Boeing hints at possible reassement of 747-8 programme

[JS50557]

Boeing is hinting that it might have to rethink its slow-selling and delayed 747-8 programme, amid the continuing failure to land a second airline for the passenger model combined with a slowdown in demand for cargo aircraft.

More info can be found here:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... ramme.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cHabu]

Some highlights of the story...

While Boeing executives have restated their support for the commercial viability of the aircraft, chief executive Jim McNerney warns that the continuation of the programme should not be seen as a foregone conclusion: "We still see a viable business proposition here. Now obviously if we ever got to a point where we didn't, we'd have to work with our customers to come up with another answer."

"Obviously, we have applied a judgement that says we have a very competitive airplane here that has already got a good start on orders," says McNerney. "If we didn't believe the revenues would outweigh the costs we wouldn't go forward with it."

Flight International understands that Boeing has studied various options for the programme, including terminating the 747-8I and running the 747-8F standalone. This would require the renegotiation of Lufthansa's launch order and compensation. But with no active sales campaigns ongoing for the 747-8I, other than a potential long-term deal to replace Air Force One, Lufthansa faces the serious prospect of being the only airline customer for the passenger version, and this in itself could have financial implications for Boeing such as residual value guarantees.

Despite its more healthy orderbook, the -8F could also need to re-examining. The cargo industry is in the middle of a slump because of the downturn, and industry sources say several -8F customers are seeking to delay deliveries.

Full text via the link, posted in the first message.

Some interesting comments...

They believe in the product, but don't have an active selling campaign.

Sounds weird to me.

Wonder if Lufthansa still wants this aircraft if it remains the sole user of the pax version.

Cargolux is the sole carrier for the cargo version, correct ?

Chris.

[adz]

Cargolux is the sole carrier for the cargo version, correct ?
Chris.

Not correct, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Bo ... 7-8_orders" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

At least NCA, Atlas Air, Emirates, Korean, Volga Dnepr (for ABC) and Cathay have ordered the freighter version as well.

In total an approximate 106 747-8's have been ordered.

Gr.
Ard

[ehusmann]

Wonder if Lufthansa still wants this aircraft if it remains the sole user of the pax version.

There are rumours already that LH would soon order 15 B777-300ER. If true, it would probably be in stead of the B748i and this version will most probably be cancelled.

Erwin