Wirraway
15th Jul 2004, 19:00
Fri "The Australian"
Weighty debate over plane facts
By Steve Creedy
July 16, 2004
VISITORS to next week's Farnborough air show in England are expecting fireworks as the two big aircraft makers debate issues ranging from new aircraft to government support.
Airbus grabbed the limelight this week when the first flying example of its 555-seat A380 "super jumbo" was wheeled out on the tarmac at Toulouse, France.
The MSN 001, which was moved between factories as part of the final assembly process, is scheduled to fly early next year.
But Boeing has been keeping a high profile, reviving criticism of European governments' financial support for Airbus and fiercely attacking its rival's product strategy.
Boeing Commercial Airplane's chief salesman, marketing vice-president Randy Baseler, told the Financial Times yesterday that the A380 was experiencing weight problems.
Mr Baseler said Airbus did not mention the effect of increases to the A380's weight on operating economics.
"Airbus keeps stating an unchanged 15 per cent improvement over 747-400 operating economics on a direct operating basis, and 17 per cent improvement on a cash operating basis. How is this possible?"
The attack follows a report in Germany's Der Speigel that the A380's empty weight was 14 tonnes greater than expected.
Airbus says the aircraft's maximum take-off weight remained at 560 tonnes.
"Based on all information to date, Airbus is confident it will deliver all of the A380's performance guarantees made to customers," a spokesman said.
"These guarantees do not relate to the aircraft's empty weight but to its fuel efficiency at a take-off weight of 560 tonnes when fully loaded with fuel, furnishings and baggage.
"Assuming that the empty weight is slightly heavier, this can be compensated for by improving the aircraft's aerodynamic performance to maintain fuel efficiency, ensuring all performance guarantees are met."
Boeing has also been in damage control, denying British reports it had been forced to redesign its 7E7 Dreamliner because the aircraft's eye-catching shape affected fuel efficiency.
And the US manufacturer announced this week it was boosting the range of its new 777s, thanks to improved engine efficiency and design improvements that reduced drag and aircraft weight.
The airline said enhancements for the Boeing 777-300ER would boost maximum range by 175 nautical miles to 7880nm (14,600km).
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Weighty debate over plane facts
By Steve Creedy
July 16, 2004
VISITORS to next week's Farnborough air show in England are expecting fireworks as the two big aircraft makers debate issues ranging from new aircraft to government support.
Airbus grabbed the limelight this week when the first flying example of its 555-seat A380 "super jumbo" was wheeled out on the tarmac at Toulouse, France.
The MSN 001, which was moved between factories as part of the final assembly process, is scheduled to fly early next year.
But Boeing has been keeping a high profile, reviving criticism of European governments' financial support for Airbus and fiercely attacking its rival's product strategy.
Boeing Commercial Airplane's chief salesman, marketing vice-president Randy Baseler, told the Financial Times yesterday that the A380 was experiencing weight problems.
Mr Baseler said Airbus did not mention the effect of increases to the A380's weight on operating economics.
"Airbus keeps stating an unchanged 15 per cent improvement over 747-400 operating economics on a direct operating basis, and 17 per cent improvement on a cash operating basis. How is this possible?"
The attack follows a report in Germany's Der Speigel that the A380's empty weight was 14 tonnes greater than expected.
Airbus says the aircraft's maximum take-off weight remained at 560 tonnes.
"Based on all information to date, Airbus is confident it will deliver all of the A380's performance guarantees made to customers," a spokesman said.
"These guarantees do not relate to the aircraft's empty weight but to its fuel efficiency at a take-off weight of 560 tonnes when fully loaded with fuel, furnishings and baggage.
"Assuming that the empty weight is slightly heavier, this can be compensated for by improving the aircraft's aerodynamic performance to maintain fuel efficiency, ensuring all performance guarantees are met."
Boeing has also been in damage control, denying British reports it had been forced to redesign its 7E7 Dreamliner because the aircraft's eye-catching shape affected fuel efficiency.
And the US manufacturer announced this week it was boosting the range of its new 777s, thanks to improved engine efficiency and design improvements that reduced drag and aircraft weight.
The airline said enhancements for the Boeing 777-300ER would boost maximum range by 175 nautical miles to 7880nm (14,600km).
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