Commentary: A super-jumbo test of nerve
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boeing's confirmation yesterday that it is holding preliminary talks on the development of a 600-seat super-jumbo with British Aerospace and Daimler-Benz, two members of the rival Airbus consortium, is scarcely surprising.
Given the prohibitive cost of such a programme - anything between dollars 8bn and dollars 12bn ( pounds 5.4bn and pounds 8.2bn) - it would be more surprising if discussions were not taking place between leading airframe manufacturers. What is interesting is that, separately, the four partners in Airbus are examining the potential for just such a super-jumbo among themselves. Boeing's move would seem, then, to be an attempt to drive a wedge through the four-nation European consortium.
The US manufacturer already has a comfortable monopoly in the existing 400-plus-seat jumbo jet market with its 747. Joining forces with BAe and Daimler to develop an even bigger version would enable Boeing to maintain that monopoly, since Airbus would be prevented from launching a direct rival.
There is little doubt that a market will exist early in the next millennium for a 600-seat aircraft as air travel grows and airports and airspace become more congested. Holding preliminary talks about a paper plane still 10 years away from flying and actually committing funds are, however, two different matters.
It is inconceivable that Airbus would permit two of its partners to peel out of formation and join Boeing. Thus it remains likely that both sides will continue their separate programmes and wait to see who blinks first, or that Airbus and Boeing will jointly develop one aircraft.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments