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US Aircraft Manufacturer scores a coup |
Boeing celebrates a jumbo triumph
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing this week secured a $US5.5 billion ($A7billion) order for passenger versions of its stretch jumbo jet, the 747-8, from the heart of Airbus territory.
German carrier Lufthansa became the first airline to commit to the passenger version of the big jet with a solid order for 20 planes and options for 20 more, with deliveries starting in 2010.
News of the breakthrough order came after Airbus earlier announced the industrial launch of its answer to Boeing's mid-size 787, the A350 XWB, to enter service in 2013.
The order from a blue-chip carrier such as Lufthansa will encourage other airlines to look more closely at the stretch jumbo, which can fly 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration.
The order means it now has orders for 73 aircraft from eight customers, compared to 149 orders for the delayed double decker Airbus A380.
Analysts said the announcement was a coup for Boeing because Lufthansa is an A380 customer and more than half its fleet is made up of Airbus planes.
The airline's senior vice-president, corporate fleet, Nico Buchholz, said the 747-8 was a perfect complement to Lufthansa's fleet in the 400-seat category and closed a capacity gap between its 300- and 500-seat aircraft.
Boeing estimates the 747-8 will reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 16 per cent compared to a 747-400 and says it generates 30 per cent less noise.
It incorporates many of the innovations from the smaller 787, including a new wing design and efficient General Electric GEnx engines.
Raked wing tips, a new flap system and increased fuel capacity enable the plane to fly more efficiently with a range of up to 14,815km.
Boeing has also redesigned the interior and the 5.6m stretch means it the plane can carry 28 per cent more cargo than the 747-400.
Airbus's A350 XWB will be available as the A350-800, capable of carrying 270 passengers 15,750km in three classes, as well the 314-seat A350-900 and the 350-seat A350-1000, both with a range of up to 15,400km.
There will also be ultra-long range and freighter versions.
A cross-section of 5.9m will give the A350 XWB the widest fuselage in its category and, says Airbus, will offer "unprecedented levels of comfort in this market segment".
Source: The Australian: Aviation 08December2006
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