Farnborough, Day 3: Even more dull than Day 2

Few little activity today.

Orders today

Airbus: CIT Aerospace, 10 A330 (five previously undisclosed); China Aircraft Leasing, 28 A320ceo, 8 A321ceo–MOU.

Boeing: Avolon (lessors), commitment for 20 737 MAX 8/9 and 10 737-800s. The MAXes are part of the previously announced 1,000 Orders and Commitments, so this portion is not new, but rather a public disclosure.

ATR: Nordic Aviation, one ATR 42-600; Air Lease Corp., two ATR 72-600s; LAO Airlines, two ATR 72-600s, TransAsia, six ATR 76-600s.

Mitsubishi: SkyWest Airlines, LOI for 100 MRJs

CFM: Juneyao Airlines (China), CFM56 for five A321s; Aviation Capital Group, LEAP-1A for 18 A320neo family.

Pratt & Whitney: Finalize previously announced engine selection for GTF for 40 A320neo.

Demand for A380 this year shrinks.

49 Comments on “Farnborough, Day 3: Even more dull than Day 2

  1. Hello Scott
    This was supposed to be (and it might always be) Boeing’s show
    But BBD got some nice orders
    And 100 LOI for the MRJ ! Is it a surprise for you ?
    What about embraer ?

    • I believe Embraer scored a small order on Monday. ISTR 4 planes.

    • EMB had a few orders earlier.

      Boeing’s performance is way less than expectations since most announcements were merely making public prior Unidentified commitments–not even conversions to orders.

      • And no big rabit hidden in Leahy’s cap for now.
        The real battle seem’s PW vs CFM. Flight has a story, but for subscribers only !

      • So if the media hypes something with no knowledge of the actual “facts on the ground” and the subject of that hype has routinely said (for years) they announce orders when they happen and don’t save them for these shows… who is responsible? Seems the media. In common parlance it’s called a strawman. It does make for self generating press, and hence more advertising sales, but doesn’t really do the job of the media which used to be to observe and report the story, not make the story.

      • Howard :
        So if the media hypes something with no knowledge of the actual “facts on the ground” and the subject of that hype has routinely said (for years) they announce orders when they happen and don’t save them for these shows…

        …then why do they pretend to play along with this by having big press conferences that only announce that an MoU announced a few months ago was from a certain company (but still remains an MoU for now)?

        Not quite honest to do that and then complain about how the media spotted this.

  2. Scott, it feels like you are trying to convince the world the show is a snoozer as some sort of justification for you not being there. Despite your comments, I see it quite the opposite:

    >>BCA unveils a shiny new CEO

    >>The CSeries lands some needed orders

    >>The A350-1000 makes crucial progress in the marketplace with a new customer

    >>The 737 MAX design begins to show its hand

    >>CFM & P&W take off the gloves in comical A vs. B fashion

    >>Long anticipated MAX orders begin to emerge and commitments are made public

    >>BCA participates in the flying display for the first time in 3 decades

    And I am sure there are other stories you would be digging up if you had chosen to participate. I certainly doubt you would be telling us how dead the show was if you had your boots on the ground rather than putting your feet up this week. Anyway, telling us each day how dull the year’s largest industry event is seems to come short of your usual stuff.

    Just my two cents on a usually great blog.

    CM

    • I’d agree, personally, there’s a lot going on in terms of developing stories, though certainly the continued jabs back and forth between Boeing and Airbus are just about the most tiresome thing I can think of right now. Every single snide remark has to be reported, every claimed metric has to be greeted with applause or jeers or claims of doubt. Ugh. Did we really need to know what Leahy thinks of the 787 interior? I bet I could tell you what he said without knowing it beforehand…

      • As people know, we think very highly of Leahy–but we were disappointed at his sniping on 787 interior. But that’s John. You just have to shrug and move on.

    • Unfortunately, CM, I don’t think your assertion is borne out. I distinctly remember previous Leeham reports from when he DID attend the show, saying how boring it all was …

    • Don’t forget the MRJ just got a commitment for 100 planes from SkyWest. That’s big news. Of course, given the snide comments about “commitments” here, maybe that qualifies as a “sore” as well?

  3. FF :
    Unfortunately, CM, I don’t think your assertion is borne out. I distinctly remember previous Leeham reports from when he DID attend the show, saying how boring it all was …

    LOL! Perhaps you are right. Oh, if only I were a blogger 😉

    • FF is correct.

      Aside from the boring factor, then there is the weather this year at Farnborough—rain (and hail!!!). I’m getting too old for this sh.t.

      • Climate Change. Get used to it. The Gulf Stream has shifted south somewhat and is now not hitting the British Isles as it has in the past, hence perma-Spring/Fall weather.

      • Howard :
        Climate Change. Get used to it. The Gulf Stream has shifted south somewhat and is now not hitting the British Isles as it has in the past, hence perma-Spring/Fall weather.

        If you think Farnborough got handed a short hand, don’t even think about visiting the south of Ireland this year.
        Well, actually do visit because it’s a lovely spot, but bring wellingtons, and industrial grade water-resistant clothing.

  4. Howard :Climate Change. Get used to it. The Gulf Stream has shifted south somewhat and is now not hitting the British Isles as it has in the past, hence perma-Spring/Fall weather.

    The British weather has been the same miserable one for centuries and is one of the reason behind the infamous British temper and sense of humor 🙂

    • British summers are actually quite nice. Last time I was there was about a decade ago, but it was the hottest on record at the time. That was also the same year 500+ people died in France.

      The “gloomy” weather is a stereotype, much like the 365 days of rain in Seattle… neither is true.

      • Of course you are right, Howard. Seattle had a sunny day…….once, but I missed it on each trip a made there.

        LOL

  5. I’ve followed the show, both from this blog and other sources and I don’t think it’s a matter of anyone “trying” to make it appear boring. It IS boring, the only thing remotely interesting is the engine OEMs also descending to the kindergaten catfights airbus and boeing have been getting into for years. Still some days left I guess, we’ll see if things get interesting.

    • In the past few years , excitement was generated by announcement of sales. It was a score that measured the the success of the show and indicated hyperactivity and commercial success.

      But in truth, this is really a Trade show where the industry gathers and alot of exchanges of information are passed on and companies have a chance to show their products and services. It brings the entire industry under “one roof” and alot of good besides orders is exchanged. This type of activity is rarely discussed although the interview with the materials company is a terrific informational piece and indicates the different levels of activity that occur besides sales.

      I think Scott is doing a terrific job from afar

  6. CBL :

    Howard :Climate Change. Get used to it. The Gulf Stream has shifted south somewhat and is now not hitting the British Isles as it has in the past, hence perma-Spring/Fall weather.

    The British weather has been the same miserable one for centuries and is one of the reason behind the infamous British temper and sense of humor

    That’s been my experience everytime I went to England…..the weather sucked. As for the British temper and sense of humor….I never experienced either one.

    The sun may have one time shined brightly on the British Empire, but it has never shined on the British Isles.

    We have to remember the FAS, and PAS, are trade road shows. They are not for Joe Sixpack’s consumption. In fact they are not even for us, part time (professional) Boeing or Airbus cheerleaders.

    Scott is right, there is no need for him to be standing out in the rain and hail just to hear what he already knows from Boeing or Airbus. Just let the young guys and gals and PR folks wet their own pants over a confirmed committment to sign a MoU.

  7. leehamnet :As people know, we think very highly of Leahy–but we were disappointed at his sniping on 787 interior. But that’s John. You just have to shrug and move on.

    What did he say?

    • Nice interior but it’s what he’ll have in the A350.

      Shudda graciously just stopped at “nice interior.”

  8. Exact quote is: “The interior is lovely. It’s the same interior we’ll put in my A350. Except this is a little bit smaller.”

    My Analysis:

    “The interior is lovely.” – a gracious comment, whether he felt so or not. Kind of like what you or I would say if our competitor invited us to their home for dinner.

    “It’s the same interior we’ll put in my A350.” – a weird concession that the A350 is some kind of a “me too” aircraft, as oppose to JL saying the A350 will also have a refined and innovative interior when it comes out. This comment seemed envious, like you or I leaving our competitors dinner party and saying “I’m going to have a house just like this when I grow up.”

    “Except this is a little bit smaller.” – this was simply a tactical error. With the shrinking interest in the A350-800 model, the A350 family has really emerged as a competitor to the 777 more than the 787. Since the 777 has a cabin width advantage over the A350, JL should run from cabin width comparisons rather than inviting them. Regardless, this is like following up our “I’m going to have a house like this someday” comment by adding “and mine is going to be bigger than yours!” It was a classless thing to say.

    I had the great pleasure of taking Louis Gallois on a tour of one of our airplanes several years ago. He was the epitome of class. He was complimentary and gracious. He expressed distress at how difficult bringing new aircraft to market was and wished Boeing well in our endeavors. Mr Gallois concluded the tour by inviting me to tour any of the Airbus present. That is how it should be done. Sadly,. JL doesn’t have it in him.

    • CM, Honestly, though, this kind of thing is what I was complaining about, I shouldn’t have even brought up Leahy’s comments.
      Not that I disagree with you 😉

    • Oh dear, few topics seem to fire some people up as much as a John Leahy one-liner on Boeing. Now, if I worked for Boeing I would be rather careful not to accuse Mr. Leahy of having “no class”, since Randy’s blog, more often than not, comes across as the epitome of small-mindedness.

      • You’ll find several comments here and elsewhere on how I feel about RT. Bad manners is bad manners, regardless of who you work for.

      • Sure, but “Randy’s blog” isn’t just RT’s blog is it? That RT and his team is publishing numerous highly critical readers comments on Airbus, on a blog that’s officially sanctioned by Boeing, IMO reflects quite badly on Boeing itself.

  9. CM :
    “The interior is lovely.” – a gracious comment

    Not really. I think the compliment was directed at one of his own customers, lol.

  10. pdxlight :

    CM :
    “The interior is lovely.” – a gracious comment

    Not really. I think the compliment was directed at one of his own customers, lol.

    Hence why they will put the same one inside…

  11. I think some people need to get a grip and lighten up a bit. However the great analytical work presented by CM was a good laugh to read. 🙂

  12. OV-099 :
    Sure, but “Randy’s blog” isn’t just RT’s blog is it? That RT and his team is publishing numerous highly critical readers comments on Airbus, on a blog that’s officially sanctioned by Boeing, IMO reflects quite badly on Boeing itself.

    You can try to convince me that JL’s public comments at the largest industry event of the year do not represent Airbus, but good luck. Besides, didn’t your parents teach you not to justify bad behavior with bad behavior? As I said, when RT took a low blow at the A340 as Airbus announced the cancellation of the program, I called it out on this blog as a classless move. JL taking a backhanded swipe at his competitor when they have just extended a professional courtesy to him falls into the same lowbrow behavior in my book.

    keesje :
    I’m amazed by how people react on Leahy’s comment. I’m not saying double standards but I remember people saying Randy was a gentleman and the new Randy is saying Airbusses are smaller, less efficient, shorter ranged, and higher cost all the time. Also at this show. Whats the problem?

    It matters little to me what competitive topics the companies tackle in their marketing. Few airlines pay attention to what either company says about the other. However, not every occasion is appropriate for taking a shot at your competitor. I’ve given you two examples of when (in my opinion) both company mouthpieces breached basic professional etiquette by insulting the competition. I just wish for a little more decorum and class at times.

    • Seriously, it looks as if this seeming obsession with all things “John Leahy” is clouding people’s judgement. I don’t recall all this hoopla when Tom Enders and JL toured the 787 two years ago. But of course, since JL was not the one who said that “It’ll be a very good airplane, but ours will be better”, nobody seemed to have been offended.

      Airbus execs tour the Dreamliner, offering compliments with a little edge
      http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/boeingliveeventcoverage/2012405042_airbus_execs_tour_the_dreamliner_at_farnborough_they_offer_compl.html

      Airbus chief executive Tom Enders and his super-salesman chief operating officer John Leahy were given a personal tour of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner at Farnborough by Boeing CEO Jim McNerney and Commercial Airplanes chief Jim Albaugh. The courtesy tour was a reciprocal visit. When the Airbus A380 superjumbo jet first appeared at an Air Show, in Paris in 2005, Airbus provided a similar tour to the then head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Alan Mulally.The courtesy tour was a reciprocal visit. When the Airbus A380 superjumbo jet first appeared at an Air Show, in Paris in 2005, Airbus provided a similar tour to the then head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Alan Mulally. “We all love aviation,” said Enders in an interview Tuesday. “We all get excited when someone brings new toys to the show.” Enders also watched the Dreamliner take off for Seattle late Tuesday afternoon. What did he think? “It’ll be a very good airplane,” he said. “Ours will be better.” He meant the A350, which is scheduled to enter service in three years. Leaving the Airbus chalet and heading into London with John Leahy to meet with customers, Enders couldn’t resist a parting shot. He asked why Boeing didn’t fly the plane in the flying display Monday, but instead chose to fly it only on departure. Boeing’s policy is not to do flying displays with commercial jets; executives consider it a risk not worth taking to make an airliner do atypical flying over crowds. Airbus in contrast provides an awesome display every day of the show by sending up its A380 for slow and low flybys. “They bring new planes and park them,” said Enders. “We bring new planes and fly them.”

      Throughout 2005, Boeing spokespersons were constantly harping on about the A380 being a big plane for a small market. After touring the A380 during the 2005 Paris Air Show, Alan Mulally’s one-liner was “man, is it big, and we know big airplanes!” in a subtle reference to a plane with supposedly little market potential (according to Boeing). Nobody seemed to have been offended by that, but so much for Boeing officials being “classy” during air shows.

  13. What is the big deal? Are such comments really that bad? I don’t think so. Neither Randy Baseler’s nor John Leahy’s. Even if neither of their sense of humour is to my taste.

    Nothing they say is as crass as the people on these blogs who use the names like Airbust, Whalebus or Boing.

    For those that want to justify such behaviour, I refer you to CMs assertion that bad behaviour is bad behaviour, irrespective of who displays it or what they do.

  14. As a person who will probably never have a chance to go to Paris or Farnborough, I do appreciate that these are huge trade shows and trade shows are typically not about announcing huge sales. These two shows however, are different and aside from the fact that they have to do with aircraft and aircraft displays, the biggest interest that they generate for those who are not there are big announcements (usually sales but sometimes programs) and controversy, which rarely occurs
    .
    I concur with Scott. It is a boring show. The fact that the biggest item you lot can make an issue out of is an offhand, somehat flip comment by John Leahy pretty well proves this assertation.

    Possibly a relevant observation/question. Why did Airbus announce the Mobile final assembly line last week instead of here at the show? For the sake of Mobile and Alabama? Perhaps but consider how much more coverage they would have received here.
    Maybe the leaks were so bad, they decided to move the announcement forward.

    But it would or could have been the type of announcement that would have stolen much of Boeings theoretical thunder. Unless Airbus already knew Boeing didn’t have much thunder or perhaps Airbus has some more noise of its own to make. I think the last day of the show could prove to be interesting for us observers from afar.

    • Birdy :
      Seems that Scott gonna get out of bad mood on day 4.
      First of all, the sun is back. http://twitter.com/EADSlive/status/223319350554271744/photo/1
      News orders as well. Just a few this morning but big ones are expected this afternoon.
      Stay tuned, folks !

      Not too bad a start to the day so far – 30 A320neos (firm and MoU), 9 for the A332 (including 3 freighters). @Birdy: Any source/particular rumours on the “big ones expected this afternoon”?

    • LOL.

      Things are typically largely wrapped by Thursday of PAS or FAS. Low expectations for what is effectively the final day.

      • Airbus has indeed already published its wrap-up press release for the show. So I wouldn’t expect any more announcements at least from them at the show.

  15. Looks like Boeing big order is not going to be announced at Farnborough but rather in the Us
    Don’t know why…

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