The aircraft development policies of Boeing and Airbus

lucasiu — Thu, 30 Jan 2003 10:23:57 GMT

Boeing develops only twin engined aircarfts except for B747. It even developed B777-200LR of twin-engined design and 16000km range. This makes many ailrines especially those of Southern Hemisphere, refused to buy B777 and switch to A340 instead because of ETOPS-free design of A340. In fact Varig of Brazil is the only airline in Southern Hemisphere to order B777.

Boeing is going to launch a new ultra-efficient mid-sized widebody twin, which is to replace B767, and has range of at least 16000km. Its twin-engined design is also ETOPS-restricted, so like B777, it would not be popular among Southern Hemisphere airlines.

Airbus, on the other hand, has much better aircraft development policy. Airbus knows only ETOPS-free quad-engined design can ensure most direct routing and best safety for passengers flying over extreme areas, so it develops smaller quad widebody like A340-200/-300 early in 1990's. This makes Airubs A340 very popular among Southern Hemisphere airlines, including South African Airways, which is going to change its B747 fleet to A340.

General Aviation

The aircraft development policies of Boeing and Airbus