Boeing 787 Challenges
February 20th, 2008
Speaking at the Singapore Air Show, Boeing’s Vice President, Marketing, Randy Tinseth spoke about the 787 Dreamliner and the challenges that lay ahead.
“We have not finished the production plan yet. We are waiting until the end of the first quarter to finish the production plan and then we can make better projections on deliveries for 2009 and beyond,” Tinseth said.
All images courtesy of Boeing
Further to the original guidance provided here last week (click here), it appears that Boeing will indeed target the deliveries for 2009 to be at the lower end of any projection. Based on information available from Wall Street analysts, I’ve set a preliminary bracket of 40-50 airplanes by the end of next year. This would equate to approximately four 787’s being produced each month, allowing for a ramp up in production after 2010.
In comments to Reuters, Tinseth made it clear that Boeing was not happy at having to let customers down, especially on its all new, high-tech flagship airplane.
“We really feel for our customers, we hate missing those commitments.“
“We are now in a position with our suppliers where parts are manageable, so we have a confidence in our plans. But it’s not going to be easy.“
Tinseth’s comments point to a key area overlooked by many of the usual Boeing critics. In developing the largely composite 787, using an equally new supply chain and partners has been grossly underestimated and such critics have been all to quick to point the finger of blame solely at Boeing’s door without fully understanding the complexities in the execution of this new logistical system.
Should a further delay be ruled out?
Not at all - its too complex a project to underestimate, despite the second flight test 787 having less travelled work to contend with than the first. Equally, that does not mean Boeing is somehow “destined” to slip on this new time frame again.
However, given the rescheduling, Boeing has a window of opportunity to get the airplane as service ready as possible during certification. That begins with the first flight, due before the Farnborough Air Show. While its unlikely to make an appearance at the show itself, knowing its airborne will be a big relief for Boeing and its customers.
All eyes will then turn to Airbus, who equally have an arduous task in getting the rival A350XWB through the same development and testing while questions about that airplane remain unanswered and unchallenged.
Sphere: Related ContentEntry Filed under: 787 First Flight, 787 Orders, 787 Premiere, 787 Rollout, Aeroplane, Aerospace, Air Transport, Air Travel, Airlines, Airplane, Airplane Order, Airplanes, Airport, Airports, Boeing, Boeing 787, Boeing 787 Order, Boeing 787 Orders, Boeing 787 Premiere, Boeing 787 Rollout, Boeing Orders, Dreamliner, Randy Baseler, Randy Tinseth, Richard Aboulafia
5 Comments Add your own
1. keesje | February 20th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I think is a better strategy of Boeing to not give delivery dates to customers that they cannot realize. However they can´t wait to long, airlines can not work with that.
I think we should not critize so called Boeing critics for being right, but Boeing for not being in control & underperform.
Í don´t think all eyes will turn to Airbus XWB soon, no matter how much some people long to move the attention away from the 787 and jump on Airbus again.
For the next 18 months the eyes will be on the 787 and its maturation. Airbus attention in this period will likely be on the string of airlines introducing their customized A380´s.
I think everybody is hoping to see the 787 being powered up & taking to the sky. Lets hope further delays will be limited.
2. boeing777 | February 21st, 2008 at 7:54 am
Are you suggesting critics are themselves “immune” to criticism?
Further, to equally suggest the A350 will not be watched keenly is equally laughable.
No funding, partners or decision on where it will be built with just 5 years to go before service entry means Airbus cannot afford to sit idly by, watch Boeing’s woes and learn nothing from them.
You really need to take your blinkers off in your attempt to be objective…
3. keesje | February 21st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
“No funding, partners or decision on where it will be built with just 5 years to go before service entry means Airbus cannot afford to sit idly by, watch Boeing’s woes and learn nothing from them.”
Where do you think Boeing was with the 7e7 5 years ago? I think they just killed the sonic cruiser..
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/news/feature/dreamliner.html
The A350 will be watched if the design is frozen & realization is being started. Before that I think the new A380 and A400 will draw more attention.
4. boeing777 | February 21st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
You miss the point.
Airbus is still reeling for spending $25bn on a whalejet that, after almost a decade on sale shows no sign of ever being profitable.
Naturally, EADS/Airbus will suckle the EU breasts for more money…
5. keesje | February 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
“Airbus is still reeling for spending $25bn on a whalejet that, after almost a decade on sale shows no sign of ever being profitable.
Naturally, EADS/Airbus will suckle the EU breasts for more money…”
Congratulations!
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