As part of the Dubai Airshow 2021 preview, Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s Sales Manager, revealed that it will not launch the freighter version of the Boeing 777X at the event, implying that they are not ready to launch the model and hinted that studies are in progress to upgrade the Boeing 767 powerplant as another option in the cargo market.
Throughout most of 2021, Airbus and Boeing have been «flirting» with several companies to launch a cargo version of the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X, capitalizing on the boom in the movement of goods through e-commerce.
In addition, ICAO has set an ultimatum for several older generation models: new emissions rules will come into force in 2027, terminating the use of aircraft such as the DC 8, MD 11, DC 10 and Boeing 747. This motivates manufacturers to accelerate plans to offer a new freighter in their inventory.
But the U.S. manufacturer seems to have stepped off the project in the short term. Considering that the Big Twin has a considerable backlog on the passenger version, estimated first delivery, and entry-into-service date in 2023, a potential 777X Freighter entry-into-service scenario before 2024 is optimistic, at the very least.
Most recently Emirates criticized the situation, stating that they do not have a reliable delivery date for the model and that they had to invest in simulators prior to aircraft deliveries.
In view of the above-mentioned delays, Mounir stated that the company is evaluating the possibility of upgrading the Boeing 767’s power plant (still being manufactured for military versions – such as KC-46A – and freighter), in order to comply with the regulations proposed by ICAO.
Ihssane Mounir responded to such criticism by explaining that the problems are multiple: on the one hand, there are the regulators, the long-haul market is stuck in the face of the health crisis, and flight tests are recent, in addition to the recent need to redesign certain aircraft systems.
The freighter is expected to be powered by the smaller of the two versions of the 777X family, known as the 777-8, once the passenger version is launched. This version’s sales have been lagging and it is estimated that the cargo version will be able to pick up orders.
Qatar Airways and FedEx Express have been among the carriers watching Boeing’s new product closely, stating that they plan to place the first orders.
«We are in fairly advanced discussions with several customers. The (777X freighter) looks good both from a design standpoint and from a requirements perspective», Mounir said.
