Boeing Max

My point about Boeing getting the most out of the -8 was in other areas, like composites and system redesign. I think they could have squeezed another 10-15% from technologies learned in the 787 program which they currently could not incorporate while maintaining the same type certificate. That was my point, a 747-8 that is 25-30% more efficient than a 747-400 is a real contender. Especially to places which have problems with twins like hot/high or both (Jo-burgh). The "big twin" really looses its appeal when you push above 5000ft.

I think most of the efficiencies to be gained in the cockpit are already there. The 748 comes with GLS which will allow precision CATIIIB Autoland to any runway within 250nm of the receiver. We trained for them using Moses Lake, which has one installed. The technology is amazing and it will also allow curved procedures.

Anyway, good discussion and interesting to see what will happen. I still think there might be hope for a new clean-sheet design when they really start looking at the design more carefully. I noticed Boeing is already in rumor control about the costs of the Max.