SQ may order more B777-300ERs due to WhaleJet delays

[zvezda]

I understand the term WhaleJet given the size of the plane. To my American ear though, the term is somewhat derogatory. Is it intended that way ?

I imagine that someone, somewhere has used the term WhaleJet in a derogatory fashion but, in general, it is a term of endearment. Whales are large, graceful, and powerful.

[DeltaFlyingProf]

I think given these last few years, airline companies have seen B and A as equals, where up to the early 90's, it was all dominated by B. But from a passenger perspective, I personally think A is the better choice (quiet cabins, seat layout, bathroom windows ), while B is a better choice for the airlines (efficiency, aircraft configuration, reliability, etc.)

Without wanting to create a controversy, I do not think B is a better choice for the airlines in terms of efficiency, aircraft configuration or reliability. Examples:

Efficiency: Airliner fuel efficiency is pretty much driven by size. The bigger the better. It's related to Reynolds number and structural weight effects. Not much difference between the two manufacturers. If you look at the public numbers, they both try to picture it their way, but you will never find a straight route to route comparison, because they really give the same.

Aircraft config: The 767 fuselage was a disaster for the airlines. Standard containers would not go in it. They would in the A310.... Still more 767 flying because B was the dominant player when the two planes came out.

Reliability: A was the first to have integrated monitoring that improved reliability. Maintenance became cheaper because maintenance knew what needed to be done quicker. Besides the differences are minute... not worth arguing much over.

I could argue that A has so far been the technically better one because they were the underdog. They HAD to bring newer better higher technology to attract customers... Boeing still had customers out of a habit... or if you prefer to put it in more accurate terms, if an airline already had Bs, they would stay with B because it is cheaper not to introduce new models.
But now B has realized they are not the dominant player anymore. So suddenly, they do the technical jump and decide to have a composite fuselage for the 787 and A follows with the A350.
Conclusion of this last paragraph: It is best if both A and B are equal. It will force them to improve their A/C quickly!

[globetrekker84]

DFP, you do bring up some very good examples. But agreed, let's not turn this into A v. B.

[cawhite]

I imagine that someone, somewhere has used the term WhaleJet in a derogatory fashion but, in general, it is a term of endearment. Whales are large, graceful, and powerful.

Agree with you about the description of whales as large, graceful & powerful. IMO, it's been rather interesting to see the A380 referred to as such given the B747s have been referred to as "whales" for some time now.

[globetrekker84]

...given the B747s have been referred to as "whales" for some time now.

They have?

[singaporeairlinesboi]

is it me or is the S in singapore airlines slightly slanted.

[cawhite]

They have?

I've been hearing it for several years from pilots, mechanics & dispatchers

[AndrewSQ011]

They have?

I've been hearing it for several years from pilots, mechanics & dispatchers

**Off Topic**
Aren't the 747 and the A380 has the nickname "The Whale of The Skies?"


Correct me if I'm wrong

[globetrekker84]

I've been hearing it for several years from pilots, mechanics & dispatchers

Never in my 22 years have I heard the 747 being called that.

**Off Topic**
Aren't the 747 and the A380 has the nickname "The Whale of The Skies?"

The 747 (I thought) was/is referred to as "Queen of the Skies."

[jjpb3]

Never in my 22 years have I heard the 747 being called that.

Yes, but cawhite has. That's proof enough for me.

[globetrekker84]

Yes, but cawhite has. That's proof enough for me.

Well the plane's been around longer than I have, so okay then.