Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Boeing and Airbus are engaged in the final stages of a fierce battle to secure an order from influential cargo carrier FedEx for freighter versions of their ultra-large airliner models. Earlier this month, Boeing thought it had secured the deal with the 747X Stretch, only to be upstaged by a last minute improvement by Airbus to its A3XX offer.
The Seattle-based company's hopes of securing launch commitments for the 747X Stretch are increasingly focusing on FedEx ordering the freighter version, which has prompted Airbus to try to forestall a deal.
The rival manufacturers are engaged in an intense campaign to sell a freighter version of their proposed "super jumbos", as the interest of Memphis-based FedEx has alternated between the two. The cargo carrier is considering an order for seven to eight aircraft.
FedEx sits on the A3XX airline advisory board and is believed to be one of three carriers to have signed expressions of interest for up to 20 A3XX freighters. Emirates' tentative order for seven A3XXs includes two freighters, while Cargolux is also evaluating the aircraft.
Unable to reach agreement with Airbus on pricing for the freighter, FedEx's attention recently switched to the 747X. Boeing has yet to announce any commitments for the 747X, but has said it would be prepared to launch a freighter version first.
According to sources, Boeing was close to striking a deal with FedEx, prompting Airbus to respond with a refined proposal. A FedEx 747X launch order at this stage is viewed as critical, with the freighter being evaluated by Atlas Air, Lufthansa and Polar Air as an alternative to the A3XX. FedEx was unavailable to comment.
Boeing claims the 747X freighter offers lower tonne-km costs and can carry the same volume and payload on its single deck, as the heavier A3XX can accommodate on two. While the two rivals have a similar 150t payload, the A3XXF has a range advantage of around 2,330km (1,260nm). Airbus has made several design changes to the A3XXF, including relocating the main deck cargo door some five frames further aft to improve ground handling.
Source: Flight International
