JEDDAH, 28 March 2007 — The design and performance characteristics of Boeing’s new generation of passenger aircraft — particularly the new 787 series — are the result of market pressures and opportunities. The combination of the demands of the travel market, fuel prices and issues of global warming have all heavily influenced Boeings move toward producing a mid-sized long haul aircraft made of composite materials in an attempt to capture the next generation of travelers.
“Fuel used to be about 15 percent of operating costs for an aircraft,” said Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, in an interview prior to the Aviation Security Conference in Jeddah. “With current oil prices, that has risen to 25 percent.” He said that the reduction of 20 percent in fuel consumption could be achieved through working with engine manufacturers for more efficient power plants and cutting edge composite materials for the airframe to save weight.
The decision to opt for the mid-size long range aircraft was taken in the light of passengers preference to travel from source to final destination without going through a hub airport. The new Boeing 787/8 or 787/9 has a range of over 8,000 nautical miles and can use existing facilities. The Airbus A3800, a huge machine capable of carrying 500 passengers plus, is limited to hub airports with sufficient runway length and supporting infrastructure. Hub-to-hub flights are something of a niche market.
Using the new composite technology on the body, the airframe of the 787 series aircraft will be lighter, stronger and both easier and cheaper to maintain. Major advantages are that the material does not corrode and maintenance costs fall.
“This is a proven technology shown, tested and applied. The tests have convinced engineers and of course the certification authorities where passenger safety is the paramount concern,” Jazzar said. The new technology benefits passengers directly. Depressurization in the cabin is changed from an equivalent of 12,000 feet to 6,000 and humidity is increased. The result is less travel fatigue and jet lag.
Commenting on Boeing’s presence at the conference, Jazzar said that it was motivated by the company’s less well-known involvement with airport security and technology and to support and civil aviation in general. “We have boosted security at 429 airports already and are here to share our experience,” he said.
Jazzar realized that security was not popular among passengers because it cost them money and time for no apparent result — until something goes wrong. “The trick is to apply as much technology as possible to help reduce the impact of security on travel,” he said. “ We are looking at applying the technology developed in our defense operations to the commercial side of flying.”
Boeing is mainly associated with commercial aviation but about half its business is concerned with defense — satellites, helicopters and fighter aircraft. Security technology, he said, should not be apparent to the passenger nor should not be an obstacle. “It should be efficient because it does not generate revenue,” he said, “And we hope to make a contribution to the discussion.”