Guy Norris/LOS ANGELESKevin O'Toole/LONDON
GERMAN CHARTER airline Condor is expected to sign up as the launch customer for Boeing's proposed 757-300X, the long-anticipated stretched version of the 200-seat twinjet. Boeing and Condor are in negotiations over the terms of the launch, which could come as early as May, according to programme sources.
Borge Boeskov, Boeing's vice-president for product strategy, says that first deliveries are expected by early 1999, depending upon how soon, a launch contract is signed.
The 757-300X is the simplest possible derivative and involves inserting two plugs in the fuselage, fore and aft of the wingbox, to increase overall length by around 7m. Passenger capacity will be increased by 20%, from around 198 to 235 seats in a typical configuration, while range is expected to be kept close to the existing 5,550km (3,000nm).
With the extra capacity, seat costs should fall by around 10%, says Boeing, a key reason for the interest being shown by European charter operators such as Condor, which has an 18-strong fleet of the existing 757-200. Around 25% of all 757 operators use their aircraft for charter and inclusive-tour flights. The leading Dutch, German and UK charter operators alone operate around 100 757s on such operations.
The airframe structure for the 757-300X will remain virtually unchanged, apart from some local strengthening to cope with an increase in maximum take-off weight. Engine thrust will also rise marginally, to the 194kN (43,500lb)-thrust range. Pratt & Whitney has already developed the PW2043, which will form the basis for its bid, while Rolls-Royce says that a simple derivative of the RB.211-535E4 is being offered.
The launch is part of Boeing's strategy to plug the remaining gaps in its product line-up. Alongside the 757-300X, Boeing is also studying a longer range 757-200X version, aimed as a cheap alternative for non-stop transatlantic operations.
Source: Flight International
