Originally Posted by
Australopithecus
Yes, I'd expect that. I read they are making 3.5 a month-what’s the maximum rate of that line? Logistics aside, Qantas apparently is hanging its hat on ultra long haul flights for which they need an optimised 777-X type. I don’t think they could be made to see the sense in gettin' -300s while the gettin's good.
Meanwhile the fleet ages, and they will soon enough be needing an A330 replacement plan.
The 777 line was at 8.3 a month a couple years ago - they slowed it down due to reduced demand for the -200/300 since most buyers are now waiting for the 777X. It'll take a while to get the 777X up to 7 or 8 a month once it's certified due to the learning curves involved. But they plan to keep making the current 777 as long as there is demand (particularly the 777F - while I expect they'll eventually offer a freighter version of the 777X, it'll be several years before it's available.
If it's range you need, the 777-200LR should fit the bill but it'll burn more fuel than the -8X.