Ricardo J. Delpiano
Despite being 33 years in production and have undergone few changes in design and technology compared to other models, the Boeing 767 continues to be one of the planes preferred by airlines worldwide . The combination of such factors as average capacity, range, low operating cost and the versatility to run short routes and long distance of up to 12 hours are some of the keys to its success.
While this aircraft orders have been declining over the years, in favor of new models art (B777s or A330s to name a few), the B767 production line remains open, and a demand in the resale market, assuring the first twin-engine long-range future for many years. In fact the production line in Everett, still maintains production orders for All Nippon Airways, Azerbaijan Airlines, Japan Airlines JAL and LAN Airlines, who until now could be the last customers who continue to command the aircraft.
Despite being over 30 years in production, The Boeing 767 is still one of the preferred aircraft in commercial aviation. Photo: S. Blaise
For Boeing, the B787 program delay is forcing many airlines to resort to contingency measures to enable it to continue its expansion, which has led to extend the use of its existing models such as the B767, Dreamliner plane that was to begin to replace two years ago.
The closest example is the case of LAN whose own first copies were to be introduced this year, after the company signed an agreement with Boeing to fill the slots manufacturing orders canceled by some Chinese airlines. However the program further delay, after the fire in a panel test aircraft at the end of last year, has again forced to change plans. LAN incorporate other three Boeing 767 in 2012, which will join the other three aircraft will be added this year to end next year with 34 units of this model. Chilean airline and had previously built three B767 aircraft as part of contingency plan for the first B787 delays. LAN, the exceptional qualities of B767 above, make this aircraft is the workhorse of all long-haul routes, while over other modern models as an A330 or B777.
Aeromexico, another of the Latin American airline is also a client of the B787, has also been affected by the delay of the program. Although the Mexican company has no long-range network scale, the airline needed for this new aircraft to start the renovation of older B767. The company's "Eagle Warrior" also had to add more units of this aircraft to further its expansion plan international. Just a few years ago introduced two Boeing 767-300ER (an ex LAN), but the economic crisis and the effects of H1N1 influenza in Mexico forced the company to reduce its fleet by returning one of the teams. With market output Mexicana, Aeromexico has come to gain ground before more competitors arrive, bringing the Boeing 767-200ER (XA-TNS, ex Avianca) and added to the B767-200ER incorporating Mexican ex last year. According to comments from Mexico, the company will look for more long-haul aircraft, while waiting for their B787-8 start arriving as recently as 2013-2014.
Avianca For its part, is to far less affected by the delay of the B787. The addition of six of its Airbus A330-200 has enabled the company to renew its long-haul fleet, phasing out its B767s which have gone to different companies, as Ecuadorian or AeroGal Aeromexico, which is also part of the group .
For U.S. companies, the Boeing 767 remains the leader in long-haul flights, especially on flights to Latin America, Europe and some domestic services. After the 11-S and the various crises through which it has gone commercial aviation, U.S. companies have reorganized its capacity by distributing much of its fleet, bringing many wide-body aircraft (B767 mainly) operating domestic routes to international routes. American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and United, are the main companies that still use the B767 to operate most of its international services as a complement to their services with larger aircraft (eg B777) . Of the major U.S. airlines, Air Canada, Delta and United have ordered the B787, but by the time the delay was not significant after restructuring these companies have done, as well as the arrival of new equipment as a result of mergers (Delta-Northwest and United-Continental). For U.S. airlines, the B767 will remain the workhorse in many international routes. Of these, only been aware of the possible intentions of United for 10 Boeing 767-200ER Continental legacy, but still maintain a considerable number of series devices -300ER/-400ER.
The recent crisis which has passed through air transport have important lessons to airlines. The globalization process makes any situation or social conflict, political, economic - and health- having a quick impact on international markets, with rapidly varying scenarios and projections. Considering the above and to the increased frequency of events affecting the airline industry, many airlines prefer to secure their income while controlling the load factor of its aircraft to changes in demand, for which the B767, for its qualities, is a useful tool for long distance segments.
freight transport in a very similar case and some would say most auspicious for the Boeing 767, as to the factors mentioned above, is added the absence of a 1:1 replacement of this aircraft, which will extend the use of this aircraft for many years. Currently some airlines are beginning to incorporate as a former cargo B767s passenger in the conversion program offered by the U.S. manufacturer, further extending the life of the bioreactor. a couple of months ago, it was revealed talks FedEx and Boeing to study possibility of developing a new freighter version of new generation based on the B767-400ER and military tanker program that Boeing won for USAF.
the above, and if today new generation aircraft made its entry into the aviation market, the Boeing 767 continues to maintain an undisputed position in the fleets of airlines. In January, Boeing Commercial Airplanes held assembly B767 No 1000, which will be delivered to All Nippon Airways, at which executives of the program expressed as the testimony of a superior technology has been improving through the years .
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