Day four of Paris Air Show was filled with test aircraft tours for Hazel King from the FINN team, which was handy considering the wet weather conditions.
FINN on the ground
First up was the Boeing 777X, the largest aircraft in production that is due to come into service in 2025 with Lufthansa as the launch customer. Boeing launched the 777 family in 1994, and the X (otherwise known at the 777-9) is more similar to the 787 according to Justin Hale, customer leader and product marketing director, with a wider cabin and bigger windows to create a more comfortable passenger experience.
The inflight entertainment system has been considered, with a 10G backbone that can delivery high-speed internet to every seat, while 4K screen optimise the viewing experience for passengers. And when it comes to operations, the aircraft offers 10% better fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions and 10% better operating economics than its competitors, according to the company.
Boeing has 350 orders for the 777X from across the globe, with big name airlines such as Emirates, Qatar, BA and Air India amongst those who have placed orders.
Boeing 737-10
The 737-10 was also on show, and FINN spoke to Bob Michael, senior manager and 373 customer leader about the aircraft. “It’s an airplane that has been designed for people and allow them to connect with the flight experience,” he said.
Its interior is the same as the other Max aircraft, with high ceilings, LED lighting and large windows to create a light and spacious cabin, while the overhead lockers provide capacity for more than 200 carry on bags.
The LEAP-1B engines as well as advances in winglet design and engine technologies mean the 737-10 offers a reduction in noise, carbon and NOx emissions. The aircraft will be in service by the end of 2024 with United as the launch customer.
Bell V-280 Valor
FINN was welcomed onto the Bell static display to experience to Bell V-280 Valor, the replacement helicopter for the US Army’s Black Hawk. With advanced technology that enables it to fly longer and faster missions, the tiltrotor aircraft is full of digital solutions and a refined and advanced design to offer more affordability to customers.
The contract with the US Army has only been confirmed for a few months so service timelines are still being decided, but it is expected the aircraft will be flying by 2025 and fielded in the 2030s, according to Bell.
Embraer E195-E2
And the final stop for the day was at Embraer, where they showcased the new business class configuration of its E195-E2 aircraft.
Dubbed the Profit Hunter, the E195-E2 has been designed to maximize returns and efficiency on high-density routes. With its high-aspect ratio wings and swept tips, combined with other aerodynamic improvements, the E195-E2 achieves double digit lower fuel consumption compared to current-generation E-Jets.
While the E195 is already in operation around the world, the new E2 configuration is most likely to be seen in Middle Eastern market, with Royal Jordanian already having ordered several Crown Class configured aircraft.
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