Boeing Business Jets' (BBJ) new president-elect announced a pioneer order for the 737-based business jet yesterday, but also confirmed a scale-back in production next year as the economic slowdown affects sales.
Lee Monson, formerly vice-president of sales for BBJ, who will take over from Borge Boeskov who retires early next year, does not see any unsold aircraft though.
Monson was in charge of the press briefing at Boeing's chalet as Boeskov has been unable to attend the show because of medical tests.
Monson and Boeskov will work in dual roles until the latter's retirement. Monson will report to Mike Bair, executive vice-president of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.Monson's first task was to announce the first delivery of a BBJ to a customer in Latin America, identified as Grupo Omnilife based in Guadalajara, Mexico. In a statement Boeskov says the pioneer Latin American order opens up opportunities in one of the most important markets.
On the subject of slowdown Monson points out the Boeing/General Electric (GE) joint venture can count on fractional ownership deals through the NetJets programme if there are not the same opportunities to sell whole aircraft. Asked about other military and specialist applications for BBJ business jets and opportunities with other Boeing family models, such as the 757 and 767, he says BBJ will respond to market requirements as long as it can sell aircraft at a profit.
He cites the development of the BBJ 2 as a response to customer demand for a more spacious aircraft as confirmation of this philosophy.
Boeing is discussing adding 757-based BBJs to its portfolio, but there is no news of an official launch. He says Boeing and GE would have to rework their joint venture agreement if a 757 BBJ was to be launched, because GE does not produce engines for the 757.Monson says although there may be a soft landing on the way he adds the industry is not falling over a major cliff.
He cites the presence of half a dozen BBJs at the show this week as an example of the success of the programme.
Source: Flight Daily News
