Boeing starts 737 MAX test programme, 787-10 major assembly and 737-800F conversion in 1Q2016

Boeing Commercial Airplane VP marketing Randy Tinseth, via his official company blog, reported (27-Apr-2016) the company achieved the following milestones in 1Q2016:

• 737 MAX completed its first flight and started its flight-test programme;
• Delivered the 8888th 737 to come off the line to Xiamen Airlines. The aircraft received a special livery to commemorate its significance;
• 747-8 surpassed one million flight hours since its entry into service in Oct-2013;
• US Air Force awarded Boeing a contract for risk-reduction activities for the 747 Presidential Aircraft Recapitalisation programme;
• CAS launched the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter programme, with 30 orders and 25 commitments from seven customers;
• Air China ordered six 777-300ERs;
• SWISS received its first 777-300ER, which becomes the flagship of its long-haul fleet;
• Qatar Airways took delivery of its 50th 777;
• The third and final round of 777X low-speed wind-tunnel testing started at QinetiQ;
• Major assembly of the first 787-10 commenced;
• 787 programme moved to 12 per month rate in final assembly;
• Boeing South Carolina delivered the 100th 787 built at the North Charleston site, a 787-8 for American Airlines. [more - original PR]