opposing strategies
products
increasingly
diametrically
The solution for Boeing is the 787 Dreamliner, a
midsized twin-engfrie airplane with ling-haul capabili-
ties, longer than any of Boeing's previous models. Boeing
has championed the 787 as "revolutionary", encompass-
ing major chauges in all aspects of the airplane includ-
ing design, production, and finance. Based on a decade
of focus groups and scientific studies, the objective for
the 787 has been to offer the passenger the most com-
fortable point-to-point travel experience with as few
intermediate stops as possible. The 787 will have more
standing room, larger windows and bathrooms, ambient
light settings in the cabin to adjust to the time of day, and
the cabin will also be set at a higher humidity level. For
the airlines it is an attractive product because it is fuel
efficient (burning 27 percent less fuel per passenger than
the A-380 ), made from lightweight composite materials,
and simple to operate.
Airbus's offering is dubbed the A-380, or commonly
referred to as the "superjumbo." The A-380 will be the
largest aircraft in the world, 35 percent larger than the
crrent largest, the Boeing 747-400. The A-380 is 239 feet
long and stand over 80 feet tall.
It can be configured
with bars and specialty boutiques. With a wing span of
almost 300 feet, the A-380 can transport 550 passengers
in a typical three-class layout. Airbus claims the A-380
will allow 10 million additional passengers per year to
fly between airports with on increase in flights. Despite
a size that provides boasting rights, it also creates chai-
lenges because the A-380 will only be able to utilize for
largest airports--most facilities are unable to accommo-
date this aircraft. Airports are haveing to spend millions of
dollars to accommodate this new superjumbo plane. For
example, London's Heathrow airport has already spent
$909 million for upgrades to prepare for the A-380.
Thus, Boeing has the opportunity to exploit smaller air-
ports. The success of Boeing's strategy will depend largely
upon its marketing approach. (See Exhibits 9 and 10 to
view the differences in features and success between the
787 and A-380.)