Posted on 07/07/2004 6:42:50 AM PDT by COEXERJ145
SEATTLE, July 7, 2004 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed announcements that Blue Panorama of Italy and First Choice Airways of the United Kingdom have selected the 7E7 Dreamliner to replace and expand their existing airplane fleets. These two carriers are the first in Europe to choose the 7E7, the world's newest, most advanced commercial jetliner.
In separate press conferences in Rome and London , the carriers announced plans to acquire a total of 10 7E7s, valued at $1.2 billion at list prices. Blue Panorama will add four 7E7s to its fleet at a value of $500 million and First Choice will receive six 7E7s. Contract negotiations are expected to conclude later this year. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2009.
"Today's announcements are ringing endorsements of the 7E7's broad appeal across a spectrum of airlines," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe , Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 7E7 has the versatility and flexibility that allows airlines that offer scheduled or leisure service, or a mix of both, to adapt to their own evolving business models and to the dynamic demands of the market."
Both carriers have selected the 7E7-8 model, with a range of 15,700 kilometers. This is 4,000 kilometers farther than today's similar-sized airplanes, which will allow 7E7 operators to economically connect hundreds of new destinations for world travelers.
Blue Panorama and First Choice are in the process of evaluating their engine options, which include the General Electric GENX (GE Next Generation) and Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000.
As these airlines join the launch team, they will be the first in Europe to benefit from the advanced economics, improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise of the 7E7. They will be the first to offer passengers a new, more comfortable flying experience, in cabins with larger windows, wider seats and wider aisles.
"Blue Panorama and First Choice will have a clear, competitive advantage over carriers operating more conventional aircraft," Dailey said
The Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner is being designed with airlines, passengers, investors and the environment in mind. The technologically advanced airplane will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide customers with up to 60 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity.
Boeing launched the 7E7 Dreamliner last April when it announced an order for 50 7E7s from Japanese carrier ANA, followed by an announcement by Air New Zealand for two 7E7s. Boeing has proposal acceptances out to more than two dozen airlines around the world and expects additional orders in the coming months.
(Excerpt) Read more at boeing.com ...
Good luck to Boeing! It's about time a plane is sold as more comfortable. Let's hope it is!
I cannot understand why airlines are buying the highpriced, and noneconomical Airbus jumbojet, sight unseen, instead of this plane which is geared to economy in an industry that is coming under financial hardship. An economy plane seems like a no-brainer at this point in time.
That's a pretty plane -- unlike Airbus's new behemoth.
The A380 is selling for three reasons. One is because the main Euro carriers (Air Frog, Lufthansa) are buying it. Another is Airbus is selling them dirt cheap (Qantas, Singapore Airlines) and finally Emirates, who is buying about 1/2 of the current firm orders, just wants to have the biggest and newest toys.
Great news for Boeing, and for the American A/C industry - go out and kick some butts, guys......
It's pretty slick-looking, I agree. Interesting to see the departure from the usual straight cylinder. I wonder if the rib along the top adds to the stiffness and/or cabin headroom.
I think a lot of the European flag carriers want to support Airbus no matter what it does. I also think a lot of customers are attracted to the biggest in the world, no matter what.
I flew a 777 for the first time last weekend and I have to say I really liked it a lot. Very nice plane. Is this its successor?
D
Beautiful bird!
Nice looking plane, too bad Boeing P&W isn't offering a P&W engine choice.
Preview is our friend.
No, the 7E7 is being built as a replacement for the 767 series as well as the Airbus A300/310 family and even the A330.
Boeing has also said that the 7E7's innovations will be the basis for future aircraft including a 737 replacement sometime early next decade.
A Boeing 7E7 Dreamlner interior. Three major Japanese heavy machinery makers said they would develop engines for Boeing's next-generation 7E7 Dreamliner jet, slated for operation in 2008(AFP/Boeing/File)
<< I cannot understand why airlines are buying the highpriced, and noneconomical Airbus jumbojet, sight unseen, instead of this plane which is geared to economy in an industry that is coming under financial hardship .... >>
That's a no brainer.
It's because the hapless euro-peon taxpayer is being robbed blind to pay the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in subsidies ["Loan guarantees" and "credits" etceteras] that both created and sustains the discount-appliance-store operation called "Airbus." [Which stole even its name! -- FRom Freddie Laker]
And its because every one of the "airlines" that are buying the airbus dinosaur are themselves taxpayer created and protected and [Even the "privatized" ones, eg Qantas] taxpayer-subsidized and/or mobbed-up-union-controlled irresponsible and corrupt corporations whose political-appointee "directors" and their political patrons wax fat on airbus's euro-peon taxpayer-provided kickbacks!
No subsidy could be enough to justify a jumbojet that size. The operating costs will be incredible, and they won't be able to fill them. In addition, it's questionable whether they will be able to land anywhere. A jet that size will not be accepted at most airports.
"Airbus. [Which stole even its name! -- FRom Freddie Laker]"
I only ever associated Laker with "Skytrain" and never the Airbus name.
Actually, the Japan Airlines used to call its first 747-100SR the "Super Airbus".
Don't forget that FedEx ordered 10 A380-800F's.
No, that honor clearly belongs to the Lockheed Constellation.
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