Posted on 05/09/2006 3:00:40 PM PDT by Yo-Yo
Tuesday May 9, 2006
Stung by vocal criticism of its A350 offering from ILFC, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, Airbus is close to announcing a radical revamp of the aircraft, according to insiders in Toulouse.CEO Gustav Humbert told reporters two weeks ago that the airframer would make some sort of decision by summer (ATWOnline, April 26).
Airbus is striving to match Boeing's 787 and 777 while addressing Emirates' disappointment in the A340-600IGW's performance (ATWOnline, March 13). Key to the new variant is a wider Al-Li fuselage, up to 14 in. wider than the current A350, to accommodate a true nine-abreast configuration. The redesign comes after Emirates shipped a row of its triple seats to Toulouse where they did not fit into the A350 mockup. Boeing is offering the 787 in both eight- and nine-abreast arrangements.
The revised A350 also will feature a larger, all-new composite wing but not a composite fuselage. There will be three models. The first two will be similar to the existing A350-800 and dash 900. The third will be dubbed the dash 1000 and will seat up to 350, putting it head-to-head with the 777-300ER.
The revamped design's entry into service now is supposed to slip into the second half of 2012, but insiders at Emirates told ATWOnline they are skeptical of that date. There is some possibility that Airbus may stick with the current A350-800 design so as to meet orders on hand, but the majority view in Toulouse is to scrap it.
There also is some thought that the A350-1000, which requires a 100,000-lb.-thrust engine, could be a quadjet if a suitable engine isn't available. Production of the new model apparently is slated for Hamburg rather than Toulouse.
Analysts suggest that while the revised A350 will be more competitive, the reluctance to tackle a composite fuselage leaves Airbus exposed.
Singapore Airlines was expected to announce a comprehensive fleet buy at its May 9 board meeting but may well delay the expected order for 787s until Airbus has a chance to firm up its business plan. SIA is expected to order 777-200LRs to replace its A340-500s and also may order 747-8Fs.
by Geoffrey Thomas
More like head-to-ass, while the 777 pulls away. Airbus cant touch the 777ER. Nothing can.
Ping
Considering the fuselage of the 777 has a circular cross-section, do you think it's possible Boeing could replace the current AlLi fuselage with a composite one in the future? That way Boeing could greatly improve performance of the 777 without having to redesign the wings and other systems.
The failure and collapse of Airbus is only a matter of time. It's the inevitable consequence of trying to pit a govt subsidized company against a private company in a market where the subsidizing govt can't force buyers to buy their inferior product. Airbus will fail and Boeing will rule the Earth.
It is inevitable. It is their destiny.
Whaddya mean my 20 foot wide seat row won't fit into your supposedly 20 foot space? That's baaaaaaad.
Who are the passengers who search Travelocity and Orbitz and Expedia (dot commmmmmmmm) and Priceline looking for the cheapest ticket irregardless of their personal comfort?
The jets ought to be emblazoned with the old-fashioned curly tail circle General Electric logo. Like what they put on their fans. It would be a cool touch.
Why won't these bargain houses show the kind of seat you're getting? (Oops they do)
I'm guessing the A380 monster is hogging up all their resources.
Quite a few airlines are offering a "premium economy" class that has more room than economy but doesn't cost anywhere near as much as business or first class. United and British Airways have long-haul aircraft configured in four classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy). The British Airways premium economy seats have a greater pitch between rows and one less seat per row on both the 777 and 747 than their economy class.
It's only happened twice! :-0
"Who are the passengers who search Travelocity and Orbitz and Expedia (dot commmmmmmmm) and Priceline looking for the cheapest ticket irregardless of their personal comfort?"
Perhaps people like you.
Not me.
I'll take the cheapest seat on a plane I can get. I sleep through entire flights regardless of the comfort of the seat. I'm one of those, sleep anywhere types. First class is a waste, since I'm not awake to enjoy it.
I suspect Airbus is sucking contrails due to currency as well.
If it is, it's no wonder that it deteriorates with age.
Plastic doesn't really belong on airplanes, at least not in major structures where they can't be replaced regularly.
One advantage aluminum has is that it is stronger at cold temperatures. Plastic just gets brittle.
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