[RayChuang88]

I don't think Cathay Pacific is interested in the 7E7 for this reason: they need a plane with seating capacity, not high efficiency like the 7E7 is.

This is why there is a deal possibly being worked out where Cathay Pacific will buy up to 15 747-400's powered by Rolls-Royce RB.211-524H engines from British Airways; British Airways in turn will buy up to 20 Boeing 777-300ER's as replacements for their sold 747-400's.

[JETDRVR]

Works for me. I"ll take a Boeing product over Airsnuff anyday. Its going to be interesting how the 7e7 pans out. Possable interest in Corp/Bizav sector, as the preformance numbers certainly best the BBJ.

[JETDRVR]

FAA Wants Carriers To Prevent Explosions Of Airbus Fuel Tanks
November 18, 2003


Investigations by Airbus revealing potential risks for explosions in center and wing fuel tanks on certain A319s and A320s have led FAA to propose a rulemaking requiring carriers flying those planes to modify wiring and replace high-level sensors in fuel tanks on certain A319 models.

Airbus found that fuel probes could overheat from a short circuit in wiring that indicates fuel quantity (FQI). Tests by the airframer also revealed that certain A319-115 and -133 planes couldn't meet Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) regulations requiring a 2% expansion of the center fuel tank to prevent fuel leakage due to its "sagging of the bladder." Airbus said a new, longer sensor was developed that senses fuel at a lower level, reduces fuel volume and meets the 2% expansion rule.

A service bulletin outlining procedures to configure wiring of FQI probes was issued by Airbus in June. The airframer released a separate bulletin for replacement of high-level sensors on the A319s in October 2002. Airworthiness authorities in France made those bulletins mandatory in October 2003.

FAA said U.S. operators must complete steps in the Airbus service bulletins to comply with the proposed rule. The agency estimates costs for modifying the wires ranges from $1,320-$7,180 per aircraft, with total costs for U.S. carriers ranging from about $617,260 to three million. Parts to replace sensors in affected A319s would be free but would still cost operators about $5,200 per plane in labor expenses.

U.S. carriers, including America West, Frontier, JetBlue, Northwest, United and US Airways, fly about 465 A319s/320s that would require some modification under the proposed rule.