After focusing for years on aircraft that could fly ever further, Airbus and Boeing are turning to shorter-range planes that appeal to airlines reluctant to pay for performance they don’t need.
The plane makers have spent billions of dollars building advanced jets capable of flying a third of the way round the world non-stop, but economic change has forced a new adjustment in strategy.
Reuters reports that Boeing inagurated a new version of its 787 Dreamliner at the Paris Airshow in June by chopping 1,800 km from its range and giving it a longer fuselage and more seats.
It says the 787-10 Dreamliner will be its most cost-efficient aircraft yet, optimised for regional operations including Asia.
Within days, Airbus pulled from its drawer plans for a new “Regional” version of its A350.
And after years of enhancing its older A330 to give it more range, it announced it would also offer a Regional version of that plane for short trips. Sources say it will be aimed at the Chinese and Indian domestic markets.
The decisions reflect both a battle between traditional rivals and a broader economic shift. Asia’s newly affluent nations are increasingly trading among themselves.