Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Continental Airlines is close to concluding an order for up 35 Boeing 757-200ERXs which would mark the launch of the long-range derivative, while Lufthansa is understood also to be showing interest in the aircraft.
The Continental deal covers firm orders for 25 757-200ERXs and options for 10 more. Boeing has outlined a 24 month development programme with the first aircraft set to enter service by 2002.
Boeing acknowledges: "We're in active discussions and they're very interested, but have not yet signed." Continental declined to comment on any new order beyond stating it "was committed to Boeing and we're always looking at new product developments."
No formal engine selection has been made, with Pratt & Whitney expected to offer the higher thrust PW2043 and Rolls-Royce the RB211-535E4. R-R would appear to the more likely choice given that Continental operates a fleet of 40 757-200s all powered by new R-R engines, the last of which was delivered earlier this year.
The 757-200ERX combines the strengthened wing and landing gear of the stretched -300 with shorter fuselage of the original -200, plus the addition of up to four 5,300 litre (1,400 US gal) auxiliary fuel tanks from the US Air Force's C-32A VIP version. The aircraft will have an increased maximum take-off weight of 122,660kg (270,180lb). This translates into 925-1,300km (500-700nm) further range, enabling the aircraft to be used to pioneer thinner, longer range routes with a relatively small 170-220-seat capacity. Continental wants to use the 757-200ERXs to fly from its Newark hub to European and Middle East destinations such as Rome and Tel Aviv.
For Lufthansa the interest is also in opening up new transAtlantic routes to the USA from Berlin. Other airlines that have expressed interest in the 757-200ERX include American Trans Air, which recently ordered 10 757-300s.
Source: Flight International