It appears that Boeing is concerned about the threat that the Airbus A350 might be in the market.

It’s larger than the 787, but is following Boeing’s lead on propulsion and structural technologies to lower operational costs, and so the Seattle (Chicago) based manufacturer is worried that they might be facing a repeat of the 767/A330 fight that they had over a decade ago, which the A330 won decisively.

So, Boeing is looking at a significant stretch to the 787, and at re-winging the 777 with a lighter weight composite structure. (paid subscription required)

I’m not clear if this is just some blue-sky thinking, or if Boeing is really spooked by the repeated delays, and the cancellation of orders, on its 787 Dreamliner.