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Boeing sees rosy future for new 7E7s
Mr Tinseth displays a 7E7 model.
Nondhanada Intarakomalyasut
Taking advantage of the prevailing travel market trend, Boeing is placing high hopes on its upcoming smaller long-haul passenger aircraft, estimating demand of 2,000 to 3,000 units in the world market over the next 20 years.
According to Randy Tinseth, director of product and services marketing of the Boeing Company, the US manufacturer sees a strong demand for its environmentally friendly 7E7 Dreamliner, which consumes 20% less fuel and flies a longer range.
``We believe this product will be extremely well-received in Asia-Pacific,'' he said yesterday in Bangkok.
In Southeast Asia alone, he projects the region will need 1,200 aircraft over the next 20 years and most are likely to be small- to mid-range models with long-haul capability.
Mr Tinseth said that Boeing applied technologies to its aircraft based on the needs of the marketplace where passengers preferred a non-stop flight with high travel speed, contrary to rival Airbus's philosophy.
While Boeing believes the trend is toward smaller jets that could offer non-stop services, Airbus believes there will be more consolidation among airlines so it is developing larger aircraft that carry passengers from one major hub to another, said Mr Tinseth.
``We're taking a different gambling approach.''
Boeing executives are sceptical about Airbus' projection that it will sell 1,500 of its A-380 superjumbos in the next 20 years, saying it had taken Boeing more than 30 years to sell 1,300 of its 747 models.
Boeing is now working with more than 50 airlines, including Thai Airways International, on its development phase. The Thai national carrier currently has 44 Boeing and 33 Airbus aircraft.
The Boeing 7E7 will be ready for commercial sales early next year. The first test flights will be in 2007 and deliveries could be made starting in 2008.
In addition to reduced operating costs, higher revenue potential from the 7E7's cargo capability is also drawing customers' interest, he said.
Mr Tinseth said the baseline 7E7 model had 57% more cargo space than the A300-600, Airbus's product of roughly the same size.
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