Airlines and Machinists strike; tanker tidbits; and a 787 rival?

Published 2:45 pm Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Already, airlines are weighing in.

Ireland’s Ryanair will push back opening 11 new routes due to the strike, telling Reuters that Boeing likely will deliver its two 737s late.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner launch customer Japan Airlines said it is “worried” about the strike’s impact on jet deliveries, Reuters also reports.

Also in 787 news, Airbus said it will offer customers a heavier A330 to compete against the delayed 787, according to this story. Airbus hopes to steal away from Boeing customers who are tired of waiting for the Dreamliner. Airlines looking to place an order on a 787 could be getting a 2020 delivery date, ATW reports.

The Pentagon could release the final Air Force tanker requirements tomorrow afternoon, reports Defense News. The Press-Register in Mobile, where Northrop-EADS would build their tanker, published this editorial, which suggests the Machinists’ strike reflects poorly on Boeing’s ability to deliver a tanker on time.

In case you missed, yesterday Defense News also reported that Boeing will push back delivery of its KC-767 for Italy until 2009, roughly four years behind schedule.