Aviation

Farewell to the Queen of the Skies: The pilots of GE’s 747-100 flying test bed

Published

6 years ago

August 18, 2017

GE Aviation’s original B747 Flying Test Bed is heading into storage and flew what most likely was her final flight on January 25 at GE Aviation’s Flight Test Operation in Victorville, California.

The aircraft had a long history. It rolled off the assembly line in October 17, 1969 and made its first flight with Pan American World Airlines on March 3, 1970. Named the Clipper Ocean Spray, Pan Am flew the aircraft for 21 years, accumulating more than 86,000 flight hours and 18,000 cycles before GE acquired the aircraft in 1992.
After undergoing modifications like removing seats, strengthening the left wing and tail for flight testing and installing data systems, the Flying Test Bed began operations with GE in 1993 at its Flight Test Operation facility, which was then located in Mojave, California. The aircraft provided critical flight data on more than 11 distinct engine models and 39 engine builds, including widebody engines likes the GE90, GEnx and the Engine Alliance GP7200, CF34 engines for regional jets, narrow body engines like CFM56 and LEAP, and the Passport for business aviation. With GE, the historic 747 aircraft completed more than 3,600 flight hours and 775 cycles before its final January flight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYYXoy7xbik

The GE90-115B engine, here attached to GE’s first 747 flying test bed, is the world’s most powerful engine. It generated 127,900 pounds of thrust. That’s more than the combined total horsepower of the Titanic (46,000 pounds) and the Redstone rocket (76,000 pounds) that took the first American to space.

As GE’s original B747 flying testbed takes its last flight, hear from the pilots who flew the aircraft for more than 25 years with 39 different engine builds.

Related Topics:Boeing 747 GE engines testing aircraft

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Airlines

These are the four-star low-cost Carriers for 2024

Published

33 mins ago

September 25, 2023

Sana khan

These are the four-star low-cost Carriers for 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of aviation, staying ahead of the curve and finding the most cost-effective options for air travel is crucial for both travelers and airlines alike. As we approach the year 2024, Apex, a renowned authority in the aviation industry, has released its highly anticipated list of four-star low-cost carriers.

These are the airlines with Four-Star and Five-Star APEX ratings for 2024.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The APEX Four Star Airline Awards were unique since they were created solely from verified passenger reviews submitted by more than a million fliers using TripIt.

These airlines have achieved a remarkable combination of price and great service, making them the top alternatives for budget-conscious travelers searching for a pleasant and joyful flying experience. In this article, we will look at the four-star low-cost airlines for 2024.

Global Passenger Choice airline Award Winners 2022 by Apex.(Opens in a new browser tab)

low-cost Airlines

Allegiant
Breeze
GOL
Southwest
Spirit
Sun Country Airlines
WestJet

Airlines

These are the airlines with Four-Star and Five-Star APEX ratings for 2024.

Published

1 hour ago

September 25, 2023

Sana khan

These are the Airlines with Four and Five-Star APEX Ratings for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of aviation, these awards stand as a testament to excellence, innovation, and outstanding service within the airline industry. As travelers around the globe seek ever more personalized and remarkable experiences, these airlines have risen to the occasion, setting new standards for quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction.

World class airline awards 2022 by Apex(Opens in a new browser tab)

The APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards were unique since they were created solely from verified passenger reviews submitted by more than a million fliers using TripIt.

Global Passenger Choice airline Award Winners 2022 by Apex.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Here, we’ve highlighted some of the 2024 Apex Four-Star and Five-Star Airlines Awards, recognizing these airline giants and the outstanding traveler experiences they provide. Whether you are a frequent traveler or only sometimes do so, these awards highlight the airlines who have changed the definition of what it means to fly in luxury and grace.

REGIONAL AIRLINE FIVE STAR*

GLOBAL AIRLINES FOUR STAR

British Airways
Ethiopian
Polish Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
South African Airways
Thai Airways International

MAJOR ‎AIRLINES FOUR STAR

Aegean Airlines
AirEuropa
Avianca
flydubai
Royal Jordanian
SriLankan Airlines

Source

Airlines

Qantas says cost to fly may rise, Due to Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Sana khan

Qantas says cost to fly may rise, Due to Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Qantas has been absorbing a $200 million increase in fuel costs, the airline warned that if prices continue to rise, the costs may be passed on to customers and it may raise its already high ticket rates.

The airline reported in a market update that fuel costs have gone up 30% since May of this year, including 10% just in the past month. “This is driven by a combination of higher oil prices, higher refiner margins, and a lower Australian dollar,” Qantas stated.

Boeing warns new defect on 787 Dreamliners will slow deliveries(Opens in a new browser tab)

But Qantas asserted that it will keep an eye on fuel costs in the upcoming months and “look to adjust its settings” if they continue to be this high. Any modifications would aim to strike a balance between the need for reasonably priced travel in a situation where tickets are already high, according to Qantas.

Qantas and competing airlines use methods of hedging to control erratic pricing changes. An effort to win back consumer support that included an apology from the airline’s new CEO, Vanessa Hudson, and a commitment to rebuild the airline’s reputation after a “humbling period” is in jeopardy as a result of the warning about ticket prices.

Pilots warned of ‘low sealings’ at Utqiagvik airport Seal Sunbathing on the Runway(Opens in a new browser tab)

Analyst Owen Birrell with RBC Capital Markets predicted that the firm will likely accept the higher fuel costs “until its target margins come under pressure, and then would seek to claw back those costs through capacity cuts and higher fares.”

Given the increased competition, expanding consumer and corporate cost pressures, and incoming reinvestment in the product/platform, we don’t think a substantial earnings shift is possible going forward.

Source