The one thing I find hard to comprehend with reinforced plastic fuslages is the pressurisation process, aircraft fuslages on traditional aluminiam skins expands during presurisation, so how will this constant flexing of composite materials affect the life of the fuslage. also, what would happen to this material if for example the fuselage was hit by a baggage truck, catering wagon or air bridge, a dent would appear on a metal fuselage which would be easily spotted, how could damage be spotted on composite materials, or how would they know ( if no surface damage is visible ) that there is no structural damage.
Damaged panals or fatigued parts on metal airliners can easilybe replaced or repaired, but how can a composite fuselage be repaired, its not as if you can cut out the bad part and replace it with a new piece.
No doubt Boeing know what they are doing, but from us of less an engineering background, it seems a grey area.

Hey whats all the fuss about the age of G-CPEV ?? I dont care if its 20 years old, so long as its well maintained and flying for a good airline, its not a problem.

An older plane is just as safe as a new one…….what about the old Viscounts British Air Ferries operated ???? These were 1958 vintage but were still going strong in 1996 until retirement, bet they were as safe as G-CPEV and I bet G-CPEV is as safe as
G-BOAC sat at Manchester !!!

Never fear an older plane !!

Please stop the B.A. bashing, yes, they may have higher fares, but we should be proud of our national airline with that wonderful tail logo.
B.A is a well run airline ( if you excuse the recent strike ) it makes a good profit, has a good safety record, most of its flights ( if you check teletext ) are normally on time.

The question to everyone must be: A B.A 767 to New York from Manchester or a Jet2 757 to New York from Manchester ( I know Jet2 dont fly that route, just for arguments sake though ) who would you rather fly with ?. a cramped 757 that should have 186 seats but actually has 235, no free meal etc, or pay the extra and go in comfort in a B.A.767 with more leg room and free food.

cheers

Nordjet415