Boeing is studying an increase in the production rate of its 747 because of buoyant freighter sales. There are strong signs of renewed sales to Asian airlines, which are recovering quickly from the recent depression in the region. The rate for the 777 is also expected to rise for similar reasons.
The move, if confirmed, will reverse the slowdown which has threatened to reduce 747 production to one a month throughout 1999 and 2000. Despite the Asian economic crisis, which critically affected the 747's biggest customers, stronger than expected sales of freighters sustained the rate at two a month throughout last year. The company took orders for 35 747s, of which only two were passenger versions, but suffered 13 cancellations.
Boeing sold twenty-three 777s last year and its output of four a month is set to rise to five by the third quarter.
Boeing will not comment directly though it says that "the 747 rate has stabilised at two. There's a good possibility that things could change if the Asian countries continue to be strong". Of the 480 aircraft Boeing expects to deliver this year, 25 will be 747-400s, virtually all freighters. If the 747 rate change is authorised, it is expected to arrive around the third quarter of the year and move to three a month by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
