bzcat

787 is still the best plane that would fit HA's network and offer meaningful range and capacity increase over existing A332 and 767-300 fleet. But HA is too pregnant with Airbus now to switch. They will get the A338 much sooner than they can get a 787-8 so that's that.

We have to remember one of the reason HA went with A358 in the first place was that Airbus could deliver the A332 right away to bridge the gap between 767 retirement and A358 delivery. Boeing had a better plane for the future needs of HA (787-8) but they had nothing for the interim solution - 767-300 was too small and not as efficient as A332 and 767-400 didn't have the range.

azj

I would partially agree. The 787 family (8 and 9) would be ideal, offering both range and capacity options for HAL. The reason why HAL went with the 330 in 2008 was that Boeing could not deliver the 787 in time to meet HALs needs, in which 767s were starting to retire in 2010. Airbus could meet those needs with delivery in 2010 and thus the 330/350 order was born. Yet, HAL remained a customer of Boeing with the operation of the 717 and 767.

I disagree that HAL is too pregnant with Airbus to switch. They wouldn't have to switch entirely, as the 330-200 would remain as an important piece to the fleet in the short term, not to mention the impending deliveries of the 321neo's. The 787s could offer the range and fuel cost savings HAL was looking for with the 350. There are orphaned 787s sitting idle at the factory waiting for a home, so the 787 in some form could be had relatively quickly. The true comparison between the 350 and 787 lies in the -9 model of 787. HAL would have to get to, potentially, the back of a long line, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. There could be opportunities with leasing companies who've already placed their orders.

Much of this discussion about Boeing however, is moot, as it seems HAL has made their decision. However, I do feel there's more to this story as the 330-800neo doesn't match the 350 in expectations. Either HAL has adjusted those expectations or the other shoe has yet to drop.

bzcat

Those 787 are orphaned for a reason - they don't meet performance specs and have unique maintenance protocol due to each one being an unique plane. No airline will ever buy them and they will eventually all go to VIP service.

The point about HA being too pregnant with Airbus is that HA can't get enough 787-8 soon enough to meet its medium term network capacity needs. The A332 is irrelevant at this point. It is all about the timing of A338 vs. 788. Switching the order now to Boeing will put HA 6 or 7 years minimum behind where they want to be with the fleet capacity around which that they had built their business strategy.