Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
 |
|
Dinesh A Keskar
|
Boeing is developing new fuel efficient planes to address the needs of its customers, including those in India. Today the 737 is dominant in India, which in future will be replaced with 737-7, 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9, which will be more fuel efficient. “The 737-Y which will be coming up by the end of the decade will be the future family of highly fuel efficient aircraft,” stated Dinesh A Keskar, VP-sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The 737 MAX family will deliver maximum fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal. “The new engine technology makes this 14 per cent more fuel efficient. The increased range will reduce noise and fuel consumption. In India there is a great potential with this airplane, particularly with Jet Airways and SpiceJet,” stated Keskar. The fuel burn of 737 MAX 8 will be 8 per cent lower per seat than future competition. According to Keskar, there are 1609 firm orders for the MAX.
Pointing out that fuel efficient aircraft lead to lower operating cost, are environmentally progressive, and ensure long range performance, Keskar informed that 787-8 is coming to India in an early version. The 787-9 and 787-10 will be the succeeding versions. These are environmental friendly aircraft with 20 per cent lower CO2 emissions and 20 per cent lower fuel consumption. 96 787-8s have been delivered to 16 customers by Boeing as of October 25, 2013. The 787-9 took the first flight in September 2013, more tests flights will continue. The end of the decade will see the new model of 777X, in two versions. “These will be the most fuel efficient aircraft,” remarked Keskar.
Talking about the state of aviation in India, Keskar remarked that while there are short-term weaknesses, there will be long-term success. Domestic capacity has returned to positive growth at 3 per cent. LCC seat share has stabilised at two-third of the market. “The recent rupee depreciation has adversely affected the market,” added Keskar.
