SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Boeing Co (N:BA) is committed to producing the ultra-long range 777-8 widebody model, but the timetable for it entering service is still under consideration, an executive at the U.S. planemaker said on Wednesday.
The date could depend on factors such as customer demand for the plane, Darren Hulst, a senior marketing executive at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told reporters in a telephone briefing from Sydney.
Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd (AX:QAN) has said it is considering the purchase of the 777-8 or the rival Airbus SE (PA:AIR) A350-1000 for non-stop flights from Sydney to London, with hopes of delivery from late 2022.
Boeing said in August it had pushed back the entry into service of the 777-8 beyond its earlier plan for 2022. The larger 777-9, due to enter service first, has faced engine-related delays.