Another flight delay for Boeing’s troubled Dreamliner
The first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, originally scheduled for June 28, has been pushed back.
Boeing executives said that they had found additional stress where the wings attach to the sides of the plane. Modifications to reinforce the structure should fix the problem, they said.
Morgan Stanley analysts think the first delivery won’t be until 2011.
ANA and other customers are disappointed by the news. They want a new delivery schedule as soon as possible. ANA was expecting its first 787 in 2010.
Boeing has had 57 cancellations of 787 orders this year and Qatar Airways has indicated it is considering canceling its order for 60. Nevertheless, the Dreamliner order book stands at more than 800 and most customers appear eager to receive the aircraft. Continental Airlines, for example, said yesterday that it is “disappointed” by the latest delay but remains “committed” to the “game changer” plane.
Foreign spending in U.S. continues to fall
A recent Department of Commerce study showed that spending by foreigners continue to fall as the number of visitors fell 17 percent between April 2008 and April 2009.
Spending on travel and tourism-related goods and services amounted to $7.4 billion in April, down 17 percent (consistent with the overall result). This consists of such products and services as food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment and travel within the country. Another $2.1 billion came from travel to the United States from other countries. This represents a fall of 18 percent from April of 2008 and a decline of 4 percent from March 2009.
Starwood lessens the blow for its SPG members who bought Clear
If you’re a Starwood Preferred Guest member who purchased a membership to Clear after its three-month trial program, Starwood is offering to give you 10,000 Starpoints.
If you’re an SPG member who purchased a subscription to Clear after accepting the SPG three-month free trial offer, we would like to credit your account with 10,000 Starpoints® for this unforeseen inconvenience. Please fax proof of your purchase (your Clear receipt or a credit card statement with the Clear/Verified Identity Pass, Inc. charge) along with your SPG number to 519-633-5865 before July 30, 2009 to receive your Starpoints. We will verify your Clear enrollment was processed through the Starwood Preferred Guest promotional site, then credit the Starpoints within 7 business days from receipt of eligible proof.
