Emirates offers advice on future of 777

Good read from the Seattle Times about Tim Clark, president of Dubai-based Emirates, whose extraordinary growth has been nothing short of remarkable in spite of the slow global economy.  Because Emirates owns the world's largest 777 fleet (86 aircraft with 46 more on order), they wield significant influence on Boeing's future plans for their 777 family, whether it be improvements to the existing airframe or an all new aircraft type.  Clark's advice to Boeing?  Develop a new family of twin-engine aircraft "bigger" than the largest Dreamliner, using the existing 777-300ER as a baseline.  It also must be able to fly several hundred miles farther than the 777-300ER on a full 55-ton payload.  Boeing does need to make a decision soon on its 777 plans with the Airbus A350-1000 (which is viewed as a direct competitor to the 777) scheduled to come into service within the next decade.  Does Boeing invest billions of dollars to develop a new 777 aircraft just to satisfy one customer, albeit a very powerful and very rich customer???

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