Ukridge
Senior
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2002
- Messages
- 354
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I noticed that Lufthansa has booked orders for 20 747-8 (why do they not call it the ‘800?’) with further options for 20 additional aircraft. Engines are to be the same (or at least very similar) to those that will power the 787.
I chatted with an old school chum who is now at BA about this, and he mentions that the fuel savings will be quite substantial – so much so that he opines that it will almost immediately obviate the -400. He admits to dramatic license with this remark, but uses it to stress the economies that will be afforded. Additionally, Lufthansa is taking great credit for ‘pushing’ Boeing on the right size for this aircraft. They wish to seat 400 (in their configuration) and were looking at something between the A380 and the 777/A340 range. Rather interesting niche to fill.
Just how much of an efficiency advantage will this new aircraft really have? Do indeed the newer engines obviate the older versions to the third row? Would United’s competitors not be keen on acquiring it? Additionally, if United’s competitors, both foreign and domestic do acquire such hardware, how can United remain in the race if they bring older horses to the starting line?
Although I do not follow it that closely, it seems that every time I read an article in any of the European press, United’s Mr. Tilton is mentioned in his quest for foreign investment. Is the financial situation really so desperately dire that no funds at all are available for the purchase of modern equipment? Of what benefit (and indeed at what interest rate) would such overseas investment bring? Why is it so critically vital to the further functioning of United? Has the domestic investment community turned off the spigot?
Perhaps could it be that he is shunning investment whilst awaiting permission for a suitor such as Lufthansa to swoop in to the rescue (does it really need to be rescued in the first place?) – A Lufthansa that has made serious investment in fleet renewal and even expansion? From what is written this permission would seem to be a long time in coming. It just seems very hard to read the tea leaves of what United is trying to do. Is putting new seats in a 767 the cutting edge of competitiveness?
Lots of questions here, but the 747-8 looks as if it is a fine aircraft and Lufthansa seems to be gaining a feather in its cap by opting for it. Just wondering if it is going to take off (no pun intended) with our American cousin’s operators as well.
Cheers
I chatted with an old school chum who is now at BA about this, and he mentions that the fuel savings will be quite substantial – so much so that he opines that it will almost immediately obviate the -400. He admits to dramatic license with this remark, but uses it to stress the economies that will be afforded. Additionally, Lufthansa is taking great credit for ‘pushing’ Boeing on the right size for this aircraft. They wish to seat 400 (in their configuration) and were looking at something between the A380 and the 777/A340 range. Rather interesting niche to fill.
Just how much of an efficiency advantage will this new aircraft really have? Do indeed the newer engines obviate the older versions to the third row? Would United’s competitors not be keen on acquiring it? Additionally, if United’s competitors, both foreign and domestic do acquire such hardware, how can United remain in the race if they bring older horses to the starting line?
Although I do not follow it that closely, it seems that every time I read an article in any of the European press, United’s Mr. Tilton is mentioned in his quest for foreign investment. Is the financial situation really so desperately dire that no funds at all are available for the purchase of modern equipment? Of what benefit (and indeed at what interest rate) would such overseas investment bring? Why is it so critically vital to the further functioning of United? Has the domestic investment community turned off the spigot?
Perhaps could it be that he is shunning investment whilst awaiting permission for a suitor such as Lufthansa to swoop in to the rescue (does it really need to be rescued in the first place?) – A Lufthansa that has made serious investment in fleet renewal and even expansion? From what is written this permission would seem to be a long time in coming. It just seems very hard to read the tea leaves of what United is trying to do. Is putting new seats in a 767 the cutting edge of competitiveness?
Lots of questions here, but the 747-8 looks as if it is a fine aircraft and Lufthansa seems to be gaining a feather in its cap by opting for it. Just wondering if it is going to take off (no pun intended) with our American cousin’s operators as well.
Cheers