Also, Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) celebrated the completion of the first BBJ for China's Nanshan Jet at a ceremony held at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – UTC Aerospace Systems has been selected by Spring Airlines Japan to supply the wheels and carbon brakes for its new fleet of 20 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The company will provide the equipment through its Wheels & Brakes business in Troy, Ohio. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April, 2013. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp.
The 737 Next Generation carbon brakes use proprietary DURACARB carbon heat sink material. The DURACARB carbon provides exceptional brake performance and a 35 percent brake life advantage over competitive products, producing significant cost savings for operators. The wheels and carbon brakes provide a weight savings of approximately 700 pounds (318 kg) per aircraft compared to high capacity steel brakes.
“This agreement, which includes full carbon brake MRO services performed at our Hong Kong service center, demonstrates Spring Airlines’ confidence in our track record of providing great products and services with the lowest total cost of ownership,” said Cory May, vice president of commercial programs, Wheels & Brakes.
“UTC Aerospace Systems’ ability to offer the perfect full carbon brake service solution was a significant factor in our supplier selection,” stated Liu Haijun, director of maintenance and engineering, Spring Airlines Japan. “The seamless MRO support and lowest total cost of ownership will enable us to maintain our core business model. We look forward to superior customer focus and exceptional brake life on our new 737NG fleet.”
Spring Airlines Japan is a newly established Japanese subsidiary of Spring Airlines, the first and now the largest low-cost carrier in China. Spring Airlines Japan is based in Tokyo and will expand Spring Airlines’ international presence. Headquartered in Shanghai, Spring Airlines currently operates domestic and international passenger services on over 50 routes covering a network of more than 30 cities across China, Japan and Thailand. As a leader in China’s domestic travel market, Spring Airlines core business model includes low-cost fares and a strong focus on innovation, safety and efficiency.
Also, Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) celebrated the completion of the first BBJ for China’s Nanshan Jet at a ceremony held at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai.
“The Nanshan Group is an excellent example of a customer who understands the unique capabilities of the Boeing Business Jet and how this airplane addresses the needs of emerging Chinese global business,” said Capt. Steve Taylor, president, Boeing Business Jets. “As Nanshan expands their businesses into even more international markets, the BBJ’s size, range and comfort is the right tool to help their business grow.”
Before the ceremony, Taylor and Yu Bin, chairman of Nanshan Aviation Development Company, met on board a BBJ on display at the show with Gary Locke, U.S. Ambassador to China and former Washington State Governor.
“I flew on a Boeing Business Jet from Seattle to China 10 years ago when we celebrated 30 years of Boeing doing business in China,” said Gary Locke, US Ambassador to China. “It’s like flying in a house. It’s so spacious and comfortable. I can’t imagine making that long of a trip in a smaller business jet.”
Nanshan Jet’s BBJ, a modified 737-700, is the first BBJ for a Chinese customer designed with a traditional business jet interior that includes a bedroom suite with a queen-size bed and seating for 28 passengers. Previous BBJs delivered to Chinese customers were designed specifically for use as charter airplanes in the region. The airplane was completed by Lufthansa Technik’s U.S. subsidiary, BizJet, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
BBJ is anticipating a big year in Asia in 2013. Three of seven BBJs scheduled to enter service this year with completed VIP interiors (including Nanshan Jet’s BBJ) are for customers in Asia. Four of six BBJs scheduled for “green” (unpainted and without interior) delivery to completion centers this year are for customers in Asia, including three Chinese customers.
A key advantage BBJ offers is longer range, which is very important to buyers in China due to the great distances from Asia to Europe and North America. For example, the BBJ has the capability to fly nonstop from Seattle to Shanghai, something its direct competitor cannot do.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
