F-35 Score Card

The Covid-19 impact is slowing the F-35

production as supply chain producers adjust to

the new normal from covid-19 side effects of

distancing.

Lockheed Martin sees F-35 production rising to 180 

units per year, despite high flying costs.

Lockheed slated to miss F-35 delivery target in 2020 as supply chain struggles to keep up.

                                

                                                       Andrew Boydston Chief Blogger

BA Dumps An Aviation Pandemic By letting Go Of 28 747's

Perhaps this will pave the way for the 777X program in the next few years. BA had marked itself with Boeing for 18 777X. It just announced the canning of 28 of its 747 it has on active duty. I take this as a rebuild the fleet, in these times. Or beginning the heavy WB era starting with the 777X plan. BA has an opening for WB heavies over the the next five years once it knows pricing, the 777X performance numbers, and passenger demand.

                                

                                                       Andrew Boydston Chief Blogger

It may order 10 more 777X according to the number of model types available. This would replace the top end of the wide body fleet. Including any 777's flying routes currently using 41 777 classics from 777 200-300ER's. The total wide body fleet on the chopping block could be 79 wide bodies being replaced over time with the 777X's, when using the number including the 28 747's. This could be managed over the next ten years through buying 777X's and replacing BA is listed below.

The Competition's order book

Current BA WB fleet

747's (28) 

777-200 (2)

777-200ER (43) 

777 300ER (6)

Total Heavy WB fleet    79

BA Orders and fleet changes        +18 777X orders

747's grounded 7/17/2020 -28 

777-200 retired over time     45    

777-300ER retired over time  6

Total Heavy WB needs for a change       41 to maintain current seating

                                        

Of course, current pandemic may cause a deviation downward in total passenger seats required.

BA net replacement additional needs are 41 777X or 787 (Mix) for any wide body sustainment plan which maintains its current fleet including the 28 just cancelled 747 in its current fleet as of yesterday. BA may order in the next two years a mix of 777-9X, 777-8X, and 787-10.

The 737 Max IS Being Inspected For Return BY 2021

The 737 Max "just good enough" approach is being tested by the FAA last week and this week. The Euro inspectors haven't showed its hand at this time. The time and place has not been reported for that thing to occur. Boeing hopes to get the 737 Max back into customer's hands by years end. The hope is to get pilots of customers available for customer flight as the next big step for which the FAA will now test. The flight simulator and pilot training for a newly revised 737 Max is the next big hurdle taken in this process.

                                         

                                                       Andrew Boydston Chief Blogger

Just good enough is on the horizon for the Max 737. However, this  Max program needs a best in market rating. That will come once this airplane is making money for airlines with passengers who fly on it with a restored enthusiasm as the former NG had obtained. Expect Boeing marketing to become more aggressive in the single-aisle realm once the 737 Max becomes airborne again. It has nothing at this time to brag about. 

                                                                       

However, the actual 737 Max outlook is very promising when comparing with the A320NEO in a head to head evaluation. By 2022, Boeing order book at major air shows will mushroom on the order charts, only if the returns in an expected manner from historical  counts. I have always believed views for the aircraft model. Even though my opinion is of little or no consciencial impact, Boeing must not squander the hard work its people have put into its airplane making just for a penny profit for its affluent stockholders. The new corporate appeasement or purpose.

Here is the problem. Airbus made a side stick for its pilots. It made Cadillac car like comfort from nose to tail. It's not a good sports car or 4-wheeler. It's a more pleasant experience over Boeing products where Boeing has targeted its marketplace as a better way to conduct business while using lower investments paradigm in any aviation operation. Airbus says make money by attracting ticket holders. Boeing says make money by a more efficient operation. Will you go for a comfortable flight experience or would a customer want efficiency as seen through a lower ticket price using fewer Benjamins going somewhere?

Its coming back to traveler choice, Bang for the buck or experience for the buck! I am a cheap traveler, its bang for the buck when comes to travel. The Max excels in that area over Airbus product.