Assuming as expected, Boeing splits the 100-250 seat aircraft market into two segments with two distinct designs, what should Boeing propose for the 100-150 seat category?
Boeing has to target this aircraft above the Embraer E-190 and E-195 aircraft. This is somewhat eased by U.S. major airline pilots unions, who in their contract cap the largest aircraft a regional partner can use. This "scope clause" is intended to prevent the loss of mainline pilot jobs to lower-paid regional pilots. But is also keeps the 110-130 seat segment firmly with the major airlines, as skipping from 70 seat regional jets to 150 seat mainline aircraft can be to much of a gap to schedule efficiently.
In my last post, I pointed out most domestic first-class passengers don't pay for first class, but instead are coach passengers who are upgraded to first class based on their frequent flier status. This fact makes aircraft like the 767 and MD-80 better for the airlines, because their first class cabins lose only one seat per row. Domestic first class in the 767 uses six-abreast seating compared to seven-abreast in coach. On the MD-80 (and Boeing 717), first class is four-abreast while coach is five-abreast.
If Boeing does create an aircraft to cover the gap between its larger 737s and the 787, that leaves only the lower-end of the 737 market needing a follow-on. An aircraft with a cross-section similar to the MD-80/717 would fit this ideally. In fact, it could easily cover from 100 to 150 passengers. Some improvements could be made, but the current MD-80/717 design is still valid. This aircraft could be timed for a 2015 entry into service, and Boeing could focus on breakthrough engine efficiencies. Range would be less important, as the larger aircraft could address handful of "long thin" routes where longer range 737s are currently being used.
Regarding the MD-80/717 design, a T-tail, rear engine design offers more flexibility for higher bypass engines, or even a rebirth of the "propfans" proposed in the early 1990s.
The five-abreast, single-aisle layout offers faster loading and unloading than the 737s six-abreast single-aisle config. The only negative on this layout is overhead bin space. But there is plenty of time to address the cabin layouts.
For my next post, I will explain why Boeing needs to act now.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
What Boeing Needs To Do (Part 2)
Last Friday, December 1st, Airbus finally, officially launched the A350XWB. As I commented earlier, I believe Boeing now should target the 200-250 seat market for its next commercial airliner.
What should a new Boeing 200-250 seat aircraft look like?
A big consideration driving seating arrangements for U.S. domestic airlines is balancing seat revenue with flight attendant requirements. Delta slightly reduced the seating on its 737-800s to 150 seats so they could operate these aircraft with only three flight attendants. 151 passengers requires four flight attendants, as does 200. So a few more fare paying passengers did not offset the added cost of an additional flight attendant. This means Boeing must target designs for 150 seats, 200 seats, and 250 seats in a U.S. domestic two-class arrangement. Alternatively, longer-range international flights have different considerations. This means in a larger, longer-ranged version, total seat numbers are less important.
An almost ideal fuselage for such an airplane would be similar to the proposed Boeing 7J7 and McDonnell Douglas DC-11. Both of these proposed twin-aisle, six-abreast coach configurations.
This seating configuration offers two design options. The first, a narrower option, considers the fact a twin aisle, six-abreat configuration can tolerate narrower seats and aisles. This means the fuselage only has to be about 18 inches wider than the current 737. Despite narrow seats and aisles, with 2/3rds of the seats aisle seats, and no middle seats, the airplane would be relatively comfortable.
But a second design option would be a wider six-abreast option which could support a seven-abreast configuration for charter and the domestic Japanese markets. In this case, the fuselage width should be dictated by the narrowest coach seat available (DC-10 and L-1011 10-abreast, 767 8-abreast, or A300 9-abreast). A seven-abreast configuration of these, with the narrowest aisle tolerable (probably 16 inches), would define the cabin width. Then design a six-abreast configuration for the rest of the world.
If the latter option is chose, seat mile efficiency targets should be based on domestic U.S. markets in the six-abreast configuration. This is a challenging target, but should be easier in the 200-250 seat category compared to the 100-200 seat category.
A twin-aisle, six abreast configuration would be much more comfortable than the 757 on transcontinental and transatlantic routes, and with twin-aisles would also have faster boarding and and disembarkment times for short-haul service. It would also allow for more carry-on baggage space, critical in the short-haul market.
Given the breadth of size and range options, two wing configurations should be planned from the beginning, just like the 787. A smaller wing would be used for the 150 seat and possibly the 200 seat domestic version, and a larger wing would be used for the 200 seat extended range version and the 250 seat version.
Another advantage of the six-abreast coach configuration is it allows for a five-abreast U.S. domestic first class and international business class. Almost no one pays for first class tickets in the U.S. These seats are almost always filled with coach ticket travelers who have been upgraded due to premium frequent flier status. For international flights, a four-abreast international first class option would be possible.
Such an aircraft should cover from from the 737-800 to the 757-300 markets. This means a significant change from Boeing's original Y1 100-200 passenger concept. But the reality is a 100 seat aircraft is significantly different from a 200 seat aircraft. What should fill the 100-150 seat category? That will be the subject of my next post.
Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4
What should a new Boeing 200-250 seat aircraft look like?
A big consideration driving seating arrangements for U.S. domestic airlines is balancing seat revenue with flight attendant requirements. Delta slightly reduced the seating on its 737-800s to 150 seats so they could operate these aircraft with only three flight attendants. 151 passengers requires four flight attendants, as does 200. So a few more fare paying passengers did not offset the added cost of an additional flight attendant. This means Boeing must target designs for 150 seats, 200 seats, and 250 seats in a U.S. domestic two-class arrangement. Alternatively, longer-range international flights have different considerations. This means in a larger, longer-ranged version, total seat numbers are less important.
An almost ideal fuselage for such an airplane would be similar to the proposed Boeing 7J7 and McDonnell Douglas DC-11. Both of these proposed twin-aisle, six-abreast coach configurations.
This seating configuration offers two design options. The first, a narrower option, considers the fact a twin aisle, six-abreat configuration can tolerate narrower seats and aisles. This means the fuselage only has to be about 18 inches wider than the current 737. Despite narrow seats and aisles, with 2/3rds of the seats aisle seats, and no middle seats, the airplane would be relatively comfortable.
But a second design option would be a wider six-abreast option which could support a seven-abreast configuration for charter and the domestic Japanese markets. In this case, the fuselage width should be dictated by the narrowest coach seat available (DC-10 and L-1011 10-abreast, 767 8-abreast, or A300 9-abreast). A seven-abreast configuration of these, with the narrowest aisle tolerable (probably 16 inches), would define the cabin width. Then design a six-abreast configuration for the rest of the world.
If the latter option is chose, seat mile efficiency targets should be based on domestic U.S. markets in the six-abreast configuration. This is a challenging target, but should be easier in the 200-250 seat category compared to the 100-200 seat category.
A twin-aisle, six abreast configuration would be much more comfortable than the 757 on transcontinental and transatlantic routes, and with twin-aisles would also have faster boarding and and disembarkment times for short-haul service. It would also allow for more carry-on baggage space, critical in the short-haul market.
Given the breadth of size and range options, two wing configurations should be planned from the beginning, just like the 787. A smaller wing would be used for the 150 seat and possibly the 200 seat domestic version, and a larger wing would be used for the 200 seat extended range version and the 250 seat version.
Another advantage of the six-abreast coach configuration is it allows for a five-abreast U.S. domestic first class and international business class. Almost no one pays for first class tickets in the U.S. These seats are almost always filled with coach ticket travelers who have been upgraded due to premium frequent flier status. For international flights, a four-abreast international first class option would be possible.
Such an aircraft should cover from from the 737-800 to the 757-300 markets. This means a significant change from Boeing's original Y1 100-200 passenger concept. But the reality is a 100 seat aircraft is significantly different from a 200 seat aircraft. What should fill the 100-150 seat category? That will be the subject of my next post.
Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4
Saturday, November 25, 2006
What Boeing Needs To Do (Part 1)
I had planned this post after Airbus announced the launch of the A350XWB program. But Airbus, ever dysfunctional, has stalled its decision as it deals with consortium politics.
Assuming Airbus does launch the A350XWB, what should Boeing's next step be?
Boeing currently has a two-prong strategy: Update existing airplanes (737 and 747) with new technology to keep them competitive, and create breakthrough technologies on new airplanes (the 777 and now the 787). With the first 787 now under construction, the question for Boeing is "What comes next?"
A good resource on Boeing's future commercial airplane plans can be found here.
The Boeing Y2 project became the 7E7, which eventually became the 787. Like every Boeing commercial airplane in the last 25 years, the 787 outgrew its original target as a 757 and 767 replacement. Now the smallest 787s (the 787-3 and 787-8) are on par with the 767-300, and the stretched 787-9 has a seating capacity greater than the largest 767, the 767-400ER. At the same time, Boeing has pushed the 737 to near 757 capacity with the latest 737-900.
Most expect Boeing to next launch the Y1, a 737 replacement using composite technology pioneered on the 787. But instead of a 100-200 seat direct 737 replacement, Boeing needs to look instead at follow-on to the 757-200, 757-300, and 767-200 aircraft. For simplicity, I will refer to this market as the 200-250 seat market. This would fill the gap between the 737-900 and the 787. It should also offer the option of a mainline 180-230 seat version to target the 757 market, as well as a smaller, 150-180 seat version to target the upper portion of the 737 market. There should also be an option of a later stretch to 250-280 seats to target the 757-300 and 767-200 markets.
While a U.S. domestic capable aircraft would seem obvious, airlines are increasingly using the 757-200 as a transatlantic aircraft. Continental Airlines currently uses 757-200s in transatlantic service, and Delta will start 757 transatlantic services in 2007. This means a long-range option (transatlantic, at least) is required for a 757 follow-on.
Another factor affecting the 757 replacement market is increasing demand for 757s in charter and cargo service. FedEx plans to acquire 90 757s on the second-hand market. A vibrant second-hand market makes it easier to replace aircraft. These trends, along with airlines retiring 767-200s and redeploying other 767s and some 757s to international service could put pressure on Boeing to bring a 200-250 passenger aircraft to market sooner.
What should a new Boeing 200-250 seat aircraft look like? I'll cover that in my next post.
Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Assuming Airbus does launch the A350XWB, what should Boeing's next step be?
Boeing currently has a two-prong strategy: Update existing airplanes (737 and 747) with new technology to keep them competitive, and create breakthrough technologies on new airplanes (the 777 and now the 787). With the first 787 now under construction, the question for Boeing is "What comes next?"
A good resource on Boeing's future commercial airplane plans can be found here.
The Boeing Y2 project became the 7E7, which eventually became the 787. Like every Boeing commercial airplane in the last 25 years, the 787 outgrew its original target as a 757 and 767 replacement. Now the smallest 787s (the 787-3 and 787-8) are on par with the 767-300, and the stretched 787-9 has a seating capacity greater than the largest 767, the 767-400ER. At the same time, Boeing has pushed the 737 to near 757 capacity with the latest 737-900.
Most expect Boeing to next launch the Y1, a 737 replacement using composite technology pioneered on the 787. But instead of a 100-200 seat direct 737 replacement, Boeing needs to look instead at follow-on to the 757-200, 757-300, and 767-200 aircraft. For simplicity, I will refer to this market as the 200-250 seat market. This would fill the gap between the 737-900 and the 787. It should also offer the option of a mainline 180-230 seat version to target the 757 market, as well as a smaller, 150-180 seat version to target the upper portion of the 737 market. There should also be an option of a later stretch to 250-280 seats to target the 757-300 and 767-200 markets.
While a U.S. domestic capable aircraft would seem obvious, airlines are increasingly using the 757-200 as a transatlantic aircraft. Continental Airlines currently uses 757-200s in transatlantic service, and Delta will start 757 transatlantic services in 2007. This means a long-range option (transatlantic, at least) is required for a 757 follow-on.
Another factor affecting the 757 replacement market is increasing demand for 757s in charter and cargo service. FedEx plans to acquire 90 757s on the second-hand market. A vibrant second-hand market makes it easier to replace aircraft. These trends, along with airlines retiring 767-200s and redeploying other 767s and some 757s to international service could put pressure on Boeing to bring a 200-250 passenger aircraft to market sooner.
What should a new Boeing 200-250 seat aircraft look like? I'll cover that in my next post.
Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Airbus' Dillema
What a difference two years makes. Boeing has been on a tear lately, to say the least. At the same time, Airbus has been in free fall.
Here is a brief summary of Airbus' current problems:
What Airbus should have done is recognized the threat of Boeing's big twin, and instead of the A340-500 and A340-600, it should have built a larger, longer-ranged, twin-engined A330 using the wing design of the A340-500/A340-600 and the 777's engines. This would have stalled Boeing's success, and allowed Airbus to offer existing customers a long-range, large capacity aircraft with significant commonality to its existing A330s.
But the past is the past. What is Airbus to do now? There are several options, none of them good.
I was almost certain Airbus would choose option 2. However, Airbus feels an all-new NSR follow-on aircraft for the 737 and A320 market is not viable until around 2014, which means they don't have to make a decision for two to three more years. Because of this, in the next few days Airbus is expected to choose option 3. Even with the NSR pushed out until the middle of the next decade, Airbus has its hands full fixing the A380 and bringing a completely new A350XWB to market by 2012. Not only do they absolutely have to get the A350XWB right, because as soon as it completes its test program they will have to start testing the NSR, but the NSR program must execute flawlessly.
Is Airbus capable of delivering two perfectly executed aircraft programs? We will see.
Here is a brief summary of Airbus' current problems:
- The A380 is two years late, and due to changes in the air travel market, may never reach original sales forecasts. The first A380 cancellation happened when FedEx canceled its cargo A380Fs in favor of Boeing 777s. Another potential A380F customer, Emirates, recently ordered Boeing's new 747-8F freighter.
- Airbus' current large aircraft, the A330 and A340, have been dealt a near-fatal one-two punch by Boeing's 777 and 787. Again Emirates recently canceled its Airbus A340-600HGW order in favor of more Boeing 777-300ERs.
- Airbus' A330/A340 follow-on, the A350, was basically a warmed-over A330 and was so panned by customers Airbus was forced to return to the drawing board to completely redesign the airplane, resulting in the A350XWB.
- The A350XWB engineering effort is directly competing with efforts to address the A380's problems.
- At the same time, Airbus has to plan for the "Airbus NSR", or "New Short Range", the follow-on to the very successful A320 line of mid-sized airliners.
What Airbus should have done is recognized the threat of Boeing's big twin, and instead of the A340-500 and A340-600, it should have built a larger, longer-ranged, twin-engined A330 using the wing design of the A340-500/A340-600 and the 777's engines. This would have stalled Boeing's success, and allowed Airbus to offer existing customers a long-range, large capacity aircraft with significant commonality to its existing A330s.
But the past is the past. What is Airbus to do now? There are several options, none of them good.
- Cancel the A380. Pros: It will likely never break even. It would allow Airbus to concentrate on the A350XWB and NSR. Cons: With 166 orders, Airbus would have to pay out penalties.
- Cancel the A350XWB. Pros: Airbus could fix the A380 and focus on the NSR. Cons: It would cede the most profitable portion of the market to Boeing's 777 and 787, and leave Airbus as a niche player in the wide-body market.
- Go forward with the A380 and A350XWB. Pros: Airbus would remain in the large airplane market. Cons: The A380 will likely not break even, the A350XWB will be too late to market to overcome Boeing's 777 and 787 momentum, and Airbus may cede the narrow-body market to Boeing's 737 follow-on.
I was almost certain Airbus would choose option 2. However, Airbus feels an all-new NSR follow-on aircraft for the 737 and A320 market is not viable until around 2014, which means they don't have to make a decision for two to three more years. Because of this, in the next few days Airbus is expected to choose option 3. Even with the NSR pushed out until the middle of the next decade, Airbus has its hands full fixing the A380 and bringing a completely new A350XWB to market by 2012. Not only do they absolutely have to get the A350XWB right, because as soon as it completes its test program they will have to start testing the NSR, but the NSR program must execute flawlessly.
Is Airbus capable of delivering two perfectly executed aircraft programs? We will see.
First Post
This blog will be my musings on a variety of subjects. Topics may include computer platforms, computer networking, commercial aviation, college football, and other subjects.
Why the name "Points East"? Except for one year in California, I have lived most of my life in the southeast United States. The other place I lived was Japan, which is the far east. I also have spent significant time in the middle east. So it keeps coming back to east.
For the last nine years I have worked in the information technology sales and marketing profession. That brings me back to the name, Points East. The name Points East was inspired by a in my simultaneous search for a blog name as well as a logo.
At some point I will create a new template with the Points East logo. The name will then make sense.
Why the name "Points East"? Except for one year in California, I have lived most of my life in the southeast United States. The other place I lived was Japan, which is the far east. I also have spent significant time in the middle east. So it keeps coming back to east.
For the last nine years I have worked in the information technology sales and marketing profession. That brings me back to the name, Points East. The name Points East was inspired by a in my simultaneous search for a blog name as well as a logo.
At some point I will create a new template with the Points East logo. The name will then make sense.
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