Leeham News and Analysis
There's more to real news than a news release.
Leeham News and Analysis
- Bjorn’s Corner: Air Transport’s route to 2050. Part 25. June 6, 2025
- New RISE powerplant benefits from decades of GE research and development June 5, 2025
- Engine makers emphasizing durability, reliability June 4, 2025
- Boeing CEO: Lessons learned are key to certification of 737-7/10 and 777X June 2, 2025
- Digital twin is a key to JetZero’s hopes for Blended Wing Body entry June 2, 2025
Bjorn’s Corner: Do I get COVID in airline cabins? Part 12. New results.
October 9, 2020, ©. Leeham News: We interrupt our series about hydrogen as an energy store for airliners to go back to our previous theme for a Friday or two: Do I get COVID in airline cabins?
IATA, Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer did a joint presentation yesterday about their latest knowledge about COVID and flying, and with the Pandemic entering the second wave in many countries it’s a timely subject.
Figure 1. IATA’s statistics over 1.2 billion passengers flying with 2839 contagious persons on board. 44 others got infected during the flights. Source: IATA.
Enhancing the Dreamliner, Part 1: the 787-8
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By Vincent Valery
Introduction
Oct. 8, 2020, © Leeham News: The Dreamliner program is approaching its 1000th delivery less than 10 years after entry into service. It is the fastest-ever delivery ramp-up for any twin-aisle program.
However, the milestone will feel bittersweet due to the upcoming production rate cuts (to six per month from 14) and the decision to close the Everett final assembly line and concentrate final assembly to South Carolina.
As outlined several times before, air travel recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak will take years. Long-haul markets, which the 787 serves, should be last to return to normal.
The above means Boeing will deliver far fewer 787s over the next five years than it envisioned at the beginning of the year. Any significant upgrade of the aircraft is off the table for the foreseeable future. To boost sales and profitability, the American OEM is looking at how to improve its product line at minimal costs.
LNA published an article last month about Boeing’s study into lowering 787-8 production costs.
By the end of August 2020, Boeing had 48, 333, and 145 outstanding orders for the -8, -9, and -10, respectively. LNA estimated the total to be 38, 299, and 145, respectively, after adjusting for orders at risk.
We will, in our series, go through the different models in the product line, their history, and potential for further improvements now that the product line approaches midlife.
Summary
- Significant development problems and delays;
- A compromise(d) design leads to initial limitations;
- Deliveries slowed after post-EIS rush;
- The problem Boeing did not want to address;
- A long-haul route highlights potential enhancements.
HOTR: What Delta and Qatar Airways have in common
By the Leeham News team
Oct. 6, 2020, © Leeham News: Apart from a few exceptions, airlines have had to take steep losses since the beginning of the COVID-19. The pain is compounded for two major airlines: Delta Air Lines and Qatar Airways.
Both airlines invested sizable amounts of money into other airlines. Qatar did so with external financing and Delta via reinvestments of profits. With the COVID-19 crisis, both airlines have had to record significant losses on those investments.
Gov. Inslee misses the point in his pique over Boeing 787 production decision
By Scott Hamilton
Analysis
Oct. 5, 2020, © Leeham News: The contrast in tones couldn’t be sharper.
With the announcement last Thursday by Boeing it will consolidate 787 production from Everett into Charleston, local political leaders were disappointed but understanding and even sympathetic.
Gov. Jay Inslee
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin likened Boeing to a family member who was in crisis. Hard decisions by Boeing were made, but in a crisis, you must. Support your family. Understand the situation. Figure out how to make the best of it to move forward.
On the other hand, Gov. Jay Inslee vowed to review the state’s relationship with Boeing and tax breaks granted to the company. Inslee claimed understanding but his tone was hostile, defiant and angry.
Related stories
Pontifications: Boeing works on green aviation initiatives
By Scott Hamilton
Oct. 5, 2020, © Leeham News: Even as Boeing works its way through the final days of the 737 MAX grounding and how to survive the COVID-19 crisis, it’s working on greener aviation.
LNA already reported how Boeing views the prospects of hydrogen, hybrid and electric power. Another article discusses Boeing’s work in disinfecting airplanes to combat COVID.
Here are some other areas Boeing is working on.
Sunset of the Quads, Part 9, Wrap-up
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By Vincent Valery and Bjorn Fehrm
Introduction
Oct. 1st, 2020, © Leeham News: Last week, we compared the economics of the A380 against the 747-8 and 777-9 on the Frankfurt to New York route. We now wrap-up our series on the significant passenger quad-jets of the last 30 years and how competitive they were against other quads and the twins that gradually took over the very large aircraft segment.
Summary
- A resounding success, a respectable career, and three commercial failures;
- Prospects for a Quad-jet passenger operation in the post-COVID world are slim;
- The next quads will come as low emission technology drives implementations to smaller propulsive units.
Bjorn’s Corner: The challenges of Hydrogen. Part 11. Emissions
October 2, 2020, ©. Leeham News: In our series on Hydrogen as an energy store for airliners we look deeper at the emissions from a hydrogen airliner and compare it to the emissions from today’s carbon fueled aircraft.
Figure 1. The three Hydrogen concepts from Airbus. Source: Airbus.
Boeing needs to show respect for taxpayers, Gov. Inslee says
By Scott Hamilton
Oct. 1, 2020, © Leeham News: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee reacted today to Boeing’s decision to consolidate 787 production in Charleston (SC) with a threat.
Gov. Jay Inslee
“Boeing’s decision to take the 787 to South Carolina necessitates a review of our partnership and the company’s favorable tax treatment,” said in a statement.
Boeing needs to respect Washington taxpayers, he said.
The county executive and the city mayor where the Washington 787 Final Assembly Line #1 is located promised support and strengthening the relationship with an eye toward economic recovery and a future New Boeing Airplane (NBA).
This is no time for divisions, said Snohomish County Executive David Somers when asked about Inslee’s threat.
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin agreed. She said it’s time to support Boeing, a “family member,” who is hurting in this economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s official: Boeing to consolidate 787 production in Charleston in 2021
Oct. 1, 2020, (c) Leeham News: It’s official: Boeing confirmed this morning what has been expected since late July: 787 production will be consolidated in Charleston at its 787 final assembly line.
Consolidation will be from mid-2021, earlier than the previously announced 2022 date. Production next year will decline to 6/mo.
Boeing issued the following press release this morning:
Nobody should be surprised at Boeing decision
| By Scott Hamilton
Commentary Oct. 1, 2020, © Leeham News: Nobody, but nobody, should be surprised that Boeing is going to consolidate 787 production in Charleston (SC). This die was cast Oct. 28, 2009, when Boeing announced that the second 787 Final Assembly Line would be placed in Charleston instead of Everett. It was only a matter of time.  Boeing 787 production and assembly plants in Charleston (SC). Source: Flight Global. |