Airbus considers rival for 7E7

Airbus considers rival for 7E7

Airbus yesterday confirmed it was considering developing a new jet, thought to be a direct competitor to Boeing’s new fuel-efficient model, the 7E7.

The news follows speculation that the European manufacturer was already working on a prototype economical plane, which may be in production before the 7E7 makes its commercial debut.

Analysts had assumed that Airbus may not design a direct rival to the 7E7 because its own mid-sized jet, the A330, is just six years old.

However, an Airbus spokesman said yesterday that, with its A380 “superjumbo” nearing completion, it was considering designing new models, and was watching Boeing’s plane with interest. “When our competitor comes up with a new aircraft we have to keep our eyes on it,” he said. “We are exploring the possibilities open to us, although it is too early to confirm what kind of aircraft we are planning to develop.”

Boeing’s 7E7, dubbed the “Dreamliner”, is designed to be cheaper to run, since it is lighter and has more efficient engines than traditional aircraft. The company plans to have the plane in production by 2008, although it has been struggling to secure orders from airlines. Last month it said customers had shown interest in 600 aircraft, although only 62 orders have been confirmed so far.

By contrast, Airbus says it has received 139 orders for the A380, which will carry 550 people – about 130 more than a standard Boeing 747-400. Airbus disputed reports that South Africa Airways had cancelled an order of 31 planes. The struggling airline’s finances have been hit by currency fluctuations. SAA said last week it would drop plans to buy 15 of the 41 planes ordered from Airbus in 2002 and would lease, rather than buy, a further 16 jets.

The Airbus spokesman said: “As far as we are concerned, all these aircraft remain on order.”