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Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President
and CEO, also added that the company is hitting
its stride on performance and making significant
progress on new airplane programs. He indicated
that Boeing will not rush into decisions about
the prospective launch of the new 777X and 787-10X
airliners.
Commenting on the status of Indian procurement
of Dreamliners, he said that the aircraft are
ready and Boeing can deliver them whenever Air
India wants to take them. There are no tentative
dates though.
South Korea’s first 787 is ready for delivery.
Globally 13 Dreamliners had been delivered to
date. The aircraft’s production rate is steadily
being increased.
As for the new 737 MAX, which will be the most
fuel-efficient airplane in its segment with the
lowest operating costs, its first flight is scheduled
in 2016 and the first delivery in 2017.
"We have time to make the right decisions
when it comes to improving the 777 family, thanks
to our strong market position," said Conner.
"Meanwhile, the 787-10X will extend and
complement the 787 family and be the best in its
class. We are absolutely committed to both of
these airplanes."
Throwing light on the proposed 787-10X development,
Conner informed that it will get a green light
only when and if Boeing feels we have the right
airplane. For engine selection, the company is
in discussions with Rolls-Royce for a Trent turbofan
derivative.
Even as airlines focus on profitability and
risks, large and growing markets, economic uncertainty,
complex geological landscape, Boeing Commercial
has announced a robust backlog and increasing
production rates. There is a backlog of 4000 aircraft
worth $ 308 billion.
Boeing is hopeful of increasing the production
rate by 30 percent in the next three years.
Boeing released the 2012 Pilot and Technician
Outlook which indicated that by 2031, the world
will require 460,000 new commercial airline pilots
and 601,000 new commercial airline maintenance
technicians. "In many regions of the world,
our customers are facing challenges in recruiting
personnel due to pilot and technician shortages,"
said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight
Services.
"Meeting this exponential demand requires
increased reliance on new, digital technology
such as online and mobile computing. Boeing is
expanding its training technologies and the reach
of our partnerships and working to develop a global
flight school network to better supply aviation
talent for the future," he said.
Boeing clinched the first big deal of this year's
Farnborough Air Show with a firm order from Air
Lease Corp. for 75 of its redesigned 737 aircraft
worth $7.2 billion.
"They are an ideal partner to help establish
the 737 MAX in the leasing market," said
Conner.
The Kuwaiti aircraft leasing company ALAFCO
has also committed to buy 20 of the future single-aisle
737 MAX planes worth a combined $1.9 billion.
Boeing informed that there was a commitment
by GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial
aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, to purchase
75 737 MAX 8s and 25 Next-Generation 737-800s.
Boeing is now working with GECAS to finalize the
details of the agreement. "GECAS is a leader
in the airplane leasing and financing industry
with a successful track record of placing 737
with airlines worldwide," Conner observed,
adding: "The GECAS leadership team understands
the importance of having advanced, fuel-efficient
airplanes to meet their customers' needs. This
commitment confirms the value of the 737 MAX in
today's competitive marketplace."
Korean Air Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended
Range), featuring Boeing's Sky Interior was on
display at the show.
"We are proud to partner with industry-leading
Korean Air to show off their 737-900ER here at
the 2012 Farnborough International Air Show,"
said Beverly Wyse, vice present and general manager
of the 737 program,
"Boeing takes great pride in knowing Korean
Air is using the Sky Interior to deliver a more
comfortable travel experience for its customers.
The 737 Boeing Sky Interior is helping airlines
like Korean Air to differentiate themselves from
their competitors. Passengers instantly see and
feel the difference,” Wyse said.
Korean Air currently operates four 737-900ERs
as well as a combination of 34 737-800s and -900s
in its single-aisle fleet. The airline's fleet
consists of 87 Boeing commercial jetliners.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al
Baker was joined by Ray Connor to witness the
global debut of the airline’s new Dreamliner
in Qatar Airways’ colours marking a significant
milestone for the manufacturer’s 787 Middle
East launch customer, which will take delivery
of five 787s during 2012.
Connor stated that Asia-Pacific is the major
growth region and Boeing is totally focused and
committed to its expansion in the region.
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