Quotes about the faster new Boeing
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Quotes about the faster new Boeing
QUOTES ABOUT THE NEW FASTER BOEING AIRPLANE
Customers
"We are excited that Boeing has taken on this challenge."
James Goodwin, CEO of UAL Corp.
CNNfn, 3/30/01
"Air Canada would definitely line up in the extremely interested prospective customer category."
Robert Milton, President and CEO of Air Canada
CNNfn, 3/30/01
"If you can whack an hour off going from Los Angeles to New York, then that's significant. We certainly want to take a look.''
John Plueger, chief operating officer of International Lease Finance Corp.
Wichita Eagle, 3/30/01
"Right off the bat, one of things it would do in some markets is give us an extra trip a day. On trips from the East Coast to Europe, traditionally we have a flight that goes in, sits for a couple of hours and then comes back. With these speeds, we could get in two flights a day. That's of major significance."
John Hotard, spokesman for American Airlines
Seattle PI, 3/30/0
"The concept of a higher-speed, medium-size transport aircraft with about 250 seats has great appeal."
Geoffrey Tudor, spokesman with Japan Airlines
Seattle Times, 3/30/01
Analysts
"It could be cool. It could change the game."
Howard Rubel, analyst with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Wichita Eagle, 3/30/01
"You will have all the high-margin passengers flocking to the new Boeing plane, leaving Airbus and its A380 hauling backpackers. This would be a silver bullet, a stake through the heart of the A380 - if it ever materializes. If they really have found a way to make this a reality then more power to them. They will produce a war winner."
Richard Aboulafia, director of aviation consulting for the Teal Group
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"It is a very forceful statement that Boeing is still focused on its core business - building commercial airplanes. It's wonderful to see them thinking in leaps ahead, not iterative thoughts about how to tweak a previous design to improve it."
Byron Callan, aerospace analyst with Merrill Lynch & Co.
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"It's now clear that both Boeing and Airbus have placed their bets on the table and each is holding very different sets of cards. "It's going to be fun to watch how this develops over the next several years. Customers and airlines will have some interesting choices to make. Do customers want to travel in a very large plane with 600 other passengers from one busy airport hub to another, or do passengers want to travel point-to-point in a faster plane? I think passengers want to go from their point of origin to their destination as fast as possible. As long as customers can do that for about the same price, it's pretty much a slam dunk for Boeing."
Peter Jacobs, industry analyst with Ragen MacKenzie.
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"If Boeing gets the technology right on this plane - and you must assume they wouldn't be bragging if they weren't sure they could keep airline costs from rising - then they could take the mid-market off the table."
Daniel Solon, Avmark International
Dow Jones, 3/30/01
"It certainly raises questions about the balance of power between Airbus and Boeing at the end of the decade."
Heidi Wood, analyst with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Seattle Times, 3/30/01
"If I had to devise a response [to the A380] this would be it. It's almost too perfect. It scares the airlines from buying another A380."
Richard L. Aboulafia, director of aviation consulting for the Teal Group
Los Angeles Times, 3/30/01
The announcement "lets people know they haven't been sleeping at the switch."
Bill Dane, senior aerospace analyst with Forecast International
Forbes, 3/30/01
"If you can go from New York to California in four hours rather than five, you can spend more time doing something else. Whether it's a business meeting or another hour of vacation, whatever it is. At the end of the day, it could mean much better service for air travelers."
Byron Callan, aerospace analyst with Merrill Lynch
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"A faster middle-of-the-market aircraft could become a revolutionary concept, allowing airlines to increase frequency, better avoid congestion and increase travel opportunities."
Steve Binder and Valerie Davisson, analysts with Bear Stearns
Everett Herald, 3/30/01
Media
By concentrating on the all-new jet, Boeing leapfrogs Europe's Airbus in commercial aircraft technology.
Associated Press, 3/30/01
The Boeing announcement marks a sudden raising of the stakes in the world civil aircraft industry, with the standard bearers of the US and Europe embarked on radically different development strategies.
Financial Times, 3/30/01
Industry Experts
"Recent industry trends indicate that American air travelers prefer greater frequencies, shorter flying times and affordable, safe travel. And as Boeing's announcement appears to fulfill those objectives, the company is responding to the U.S. marketplace."
Michael Wascom, Air Transport Association
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
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Customers
"We are excited that Boeing has taken on this challenge."
James Goodwin, CEO of UAL Corp.
CNNfn, 3/30/01
"Air Canada would definitely line up in the extremely interested prospective customer category."
Robert Milton, President and CEO of Air Canada
CNNfn, 3/30/01
"If you can whack an hour off going from Los Angeles to New York, then that's significant. We certainly want to take a look.''
John Plueger, chief operating officer of International Lease Finance Corp.
Wichita Eagle, 3/30/01
"Right off the bat, one of things it would do in some markets is give us an extra trip a day. On trips from the East Coast to Europe, traditionally we have a flight that goes in, sits for a couple of hours and then comes back. With these speeds, we could get in two flights a day. That's of major significance."
John Hotard, spokesman for American Airlines
Seattle PI, 3/30/0
"The concept of a higher-speed, medium-size transport aircraft with about 250 seats has great appeal."
Geoffrey Tudor, spokesman with Japan Airlines
Seattle Times, 3/30/01
Analysts
"It could be cool. It could change the game."
Howard Rubel, analyst with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Wichita Eagle, 3/30/01
"You will have all the high-margin passengers flocking to the new Boeing plane, leaving Airbus and its A380 hauling backpackers. This would be a silver bullet, a stake through the heart of the A380 - if it ever materializes. If they really have found a way to make this a reality then more power to them. They will produce a war winner."
Richard Aboulafia, director of aviation consulting for the Teal Group
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"It is a very forceful statement that Boeing is still focused on its core business - building commercial airplanes. It's wonderful to see them thinking in leaps ahead, not iterative thoughts about how to tweak a previous design to improve it."
Byron Callan, aerospace analyst with Merrill Lynch & Co.
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"It's now clear that both Boeing and Airbus have placed their bets on the table and each is holding very different sets of cards. "It's going to be fun to watch how this develops over the next several years. Customers and airlines will have some interesting choices to make. Do customers want to travel in a very large plane with 600 other passengers from one busy airport hub to another, or do passengers want to travel point-to-point in a faster plane? I think passengers want to go from their point of origin to their destination as fast as possible. As long as customers can do that for about the same price, it's pretty much a slam dunk for Boeing."
Peter Jacobs, industry analyst with Ragen MacKenzie.
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"If Boeing gets the technology right on this plane - and you must assume they wouldn't be bragging if they weren't sure they could keep airline costs from rising - then they could take the mid-market off the table."
Daniel Solon, Avmark International
Dow Jones, 3/30/01
"It certainly raises questions about the balance of power between Airbus and Boeing at the end of the decade."
Heidi Wood, analyst with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Seattle Times, 3/30/01
"If I had to devise a response [to the A380] this would be it. It's almost too perfect. It scares the airlines from buying another A380."
Richard L. Aboulafia, director of aviation consulting for the Teal Group
Los Angeles Times, 3/30/01
The announcement "lets people know they haven't been sleeping at the switch."
Bill Dane, senior aerospace analyst with Forecast International
Forbes, 3/30/01
"If you can go from New York to California in four hours rather than five, you can spend more time doing something else. Whether it's a business meeting or another hour of vacation, whatever it is. At the end of the day, it could mean much better service for air travelers."
Byron Callan, aerospace analyst with Merrill Lynch
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
"A faster middle-of-the-market aircraft could become a revolutionary concept, allowing airlines to increase frequency, better avoid congestion and increase travel opportunities."
Steve Binder and Valerie Davisson, analysts with Bear Stearns
Everett Herald, 3/30/01
Media
By concentrating on the all-new jet, Boeing leapfrogs Europe's Airbus in commercial aircraft technology.
Associated Press, 3/30/01
The Boeing announcement marks a sudden raising of the stakes in the world civil aircraft industry, with the standard bearers of the US and Europe embarked on radically different development strategies.
Financial Times, 3/30/01
Industry Experts
"Recent industry trends indicate that American air travelers prefer greater frequencies, shorter flying times and affordable, safe travel. And as Boeing's announcement appears to fulfill those objectives, the company is responding to the U.S. marketplace."
Michael Wascom, Air Transport Association
Seattle PI, 3/30/01
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As long as Boeing can keep the operating costs in line (and therefore ticket prices), both the airlines and air travel customers will flock to this aircraft.
Most people consider their time to be valuable, and as long as there's only a modest price difference (if any) then they will chose to fly this aircraft. Time savings will come from both shorter flying times and quicker entry and exits from non-hub airports. Additionally, point-to-point flying always saves time by putting you that much closer to your final destination.
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Safe flying to you...
[This message has been edited by Flight Safety (edited 20 April 2001).]
Most people consider their time to be valuable, and as long as there's only a modest price difference (if any) then they will chose to fly this aircraft. Time savings will come from both shorter flying times and quicker entry and exits from non-hub airports. Additionally, point-to-point flying always saves time by putting you that much closer to your final destination.
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Safe flying to you...
[This message has been edited by Flight Safety (edited 20 April 2001).]
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I am suspicious of Beoing regarding this. it smacks of banging together an artist's impression with a few press releases just because they lost out so badly to the A380.
the spin doctors have spun!
anyway I canīt see Boeing getting this off the ground for ages, if ever, and a falling dollar and economy facing recession and raging inflation isnīt going to help either.
Neither will $40 / barrel oil in the summer.
you wait & see!
the spin doctors have spun!
anyway I canīt see Boeing getting this off the ground for ages, if ever, and a falling dollar and economy facing recession and raging inflation isnīt going to help either.
Neither will $40 / barrel oil in the summer.
you wait & see!
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As long as Boeing keep the cost down to the fare paying punter. Then I expect to see a lot of A380's in the Charter Market.Time on Leisure Travel is not at such a premium and the airlines & tour op's want to get as many pepole there in one go and as cheaply as poss!
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You fly em we'll fill em!
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You fly em we'll fill em!
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To all Boeing Bashers,
This aircraft is not a "response" to the 380 since Boeing never thought that the 380 market was big enough to support one airplane let alone two. Remember that Boeing is a commercial venture and, as such, does not have the bottomless coffers to support the development of an aircraft for a limited market.
Given the interest in this aircraft, no doubt the risk-sharing partners can be assembled to finance this undertaking - at almost any price. The market for a family of such aircraft is enormous permitting the development costs to be defrayed over a large number of units. That is why the operating costs and launch targets will likely be met.
Good luck to Boeing! I can't wait.
This aircraft is not a "response" to the 380 since Boeing never thought that the 380 market was big enough to support one airplane let alone two. Remember that Boeing is a commercial venture and, as such, does not have the bottomless coffers to support the development of an aircraft for a limited market.
Given the interest in this aircraft, no doubt the risk-sharing partners can be assembled to finance this undertaking - at almost any price. The market for a family of such aircraft is enormous permitting the development costs to be defrayed over a large number of units. That is why the operating costs and launch targets will likely be met.
Good luck to Boeing! I can't wait.
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>Boeing never thought that the 380 market > was big enough ...
Boeing thought, not Only Reavealed True
> The market for a family of such aircraft > (sonic cruiser)is enormous ...
Idem, (Better remember "Enormous SST market" in the 70's)
MGloff
Boeing thought, not Only Reavealed True
> The market for a family of such aircraft > (sonic cruiser)is enormous ...
Idem, (Better remember "Enormous SST market" in the 70's)
MGloff
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The ONLY way the mach .95 "Sonic Cruiser" can be economically viable, is if the operating costs are "close" to the operating costs of a similarly sized mach .84 aircraft. I'm convinced that the ticket price differential cannot be very much in order for this aircraft to be profitable for Boeing. I'm somewhat aware of the engineering challenges involved to accomplish this cost of operation at mach .95, and if Boeing is able to achieve this, then they will have a clear winner on their hands.
I feel however that the best market niche for this aircraft is the long haul point-to-point market. The speed advantage is too small on short flights to make the aircraft distinguishable from existing aircraft serving those markets. The Charter market is very cost sensitive as well as a good portion of the regular tourist market. The business market will pay a small premium for the speed advantage, and a sizable portion of the tourist market would also I believe.
But here's something that's interesting, suppose this aircraft works as advertised, and the speed increase happens at little or no increase in direct operating costs. What existing Boeing aircraft will this new airplane replace? The 767? No problem here, as the 767 has recently become a very slow seller. What will it do to the existing 777 market? Boeing spent a huge sum in the last decade developing this brand new aircraft. Should Boeing obsolete the 777 by the end of this decade with a family variant of the "Sonic Cruiser" in the 777's size and range class? Again I think the main strength of this new aircraft will be on long range point-to-point routes, where the speed advantage can be seen and felt most clearly.
Bottom line, the operating costs have to be close to existing aircraft, or the market for this airplane will be very small. I think many of the airline CEOs have made a number of statements to this affect.
Sorry guys, it's the bean counter in me.
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Safe flying to you...
I feel however that the best market niche for this aircraft is the long haul point-to-point market. The speed advantage is too small on short flights to make the aircraft distinguishable from existing aircraft serving those markets. The Charter market is very cost sensitive as well as a good portion of the regular tourist market. The business market will pay a small premium for the speed advantage, and a sizable portion of the tourist market would also I believe.
But here's something that's interesting, suppose this aircraft works as advertised, and the speed increase happens at little or no increase in direct operating costs. What existing Boeing aircraft will this new airplane replace? The 767? No problem here, as the 767 has recently become a very slow seller. What will it do to the existing 777 market? Boeing spent a huge sum in the last decade developing this brand new aircraft. Should Boeing obsolete the 777 by the end of this decade with a family variant of the "Sonic Cruiser" in the 777's size and range class? Again I think the main strength of this new aircraft will be on long range point-to-point routes, where the speed advantage can be seen and felt most clearly.
Bottom line, the operating costs have to be close to existing aircraft, or the market for this airplane will be very small. I think many of the airline CEOs have made a number of statements to this affect.
Sorry guys, it's the bean counter in me.
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Safe flying to you...
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And will it be able to utilise its marginal extra speed in congested EU airspace? Will the ever more chocked slot/over stretched ground handling/terminal crowding issues negate the flight time benefits?
Is saving 60 mins Transatlantic a Unique Selling Proposition? Will people pay a premium for flying on something so Buck Rogers looking? WE love aeroplanes like that but does Joe Punter give a damn. Indeed is Joe Average slightly perturbed by the idea of flying in something not reassuringly similar to everything else?
Not convinced personally. Only concepts that have worked in the last 30 years are either bigger airframe or fewer engines and preferably the two combined...
WWW
Is saving 60 mins Transatlantic a Unique Selling Proposition? Will people pay a premium for flying on something so Buck Rogers looking? WE love aeroplanes like that but does Joe Punter give a damn. Indeed is Joe Average slightly perturbed by the idea of flying in something not reassuringly similar to everything else?
Not convinced personally. Only concepts that have worked in the last 30 years are either bigger airframe or fewer engines and preferably the two combined...
WWW
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Well, you have to hand it to Boeing.
Whilst industry comment and interest focussed on the A380 and how Boeing had missed the boat, Boeing was doing what classic strategy says to do, ie, don't ever tell your opponents your true strengths.
Viewed in another way, they waited until Airbus was utterly comitted to a financial undertaking of such enormous proportions before presenting this airplane to the market.
Boeing have effectively retained the element of surprise, eliminated potential competition, maintained secrecy and snagged the serious money for the next generation...just like the B747.
Not easy to do in today's world of industrial espionage, share holder demand for short term profit and other external pressures we can only dream about.
And Airbus have even offerred the A380 at such low costs, locked in now there are orders, just to make sure they got a market for their product.
Wow, touche to Boeing.
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Whilst industry comment and interest focussed on the A380 and how Boeing had missed the boat, Boeing was doing what classic strategy says to do, ie, don't ever tell your opponents your true strengths.
Viewed in another way, they waited until Airbus was utterly comitted to a financial undertaking of such enormous proportions before presenting this airplane to the market.
Boeing have effectively retained the element of surprise, eliminated potential competition, maintained secrecy and snagged the serious money for the next generation...just like the B747.
Not easy to do in today's world of industrial espionage, share holder demand for short term profit and other external pressures we can only dream about.
And Airbus have even offerred the A380 at such low costs, locked in now there are orders, just to make sure they got a market for their product.
Wow, touche to Boeing.
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Mankind will always grap new gadgets - has done since the wheel was invented - and will continue when the 20XX will sit at the gate, ready for boarding..
Nothing can stop evolution..
Hopefully Boeing will go ahead and bring the 20xx into reality.. It doesn't really matter if it'll take them 5-10 or 15 years to develop the aircraft - the customers will want it..
Very exiting..!
[This message has been edited by iflyboeing747 (edited 21 April 2001).]
Nothing can stop evolution..
Hopefully Boeing will go ahead and bring the 20xx into reality.. It doesn't really matter if it'll take them 5-10 or 15 years to develop the aircraft - the customers will want it..
Very exiting..!
[This message has been edited by iflyboeing747 (edited 21 April 2001).]
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Does this mean that Concorde will receive a little more attention now? It is the original luxury supersonic ac and in my opinion still better looking than the Boeing. Would there ever be a way of re-engining the old bird to make it quieter? Airbus may well consider their own version in time, so I wouldn't write them off just yet either.
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Some more info and news quotes:.......
Flying at speeds of Mach .95 or above over extended ranges, the airplane will provide passengers with greater flying comfort. Environmental benefits include landings and takeoffs quieter than Stage 4 airplanes. Seating - three classes: 100 - 300. Range: Greater than 9,000 nautical miles (16,668 km). Maximum cruising Altitude: Mid-40,000 foot level or higher.
Boeing Executive Says Sonic Cruiser Will Be A 'Good Neighbor' Airplane .... LONDON, July 10, 2001 - Boeing's potential new "sonic cruiser" airplane will have fuel effeciency similiar to today's long-range jets, and will offer several other environmentally-friendly advantages, said John Roundhill, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Marketing for the new airplane program.
Speaking to members of the Royal Aeronautical Society in honor of the historical contributions to aviation of Sir Thomas Sopwith, Roundhill addressed the environmental requirements of the proposed new airplane.
"The sonic cruiser's fuel efficiency will be similar to the newest, similarly-sized airplanes being delivered today," he said.
Boeing also projects the proposed airplane will have lower nitrogen oxide emissions than today's airplanes, Roundhill said. Local air quality near airports also should be improved because the airplane's unique configuration and improved climb performance will mean less time spent in airport holding patterns.
Envisioned as a long-range airplane linking more pairs of cities directly, the sonic cruiser will allow more direct flights. This, in turn, will mean fewer takeoff and landing cycles, greater fuel efficiency and a reduction in the associated emissions.
It also will reduce airport community noise, making it a "good neighbor" for those living near airports, Roundhill said. It will be quieter than upcoming Chapter 4 noise standards and current airport-specific requirements.
The proposed airplane will fly at speeds of up to Mach .98 (approximately 98 percent of the speed of sound) or about 15 to 20 percent faster than current commercial jet airplanes. Higher cruising altitudes -- in the mid-40,000-foot range - will offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. This should allow the airplane to fly over slower air traffic, transporting travelers sooner to their destinations all over the world.
Boeing unveils the future at Paris airshow... PARIS, June 19, 2001 - The Boeing Company today unveiled a large, detailed model of its newest commercial airplane, the sonic cruiser, at the Paris Air Show. The unveiling, by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally, concluded a program that also featured noted futurist and author John Naisbitt.
"This airplane is advanced technology's latest and best answer to the question 'how do people want to fly?' This is the airplane our customers have asked us to concentrate on," Mulally said. "They share our view that this new airplane will change the way the world flies as dramatically as did the introduction of the jet age."
The sonic cruiser is expected to fly at speeds of up to Mach .98 (98 percent of the speed of sound) or faster over extended ranges. The faster speeds will reduce flight times by approximately 20 percent, shortening air travel trips by about one-hour for every 3,000 miles flown. The airplane's long-range potential of 9,000 nautical miles (16,670 kilometers) or higher means passengers will be able to fly directly to their destinations, avoiding congested hubs and the delay and inconvenience of intermediate stops.
The model, a 1/40-scale replica 6 feet in length, reveals a sleek, innovative design that includes a large wing placed farther back on the fuselage than today's jetliner designs, and a pair of canards -- small, wing-like extensions -- near the nose of the airplane. Two engines are placed at the rear of the airplane.
Naisbitt, the author of the best-selling Megatrends and, most recently, High Tech/ High Touch, introduced Mulally with remarks about how key trends are reshaping the world, including air travel and travelers' expectations and habits. Naisbett commented on the trends of instant and direct connectivity, a world "menu" of cultural choices available as part of daily life, and an "experience economy" in which people increasingly transcend temporal, spatial and financial limits to do the things that interest them, enabled by new technologies and new ways of thinking.
"We are moving into the Internet world, and that world is about bringing people together," Naisbitt said. He described technological breakthroughs like the sonic cruiser as enablers of connectivity, an assessment with which Mulally agreed.
"Air travel is about bringing people together," Mulally said. "That's what it comes down to. And the sonic cruiser will help us take air travel and bringing people together to a new level."
The Paris Air Show, historically a prime showcase for Boeing and other aerospace manufacturers, continues through June 24.
New Boeing aircraft to include range of possibilities SEATTLE, April 26, 2001 - Product improvements aimed at increasing airplane speed and range always have been at the top of airlines' "wish lists." Boeing again is responding to its customers' needs - this time with the new, faster airplane it unveiled last month.
While the company will work with airlines to determine the new airplane's final configuration and operational performance targets - much like it continues to do with the highly successful 777 program - it is clear this new airplane will change the way the world flies.
The new, faster airplane will be able to provide faster service on any route. The airplane will cruise 15- to 20-percent faster than today's airplanes. But one question now under consideration is this: What range should the airplane be designed to fly?
Today's long-range airplane can fly from 6,600 to 8,500 nautical miles (12,223 to 15,742 kilometers) at speeds between Mach 0.80 and Mach 0.85. The Longer-Range Boeing 777-200, due to enter service in 2004, will be the first airplane to open routes as far as 8,810 nautical miles (16,316 kilometers). With speeds of Mach 0.95 or higher, the new airplane proposed by Boeing will make trips even quicker on any existing routes and may introduce entirely new routes that are 9,000 nautical miles (16,668 kilometers) or farther.
Should airlines and Boeing agree that 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 kilometers) is the appropriate solution, the airplane will make faster flights between cities like Tokyo and Chicago, Los Angeles and Paris, London and Cape Town, South Africa, and London and Tokyo. Trip times over these routes will be reduced by one hour and 35 minutes with the new airplane.
If 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers) is chosen as the target, additional city pairs will become possible: London-Singapore, Chicago-Beijing and New York-Tokyo. With the new airplane, flying time on these routes will be reduced by one hour and 50 minutes.
If an additional 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) is added for a total of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometers), the airplane will serve the following city pairs: Los Angeles-Sydney, Los Angeles-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-New York. Using the new airplane, two hours could be saved on these routes.
Should the decision be made to design for a capability of 9,000 nautical miles (16,668 kilometers), the new airplane will make possible non-stop routes such as Singapore-Los Angeles, Los Angeles-Bangkok and New York-Singapore. These trips will take approximately 16 hours, 25 minutes.
If even longer range is required, the airplane will be configured to fly more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 kilometers). This will open service between London and Sydney for the first time, as well as between Sydney and New York. Such 10,000 nautical mile (18,520 kilometer) non-stop trips will take a little over 18 hours. Today, it takes much longer and requires a layover to fly from London to Sydney.
Boeing Focuses Commercial Airplanes Long-Range Product Strategy SEATTLE, March 29, 2001 -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes is focusing new product development efforts on a faster, longer-range airplane, President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally announced today.
"This is the airplane our customers have asked us to concentrate on," Mulally said. "They share our view that this new airplane could change the way the world flies as dramatically as did the introduction of the jet age."
The potential for airplanes larger than the current 747 has caused the industry to look carefully at long-term requirements for long-range, twin-aisle airplanes, Mulally said.
"In that context, we have had detailed conversations with our customers, and it is very clear that they would strongly value an airplane that can fly faster, higher and more quietly over very long ranges," he said.
The ability to fly at speeds of Mach .95 or faster over extended ranges will allow passengers to fly where they want to go, when they want to go - directly to their destinations, avoiding congested hubs and without the hassle and delay of intermediate stops.
"When we combine higher speed, longer range, the comfort of flight at higher altitudes, and the environmental benefits of quieter landings and takeoffs, we have an airplane that will open a new chapter in commercial aviation," Mulally said. "We are changing our new product development efforts to focus more strongly on this airplane that has caused such excitement among our customers. It will be an ideal complement to our current family."
Mulally said the market "continues to show us that our current product family is very strong, offering airlines the right mix of flexible and capable airplanes to meet their needs. As always, we will continue to add improvements to those airplanes.
"In our conversations, we have received clear direction from our customers that, with continued improvements, the 747-400 family will satisfy the majority of their large airplane needs," he said.
A higher-gross-weight version of the 747-400 with an improved, 777-style interior already has been launched and will be delivered to Qantas in November 2002. Boeing also is studying aerodynamic improvements, higher gross weights and new engines that would allow the 747 to fly more than 8,000 nautical miles, and offer new opportunities to utilize overhead space.
"We also will continue to protect the ability to do a larger 747 if and when our customers tell us they need one," Mulally said.
He added: "Because we are making the faster airplane our highest priority, we have asked Walt Gillette, currently the 747X program manager, to lead the development of this exciting airplane."
The 777 is selling at a record pace. The airlines are finding its capability, economics and passenger-pleasing attributes to be a compelling package for the traveling public. This will be enhanced further when the Longer-Range 777-200 and -300 airplanes enter into service in late 2003.
Mulally said that customers also are very pleased with the performance of the new 767-400 airplane, and do not require additional range.
"Therefore," he said, "we are slowing development on the Longer-Range 767-400ER, a proposed re-engined version of the 767-400. The highly capable 767 family will continue to serve the airlines very well."
Added Mulally: "I am excited that our Boeing team is at the point where our airplane design and manufacturing technology have come together to enable the next major step in the industry's future. This new faster airplane is one of the most tremendous opportunities we have seen to bring even more value to the world's travelers."
[ 22 July 2001: Message edited by: buzz light year ]
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I love Boeings but this is a dream. Present Boeing management does not have the guts to build this aeroplane. They are too concerned with corporate relocations, diversifying into "aviation related areas" and keeping the shareholders happy.
Boeing has lost the focus on building aeroplanes. They started to slide when they produced the 737-300 as a low risk way of upgrading the early 737. Despite its sales success (it being at that time the only game in town)it was rubbish when they designed the aeroplane and, in realty, it still is. Their timid approach to improving their products is what allowed Airbus to penetrate the original Boeing market strongholds.
The reality of the market is that it is 99% cost driven, passengers expect to get something concrete to justify higher ticket prices. To people with money Concorde was (is) worth paying for. The miniscule improvements in BLOCK TIME as opposed to FLIGHT TIME which this aircraft could provide will not justify a premium ticket price.
The high speed 747 would make as much sense if adequate engine efficiency gains can be achieved. The development costs would be less and there would be a significant efficiency and speed improvement over the present aeroplane.
Boeing has lost the focus on building aeroplanes. They started to slide when they produced the 737-300 as a low risk way of upgrading the early 737. Despite its sales success (it being at that time the only game in town)it was rubbish when they designed the aeroplane and, in realty, it still is. Their timid approach to improving their products is what allowed Airbus to penetrate the original Boeing market strongholds.
The reality of the market is that it is 99% cost driven, passengers expect to get something concrete to justify higher ticket prices. To people with money Concorde was (is) worth paying for. The miniscule improvements in BLOCK TIME as opposed to FLIGHT TIME which this aircraft could provide will not justify a premium ticket price.
The high speed 747 would make as much sense if adequate engine efficiency gains can be achieved. The development costs would be less and there would be a significant efficiency and speed improvement over the present aeroplane.