Boeing Stops Work on 787-300 to Speed 787-800

[Matt Molnar]

AP, via LA Times:

Boeing moves to speed first 787 deliveries (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-boeing25feb25,1,5511864.story?ctrack=2&cset=true)

From the Associated Press
February 25, 2008

SEATTLE -- Boeing Co. has temporarily suspended work on the short-haul version of its new 787 Dreamliner, a move aimed at keeping the program on schedule for delivery of the first of two long-range models to customers by early 2009.

Boeing has booked only 43 orders for the 787-3, which is designed to carry as many as 330 passengers as far as 3,500 miles.

The original plan called for the first 787-3s to be delivered to Japan's All Nippon Airways Co. in mid-2010, but Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter said Thursday that it was too early to tell whether the company would meet that target. [Full story (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-boeing25feb25,1,5511864.story?ctrack=2&cset=true)]

[Midnight Mike]

I hope Boeing does not piss off the Japanese in the process, JAL & ANA were the only customer to have ordered the 787-300.....

JAL & ANA are very loyal customers but, easily offended & have even longer memories....

[Matt Molnar]

Last week JAL actually stated they are reconsidering their single supplier strategy, and are looking at the A350 as a possible alternative to the 787 due to the delays. This was probably more of a symbolic "hey, get your act together" directed at Boeing rather than an actual threat, since the earliest A350 deliveries won't be available until years after the 787 takes flight despite the delays.

[Idlewild]

Is the 787-300 LGA friendly?

[Matt Molnar]

Yes, it has the same wing span as the 764, and is shorter and lighter. Unfortunately it seems unlikely any US carriers will order them.