7E7 To Enter Production
Well, it wasn't a
terribly big surprise, but Boeing today formally announced it's
going ahead with its first new commercial aircraft line in 13
years. At least, the salesmen can start.
Boeing can now make sales proposals to airlines around the
world. The company expects those sales proposals to result in firm
customer commitments and a production go-ahead, or formal launch,
in 2004.
"The board's decision validates the 7E7's compelling business
case and the tremendous customer interest in this airplane," Boeing
President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Stonecipher told more
than 3,000 7E7 team members gathered today at Seattle's Washington
State Convention and Trade Center. "The 7E7 is a game changer and
we're anxious to begin offering it to our airline customers."
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive
Officer Alan Mulally, and 7E7 Senior Vice President Mike Bair
presented the 7E7 business case to the board of directors at a
meeting in Chicago Monday, on the second day of a two-day board
meeting .
"Savor this moment," Mulally told the 7E7 team. "This is a great
way to start the second century of powered flight. It demonstrates
our commitment to our customers, our employees and our industry,
and it will ensure that Boeing continues its leadership in
commercial aviation."
Wednesday is the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight
that made modern aviation possible.
Boeing Tuesday also announced that Everett (WA) has been
selected as the final assembly location for the 7E7, following a
six-month evaluation of proposals from sites across the United
States.
Boeing and McCallum Sweeney Consulting, Inc. evaluated the
proposals against criteria designed to find the final-assembly
location that would best support the 7E7 business plan.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the state of
Washington and the city of Everett on the 7E7," said Bair. "Many
states submitted extremely competitive proposals and many factors
weighed into the decision. But it's clear that the best overall
solution for Boeing and the 7E7 is to place final assembly in
Everett."
Boeing announced last
month that the 7E7 program management and design integration teams
will also be based in Everett. The company expects to announce
airplane systems and engine partners for the 7E7 in 2004.
Boeing has been working with more than 50 airlines around the
world to define the requirements for the 7E7. The 7E7 family of
airplanes will carry 200 to 250 passengers on flights up to 8,300
nautical miles. Three models of the airplane are in development,
including a short-range version for flights of 3,500 nautical miles
with 300 passengers in two-class seating. The 7E7 will be more
efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes
while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of
direct, non-stop flights between more cities around the world.
"The 7E7 is all about taking passengers where they want to go,
when they want to go there more comfortably and affordably than
ever before," said Mulally. "At the same time, it will provide
airlines with unprecedented operating economics and efficiencies.
This airplane will allow us to continue to set the standard for
commercial aviation in the second century of flight."
Boeing forecasts a need for between 2,000 and 3,000 airplanes in
the 7E7's market segment over the next 20 years.