ATW Daily News

Boeing looks at larger Dreamliner to meet Emirates, BA requirements

Monday September 26, 2005

Insiders at Emirates confirmed to ATWOnline that Boeing has discussed with the airline a larger version of the 787-9, dubbed the dash 10, with a fuselage 6 m. longer than the 62-m.-long dash 9 variant.

Seating 290 passengers in three-class configuration, the larger model would be essentially the same size as the 777-200 and has been high on Emirates' agenda for more than a year. It currently is in a "study phase." The carrier is understood to be close to making a selection between the 787 and A350, with an announcement expected at the Dubai Air Show in November.

British Airways is also a strong candidate for the larger version of the Dreamliner. Outgoing CEO Rod Eddington, who retires on Friday, told this website that BA wouldn't need the aircraft until 2010 and that "production slots would be available for British Airways" if it opted for the 787 over the A350.

by Geoffrey Thomas

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