Originally Posted by
alfaromeo
Qantas reports the empty weight of the 787-8 is now more than 102 tonnes compared to specification of 94.5 tonnes. The good news that the GEnx they chose is only off the SFC target by "only" 3% compared to 4+% off for the R-R, which needs to redesign the first stage compressor which may cause it to be removed as a flight test engine.
The combination of higher fuel consumption and higher empty weight means 787-8 performance for the production units originally envisaged for Qantas will under-perform a 767-300ER. The report discloses significant redesigns for later -8s and the -9 are in work, placing those delivery schedules in jeopardy
This is why you won't see the -8 here at DAL in any meaningful number. The ERs with the winglets and associated increased efficiency combined with the fact that many of them are nearly paid for mean that the need to spend $160 million is negated because you won't see that ROI. The -8 compared to the ER is still slightly more efficient, but when you factor in the acquisition costs, this savings is lost. That's why the ERs will stick around until the -9 program is up and running. Then when they have resolved these issues you will see the ERs replaced. That's still another 5-7 years at least however. In the meantime, more LRs and maybe some 330s will be had.