Count to 10,000

[Nosy]

3961

Superjumbos are an important part of airlines.

[1993matias]

3962

In a PR sense, yeah, but they are very expensive - they have twice as many engines but not twice the seats. A 777 is much more economic than a 747-400 on the same route

[Anzatax]

3963

Do you think Boeing was right in making the 787? I have read somewhere that some airlines ultimately cancelled their 787 orders for 777's instead because the 777 is better at profit-making.

Also, have you noticed that actually all Boeing aircraft have a special degree of wing flex in them? The 787 wing is only more noticeably pronounced than the others. On the other hand, Airbus wings seem more stiff and reluctant to bend "gracefully" upward. However, if the A350's wings were to be able to flex like the 787's, I don't think I would like it very much. It would make Airbus seem to be a lowly imitator with no imagination or innovation at all.

Where were you this whole week, Matias?

[1993matias]

3964

I think the 787 was the right thing, but maybe starting with the small version pushed sales towards the 777.

I was in a place without the forum

[Nosy]

3965

Do you think Boeing would make something to replace the 737?

[1993matias]

3966

At some point they have to, I mean the overall design is about 50 years old! Just look at how much more efficient clean sheet designs are nowadays

[Nosy]

3967

We're making progress with the counting!

And about the 737 replacement, I'll say so. But when? Airbus and Boeing don't seem to be making plans about it.

[1993matias]

3968

I think Boeing might release a clean design in five years or so, they just rolled out the MAX. Airbus might cling onto the A320 for a bit longer since it's a newer design that has also just been re-engined.

[Anzatax]

3969

If Airbus is wise enough, they should come up with a new A320-sized product as soon as possible, since Boeing is already pondering the idea and Bombardier's CSeries pose such a threat.

[1993matias]

3970

But if Airbus does that now, by the time Boeing comes around theirs will be much more efficient. If they come out at the same time they can compete better. No?

[Nosy]

3971

Guess so.

[1993matias]

3972

Or they'll have the biggest market share and it would be too late for Boeing?

[Anzatax]

3973

I think in terms of efficiency and technology, the aircraft of today will have less radical improvement than, say, twenty-five years earlier. Aviation technology has progressed so much in the last one hundred years that there is only modest room for much improvement. Therefore, if Airbus and Boeing were to produce a small jet at different times, the terms of competition would be quite fair and equal. The better design, of course would prevail.

However, whoever comes up with a new design first would more likely gain a bigger market share as airlines would be reluctant to switch to the later-introduced model, preferring to stick with the earlier one (if they purchased it).

[1993matias]

3974

I think the one who comes out with a new design a few years before the other might win, but it also depends on so many other things... It's so hard to say

[Anzatax]

3975

Yes, it's all uncertain for the aviation giants. A great example is Douglas, who was the biggest during the propeller age, but lost out big-time in the jet age.