Boeing suffers fresh blow as it delays long-range jet amid 737 Max struggles
Boeing has pushed back the development of an ultra-long-range version of its upcoming 777X jet as it struggles to get on top of the crisis which has left its best-selling 737 Max grounded for six months.
The 777X will have a range of 10,500 miles, meaning it can make a 21-hour non-stop flight from Sydney to London. It was expected to be bought by the likes of Quantas Airways for the launch of the route, which would be the longest commercial flight, in 2023.
“We reviewed our development program schedule and the needs of our current 777X customers and decided to adjust the schedule,” said a Boeing spokesperson.
“The adjustment reduces risk in our development program, ensuring a more seamless transition to the 777-8. We continue to engage with our current and potential customers on how we can meet their fleet needs. This includes our valued customer Qantas.”
The fresh delay comes as the grounding of Boeing’s lucrative 737 Max single-aisle entered a sixth month in August.
The decision effectively means Boeing engineers have frozen development work on the ultra-long-range version of the 777X. The schedule delay could jeopardize competition with European arch-rival Airbus for a slice of the ultra-long-haul travel market.
Airbus, which is offering an ultra-long-range version of its A350-1000, and Boeing have already submitted their “best and final” offers to Qantas for planes capable of the 17,000 km (10,560 mile) Sydney-London route, a Qantas spokesman said.
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