Guy Norris/SEATTLE
As pressure builds on Boeing to inject new life into the 757 programme, the company is focusing studies of a longer-range 757-200X on a group of six key scheduled and charter operators. It believes the variant could enter service after 2003.
Major changes to the current 757-200 would involve the addition of the structurally heavier wing of the 757-300, plus two 1,895 litre (500US gal) auxiliary fuel tanks in the aft cargo hold.
Boeing is looking for up to 40 launch orders from "five or six" operators and is primarily targeting US carriers and UK tour operators. Continental Airlines is looking at the aircraft to expand services from New York Newark to Europe and South America, while TWA is interested in the aircraft for services to Hawaii. "The inclusive tour guys would love to fly a bit further and some US domestic airlines would like to see more point to point capability," says Boeing director, product marketing, Joe Ozimek.
Unlike earlier -200X range extension studies, which entailed significant structural enhancements to increase the gross weight capability, the latest proposals are able to take advantage of the heavier wing already in production for the 757-300. "You basically get a 272,000lb [123,500kg] maximum take-off weight capability on a 252,000lb [114,400kg] airframe," says Ozimek. The weight increase and additional fuel will enable range to be extended by between 560-650km (300-350nm).
The move to enhance the Rolls-Royce RB211-535/Pratt & Whitney PW2000-powered twinjet's payload/range performance is designed to boost an otherwise shrinking 757 orderbook. The firm backlog has fallen below 100, with all remaining orders scheduled for delivery by the end of next year.
Among the few near-term prospects is Air 2000, which is in talks to take another five 757s, plus five options. The 757-200 has been undermined by a $53 million price tag and less expensive stretched 737-800/900 developments, while only 17 757-300s have been sold since its 1996 launch.
Source: Flight International
