May Have No Choice But To Introduce Fourth Variant

Even as components for the first Boeing 787 prototype are only now beginning to come together, Boeing is already talking with airlines about a stretch version of its new, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly popular 787 jetliner.

A Boeing spokeswoman said earlier this week the company is talking with Emirates, Qantas and an other unnamed airlines about the larger jet, called the 787-10. The aircraft would feature seating for approximately 300 passengers, with range of roughly 8,900 miles.

Therein lies the rub, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Boeing hasn't wanted to commit to a bigger Dreamliner because that plane could rob sales from the similar-size 777-200ER, which has gained increasing popularity in its own right.

Of course, Boeing doesn't want customers interested in a larger Dreamliner going over to Airbus, which is designing an extended-range variant of the upcoming A350. According to the Airbus website, specs for the A350-900 are nearly identical to the planned 787-10... and the 777-200ER.

"The only thing worse than cannibalizing your own market is having your competitor do it," said Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with the Fairfax, VA-based Teal Group.

Currently, the largest aircraft in the Dreamliner family is the 787-9, offering seats for up to 290 passengers and a range exceeding 10,000 miles. That plane should be available in 2010, two years after the smaller 787-8 and one year after the medium-range 787-3. A supersized 787 would be available no sooner than 2012, according to Boeing.

While it may appear likely Boeing will go ahead with the 787-10, the manufacturer also stresses all talks about the larger Dreamliner remain just that: talk.

To date, Boeing has 241 firm orders for the 787, according to the P-I.

FMI: www.boeing.com