Boeing has downgraded the sales forecast for its 737-700-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C)aircraft from more than 50 to around 30 over the next 10 years.
The scaling down of the forecast comes ahead of Turkey's expected finalisation of a contract for four aircraft and pending Australian decisions on the purchase of two additional aircraft.
Turkey is expected to finalise its contract within the next 30-60 days, according to Patrick Gill, Boeing programme manager 737 AEW&C. "We are still awaiting our final licence and some final commercial terms," he says.
Australia is expected to make its decision in April and make an announcement on 13 May on whether it will convert its Wedgetail options to firm orders. Canberra negotiated three options as part of a December 2000 agreement. Two of those options are due to expire in June this year.
Boeing's original 50-aircraft forecast dates from 2001. Gill says the US company is now hoping for one new order every two years.
Medium-term requirements in Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates will be pursued says Gill, as will ongoing efforts to secure orders from the US government. Longer-term opportunities, expected to go to competition before 2010, include Japan, Malaysia and Spain.
Gill adds: "We still think that there is a market for 30-plus 737 AEW&C in the future with Australia for four, Turkey for four, and the rest following at roughly one to two year intervals, in groups of four [aircraft] basically The market remains strong. We think the market is going to get a lot stronger as soon as we have that first Australian aircraft to fly."
Source: Flight International
