If Boeing sticks to this timetable, it's going to be GTF:
FT article today - Boeing to push on with new aircraft ranges
Boeing is pushing ahead with plans for its next multi-billion dollar aircraft development programmes, putting additional pressure on its troubled European competitor, Airbus.
Scott Carson, head of Boeing's commercial aerospace division, yesterday told the Financial Times the group could launch a programme to develop a new generation single aisle aircraft to replace its long-standing 737. The programme could be started in about 18 months, aimed at achieving entry into commercial service around 2015. He said Boeing was sounding out customers over their demands for a new aircraft to replace the 737, whose earliest models were rolled out 40 years ago.
"There will be a new narrow body. The question is, how far down in passenger count do you go," he said. New competitors had en-tered the niche for much smaller jets of fewer than 110 seats where the "operating economics are tough", he said.
However the group was also looking at launching a programme to develop a new wide-bodied aircraft by 2012 aimed for entry into commercial service by 2020.
And Mr Carson warned that the group's priorities could change depending on market conditions.
Boeing was always expected at some stage to renew its long-lived single aisle family of aircraft. However, a decision within the next 18 months will further complicate the predicament at the rival Airbus, which is already struggling with the painful consequences of a weak dollar, a politically controversial cost-cutting plan and several difficult development programmes.
A decision to press ahead with a new 737 that uses the latest technology and add-resses growing environmental concerns could force Airbus to take an earlier than desired decision on revamping its own A320 range - a popular and cash generative family of aircraft.
In recent weeks Louis Gallois, chief executive of Airbus parent EADS, has warned that the group must accelerate its cost-cutting programme and shift more production to dollar-linked economies if it is to survive the currency crisis.
However, there was some uncertainty yesterday surrounding its plans to sell seven factories in Europe amid growing political concerns over the job implications of any disposal.
Mr Carson said Boeing was not reviewing its own production process in the light of its troubles with the new 787 Dreamliner, the highly popular rival to Airbus's A350.
Boeing was recently forced to announce a six to seven month delay in deliveries of its new aircraft after problems emerged in the assembly process.
The Boeing executive insisted that there was no question, at least given the information available today, of any further delays to the programme.