Planemaker Has Five Commercial Jetliners On Display At Le
Bourget
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said
the company is poised for future growth as it prepares to deliver
the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8, increases production rates to respond
to strong customer demand and develops the market-leading
technology and products of the future.
"Airlines today worry about their environmental footprint, fuel
efficiency and sustained profitability," said Albaugh. "Our family
of ultra-efficient products directly support these customer
needs."
Albaugh made the remarks in a briefing Sunday at the 49th Paris
Air Show, which features five Boeing commercial airplanes on
display. "We are positioned for future growth as we near delivery
of our two revolutionary, 21st-century airplanes," Albaugh said.
"We are building tomorrow's airplanes today and driving value and
fuel-efficiency that help our customers compete in the global
marketplace."
Boeing announced last week its 2011 Current Market Outlook,
which forecasts a market for 33,500 airplanes worth $4 trillion
over the next twenty years. With continued strong demand driven by
economic growth, Boeing plans to increase production rates for its
highly efficient and reliable Next-Generation 737 family to 42
airplanes per month by the first half of 2014. Boeing also has
announced future production rate increases for the 747, 777 and 787
programs.
Albaugh outlined the company's disciplined process to determine
whether to re-engine the 737, which could enter service in the 2017
timeframe, or introduce a transformational new airplane by 2020.
"Re-engining the Next-Generation 737 is technically viable and a
real option for us. What we are working on now is whether that's a
good enough answer for the next decades in light of the rising cost
of fuel and emerging environmental regulations," Albaugh
said. "One thing is certain: we will always provide more
value to our customers than our competition."
By improving aerodynamics and engines, Albaugh said Boeing can
deliver a new small airplane that's 20 percent more fuel efficient
than its predecessor. "When our competitor says they don't have the
technology for a new small airplane until 2030 or even 2035, we
believe them," Albaugh said. "We do have the technology as a result
of developing the breakthrough 787."
The company also will continue to improve the Next-Generation
737 and reduce fuel burn by an additional two percent this year.
"The 737 is a great airplane, and it will remain the leader in the
single-aisle market for years to come," Albaugh said. "We will
compete vigorously for the heart of this market in the future."
Reuters reports that quotes from Boeing CEO Jim McNerney appeared
in the French press saying a decision could come early next
year.
Boeing's efforts to reduce commercial aviation's environmental
impact are highlighted by the first transatlantic biofuel flight by
a commercial airplane – a new Boeing 747-8 Freighter –
which arrived in Paris Monday afternoon. All four engines are being
powered by a fuel blend containing 15 percent camelina-based
biofuel.
"Boeing is taking aggressive action to reduce global warming.
It's good for our customers and for passengers, and it's the right
thing to do," Albaugh said. "We're committed to make each
generation of airplane more efficient by improving aerodynamics,
using lighter materials like composites and better engines and
making aviation biofuels a priority."