Boeing 787-8: A Game-Changer for Air India?

The Boeing 787-8 has been in the making for several years, with Air India placing an order for 27 aircraft in 2005. However, the delayed delivery has raised concerns about the impact on the national carrier. As the test-pilot and engineering entourage of the aircraft can attest, the 787-8 is a remarkable machine, capable of achieving a ground speed of 700 km per hour and smoothly penetrating dark clouds. The aircraft's innovative use of carbon-fibre materials and digital control systems has garnered attention, but the significant cost of each aircraft ($157 million to $167 million) and the operating cost of $5,160 per hour have raised eyebrows.

Key Takeaways:

• The Boeing 787-8 is a fuel-efficient marvel with efficiency gains of 15 to 20 percent compared to the Boeing-767.
• The aircraft features a first-of-its-kind all-composites primary structure in fuselage and wing, and the first airliner to dispense with engine-bleed and pneumatics.
• Air India's order of 27 Boeing 787-8s is worth between $4.24 billion and $4.59 billion.
• The operating cost per passenger is Rs 240,000.
• Boeing has faced significant delays, including a delay in airworthiness of flight control software availability and issues with the manufacture of subcontracted parts.
• Boeing has failed to post 2008 prices, raising concerns about potential price escalation.
• The aircraft's extensive use of composite raw materials may lead to fresh problems before mass production.

Statistics:

• 27 Boeing 787-8 aircraft ordered by Air India in 2005.
• Cost per aircraft: $157 million to $167 million.
• Operating cost per hour: $5,160.
• Operating cost per passenger: Rs 240,000.