On Friday I posed the question, “How many Boeing 737s are still flying today,” and I received a lot of responses. So what [...]]]>

HI-RES PHOTO (click for larger). On December 16th, Boeing delivered their 7000th 737 to flydubai. The airplane is flydubai’s 14th Next-Generation 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior. Photo by Boeing.

On Friday I posed the question, “How many Boeing 737s are still flying today,” and I received a lot of responses. So what is the answer? (insert drum roll here)…

… did you click that drum roll link? It really adds to the suspense. If you did not do it before, it is not too late…

According to Boeing, there are 5,424 737s still flying today with 358 airlines in 114 countries. Knowing that the first 737 flew on April 9, 1967, that is AMAZING! So, who were the three that got the closest and are winning a free internet session with GoGo In-Flight Internet?

* Thibaut: 5418
* Allen Cheng: 5419
* Will Pestle 5423 (only one away)

Some of you just guessed random numbers (which works out okay) and others went through some pretty impressive formulas. I was amazing how many people were pretty close to the final answers. A big thanks go GoGo for providing three prizes for this contest!

As promised, here are some other great facts about the 737 that come directly from Boeing:

* Today’s 737s are 5 percent more fuel efficient than the first models delivered. By late-2012, the airplanes will be a full 7 percent more efficient, with full incorporation of the latest performance improvement package. The additional 2 percent equates to $120,000 savings per airplane per year, and tons fewer carbon emissions.

* It was just shy of 15 years between the first Next-Generation 737 order and the 5,000th order. The Next-Generation 737 reached this order milestone more quickly than any other commercial jet in history.

* Airlines ordered 724 of the Next-Generation 737 models between the Next-Generation program launch Nov. 17, 1993, and the day the first airplane was delivered on Dec. 12, 1997.

* The Next-Generation 737 is as long as it is wide, earning it the nickname of the first “square” airplane.

* The Next-Generation 737 uses an advanced system called Head-up Display or HUD, which comprises a transparent glass display positioned between the pilot’s eye and flight deck window to show critical information such as airspeed, altitude and attitude, and flight path. The Next-Generation 737 is the leader of large commercial jetliners produced today with this capability. Boeing is proud to introduce HUD as part of its basic systems equipment for both pilots on our 787.

* The Next-Generation 737 airplane wing thermal anti-ice system has the capability of outputting hot air on the wing leading edge equivalent to about six full-sized (100,000 BTU) household furnaces.

* Within five years of entering service, the worldwide fleet of Next-Generation 737s surpassed 10 million flight hours, a feat equal to one airplane flying more than 1,141 years nonstop. The Next-Generation 737 is the first and only commercial jetliner to reach this milestone so quickly.

* On July 27, 2006, Boeing delivered the 2,000th Next-Generation 737 six years sooner than any other commercial jet airplane. The milestone delivery – a 737-700 to Southwest Airlines – occurred nine years after Southwest received the first Next-Generation 737.

* There are approximately 36.6 miles (59 kilometers) of wire on the Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900ER (extended range) models, four miles (6.4 kilometers) less than the 737-300/-400/-500 models.

* On average, there are approximately 367,000 parts on a Next-Generation 737 airplane.

* Overall, the entire 737 family is the best-selling commercial jet in history, with orders for more than 9,100 airplanes through the end of November 2011. More than 6,900 have been delivered.

* On Feb. 13, 2006, Boeing delivered the 5,000th 737 to Southwest Airlines. Guinness World Records acknowledged the 737 as the most-produced large commercial jet airplane in aviation history.

* Typically, about 50 gallons (189 liters) of paint are used to paint an average 737. Once the paint is dry, it will weigh approximately 250 pounds (113 kilograms) per airplane, depending on the paint scheme.

NOTE: The contest is now over. You can view the answer here.

Today, Boeing delivered their 7,000th 737 to FlyDubai – those are a lot of airplanes.

To celebrate this monumental achievement I feel like holding a contest. I [...]]]>

The first Boeing 737, which does not have GoGo Internet. Photo found via Gordon Werner / Flickr.

NOTE: The contest is now over. You can view the answer here.

Today, Boeing delivered their 7,000th 737 to FlyDubai – those are a lot of airplanes.

To celebrate this monumental achievement I feel like holding a contest. I was asked by a reader (thanks Robert G), “How many 737s out of the 7000 are still flying,” and that is a great question. I turned that question over to Boeing and have received an official answer that I am using for the contest. I also sent out a few “crack-team information finders” (thanks Dan and Ben) to see if there would be some website that would easily give the answer away (that happened during my last contest) and I feel confident this one is not easy.

Now, I am turning that question over to you: How many Boeing 737s are still flying today? (according to the official answer that Boeing gave to me on 12/15/11 – Note that although Boeing gave me the answer for the contest, they are no way involved with the contest)

Oh and there are some real prizes to go along with this one. GoGo Inflight Internet has agreed to give the three closest guesses a free internet session for their next flight (which makes a great stocking stuffer — for yourself).

So send me an email (david@airlinereporter.com) or leave a comment with your best guess (you only get one). You have until the end of the day Monday the 19th to guess and then I will reveal the answer with all sorts of other great facts about the legendary Boeing 737.

Game on.

Wow, it has been almost a year since I did my last Ultimate Airline Livery Challenge. I have been meaning to do another, but obviously I did not get around to it until now. I did try a Landing Gear Contest back in March, but I [...]]]>

Do you know these liveries and aircraft types?

Wow, it has been almost a year since I did my last Ultimate Airline Livery Challenge. I have been meaning to do another, but obviously I did not get around to it until now. I did try a Landing Gear Contest back in March, but I miss the livery contest.

Since my last livery challenge, I have many more new readers, so I guess I should explain a bit on what this is about.

I show you a few 100×100 images of airlines and it is your job to tell me #1 what airline the image belongs to and #2 what kind of airplane is it? I don’t need to know exact model, but basic (ie “Boeing 777″ vs “Boeing 777-300ER”).

Do not leave your answers in the comments, since others will be able to see them. Email your answers to me at david@airlinereporter.com.

Those of you who get all the liveries and airplanes correct will win some super sweet AirlineReporter.com stickers that I will send you. Plus a big shout-out (and links to a website of choice) on the answer page. The contest will end on Friday whenever I post the answers (probably in the morning, PT).

Do not stress too much. If you only know a few, that is okay, still shoot me an email. Have fun and good luck!

ANSWERS FOR THE 5TH ULTIMATE AIRLINE LIVERY CHALLENGE

Most times I can’t stand commercials. Of course this doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good commercial when I see one. GoGo, which provides WiFi service on airlines, has started an advertising campaign starring Trav Lehrman (say it out loud and you should get it). GoGo describes Trav as “an eccentric new spokesperson,” but [...]]]>

Most times I can’t stand commercials. Of course this doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good commercial when I see one. GoGo, which provides WiFi service on airlines, has started an advertising campaign starring Trav Lehrman (say it out loud and you should get it). GoGo describes Trav as “an eccentric new spokesperson,” but I would probably say he is a bit uncouth, but still likeable.

Trav is going to be a part of a bigger advertising campaign by GoGo that will use  radio, airport based advertising, online display and video ads, and social media. GoGo is also holding a contest where you can win thier internet for life and $10,000.00 — that will buy a lot of stuff you don’t need from the SkyMall catalog.

GoGo is going all out with Trav. Not only is he in video, but he also has his own website and Twitter feed. If you want more of Trav, no worries. He has starred in more than one video.

That’s right folks, All Nippon Airways is holding a contest where you send them a [...]]]> Are you sitting down? Okay… How would you like to win two tickets on one of ANA’s site seeing Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights in Japan? Oh heck yes you would! Now, stop sitting and get ready to start taking photos.

That’s right folks, All Nippon Airways is holding a contest where you send them a photo of you smiling and incorporate “787″ creatively in your photo, then you will be considered for two tickets from an ANA city to Japan to take part in one of their 787 flights currently scheduled for sometime in October.

The contest starts now and your entry needs to be in by September 5th. Feel free to use any of my almost 500 787 Dreamliner photos (just please give me credit) and ANA has given you a few as well. Of course, you don’t necessarily need the actual plane in your photo. Even if you do not get 1st place, the top 9 runner ups will get a free 787 model.

Now, I have promoted quite a few contests I thought were pretty cool, but never heard from any of you that you entered. Now, this has got to be probably the most epic airline contest ever and I would be disappointed if none of you give this a shot. If you end up entering, throw me a line to let me know (david@airlinereporter.com). I might feature your entry on a future blog (remember these will be voted on).

So, stop reading this, get creative and start taking some photos!

I have a mystery for you. Who owns/owned this orange Boeing 737 that was sitting in Wichita Kansas on August 6th? This was taken and sent by reader JL Johnson who was hoping [...]]]>

What airline or charter company or private person does this orange livery belong to? Photo by JL Johnson. Click for larger.

I have a mystery for you. Who owns/owned this orange Boeing 737 that was sitting in Wichita Kansas on August 6th? This was taken and sent by reader JL Johnson who was hoping I could help, but I am not familiar with the livery and we didn’t get any hits via Twitter. From JL:

“What we did see was a KC-135 running touch-and-go maneuvers and these three unidentified planes.  As best I can tell they are on the Spirit tarmac although it is possible they may be on Boeing or even McConnell AFB property. To be honest I’m not sure where one ends and the other begins. In any case these were on the east side of Oliver street.  Google and other searches yield no results for any of the planes listed.  We were particularly interested in the tan 737 because of its unique livery. It appears that it has an N-number that begins with a 2 followed by what might be 9.  The pictures were taken on August 6 just before 4 PM local time as indicated by the exif.”

I am hoping you fine folks can give us a hand. Yes, the photo isn’t going to win any awards, but this was the best angle to get the shot. Any ideas or information, please leave in the comments.

If you ever run across an airline livery you are not sure of, let me know and if I am not sure what it is, we can work together to find out!

Here is N29SW in better days with a bright orange livery. Photo by Paul Kanagie.

UPDATE: Although many folks have helped track down this plane, I have to give uber kudos to @t0eknee who got the answer in a matter of minutes.  This plane is N29SW, a Boeing 737-200 that was first with Southwest Airlines, then sold to Ryan International Airlines. At one time the aircraft actually had a very bright orange livery, but today it is a bit more faded. The 737-200 now belongs to the Kansas Aviation Museum, where 80% of the original plane was built.

UPDATE2: Got an email from Jim Armstrong giving a bit more information on the other two planes: “The shiny one toward the left is a Boeing B-47E model, one of a very few left in existence.  The tall dark tail aircraft toward the right is a Boeing B-52, probably a “D” model.  Having grown up in Wichita from 1950 to 1962, I’m pretty familiar with both aircraft.”

The Boeing 737 is the bestselling airliner in the world and for good reason. The first flew on April 9, 1967 and even though the aircraft has [...]]]>

Screen shot of Boeing's Explore 737 page highlighting the 360 view of a United Boeing 737-900ER (N36444). Click the image to be taken to the interactive view.

The Boeing 737 is the bestselling airliner in the world and for good reason. The first flew on April 9, 1967 and even though the aircraft has changed quite a bit over its 42 year history, it is still easily recognizable. Recently, a brand spanking new United 737-900ER had one heck of a 360 view created in its honor. I had the opportunity to speak with Anthony Ponton, 737 Brand Manager, via the phone to learn a bit more about the process it took to create such a unique image.

Ponton explained how it was actually quite difficult for Boeing to get their hands on a completed aircraft. Normally they are built and handed over to the airline quickly. If the plane is sitting on the ground, it isn’t making any money — for anyone. This 737 (N36444) ended up having a week free, so United allowed Boeing to take it down to Victorville, CA (KVCV) to do the photo-shoot. Well, the word “photo-shoot” really does not give this project justice. The crew spent almost an entire day (8:30am-3:30pm) taking photos (guessing the number of photos taken is the contest — see below) from about 150′ away to create the 360 view.

This is truly a one of a kind project that uses Microsoft’s Silverlight technology. The Boeing 737 360 view has even been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest giga-pixel image of a single object — impressive. Boeing created this not only for their airline customers, but also to share with airline fans. They wanted to use a high-technology method to highlight the technology used on the current 737 family.

The view really let’s you explore the 737 in great detail. You can zoom all the way in to see rivets or read the safety messages on the aircraft’s doors. When asked if Boeing might do this with other aircraft types, Ponton was not so sure. He explained how completing this 360 on Boeing’s smallest aircraft was already a challenge and a larger aircraft would only be more difficult. Of course, that is not to say that Boeing might not be up to the challenge.

CONTEST: How many photos did Boeing use to make this 360 view possible?
Boeing spent a long time taking all the photos needed to make this impressive view and I am holding a contest to see who can come closest to how many it took. I have been told the official number by Mr. Ponton and whomever gets closest will get a fun prize. I am not sure exactly what the prize will be, but if you keep your expectations low, you won’t be disappointed. You will have until 5pm PT on Tuesday August 2nd, 2011. You can either leave a comment or send an email to david@airlinereporter.com with your answer. Good luck!

For some this might not seem like a prize for a contest, but for many who love the airline business, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is holding a contest, where the winner will live in YVR for 80 days.

Do not worry, you won’t have [...]]]>

Inside YVR.

For some this might not seem like a prize for a contest, but for many who love the airline business, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is holding a contest, where the winner will live in YVR for 80 days.

Do not worry, you won’t have to sleep there – a nice free room awaits you in a hotel, but during the day time hours, you are on. There will be no “average day” during your 80-day stint. “Each day, he/she will be shooting a story, editing it and posting it to the Live@YVR site,” Rebecca Catley, Director of Communications for the airport explained via email. “They will be meeting people, researching stories, socializing with YVR employees, and checking out all the airport has to offer. They will be using Twitter and Facebook, writing a daily blog, and some days, turning the camera on themselves as part of their video diary. There will be lots they will want and need to do and lots for them to explore.”

The idea is to show how YVR is a city with-in a city. Many passengers just see the airport as one unwelcome step to the travel experience, but they can be part of the experience. There are over 23,000 employees and 400 businesses at the YVR to explore, which is similar to many other airports.

Now, the biggest restriction for the contest is you must be a British Columbia resident, but you do not need to be a Canadian citizen. Probably one of the strictist requirements, according to their site, is you must be “generally awesome,” a very important quality. If you meet the requirements and have a great idea, post your video to their contest page and good luck!

Image: roaming-the-planet

First off, who the heck is Qatar Airways? They have been around since 1993, but have really been growing rapidly into North America in the past few years. They are based (can you take a guess) in Qatar at Doha International Airport. They already have a fleet [...]]]>

Qatar Boeing 777-200LR (A7-BBD) at Paine Field.

First off, who the heck is Qatar Airways? They have been around since 1993, but have really been growing rapidly into North America in the past few years. They are based (can you take a guess) in Qatar at Doha International Airport. They already have a fleet of 95 aircraft and 182 additional on order. Now, that is growth.

And we aren’t talking small planes either. They have 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 29 Boeing 777s and five Airbus A380s all on order (also 8 Airbus A321s, but those aren’t too big).

Anyhow, Qatar Airways is celebrating their 100th destination and they want to give away 100 free tickets.

Between now and April 16th you can sign up on their website for a chance to win a pair of economy class tickets to anywhere they fly. The beauty is there are no essays, no videos, no creative photos needed to win this contest. Just you filling out a quick form and hope to get lucky. Game on!

Image: Drewski2112

Wow, you guys are pretty darn good. I was shocked how many different responses I received. I wanted to give a shout out to all those that got it all right, but I got caught way behind this weekend, so I am putting all [...]]]>

How many of these landing gears did you get correct?

Wow, you guys are pretty darn good. I was shocked how many different responses I received. I wanted to give a shout out to all those that got it all right, but I got caught way behind this weekend, so I am putting all the answers out.

Here are the answers:

#1: Boeing 747-8I for unknown customer and has been painted in the nice orange “sunrise” livery
#2: Boeing 767-300ER for ANA and the 1001st Boeing 767 built, taken inside the Boeing factory
#3: Boeing 737-800 for Alaska Airlines taken in Bellingham during Alaska’s first BLI flight to Hawaii
#4: Boeing 747-400 for United Airlines taken while hanging out on the ramp at LAX
#5: Bombardier Q400 for Horizon Air taken in Reno, NV during a short flight on Horizon
#6: Boeing 787 Dreamliner ZA002 with ANA livery taken after ZA002 took off from Paine Field after getting some work done

I think #6, the Boeing 787 ended up catching more people off guard. Stay tuned for the next contest — airliners have a lot of parts to use.

You guys have shown your livery skills, but what about landing gears?

What kind of planes do these landing gears belong to? No prizes on this one, but a nice shout out with the answers. Uber bonus if [...]]]>

How many of these six landing gears can you recognize? Me... um, not all of them.

You guys have shown your livery skills, but what about landing gears?

What kind of planes do these landing gears belong to? No prizes on this one, but a nice shout out with the answers. Uber bonus if you can tell the airline (I know on a few you can).

UPDATE: Although the “official” contest is over, you can still take a guess and check your answers here.

Man, airlines have just been pulling out all the stops with contests recently. The most recent one is pretty slick and is from Air New Zealand. Remember, not that long ago Air New Zealand showed off their new Boeing 777-300ER with [...]]]>

The Sky Couch is super comfy and great to snuggle with your valentine.

Man, airlines have just been pulling out all the stops with contests recently. The most recent one is pretty slick and is from Air New Zealand. Remember, not that long ago Air New Zealand showed off their new Boeing 777-300ER with the sky couch (aka cuddle class). Between now and Valentines day they are giving away a free pair of tickets on cuddle class seats to either Auckland or England from Los Angeles.

Where other contests have you making videos, this one you just need to Tweet. Everyday you have a chance to answer a question via Twitter. Air New Zealand will choose one lucky winner per day and then you’re off on your adventure. If you are super lucky, you might be the one person chosen to get an all expense-paid, week-long trip to New Zealand. Here’s how you join:

1) Go to Trazzler’s website for the contest
2) Enter your email address
3) Send a Tweet, answering their question and making sure to include “#airnewzealand http://bit.ly/ehhR” in your tweet
4) Hope to win a free trip

Air New Zealand is well known for love in the air. In October 2009, they had a match making flight and more recently they had Rico trying to set up an unsuspecting pair mid-air (and he succeeded). Is your story next?

Do you want to create your own livery and see it on a Boeing 737? Well, Alaska Airlines and the Portland Timbers might let you live that dream. They are holding a contest and letting fans [...]]]>

Oh man, I am betting this one will (not) win. You have to be able to do better?

Do you want to create your own livery and see it on a Boeing 737? Well, Alaska Airlines and the Portland Timbers might let you live that dream. They are holding a contest and letting fans create their own livery. If it is chosen, they will paint an aircraft in your design.

Well, I guess you also win a pair of first class tickets to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, free Timber tickets and an autographed jersey. That is pretty neat, but not nearly as neat as having a Boeing 737 flying around with your livery.

Do you have what it takes to make up your own livery? Obviously I do and I hope mine will win (okay, I am not submitting this). Better hurry, you only have until February 15, 2011. You can learn more and get a blank version of the Boeing 737 on the Timber’s website. Good luck!

When first hearing about this contest, I had to read the details a few times to make sure I fully understood. I have promoted a few contests from airlines before on the blog, but this one takes the cake. Where some [...]]]>

Where in the world do you want to go on Cathay Pacific?

When first hearing about this contest, I had to read the details a few times to make sure I fully understood. I have promoted a few contests from airlines before on the blog, but this one takes the cake. Where some contests might give you a free flight or two, this one from Cathay Pacific will let you fly around the world for 80-days.

That’s right. You get unlimited economy class tickets from Hong Kong to any Cathay Pacific or Drangonair destination for 80-days. You also get 4-days and 3-nights hotel accommodation for every location you travel to and about $350.00 spending money per day.

Of course you will have to put in a little work to win a prize like this. You need to submit either a 30-60 second video, photos or a story that shares, “where in the world would you go in 80-days?” The contest ends on March 6th and on April 12th, 8 finalists will be flown to Hong Kong to compete in a one-day challenge to see who will win the grand prize.

This is probably the biggest and best prize I have seen from a contest hosted by an airline. Surely it is a worth a short video for a chance to travel around the world for 80-days. Game on and good luck!

LEARN MORE AND ENTER VIA CATHAY PACIFIC’S FACEBOOK

Image: Andrew Sieber

United Airlines is currently hosting a new contest called, “United’s Three Perfect Days Contest,” which will allow one lucky winner to create a custom trip for them an a guest. All you need to do is make a creative video telling United where you want [...]]]>

Where do you want to go on United Airlines?

United Airlines is currently hosting a new contest called, “United’s Three Perfect Days Contest,” which will allow one lucky winner to create a custom trip for them an a guest. All you need to do is make a creative video telling United where you want to go and why. Now, I have promoted some contests before, but I haven’t heard if any of you readers have actually entered. If you enter, I want to be sure to see your video. You enter view United’s Facebook, they will post the videos and you get to vote who is the winner. Here are the things you can win:

Prizes:
* One grand prize winner will receive a ‘Three Perfect Days’ prize package including:
* Round-trip, economy class air transportation for two on United Airlines or United Express
*United Travel Options Premier Travel Plus for two (where available at select U.S. airports)
* Includes Economy Plus® Seating, First two standard checked bags free, Red Carpet Club one-time pass and more!
* $2,500 Visa® gift card for hotel accommodations and spending money
* Digital camera to document your trip

Two first prize winners will receive:
*50,000 United Mileage Plus® Miles
* Economy Plus® Annual Option
* $500 Visa® gift card
* Digital camera

Super AirlineReporter.com Bonus:
* If you are a reader and win this and choose to fly to Seattle, I will set up a special tour of all the great Seattle Aviation things to see here (I won’t be able to pay for your entrance, but you have $2,500.00 for that)
* I will give you stickers
* I will show your video on the blog (if you want)

I kind of wish the contest included two first class tickets, instead of economy plus, but heck at least you get to check out the Red Carpet Club. Good luck and let me know if you enter (I won’t be hurt if you don’t come to Seattle). ENTER NOW.