More big talk about big jets
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Boeing Blogger-in-chief Randy Baseler is in Australia touting the 747-8. Much of the talk centers http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18306267%255E23349,00.html on whether Boeing will sell any of its “Intercontinentals” — the passenger version of the stretched jumbo jet — and what affect the next generation of passenger jets will have on the trans-Pacific airline market.
Key Quote: “Boeing is forecasting more direct services to the US from Brisbane and Melbourne as a result of the introduction of long-range, mid-size planes such as the 787-9 ordered by Qantas and, potentially, the 777-200LR. It also sees the planes flying to a greater range of US destinations, including Seattle, Dallas and Chicago.”
But much of the buzz Down Under http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18308533%255E23349,00.html seems to be about the Sky Suites, the area in the crown above the main passenger deck that Boeing’s proposing to convert into lounges or bunks for passengers. http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18305004%255E664,00.html And why not? I’ve seen the mock-ups and they are pretty cool.
Key Quote (from the Herald Sun in Melbourne): “Boeing expects some premium passengers to pay extra to use a private suite and work area, but the area could also be available for economy travellers who want a proper rest on their flight.”
Key Quote (from The Australian): “One idea is for 40 luxury ‘Skyloft suites’ —individual berths offering private resting areas for first- and business-class passengers on long-haul flights. Another is for more-basic berths that economy class passengers could pay extra for. Other possible uses include a lounge or stateroom, a gym, an office area or a space that allows airlines to move kitchen galleys from the main deck and add additional seats.”
Baseler himself has posted a link to a Boeing video that shows the new suites. http://www.boeing.com/randy/
Key Quote: “It’s a lot of fun to talk about these features, and to watch our visitors really taking a long look at the possibilities.”
Meanwhile, Airbus executives are crying foul, saying Boeing is using misleading figures to make their A380 seem like a gas-guzzler when compared to the 747-8. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-airbus-angered-boeing-claims-over-a380-weight-/2006/02/28/1415679.htm
Key Quote, from A380 product marketing director Richard Carcaillet : “‘We’re talking about gross exaggerations, particularly in the case of the freighter.’”
