As expected, Singapore Airlines yesterday signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 31 GE90-115B-powered 777-300ERs, opting for the Boeing offering rather than the A340-600.
Eighteen of the aircraft are firm orders scheduled to be delivered between 2006 and 2010 while the remaining 13 are subject to exercise of purchase rights. Including the cost of spares and spare engines, the order was valued at $7.35 billion. GE valued the firm engine order at more than $800 million.
SIA CEO Chew Choon Seng said the competition between Boeing and Airbus for the order was “keen.” However, with its “use of new-generation avionics and materials, and its higher operating efficiency, the 777-300ER will deliver lower operating costs” and should integrate well into the airline’s existing fleet, which includes 777s and 747s, he said.
By: Bmused55 - 28th August 2004 at 11:28
That’s a decent smack in the face for Airbus
lmao
By: beistrich - 28th August 2004 at 10:55
And of course, triple Sevens divert to winter airports miles from no where on a regular basis 😉
Personaly, knowing of the extra safety features a long range twin needs to have.. I’d feel safer on a twin, be it an A330, 757 or 777.flying a 757 trans atlantic in 2 weeks, looking forward to it.
i feel on a A340 or B747 safe too
By: steve rowell - 28th August 2004 at 04:10
That’s a decent smack in the face for Airbus
By: KabirT - 28th August 2004 at 01:41
And of course, triple Sevens divert to winter airports miles from no where on a regular basis 😉
Personaly, knowing of the extra safety features a long range twin needs to have.. I’d feel safer on a twin, be it an A330, 757 or 777.flying a 757 trans atlantic in 2 weeks, looking forward to it.
I am guessing he just took the divertion example which might happen basis. 😀
and the 777 has done the Pacific on one engine so i dont think one should doubt a twin-engines long haul capacity.
By: Bmused55 - 28th August 2004 at 00:47
wysiwyg, I’m not coming from anywhere… I was relating the thoughts of a full-time SIA 777 captain, who’s opinion I value very highly, who I know personally and have done for many years and who has thousands of hours commercial PIC, as far as long range 777 ETOPS on the SIA network are concerned.
And of course, triple Sevens divert to winter airports miles from no where on a regular basis 😉
Personaly, knowing of the extra safety features a long range twin needs to have.. I’d feel safer on a twin, be it an A330, 757 or 777.
flying a 757 trans atlantic in 2 weeks, looking forward to it.
By: Skymonster - 28th August 2004 at 00:21
wysiwyg, I’m not coming from anywhere… I was relating the thoughts of a full-time SIA 777 captain, who’s opinion I value very highly, who I know personally and have done for many years and who has thousands of hours commercial PIC, as far as long range 777 ETOPS on the SIA network are concerned.
By: wysiwyg - 27th August 2004 at 22:14
I fully understand where you’re coming from Skymonster however these twins that are designed for ETOPS from the outset (777 and A330) really are very good. I wouldn’t have a problem with flying either on long haul ops…but there is a definite nice feeling about having 4 levers in your hand!
By: Skymonster - 27th August 2004 at 15:44
A good friend of mine drives 777s for SQ, including from home base to the USA. He says that they’re great aircraft, but he really does not relish the prospect of a single engined divert to an icy runway on the Russian peninsular at the extent of ETOPS clearance, in freezing conditions and with reduced visibility close to minima in the middle of winter (and attendant problems with lack of passengers and handling facilities whilst they fix the problem – some of their current diversion airports just don’t have hotels!!!).
I share his thoughts… When you’re messing with flights of that duration, four engines is what I’d prefer – Dicky B at Virgin is on the right track, not SQ, IMHO.
Andy
By: KabirT - 27th August 2004 at 14:40
Thats great news…… gotta love the 777. 😀
By: Hand87_5 - 27th August 2004 at 13:36
Well , that’s a lot of 777’s . Anyway that’s a terrific airliner too, and good news for Boeing.
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August 27, 2004 at 1:25 pm