Date: 02 Sep 98 01:08:00
From: cNhOuSaPnAgMa@cris.com
Organization: Concentric Internet Services
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In sci.aeronautics.airliners Marc Schaeffer <marcmsc*@cmdnet.lu> wrote:
> It is rumoured that AI is proposing to SIA the P305 to replace their
> existing A310 fleet.
Your statement is a bit strong; I would say, "AI has briefed SIA of the
P305 project as a possible A310 replacement."
> This P305 should focus on short range widebody
> services. It will incorporate the RR Trent 500 engines of the A340NG,
> the FBW cockpit of the other buses and a new wing. That's all the
> information which I read, however I still have some questions:
> - Is there a market for a shortrange WB
Boeing and Airbus combined have sold around 500 B767-200s and A310s
of which most are of the long range versions. The B757-300 is
supposed to cover part of the shorter range B767-200 market. At this
time, the stretched B757 seems to have very limited market appeal. Also,
the B767-200ER is still being offered, but no airline seem to need
200-seat airplanes. Thus, I don't think there is a big demand for
short-to-medium range widebodies in the 200-seat category.
> - what would be -- roughly -- the development costs
With FBW and a new wing, I would guess that it would cost a little (but
not much) less than the US$2.5-3b that Airbus is going to spend on the
A340-500/600.
> - what the target delivery date
My understanding is the A3XX has a higher priority, but I could be
wrong. If Airbus' priority has not changed (which means most of
Airbus' resources will be devoted to the A3XX), it will be a while.
> - I read somewhere that AI might even launch the A322 (an A321 with the
> beefed P305 wing), which could then compete with the 757. Two
This one I have not heard.
> subquestions :
> -- is this technically possible (one same wing for a widebody and a
> narrowbody)
Don't know. However, I would think a P305 wing would be too big for
the A321. Doesn't make much sense.
> -- would this 322 have a chance to replace the oldest 757
Why not?
