DBEA55AED16C0C92252A6554BC1553B2 Clicky DBEA55AED16C0C92252A6554BC1553B2 Clicky
March 29, 2024
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While the continued grounding of the 787 is not a positive for Boeing, our industry sources indicate that the next few weeks will bring several other developments that are quite positive news for Boeing.

1. A major order from Ryanair

Ryanair and Boeing are nearing agreement on an order for 200 additional 737NG aircraft, which should ensure a smooth production transition between NG and Max without gaps.  This order has been in process for some time, but an announcement deferred as Ryanair was in negotiations to acquire AerLingus.  With that transaction thwarted by regulators, we would expect an announcement very soon as business as usual returns.

2. Launch of the 777-X

Industry sources indicate that Boeing’s Board of Directors is expected to provide approval for the authority to offer the new 777-X aircraft to customers at their next meeting.  That would formalize the development schedule, which would likely result in a fourth quarter 2019 entry into service for the 777-9X, with the smaller 777-8X entering service 20 months later.

The 777-X program, as we understand it, will include 2 passenger models, the 777-8 and 777-9, seating 350 and 407 in typical three class configurations.  The -8 will be roughly the same capacity as the existing -300ER, while the -9 will include a stretch that brings the aircraft over the 400 seat capacity market, the highest for any twin.   A -8 freighter version is also expected, entering service after the passenger versions are introduced.

777-X Graphic

A new wing, made from composites, but a metal wing box, is expected for the 777-X. The aircraft will keep its metal fuselage–and it will be a traditional metal, not aluminum-lithium.  While a single or dual source engine has not yet been decided, we believe that GE has the inside track for an exclusive engine arrangement at the present time, based on commercial terms, although that has not been confirmed.

The 777 has often been called Boeing’s best airplane, and the redesign and stretch will result in an aircraft that will be larger than the competing A350-1000, and economically competitive.

3. Refining the 787-10X

Boeing is continuing its work on a second stretch to the 787 that would also compete with the Airbus A350-900.  This variant, which seats 320 passengers, will now have additional range from earlier estimates, now 7,100nm from the previously estimated 6,900nm.  This should provide airlines sufficient flexibility for most desired routes.

While launch of the 787-10X was initially expected prior to that of the 777-X, the issues with the 787-8 batteries have apparently pushed any official announcement off to the right, engineering efforts at Boeing are continuing for this variant.  Once the approval for 787 return to service is secured after modifications and FAA approvals, we would expect an announcement on the 787-10 in short order.   This aircraft should have extremely competitive economics, and is aimed squarely at the A350-900.

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2 thoughts on “Beyond the Grounding – Lots of Positive News at Boeing

  1. You said, “A new wing, made from composites, but a metal wing box, is expected for the 777-X”

    What do you mean?

  2. A 787-10 design seems to have a lot of advantages, commonality with the -9, low seat mile costs, additional seat and cargo volume, and some disadvantages too.

    7100NM, is for still air, no cargo, sea level runway, moderate temperatures operations.

    For the real market: flights to/ from Asia, lots of cargo, headwinds, reserves we have substracts the 7100NM with ~2000Nm or accept unpleasant payload restrictions. It becomes clear the 787-10 is a real competitor to the A350-900, on the Atlantic, intra Asia etc.

    Rumours are one of the reasons CX/SQ passed on the 787 was that they think 9 abreast on 10 hrs+ 787 flights doesn’t fit their market position. So cut the seatcounts/CASM.

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