NICHOLAS IONIDES / TOKYO
Japanese carrier believed to favour new Boeing airliner, but outsider Airbus promises to offer 'something new'.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to Airbus and Boeing for 200- to 250-seater aircraft to replace older Boeing 767s as well as Airbus A300s inherited when it took over Japan Air System (JAS). Industry observers say the move is timed to assist Boeing with its plan to launch formally its 7E7, in which Japanese manufacturers expect to play a major role.
JAL says it is in 'no hurry' to replace 767s or A300-600Rs, and is in talks with airframe manufacturers on new aircraft 'all the time'.But an RFP was issued around 21 October, say industry sources in Japan, and this is earlier than expected. The RFP calls for 15 firm orders with deliveries starting in 2008, plus options.
The move comes as Japanese manufacturing firms are seeking subsidies and loans from their government from next April to enable them to play a major role in the 7E7. The first lot of funding is expected to be approved in December, when Congress finalises the fiscal 2004 budget. Approval will give the 7E7 'national project' status and help five local manufacturers secure a combined workshare of 30-35%.
The manufacturers are preparing engineering studies for their designated portions of the 7E7 and expect supplier contracts will be awarded in December or January, or at about the same time Boeing formally launches the programme. By issuing an RFP in October, JAL will have time to complete the competition and order aircraft after the programme's anticipated launch.
ANA is expected to follow JAL's lead by issuing a similar RFP for 200- to 250-seat aircraft, despite the fact that if launched as proposed, the 7E7 would not be ready for entry into service until 2008.
JAL's RFP was issued to Airbus as well as Boeing, say sources, who add that although Airbus knows its offering will be considered a long shot, the manufacturer has promised to propose 'something new'.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY BRENDAN SOBIE
Source: Flight International
