British Airways clarifies long-haul fleet renewal plans

[AeroEntusiasta]

Fonte: ATW Online - 15/03/2006

British Airways clarifies long-haul fleet renewal plans

British Airways denied it is at an advanced stage of negotiations with
Boeing to acquire up to 20 777-300ERs that would replace some early delivery
747s from 2008, as reported on this website last week (ATWOnline, March
10)."We have secured options on production slots with Boeing for up to 10
777s for delivery from the end of 2008 through to 2010," Planning Director
Robert Boyle told ATWOnline yesterday, noting that at this point there is no
preference for the dash 300ER. "The agreement does not specify which type.
We can do this at a later date closer to the exercising of the options," he
said.

Boyle preferred not to disclose the financial terms of the agreement but
admitted there is a "linkage" with a former option position BA held on 16
777-200ERs dating from 1998, which lapsed after 9/11. The securing of the
slots came about "as we were having talks with both manufacturers on our
future [long-haul] fleet requirements," he said. BA operates 43 777-200s, 21
767-300s and 57 747-400s on its long-haul routes. "We have to start thinking
about the replacement of the latter two types," Boyle stated, while adding
the need is "not imminent." Its oldest 747 came into service in 1989 and its
first 767 in 1990.

The airline is considering all possible types, including the A380, A340-600
and 747-8, to replace its 747s, and the 787 or A350 to succeed the 767. Even
the dash 777-300ER and dash 200 are under consideration. "We operate Airbus
and Boeing and we are open to all combinations," Boyle noted. "Of course a
combined order for A380s with 747-8s is unlikely, as is an order for the
Dreamliner with the A350." BA is more interested in the 787-9 and the
proposed larger dash 10 than the 787-8. He also revealed it "very much
pushed Boeing to produce the 747-8."

He stressed, however, that the fleet renewal decision depends on the
fulfillment of a "triple package" encompassing a successful conclusion to
ongoing pension deficit negotiations, implementation of the £450 million
($777.2 million) in cost reductions outlined in the 2006-08 business plan
(ATWOnline, March 10) and realization of a 10% operating margin in FY08. "If
we don't make progress on all these topics, there will be no fleet
expansion," he stated. "If we are not in a position to make the investment
in confidence, we will not make the investment. We don't have the state
willing to lend a helping hand, nor do we have Chapter 11 available to us."

[Claudio Paiva de Paula]

Prezados Colegas:

A pergunta é dirigida aos que conhecem as terminologias técnicas em inglês; já peço desculpas se minha pergunta se lhes parecer muito banal.
A dúvida é: porque chamam o B 777 de "dash"? Esta terminologia também foi adotada no início do lançamento do B 707 na década de 50 passada, conforme relatos neste e em outros sites especializados.
Antecipadamente agradeço a atenção.

Claudio Paiva

[Anonymous]

Prezados Colegas:

A pergunta é dirigida aos que conhecem as terminologias técnicas em inglês; já peço desculpas se minha pergunta se lhes parecer muito banal.
A dúvida é: porque chamam o B 777 de "dash"? Esta terminologia também foi adotada no início do lançamento do B 707 na década de 50 passada, conforme relatos neste e em outros sites especializados.
Antecipadamente agradeço a atenção.

Claudio Paiva

dash = -

777-300 = 777 dash 300

dash/traço

[GuinhoBSB]

Seria interessante ver um 777-300 nas cores da British. Por falar nisso, a Air France é a única empresa fora da Ásia a operar o 777-300?