Boeing has revealed more details about the possible enhanced 777 derivatives to counter the Airbus A350, but is remaining tight-lipped about the likely timescale for their introduction. The company appears to have ruled out any further stretch of the twinjet, however.
Boeing Commercial Airlines vice-president marketing Randy Tinseth says that as Boeing "looks to the future and [at the Airbus A350], we're looking at technologies and ways to make improvements to the 777 as we go forward".
Areas under study for potential improvement include "the weight, aerodynamics and interior of the airplane, and trying to figure out what we can do in terms of engine performance", says Tinseth.
Tinseth says that the studies focus on "taking and improving today's airplanes" - the 777-200ER/LR and the -300ER models. However, changes could involve an increase in capacity through higher-density seating: "More airlines are going to a 10-abreast seating layout in the 777, which improves the operating economics, and we're seeing if we can do that and add to the comfort levels," he says.
Boeing is "not committed" to proceed with any new 777 derivatives, says Tinseth, but is "continuing to look at, and mature the technologies so that if and when the time comes we're ready".
Major 777 operator Emirates Airlines and lessor International Lease Finance are among the customers pushing Boeing to wring more performance out of the aircraft. Emirates (airline) president Tim Clark recently told Flight International that he would like Boeing "to look at taking weight out to find some extra range", while ILFC boss Steven Udvar-Hazy has talked of a possible "777-400ER".
Meanwhile, parallel studies continue into the proposed 300-seat 787-10 double-stretch, with service entry set for the 2013 time period, according to latest Boeing planning. "It's not a question of if we'll do it, but when we'll do it," says Tinseth.
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Source: Flight International
