N79969 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 1914 times:
I have read this is something that Boeing would consider. Boeing has enjoyed close to monopoly pricing on the 747 during its existence. Lowering the price of the 747 would undermine the economics of the A380 to some extent. I think Boeing is waiting for the A380 to enter service and will make improvements to the 747 based on the 380s shortcoming. They may also reduce the price simultaneously.
Hkg82 From Hong Kong, joined Apr 2002, 1219 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 1906 times:
The entry of the A380 into the market will lower the value of the 747, and Boeing will have to lower the price of the aircraft. I think this is a very likely scenario. This will make it cheaper for airlines (particularly small-scale freight companies & charter airlines) to buy the aircraft for routes that don’t require such a large capacity that the A380 provides.
AvObserver From United States of America, joined Apr 2002, 2430 posts, RR: 10 Reply 3, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 1797 times:
I read that Boeing was going to implement a moving production line and other lean manufacturing techniques in 747 assembly to cut down time and lower costs. The price MUST come down if the AC is to remain viable. Once A380 prices stabilize at close to catalog, Boeing has an opportunity to undermine A380 sales by selling an about 80% capacity (of the A380) aircraft at less than 80% of the price. However, to remain truly saleable, the 747 must also cost little, if any more, than the A340-600. The dilemna for Boeing is that this could also undermine sales of the the 777-300ER, already their highest priced airplane.
Gigneil From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 16215 posts, RR: 88 Reply 4, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 1738 times:
I think Boeing would be thrilled if no customers ever ordered another 747, and just ordered 777-300ERs.
Cloudy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 1656 times:
My guess is that the 777-300ER and/or even larger future versions of the 777 are going to be Boeings largest truly competitive passenger entry for a while. Passenger 747s will be built at a very slow rate and mainly for airlines that already have them. 747's will be mainly sold as cargo planes. For the most part, this is already happening. For this reason, I believe major new passenger versions of the 747 to be unlikely. Something like the XQLR may be built, primarily because it enhances the airframe's value as a cargo hauler as well. But there won't be any stretches.
When Boeing builds a cargo version of the 777, it will be a sign that the 747's days are numbered. But that may not be for a long time yet. The 747 has many advantages over the A380 as a cargo plane (as does the A380 over the 747). Since each is suited for different kinds of cargo operations and freight types, I would not be surprised to see them operated side by side.
Gigneil From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 16215 posts, RR: 88 Reply 6, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 1642 times:
EK will operate them side by side, at least for a bit.
There is also much talk of EK and the likes of LH pushing for a 777 freighter.
The 777-200LR will make an outstanding freighter platform, and will fill a HUGE gap - the 90t freighter market - caused by the exit of the MD-11F.
That being said, the A340-500 and the A340-600 would also make good freighters.
The 744's niche will be for long cargo that must be loaded via the nose.
Andreas From Germany, joined Oct 2001, 6104 posts, RR: 34 Reply 7, posted (10 years 3 months 4 days ago) and read 1612 times:
Why would LH want a 777 freighter? It seems to be about the same size as the MD 11F, and LH did get a few very good deals on those (60 or 70% of LH cargo fleet is now MD 11F) and if they need more, there are certainly quite a few MD 11 around that their current owners would just love to sell to LH, who is perfectly able to convert these into freighters.
Gigneil From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 16215 posts, RR: 88 Reply 8, posted (10 years 3 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 1587 times:
Apparently it was discussed. I'm not saying LH is interested in the present, but that they have indicated a 777 based freighter would agree with their plans.
ConcordeBOy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (10 years 3 months 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1445 times:
Why would LH want a 777 freighter?
Gigniel is right. Both EK and LH Cargo have been in talks with Boeing about a 772LRF.... if you want "verification", see Aero International, February 2003; which quotes them as saying they'd be "particularly interested" in such an aircraft.
Kinda shocking to me really; considering that LH, like CX and AA, is something of a willing slave to RR engines.
Boeing767-300 From Australia, joined Sep 2001, 659 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (10 years 3 months 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 1373 times:
Kinda shocking to me really; considering that LH, like CX and AA, is something of a willing slave to RR engines.
ConcordeBOy I thought LH were big GE users, don't all of their 744 fleet have CF6s
Gigneil From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 16215 posts, RR: 88 Reply 12, posted (10 years 3 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 1317 times:
Yeah they did used to love GE.
But subsequently they've ordered lots of RR. A321s, 330s, 340s, and 380s.
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