Boeing Looking Ahead to 21st Century

SINGAPORE, July 10, 1995 -- Asia-Pacific airline requirements are the driving force in helping Boeing define the market for the 21st century, according to Jeff VerWey, chief engineer, Customer Requirements Product Development, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, speaking at the "Air Transport in the Asia-Pacific: Challenges, Opportunities and Options" conference in Singapore. The conference is organized by the Singapore National Committee for the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.

VerWey said Boeing anticipates a future airline market environment characterized by greater competition, more service-oriented network strategies, adequate airport/airway capacity, declining passenger yields, and aircraft technology that is focused on delivering increased value to airlines.

Asia-Pacific airlines require aircraft in every size category capable of serving multiple markets, from short-range, high-density routes, to very long-range city-pairs that today cannot be served non-stop. Boeing now offers airlines an aircraft for every market need.

"With the introduction of the 777 family, Boeing has the broadest, most complete product line among all manufacturers," said VerWey.

"Boeing designs aircraft with 'room to grow,' which has two benefits," VerWey said. "First, each model evolves into a family of common aircraft allowing airlines to efficiently serve multiple, diverse markets but retain the economic advantages of a single fleet type. Second, Boeing aircraft designs have a history of successfully adapting over time to markets that did not exist when the initial model was conceived."

Boeing is now studying two product alternatives of special interest to Asia- Pacific airlines: the 777-100X and future need for 747-sized and larger aircraft.

"The 777 was designed to be a one-airplane solution to multiple markets," said VerWey. "With the introduction into service of the 777-200 last month, commitment of four Asian airlines to the higher capacity 777-300 for introduction in 1998, and a very active study of a 777-100X, we are well on our way toward meeting that objective."

VerWey said the Boeing 777-100X is an airplane designed in response to airlines' interest in providing direct, non-stop service to new destinations. With greater range, faster cruise speed, more passenger comfort, and better economics than competitive alternatives, the 777-100X could establish new standards in market flexibility including the ability to fly non-stop from the west coast of the United States to Singapore.

The venerable Boeing 747 has demonstrated its suitability to Asia-Pacific markets. Among the alternatives for larger aircraft under consideration, Boeing is examining 747 derivatives that would provide greater range, performance and economic value. Current 747 studies are focusing on wing and fuselage modifications necessary to satisfy future air travel growth demands.

Boeing is also studying the New Large Airplane, a potential 600-seat aircraft, and a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT), which would need to overcome environmental, as well as propulsion, material and aerodynamic challenges prior to production.

VerWey said that Boeing is studying many possibilities, but "In the end, our airline customers will make the final determination whether these products come to market. Boeing is listening very carefully."