Originally Posted by
kiwi grey
I think this is the real significance.
If an order for the A350 goes ahead, it will rule out the B777 for future QANTAS twin-aisle fleet replacements: they'll surely buy some model of either the B787 or the A350, as these will already be in their fleet, rather than adding a third type.
Hmmm, pretty tough to replace aging 744s and eventually 380s with 35Ks. Therefore, it seems 779 is a certainty at some point. Waiting until proven at other carriers with all the bugs worked out is probably a prudent strategy. The 778 hasn’t even firmed its configuration yet, although I suspect this will be done around the freighter version.
The super ultra long haul market (SYD-LHR/JFK) is very small in global terms. I suspect it would be unwise to compromise the rest of the market by chasing the “Project Sunrise”. That said, 778 was supposed to be the greatest aircraft ever for this type of market. Boeing is obviously having problems with 777X as well as 737MAX. Brain drain??? Certainly no capacity for NMA at the moment.