The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Virginia that designs, manufactures, and sells aeroplanes, rockets, rotorcraft, satellites and missiles, in addition to providing leading and product support services.
With global air travel demand surging, how is Boeing adjusting its production targets to meet this growth, and what challenges do you foresee in scaling up?
Boeing: Boeing’s product lineup of commercial airplanes significantly improves fuel efficiency and reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation of commercial jets. The 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to airplanes it replaces with advanced technology winglets and more efficient engines among other improvements, and the 737 MAX also reduces the noise footprint by 50%. To date Boeing has had 6,200 orders for the 737 MAX (all models), reflecting the value of the airplane’s fuel efficiency, versatility and commonality.
The 787 Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The key to the exceptional performance is its suite of advanced technologies and its revolutionary design. Composite materials make up 50% of the primary structure of the 787, including the fuselage and wing. Advances in engine technology are the biggest contributor to overall fuel efficiency improvements on the Dreamliner. To date Boeing has sold more than 1,900 787s (all models). Our new 777X widebody will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. Engineering design improvements and innovative new technologies, including a new carbon-fiber composite wing, all-new engines and a natural laminar flow nacelle, together will help the 777X achieve 10% lower fuel use, CO2 emissions and operating costs than the competition and an impressive 40% lower noise footprint than the airplanes it will replace. To date, Boeing has sold more than 480 airplanes in the 777X family (all models). We are confident our product line is well-positioned, and we're focused on executing to meet customer demand.
Which current or upcoming policy or legislative changes will have the biggest impact on Boeing’s ability to meet its sustainability goals?
Brian Moran: We strongly support the commercial aviation industry’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition to investing in the design and production of more fuel-efficient airplanes, Boeing plays a vital role in advocating for and helping to inform policies related to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 84% compared to petroleum jet fuel.
We believe that SAF, which can be blended directly with conventional petroleum Jet A, will be a key lever in reducing aviation emissions. Boeing has played a critical role for more than a decade in developing and approving SAF pathways for our industry, and we will continue to work globally to increase SAF availability by partnering with airlines, governments, finance, energy producers, research institutions and the private sector to increase SAF supply and reduce its cost.
Which technological innovations—whether in electric propulsion, hydrogen, or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) —have the most potential to accelerate progress towards emission reduction targets?
Brian Moran: Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are blended directly with petroleum jet fuel and can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 84% when compared to conventional jet fuel and offers the industry’s largest potential to reduce carbon emissions over the next 30 years in all aviation segments. Boeing is focused on helping catalyze SAF scaling through (1) our testing, technology investments, and product compatibility work, (2) our own fuel use, and (3) industry partnerships and policy advocacy. Boeing knows decarbonization will require a multi-faceted approach and continues to partner and invest in innovation and clean technologies that will further reduce fuel use and emissions.
For decades Boeing has used flight demonstrators to test and validate new technologies to accelerate innovation. The Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 250 technologies – Projects include technologies that reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, enhance safety and incorporate more sustainable materials. Boeing is also currently partnering with NASA on the X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program to inform future designs that could lead to breakthrough aerodynamics and fuel efficiency gains.
What steps are being taken to restore confidence in safety and reduce incident rates among both the industry and the wider public?
Boeing: Our company is implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen our safety management, quality assurance and safety culture. Boeing’s Safety & Quality Plan generally aligns to four focus areas: investing in workforce training, simplifying manufacturing plans and processes, eliminating defects, and elevating our safety and quality culture, along with measures to continuously monitor and manage the health of our production system.
We are fully committed to this plan and to continuous improvement, which has helped make commercial aviation the safest mode of transportation. We will work under the FAA's oversight and uphold our responsibility to the flying public to continue delivering safe, high-quality airplanes.
Given the emergence of new competitors, how does Boeing plan to maintain its market share and defend against potential disruptions to the long-standing Boeing-Airbus duopoly?
Boeing: Demand across our markets remains strong and our products are competing well. Our customers are investing heavily in more fuel-efficient, more capable Boeing airplanes, and we are focused on execution and delivering to the highest standard for our customers. We also continue to lead the market for dedicated freighters, serving 90% of the market with new and converted freighters.
When positioning for our future, we are focused on the technology and capabilities that we need at Boeing – and across the industry – to ensure our next set of products delivers a generational leap in capability for our customers and reshapes our markets.
