Dreamliner Nears Production

Larry Dighera wrote:
Analysts say that Boeing made the right choice in building the
Dreamliner. It has racked up far more orders than the A380, which
has netted what analysts call a lackluster 149 orders and
commitments for 17 more. The analysts also question whether there
is enough growth in the super-jumbo market for Airbus ever to make
money on the plane...

Apples and oranges, of course as they are two completely different
category aircraft. Interestingly Boeing has revised its forecast of the
super-jumbo market upward. Their philosophy is still at odds (somewhat)
with Airbus' forecast, but the gap has closed a bit. The 747-8 is seen
as a less risky proposition than a clean-sheet design like the A380.

I read Airbus has revised its estimate saying its break-even figure has
gone from 250 aircraft to 400. Ouch. Their problem now is freeing up
the resources to develop the A350XWB to compete with 777, and in just a
few years the narrowbodies (A320, 737) will be redesigned. The A380
program delays have caused ripples that could affect other important
future development programs.

On 1 Dec 2006 07:43:16 -0800, "Kingfish" wrote
in om:

I read Airbus has revised its estimate saying its break-even figure has
gone from 250 aircraft to 400.

That is in the face of customers canceling orders due to the recent
two year delay in shipping schedule and the increase in fuel costs.

Larry Dighera wrote:

I read Airbus has revised its estimate saying its break-even figure has
gone from 250 aircraft to 400.

That is in the face of customers canceling orders due to the recent
two year delay in shipping schedule and the increase in fuel costs.

Not sure how fuel costs affect the airframer, I think Airbus' increased
costs have more to do with contract penalties for not delivering on
time and some extensive redesign work on certain A380 systems. So far
the only cancellation I've read about is FedEx dropping their 10-plane
order and buying B-777 freighters instead.

In article . com,
"Kingfish" wrote:

Not sure how fuel costs affect the airframer, I think Airbus' increased
costs have more to do with contract penalties for not delivering on
time and some extensive redesign work on certain A380 systems. So far
the only cancellation I've read about is FedEx dropping their 10-plane
order and buying B-777 freighters instead.

Airbus paid the lead customer $104 million in delay penalties this week.

Kingfish wrote:


Apples and oranges, of course as they are two completely different
category aircraft.

Isn't that the whole point? Airbus made apples and the customers wanted
oranges.


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Chris W wrote:

Apples and oranges, of course as they are two completely different
category aircraft.

Isn't that the whole point? Airbus made apples and the customers wanted
oranges.

I don't think that's quite accurate, it's not as if *no* airline bought
A380s; that aircraft just seems better suited for high density routes
in Asia. Boeing's sales success with 787 means (to me) their point 2
point strategy works better for more airlines than the Uberjet. When
the U.S. airlines start replacing their fleets, my guess is many will
go with 787. The A350 just got the go ahead for development/production
& hopefully that program will have better luck sticking with its
schedule. Then there's the A320 redesign for 2012-2013 - Airbus can't
afford to flub that one as the narrowbodies are the biggest selling
segment in transports.

Apples and oranges, of course as they are two completely different
category aircraft.


Isn't that the whole point? Airbus made apples and the customers wanted
oranges.



I don't think that's quite accurate, it's not as if *no* airline bought
A380s; that aircraft just seems better suited for high density routes
in Asia. Boeing's sales success with 787 means (to me) their point 2
point strategy works better for more airlines than the Uberjet. When
the U.S. airlines start replacing their fleets, my guess is many will
go with 787. The A350 just got the go ahead for development/production
& hopefully that program will have better luck sticking with its
schedule. Then there's the A320 redesign for 2012-2013 - Airbus can't
afford to flub that one as the narrowbodies are the biggest selling
segment in transports.


WSJ(?) had a very good graphic depicting range of the A380. I now
understand why Emirates is such a good customer of long haul equipment.
With an 8000 nm range, they can cover 80-90% of the eastern hemisphere.
Similarly, Singapore can cover half the eastern hemisphere and the west
coasts of North and South America.