Boeing says Airbus widebody strategy “is a mess,” A330neo “dead on arrival”

March 9, 2016, © Leeham Co.: The war of words between Airbus and Boeing at the ISTAT conference Feb. 29-March 1 wasn’t confined to which company sold more single-aisle airplanes. Widebody aircraft were involved, too. A Boeing official… Read More

Odds and Ends from Paris Air Show

A350-1100, A380neo A350-900, 787-10 thrust issues June 18, 2015: The industrial part of the Paris Air Show is over, and here are some closing odds and ends. We may have some more next week when we decompress. A350-1100… Read More

Airbus poised to overtake Boeing in wide-body sector, bracket Boeing at both ends

Subscription required. Introduction Airbus is poised to produce more medium twin-aisle airplanes than Boeing by the end of 2017 and maintain the lead into the early 2020 decade, according to production rates that have been announced, unannounced and… Read More

Farnborough Air Show, July 15: VLA program analysis: A380, B747-8I, 777-9, [and the wishful thought of an A350-1100]

Fabrice Bregier, CEO of Airbus Commercial, threw cold water on the prospects of an A380neo and an A350-1100, the latter to compete with the Boeing 777-9. Bregier’s position on the A350-1100 leaves Boeing with a monopoly at the… Read More

No more moonshots stifles innovation

Boeing CEO said there will be no more “moonshots” at Boeing when it comes to future airplane development. Airbus says it will focus on derivatives rather than new airplanes. After the program debacles of the Airbus A400M and… Read More

Logical conclusions: Airbus wide-body decisions

A330 programme. The long range programme presents no new challenges. However, managing the order book beyond 2016 becomes more challenging due to competition from A350 XWB and Boeing 787. —From the Airbus Group 2013 Annual Report We have… Read More

Odds and Ends: 787 software; Hazy on 777X; 787 reliability; A340 lemon; 777X won’t be built in WA: MO politician; Chinese war games

787 software: Aviation Week reports that continuing software issues bedevil the Boeing 787. AvWeek also takes a closer look at Japan Airlines’ decision to take the 787 off certain routes due to the icing issues of the GEnx… Read More

Implications of the Dubai Air Show orders

With the Dubai Air Show wrapped up, it’s time to assess the events and the implications.   Boeing launches 777X Boeing launched the 777X at the show with orders and commitments for 182 777-9s and 43 777-8s, the… Read More

Airbus’ A350-800 dilemma

Last week we discussed Airbus’ A350-1000 dilemma. The -1000 will be a fine airplane, but we concluded the company needs to go forward with a larger capacity “A350-1100” to match the size of the Boeing 777-9X, but take… Read More

Airbus’ A350-1000 dilemma

Airbus has a dilemma with what to do about the A350-1000. . Does the OEM stick with the -1000 as it is, ceding the 400 seat segment to Boeing with its new 777-9X? Or does it stretch the… Read More