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Boeing Unveils New, Lighter Airliner
July 13, 2007 02:51 PM
by
findingDulcinea Staff
Sales for the fuel-efficient 787 have pushed Boeing ahead of its rival Airbus for the first time in years; however, environmentalists are skeptical of claims that air travel can be environmentally friendly.
30 Second Summary
In physical appearance, the mid-size long-range passenger jet differs from other aircraft of the same classification only in its swept-back, upward-lifted wings.
But it is what lies under the paintwork that makes the plane unique. The 787 is constructed from 50 percent carbon composite materials and 15 percent titanium, making it unusually light. Boeing says that the plane is consequently 20 percent more fuel efficient than its most comparable competitor.
Boeing hopes that the new plane can address concerns about greenhouse gas emissions; passenger jets release more CO2 per person per mile than any other form of travel.
However, environmentalists predict that any reduction to emissions secured by greater fuel efficiency will be negated by an increase in passenger numbers.
Advanced sales of the 787 have exceeded $100 billion. For the first time in five years, Boeing has outstripped its European rival Airbus.
Competition between the two air giants has become a source of intergovernmental acrimony of late. The United States has appealed to the World Trade Organization, accusing the European Union of flouting trade regulations by supplying subsidies to Airbus.
But it is what lies under the paintwork that makes the plane unique. The 787 is constructed from 50 percent carbon composite materials and 15 percent titanium, making it unusually light. Boeing says that the plane is consequently 20 percent more fuel efficient than its most comparable competitor.
Boeing hopes that the new plane can address concerns about greenhouse gas emissions; passenger jets release more CO2 per person per mile than any other form of travel.
However, environmentalists predict that any reduction to emissions secured by greater fuel efficiency will be negated by an increase in passenger numbers.
Advanced sales of the 787 have exceeded $100 billion. For the first time in five years, Boeing has outstripped its European rival Airbus.
Competition between the two air giants has become a source of intergovernmental acrimony of late. The United States has appealed to the World Trade Organization, accusing the European Union of flouting trade regulations by supplying subsidies to Airbus.
Headline
The 787 is Boeing’s first new aircraft in more than a decade. It has already reaped more than $100 billion from more than 700 orders, and the first complete plane is still yet to fly. Sales for the 787 have allowed Boeing to recover its position at the head of the aircraft industry, which was lost to Airbus five years ago.
Source: Reuters
Aerospace-Technology.com describes the 787 as an aircraft that is “highly fuel-efficient and offers lower cost of travel in terms of seat cost per mile as well as the ability to fly directly to smaller regional airports.” The page carries links to construction information and specifications.
Source: Aerospace-Technology.com
Background
The 787’s impact on the rivalry between Boeing and Airbus was apparent at the Paris Air Show in June 2007, where the two airlines showcased their new planes. At that point, there were 584 orders for the 787, but Airbus had secured only 13 for its A350 WXB.
Source: The BBC
Boeing’s 787 triumph is the latest development in a rivalry with Airbus that has led the U.S. government to take legal action against the European Union. The accusation is that the E.U. has flouted trade regulations by subsidizing Airbus, and that without that aid the European company would never have maintained its ascendancy in the highly risky aircraft manufacturing industry. The World Trade Organization will rule on the case next year.
Source: Reuters
Environmental Impact
Aircraft and Climate Change
In May 2004, NASA scientists concluded that cirrus clouds, formed by the contrails of passenger aircraft, could raise the temperature of the Earth’s surface by a half-degree Fahrenheit every decade.
Source: Space.com
Even if all commercial airlines updated their fleets to reduce fuel consumption, the positive effect on carbon emissions would be eclipsed by the increase in air travel forecast for the next 25 years. This London Times article looks at the three-handed struggle over air travel that involves governments, environmental groups, and airlines.
Source: The London Times
Carbon emissions from airplanes taking off from European Union countries increased 86 percent between 1990 and 2004. Emissions in Europe continue to rise by 5 percent a year, and in Asia that figure is 7 percent. This article looks at the recent boom in cheap air travel around the world and its effect on environmental politics.
Source: The International Herald Tribune
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
Certain translucent gases in our atmosphere trap the sun’s rays, warming the planet, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Without it, the earth would be frozen solid. As this animated BBC guide explains, "Most mainstream scientists believe a human-driven increase in ‘greenhouse gases’ is increasing the effect."
Source: The BBC
The Washington Post runs regular updates on climate change in a dedicated section of its Web site.
Source: The Washington Post
Reference Material
Airbus recently unveiled the first of its “superjumbo” A380 airplane, the largest commercial jetliner in existence, capable of carrying 555 passengers. The manufacturers say that new technology makes the A380 more fuel-efficient per passenger than a small car, a claim that environmentalists and competitors have contested.
Source: National Geographic
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