Page 7 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 Online Magazine

FEATURE BOEING 757

European configuration seats 184 and in
an international layout 154 including 23
flat beds.

Mission Possible?
The man charged with coming up with
the dream machine(s) is Mike Sinnett,
vice president of product development
for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He
indicated at the Paris Air Show that one
option is to develop both the MOM and
NSA in parallel, sharing common cockpits,
systems and structures to cut costs. He
also hinted to the question that they “could
be” from the same family. But he is quick
to emphasize that the design space is wide
open with all options on the table.
And Boeing Commercial Airplanes
President and CEO Ray Conner agrees
saying that at this stage it is not clear
what the 757 replacement will look like
but adds the project is high on the agenda.
“We are looking at this very closely,” said
Mr Conner.
While Mr Wojick adds that the big
issue is operating cost performance
with airlines demanding single-aisle
economics, back in 1980 that was not
a big issue, according to Boeing legacy
company McDonnell Douglas.
In its brochure “A First Class
Experience – At Economy Fare” extolling
the virtues of its twin-aisle ATMR 757
competitor it stated that it only required
one passenger per trip to offset the weight
and drag of the additional aisle.
MDC also claimed that the 178-seat
mixed class ATMR would have a fuel burn
24 per cent lower than the 757. According
Officially Boeing calls the 757 major challenge. to the presentation the ATMR, later
replacement the middle-of-the market Boeing has already ruled out dubbed the DC-11, would have 14 first
(MOM) and the new 737 the new-small- developing the 737-900MAX to compete class seats at a 38-inch pitch in a 2-1-
airplane (NSA). with the A321neo LR due to ground 2 configuration and have 168 economy
Senior vice president of Boeing clearance/rotation issues. seats at 34 inch pitch in a 2-2-2 pitch.
Commercial Airplanes John Wojick told The 757 itself comes in two versions: The passenger appeal of a twin-aisle
media at this year’s Paris Air Show that the two class 200-seat -200 and the 243 2-2-2 aircraft needs no explanation. Aside
airlines are looking for an aircraft that is seat -300. The larger model is certified from the basic comfort there is the speed
slightly larger and can fly slightly further to carry 295 in a one class configuration of boarding or deplaning not to mention
than a 757. “So they want an airplane about and in a Thomas Cook layout carries 280. the additional overhead luggage space.
20 per cent larger and with a 25 per cent However most airlines are operating the With the push by passengers to
greater range than a 757,” he explained. 757-200, the most popular variant, in two bring all their luggage into the cabin
Problem is those demands – tough in and three class configurations of between the boarding of single aisle aircraft has
any circumstances – make a single family 180 and 190 seats. become a major headache with airlines
option, including a 737 replacement, a The Airbus A321 in a British Airways forced to allow up to 30 minutes for the
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