Chronology of the airliners industry (8) 2001 - 2005

SIA started non-stop flights between Singapore and New York with the Airbus A340-500. (Photo: Airbus)

Chronology of the airliners industry (8)

2001 - 2005

2001

:: February 22, 2001 ::

Boeing delivers the last built MD-11 to Lufthansa.

:: March 29, 2001 ::

Boeing unveils the Sonic Cruiser, a proposed airliner seating 200 to 250 passengers and cruising at a speed between Mach 0.95 and Mach 0.98, 15 to 20 percent faster than traditional jetliners.

Impression of the Sonic Cruiser. (Image: Boeing)

:: April 23, 2001 ::

The first Airbus A340-600 makes its first flight, which lasts 5 hours and 22 minutes.

:: April 30, 2001 ::

Boeing launches the 747-400ER Freighter with an order from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

:: July 9, 2001 ::

Alenia Aerospazio and Aeronavali become partners in the development, production and support of a tanker/transport version of the Boeing 767.

:: September 11, 2001 ::

Terrorists hijack four aircraft. Two of them, Boeing 767 widebodies of American Airlines and United Airlines, are flown into the Twin Towers in New York.

2002

:: February 11, 2002 ::

The ultra long-range Airbus A340-500 makes its first flight, which lasts 5 hours and 52 minutes.

:: Jun 2, 2002 ::

The JAA certifies the Airbus A340-600.

:: July 31, 2002 ::

First flight of the Boeing 747-400ER.

:: August 2002 ::

Virgin Atlantic introduces the Airbus A340-600 on its London Heathrow to New York JFK service.

:: October 31, 2002 ::

Boeing delivers the first 747-400ER to Qantas.

:: December 20, 2002 ::

Boeing stops development of the Sonic Cruiser project and puts its energy in the 7E7, which is to become the 787.

:: December 3, 2002 ::

JAA certifies the Airbus A340-500.

2003

:: February 24, 2003 ::

The Boeing 777-300ER makes its first flight, starting a year-long flight test program. The flight lasts three hours and two minutes.

:: March 12, 2003 ::

Boeing resumes development of Longer Range 777-200LR. Work on the 777-200LR was halted in October 2001 in the aftermath of the terrorist assaults on September 11 2001.

:: March 31, 2003 ::

Boeing delivers the first Boeing 747-400ERF (Extended Range Freighter) to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

:: November 2003 ::

Emirates introduces the A340-500 in service

2004

:: March 16, 2004 ::

The FAA and JAA certify the Boeing 777-300ER.

:: April 26, 2004 ::

Boeing officially launches the 7E7 Dreamliner on a fifty aircraft order from ANA All Nippon Airways, the largest launch order of any new Boeing jetliner.

Artist's impression of the ANA Boeing 787. (Image: Boeing / Ken DeJarlais)

:: April 29, 2004 ::

First Boeing 777-300ER delivered to Air France and International Lease Finance Corp.

:: November 15, 2004 ::

Boeing launches the Boeing 777 Freighter.

:: December 10, 2004 ::

Airbus receives approval from its shareholders, EADS and BAE Systems for a 'commercial launch' for the A350, which is offered in two variants, the A350-800 and A350-900.

:: December 21, 2004 ::

Air Europa of Spain is the first airline to commit to the Airbus A350-300 with ten orders plus two options.

2005

:: January 28, 2005 ::

Boeing changes the 7E7 designation to 787.

:: March 08, 2005 ::

The Boeing 777-200LR 'Worldliner' makes its flight debut, lasting about three hours.

:: April 27, 2005 ::

The Airbus A380 performs its first flight from Toulouse Blagnac airport. The flight lasts 3 hours and 54 minutes.

First flight of the Airbus A380. (Photo: Airbus)

:: May 24, 2005 ::

Boeing officially launches the 777 Freighter. Air France orders five and takes three options to replace its ageing 747-200F fleet.

:: October 6, 2005 ::

The EADS Board of Directors gives the go-ahead for Airbus to launch the industrial programme for the A350 airliner.

:: November 14, 2005 ::

Boeing officially launches the Boeing-747-8. Launch customers are Nippon Cargo Airlines (8 747-8Fs) and Cargolux (10 747-8Fs).

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