Great video that American Airlines posted on Facebook today:

 

 

They show all the steps to getting a delivery of a 737. Pretty cool, huh?

I don't know why, but having the airline "finish" the airplane, is a bit unsettling.

I don't know why, but having the airline "finish" the airplane, is a bit unsettling.

Well it's not like Boeing delivers the airplane with no wings or tires. The airplane is flyable-but American still has to install video screens and anything else that American wants to add to their airplane.

 

It's similar to buying a car, and then later adding a spoiler, new speakers, new radio, etc. The car is "driveable" from day one, but you are adding what you want to it.

Edited September 13, 201213 yr by linux731

I don't know why, but having the airline "finish" the airplane, is a bit unsettling.

 

They do heavy checks which is essentially taking the aircraft apart and then building it over again.

Watching those techs dig into brand new wiring... At least spill some coffee on the rug before ripping it up! Dam! It's brand new for petes sake. I recall some emergency with mucked up "entertainment" refit some time ago.

 

 

I understand the concept, and even expected it. But man... they are really digging in there.

Watching those techs dig into brand new wiring... At least spill some coffee on the rug before ripping it up! Dam! It's brand new for petes sake. I recall some emergency with mucked up "entertainment" refit some time ago.

 

 

I understand the concept, and even expected it. But man... they are really digging in there.

But, I don't understand your point. They were installing a Wi-Fi router, entertainment system, etc. I didn't see them rewiring the whole airplane or anything like that.

I didn't see them rewiring the whole airplane or anything like that.

 

Yes, but they are adding stuff. I get it, and have no doubt that they can do it... but "trying to save money" usually gets repeated in the NTSB's report.

 

 

Swissair Flight 111.

 

 

Like I said, it's just unsettling. Not a biggie. This particular Airline (American) cut one olive from their salads to save 500,000 dollars. That's all I'm saying.

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=7E-c6ni5MfYC&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=Bob%20Crandall%20olive%20story&source=bl&ots=Say2jSbu--&sig=4xhyzJFpGt6fbW-ZenVJHRqM5_s&hl=en&ei=tgNXTpC6E4fC0AHQnISQDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false

Swissair Flight 111.

 

That one was not a new aircraft as it was an aircraft already in service that had an upgrade to it's inflight entertainment after years of being in service(rather then purchasing a new fleet).

 

Yes their was arcing in the wireing and flamable insulation in that aircraft however it doesn't represent what other airlines use as equipment, SwissAir had a unique configuration with the upgraded equipment and the use of insulation.

 

My old house in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia overlooked CFB Shearwater and you could see the wreckage from that aircraft from looking out my front window. Very sad sight indeed. CFB Shearwater is where they did the reconstruct and investigation.

What I don't understand is, if you consider that Boeing is delivering aircraft to many different companies they aren't really going to be very familiar with one company's unique requriements. Why do you think that Boeing would do a better job than the airline which sees those unique mods everyday?

 

scott s.

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Great Video...It is kind of similar to the Automotive industry as they manufacture a car and deliver it to the dealer. The dealer goes over all final items like installing options like floor mats, radio's, DVD's, air conditioning, etc for the customer at their request.

 

Makes sense to me that Boeing does it this was and the airlines fits it out to their requirements, this is what makes an American Airlines 737-800 uniquely theres.

 

We do the same thing really when we buy a computer, why buy them and strip them down and reconfigure them to our own liking.

 

Cheers

They said in the video that they had boeing build the first two, finished. From then on, they finish the planes "in order to cut cost". I understand this is common practice.

They said in the video that they had boeing build the first two, finished. From then on, they finish the planes "in order to cut cost". I understand this is common practice.

Indeed it is, most airlines add things or take away things once they get them back to their home base...

 

Regards,

Ró.

Picked up a new Airbus from Toulouse a few years back. Very enjoyable day out it was to!

The aircraft was in full Airline fit, including seats which was unusual as normally they would be fitted back at base.

 

We (the flight crew) weren't allowed onto the ramp until the official handover had been done which basically involved Airbus checking that the relevant bank transfers had been made.

 

Then it was onboard to check the tech log. Ensure the flight handover testing had been completed and check that the engineering hours tallied up with the recorded flight hours. Attempt to program the 'virgin' FMGC which had only the basic database loaded, imagine a brand new PC with only the windows stuff on it. Then start up, cockpit door wedged open (only the engineers and Airline staff onboard, no coffee!!!) and a very pleasant flight back to base.

 

Lovely people in Toulouse, a fantastic day out, wonderful (dry) lunch and a big bag of goodies for the kids.

 

Almost my last Airbus flight before going off to the B777. I'll always remember it. :lol: