Boeing has announced a new focus on the replacement market for ageing government transport and head-of-state aeroplanes. A recent study indicates that half of the world fleet is more than 20 years old and are candidates to be replaced in the next 10 years. The evaluation of the world fleet indicates that some 200 government transport and head-of-state aeroplanes are in operation, and more than half are large airframes – the size of a Boeing 737 or larger.

“Eighty per cent of these large government transports were built by Boeing,” said Thomas Lindberg, vp of government and military sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have a wealth of experience in this selective market, and this emphasis allows us to further customise our operation for the needs of this unique group of customers.”

The move is part of an overall strategy to consolidate the sale of Boeing jetliners, regardless of final application, to government and military customers. “Whether we are selling a commercial airplane directly to a government customer or delivering an airframe to our military or space operations for one of their products, we will deliver a quality product, coordinated by a team experienced in the government acquisition process,” Lindberg said.

Further information in the study noted that nearly half of the world fleet is in Asia, with progressively smaller proportions in Europe, South America and Africa. Nearly 25 per cent of the fleet is more than 30 years old, with a slightly higher proportion aged between 20 and 30 years.

“The older aeroplanes in the fleet are experiencing decreased relia-bility, higher maintenance and operational costs, and many fail to meet current environmental regulations,” Lindberg noted.

The entire Boeing Commercial Airplanes product line, from the distinctive 747-400 to the smaller Boeing single-aisle family, can be configured to serve as government transport aircraft.