Comments on: British Airways Flirts With Big Boeing Twin

By: Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:49:55 +0000

Supposedly a leasing company holding 12 77W leases just lost their customer, which is why BA is now looking with interest to the plane.

As Jacobin777 noted, a 77W carries more payload and burns less fuel then a 747-400 and flies the same distance. It carries less passengers, but BA can just shrink the WT which will improve the RASM that cabin generates.

I still believe BA will order the A350-1000 (and only the A350-1000) at the UK Air Show. BA could take these 12 77Ws on lease for a decade to hold them over until the A350-1000’s are available, enjoying the benefits they offer and allowing them to replace their 12 oldest 744s now.

By: Chris C

Chris C — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:11:44 +0000

Very well written, logical and clear article.
It would certainly seem that British Airways will opt for the 777-300ER. Apart from the stellar operating economics, performance capabilities, fuel-efficiencies and design, Boeing has vowed that the -300ER and -200LR will receive enhancements. Boeing have said that through the GE90 engine improvements (using knowledge from the GEnx), as well as fine tuning aerodynamic lines further, that a -300ER will be able to close the fuel-efficiency gap to the A350-1000, but nowhere near better it, but match the promised seat/mile costs of the A350-1000.

Why not opt for 777-300ER now, with the possibility of having it being an enhanced model, reap the significant rewards the formidable airplane will generate, and by the time the A350-1000 comes about, Boeing should have launched the 777/747-8 replacement. That way, you’re able to leap-frog the A350. Seems logical to me.

It’s a pity that BA did not opt for the 747-8I, but nevertheless, an A380 fleet complimented with a 777-300ER, perhaps even -200LR as well, seems to be a really logical move for BA now.

…Did I just hear someone say “787-10″ is on the table as well?

By: Jacobin777

Jacobin777 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:08:24 +0000

Given all of the rumours surrounding BA and the B773ER, I think there is a good shot at BA getting the B773ER. It would fit perfectly as B744 replacement. It would allow BA to keep their 4-class setup and reduce lower RASM economy seats.

Also, it will allow them to carry more cargo over the B744’s.

The A350-1000 has basically only a couple of customers…BA will certainly wait it out..even until 2020 if they have to.

By then, one would assume Boeing might have a B773ER/B748I replacement.

I could see BA operation 20 A380’s and 20-30 B773ER’s to replace their B744’s. It doesn’t have to be “1:1″ replacement.