Daily Archives: Oct. 4, 2011

Former Continental Airlines executive joins Boeing’s board of directors

Oct. 4, 20112:01 p.m.

Boeing‘s board of directors has a new member.

The board has selected Larry Kellner, president of Emerald Creek Group, a private equity firm in Houston, as its newest addition.

Kellner served as chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines from 2004 through 2009. He also has held executive positions at American Savings Bank and at The Koll Co., a private real estate investment and construction firm.

“Larry brings to our board significant industry experience spanning strategy, operations and finance,” Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney said in a statement. “He understands the challenges our customers face in increasingly competitive markets, and we will benefit from having his perspective on our board.”

Kellner will serve on the board’s audit and finance committees.

He holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of South Carolina. He is married and has four children.

By Molly McMillin | Filed under aircraft manufacturers, Boeing | Comments Off

Boeing: North American airlines to need 7,500 jets over 20 years

Oct. 4, 201111:03 a.m.

Boeing’s newly released forecast predicts that air carriers in the U.S. and Canada will take delivery of 7,530 jets valued at $760 billion over the next 20 years.

Strong demand is expected for more fuel efficient single-aisle airliners, Boeing said in a North America market outlook released today in Montreal.

Counting retirements of airplanes currently in the fleet, the North America fleet is expected to grow from 6,610 planes today to 9,330 by 2030.

That’s good news for Spirit AeroSystems, which builds parts of all Boeing jets, and for local suppliers who build parts for Spirit and Boeing.

The commercial aviation market in North America improved for the second consecutive year, with passenger traffic improving at a modest 3 percent, Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing for Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, said in a statement. “The region’s airline industry is poised for long-term, moderate growth. Airlines are expected to continue focusing on capacity discipline and improving financial performance.”

Boeing expects the number of single-aisle jets in North America’s fleet will grow to 73 percent of the total fleet, driven largely by traffic to and from Central and South America.

Long-haul international traffic, meanwhile, will continue to grow at an average annual rate of about 4.5 percent. Boeing forecasts demand for 1,180 twin-aisle airplanes in the next 20 years. Large airplanes such as Boeing’s 747, won’t see significant demand in North America. Only about 50 large jets are expected to be delivered.

By Molly McMillin | Filed under Boeing | Comments Off

Kansas Aviation Museum Gala to honor Hall of Fame inductees, Aviation Honor award recipients

Oct. 4, 201110:22 a.m.

Clay Lacy, a native Wichitan known for setting a world speed record in a 747, will be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame at the Kansas Aviation Museum’s annual gala next month.

Also inducted will be Alvin “Tex” Johnston, famous for rolling a Boeing 707 during a test flight; Kenneth Collins, a SR-71 test pilot; and Mildred “Micky” Axton, a WASP pilot and posthumous recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Wichitans Jim and Iva Ballard will receive the Governor’s Aviation Honor Award for their work in developing regional medical flight services.

The gala will feature former U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt as guest of honor. Wichita Eagle fashion writer Bonnie Bing will serve as master of ceremonies.

Guests will also be able to fly in a F-22 cockpit simulator. The Jim Keefer Trio will provide jazz music, and there will be a silent auction.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Hyatt Hotel Wichita. Tickets are $75. For tickets or information, call 683-9242.

By Molly McMillin | Filed under aviation industry, Kansas Aviation Museum | Comments Off