Bridging the gap

With a focus on improving processes, productivity and competitiveness in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, Commercial Airplanes and its employees and unions are working together to ensure Boeing people have the right mix of skills to be successful in the future. Here's a look at what some employees and teams are doing to acquire and learn these abilities.

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In a hot spot

When it comes to real estate, it's all about location, location, location. And Icelandair, which for more than five decades has served as a bridge between North America and Europe, has used its geographically blessed North Atlantic locale to full advantage.

This island nation of 290,000 people—with a population smaller than cities such as Wichita, Kan., and El Paso, Texas, where Boeing sites are located—has become a popular stopover and tourist destination for transoceanic travelers, thanks in large measure to its flag carrier. For years, Icelandair has marketed its home country as much as, if not more than, itself. And the all-Boeing airline has used its geographic "sweet spot" to build an incredibly successful airline during one of the aviation industry's worst global downturns, even achieving record profits in 2004

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Serving up a culture, one flight at a time

Contrary to some people's belief, Iceland is not covered with ice. Instead, it has a landscape that in many places is covered with lava chunks from eruptions of its 200-plus volcanoes over the centuries.

So years ago, Icelandair decided to purposely play up its remoteness and its natural resources. After all, the country is home to the largest glacier in Europe and is a veritable hot spot of volcanic and geothermal activity. Not only does this natural hot water supply much of the island's population with inexpensive heating, but its geothermal seawater pools have helped make the country a tourist draw.

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Follow on Sevens

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of Emirates, recently visited Seattle to participate in delivery ceremonies for the first of 10 777-300ERs the airline will receive this year. While it may be true the airline is the biggest customer for the Airbus A380, Emirates also soon will be one of the world's largest operators of airplanes in Boeing's 777 family.

Dubai-based Emirates is scheduled to receive 10 777-300ERs in 2005 and has ordered a total of 30 for delivery before the end of 2007, which will bring its 777 fleet count to 51 airplanes. The airline also is considering the newly offered 777-200LR and Freighter versions, which the carrier said fit well into its fleet plans and offer the potential for additional orders.

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