Today's (Dec18th) `Flight Int'l' magazine has a decent little article on
Boeing's efforts to get Delta to launch the 767-400. These efforts
indicate that the 6m stretched 767 proposal is targeted at the
A330-200 (which lends credence to the A330-200 size/range class).
It also means that if Boeing is doing this Delta is not interested in
any A340 or 777 order after all(?).

Interestingly, the 767-400 will use the same engines as the -300
(62,000 thrust) has available.
Also interstingly, to those who have posted about boring twin jets
with no distinctive features,  the 767-400 is proposed with 2.44m
winglets. Yum.

--
-Niels
http://www.***.com/ .......................

If an official Boeing statement, is this designed as a strategy against
Airbus, or reporting actual true blue reality ?

I tend to disbeleive that such statements would be "official" since
companies involved in negotiations would not really wish to report what
is REALLY happening.

1. Air France's B777 order (nonetheless, FI reported that AF was
   interested in the B777-300 instead of the B777-200IGW)

2. Sabena's A330-200 order

Anyway, I believe Boeing has officially released something on the
B767-400ERX, I don't think that's a big secret.  Courting Delta
is an obvious move.  It's interesting that you questioned this report
of Delta's potential interest in the B767-400ERX, but I don't remember
you doubting reports of Delta's interest in the A330/340.

The simple fact is Airbus has had a good year with the A330-200.  It
makes sense for Boeing to launch the B767-400ERX ASAP.  Another fact
is Delta need an L-1011 replacement soon.  The B767-400ERX certainly
makes sense (so does the A330-200, but less so because Delta already
owns a big fleet of B767-200/300).  I don't think it's a sin to
speculate, especially a reasonable speculation.

BTW, my educated guess is if Delta does go with the B767-400ERX
the order will be supplemented with some B777s for trans-Pacific
services, just like AA's Boeing order.  If Delta chooses the A330 (most
likely the -200), then it will be supplemented with some A340s.

re: article in a magazine about Boing courting Delta for the 767-400

I was also wondering if Boeing and/or Delta would use such public
relations methods to influence a decision or demoralise Airbus etc etc.

It is clear that Airbus is aware of its bad image in the USA. They are
taking steps to clean it up. The fact that their web site is based in
the USA (reston {*filter*}ia) is such an indication. They are making TV ads
as well.

So I was wondering how much PR had to do with serious airplane buying
decisions.