Leahy confesses Airbus was “caught napping”

Berova · Post by **Berova** » 28 Apr 2007, 04:33

It's very interesting to hear from the horse's mouth what Airbus' thinking was when the 787 was in development. It helps explain why Airbus did what they did, essentially re-engining the A330 with the first iteration of the A350. Why spend the big bucks to develop a completely new plane if most of the efficiency gains on the 787 will come from new engine technology? As we now know, the 787 is not only about new engine technology. Ahhhh, 20/20 hindsight...

I also find interesting Leahy terms a 5-year in-service date difference only "a bit late." A mid 2013 in-service date is close to the time frame Boeing is talking about for either a new single aisle 737 replacement or an upgraded 777. If things look ugly now, just wait till then.

http://tinyurl.com/2rz9so

Airbus chief operating officer for customer John Leahy has confessed that the European airframer was caught out by underestimating Boeing's ability to deliver on its 787 promises.

Speaking during Airbus’ annual technical briefing in Toulouse, Leahy said that Airbus was “caught napping” when Boeing was developing the 787.

He says that, following Boeing’s failed Sonic Cruiser programme, Airbus did not believe that the US airframer would be able to deliver its initial 787 specifications. “Our first reaction was that they were exaggerating what they could do,” says Leahy.

Airbus thought the 787’s efficiency gains would be achieved through engine development, driving the original decision to base the A350 on the A330 airframe.

The European airframer subsequently ditched this plan and came up with the all-new A350 XWB design. Leahy makes light of the preceding attempts and indecision at the manufacturer: “To everyone that was writing that we redesigned the aircraft six or seven times: we didn’t. We redesigned it three times, and that was enough.”

Despite delays to the type’s eventual entry into service, anticipated for mid-2013, Leahy says: “This will be the year for A350 XWB orders. We are a bit late, but a lot of airlines are saying this is an aircraft worth waiting for. We’ll see if they do wait.”

CX · Post by CX » 28 Apr 2007, 08:07

And of course oil wasn't so expensive when Boeing started the 787..

teach · Post by **teach** » 28 Apr 2007, 10:54

I don't see how this is news, as Leahy has said this a number of times before for at least the last year.

boomer535 · Post by **boomer535** » 28 Apr 2007, 13:15

Boeing very wisely used the R&D on the Sonic Cruiser to develop the 787. I would not be surprised at all if Airbus redesigned the A350 one more time and go with the one piece CFRP Barrel fuselage instead of the panel on frame. This would cost them a year or two though.

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 28 Apr 2007, 16:00

A very comical collection of Leahy Quotes.

http://www.fleetbuzz.com/forums//index. ... topic=4967

smokejumper · Post by **smokejumper** » 28 Apr 2007, 18:34

John Leahy is one of the most quoteable (exceeded only by our President) people around today. He is always upbeat, in spite of the situation.

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 28 Apr 2007, 23:11

He has always reminded me of the Black Knight in Monty Pythons " Holy Grail " movie, in it till the end.