile agreement with Air China for the development of the C929, a widebody aircraft set to compete c919 vs a320 and c919 vs 737 with these models.