Boeing disputes 737 Max development cost report - Flightglobal

[Joey]

Boeing disputes 737 Max development cost report - Flightglobal

Boeing disputes the cost estimates detailed in a recent Bernstein Research note claiming development of the 737 Max will be twice that of the Airbus A320neo, as well as other reports in the note.

"It's a mistake to think that the differences in engine installation dictate significant developmental cost differences between the 737 Max and A320 neo," said Karen Crabtree, spokesperson for Boeing Product Strategy.

Crabtree said Boeing understands the Next Generation 737 "extremely well" and understands "the changes required to incorporate the [CFM International Leap-1B] on the Max."

"Max development to date confirms earlier cost estimates and is well within our expectations when we launched the program in August," she added.

The company cited its history of re-engining aircraft such as the incremental development programmes of the 737 and 777 and most recently the 747-8.

"Boeing has a long history of integrating engines and wings with the latest tools and processes, not to mention an experienced workforce who has just completed two developmental programmes including a new engine and wing on the 747-8," she added.

Boeing contends that Airbus "has not made significant changes since the A320 was certified in 1988, has never re-engined the A320, and must make airplane changes to accommodate two engine types".

While Boeing claims Airbus has never re-engined the A320-100 with a significantly larger engine, the European airframer added the International Aero Engines V2500-A1 in 1989 to create the A320-200 and again in 2007 with the the Pratt & Whitney PW6000 on the A318.

"Wing strengthening is needed on both airplanes," Boeing added. "The neo is a significantly heavier aircraft and will likely require weight reduction changes that add complexity to that programme."

In a comprehensive note issued on 23 January, Berstein compared the Max and the neo and concluded that Airbus has an easier task re-engining


http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=...rt-367504/