Boeing may offer an upgraded 777-style cockpit and passenger cabin on its proposed higher gross-weight 747-400.
The derivative, likely to be called the -400ER if launched, would increase maximum take-off weight to 413,500kg (910,000lb) and provide airlines with more range or cargo-carrying capacity compared with the standard version. The leading potential customers include Qantas and Cathay Pacific Airways.
"We are going to take a look at the possibility of new interiors and some flightdeck upgrades," says Boeing regional director product marketing Jacki Caferro. "The higher gross weight will protect the -400s viability in the future."
Boeing continues to study its proposed 747-400 major derivatives - the 400X and 400X Stretch - which would incorporate a wing-root insert, but has no near-term plans to make formal offers to airlines.
The company remained tight-lipped on its 777X launch plans at Asian Aerospace 2000, but Caferro says she is confident that the company has arrived at the optimum configuration following its selection of the 115,000lb-thrust (510kN) GE90-115B to power the derivatives.
The ultra-long-range 777-200X and stretched -300X are expected to be launched within the next three months if Boeing can secure sufficient airline commitments.
Boeing is also studying a possible 777-100X shrink derivative primarily to meet Singapore Airlines' requirement for a 250-seater to replace its Airbus A310s.
Caferro says the -100X is being looked at as part of a wider "middle market" study that also encompasses possible derivatives of the 757 and 767.
These include longer-range versions of the 757-200ER,767-300ER and -400ER, plus flightdeck and passenger cabin upgrades for the early versions of the twinjets.
"We're looking at derivatives of the 757, 767 and 777 to understand what the right thing to do is," says Caferro. "This is in response to requests from customers."
Source: Flight International
