Posted on 10/31/2006 5:09:02 PM PST by Paleo Conservative
Airbus' largest customer in Latin America, TAM Airlines of Brazil, has defected to Boeing with an order for four 777-300ERs.The deal is worth about $1 billion at list prices, but its significance goes beyond money. Until now, TAM's fleet of large airplanes has been all-Airbus. The order is a huge vote in favor of the 777, over both the A340 and the forthcoming enlarged A350.
...........
In addition, because Airbus has re-positioned its much-postponed A350 as a contender against both the 787 and the 777, this order is a blow to the A350.
TAM currently operates a fleet of nine A330 mid-size widebodies and has a firm order for 10 A350s. It's unclear whether buying the 777 means the A350 order may be canceled.
The A350 program is in disarray, with formal launch still pending and serious doubts that Airbus can afford the money and resources to deliver it on time while it struggles to fix the A380 superjumbo program. The A350 is already four years behind the 787, and industry rumor suggests its debut may slip further, beyond 2012.
TAM likely wants the 777s to fly transatlantic as it expands internationally.
......
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
The A340 can't compete with the 777, and the 350 won't enter service till 2012 or so. The 777 exists now.
If you want on or off my aerospace ping list, please contact me by Freep mail.
Capitalism crushing socalism once again. I'm loving this!
Four 777-300ERs = $1Billion? Whoa!
Also, since whan was Brasil spelled Brazil?
What do you mean? Brazil used to be a colony of Portugal. Portugese is a Latin derived language similar to Spanish. Doesn't that make Brazil part of Latin America?
Did Airbus really think TAM would buy A380's for these routes?
Yes...?
Yup, brain lapse on my part. Was thinking Central America.
Looks like TAM was interested in the A350 rather than A380s, given their 10 firm orders for the 350.
bump
My goodness, even a blind pig would recognize that Boeing is kicking a$$.
To pass time while waiting at an auto dealership today, I read USA Today.
It had a really good story on how different the 787 will be from other
airliners in terms of cabin air.
For folks in the forum like me, here are just the innovations on the cabin
air system (compared to other airliners):
1. Air intake via ducts in the fuselage, rather than via the engines.
2. Cabin air of 15% humidity, vs. 4% humidity in conventional airliners.
3. Cabin air pressure equivalent to 6000 ft. elevation vs. 8000 ft in other
airliners (give 8% more available oxygen content)
4. The composite materials of the liner won't corrode due to the higher humidity.
If that sort of innovative thinking pervades the 787, it should simply clean up
in the marketplace.
Looks like it is time for Boeing to expand and add a couple of new assembly lines.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
