Boeing is making a renewed pitch to launch the Boeing 777X in the Asia-Pacific region, bolstered by Singapore Airlines' (SIA) decision to trade in its Airbus Industrie A340-300s for 777s and Cathay Pacific Airways' emerging requirement for a 747-400 replacement.
SIA has struck a deal with Boeing to exercise ten 777-200ER options to supplement 30 Rolls-Royce Trent 800-powered 777-200/300s in service or on order. Boeing in return has given the airline "backstop", or reserve pricing on 17 A340-300s that SIA plans to sell from 2001. This includes one A340 due for delivery next month, and the final two aircraft on order due to enter service in 2003.
The deal to displace Airbus from SIA is regarded as of strategic importance to Boeing, says a company source. In May last year, the US manufacturer suffered a major setback when SIA opted to order up to 10 ultra-long-range Trent 500-powered A340-500s (including five options), rather than the rival 777-200X, for non-stop transpacific services.
The firm orders are due for delivery in 2002, while the options. The airline also has 21 777 options of any type.
Questions are being asked about the future of the A340-500 at SIA, given the small standalone fleet it will require to operate non-stop from Singapore to Los Angeles, particularly as recent engine thrust growth is promising to allow the rival 777-200X to more than match the ultra-long range A340. Airbus officials are confident, however, that SIA will honour the deal, given that the rationale for selecting the -500 has not changed, notably its concerns over 777-200X extended-range twin-engined operations.
Cathay Pacific, meanwhile, is also showing renewed interest in the planned ultra-long-range derivative of the 777-300, the -300X, as a potential 747-400 replacement. The Hong Kong-based carrier operates 19 passenger versions of the -400. Boeing could deliver the first -300X in the second quarter of 2003 on present projected development schedules.
The airline is to take delivery of the last of seven stretched 777-300s in September. It has not yet exercised its 11 777 or six remaining 747-400 options. Cathay is expected to complete its new evaluation this year, deciding between the -300X and the A340-600.
Cathay has indicated that, unlike with the original Trent 800-powered 777-200, it does not want to be lead customer for the new version of the aircraft.
Source: Flight International
