Odds and Ends: Top 10 stories in 2012; A400M; C919 “orders”

Top 10 Stories in 2012: Here’s a piece we did for CNN International on the Top 10 stories, David Letterman style, for 2012. Airbus A400M: Airbus claims it’s ready to go. First deliveries slated for next summer. C919–orders,… Read More

A350-800 future: Airbus says it stays firm; here’s what customers tell us

Flight Global has this story in which Airbus says it remains committed to the A350-800, a sub-type that is the smallest of the A350 family and which has been the subject of much speculation that Airbus will choose… Read More

Odds and Ends: Picking up an A380; testing the 787; VLA backlogs

Picking up an A380: No, it’s not about lifting one. It’s taking delivery of one. CNN International Travel has this story about the delivery process. It’s not what you’d think would be your usual story from a travel… Read More

Some retrospective thoughts of 2012

As the year winds down, we look back and view the year as somewhat anti-climatic. We thought Boeing would make a decision on what to do about the 777X. Hasn’t happened. We thought there would be a formal… Read More

Boeing details 737 improvements

With a tip of the hat to Jon Ostrower and his Tweet, here’s a link to some detail about the improvements to the Boeing 737. Given the Airbus write-up in its advertisement about the MAX, we thought this… Read More

Ad wars, continued–Airbus fires Round Three

This week’s issue of the trade magazines has Round Three of the Airbus response to Boeing ads. Click to enlarge.

Odds and Ends: Progress on the KC-46A; Southwest and AirTran; British Air’s A380

KC-46A Progress: National Defense magazine has this update on progress of the Boeing KC-46A tanker. According to the article, progress is proceeding well. Southwest Airlines and AirTran: Southwest Airlines is the USA’s legacy low-cost carrier, and it has… Read More

Airbus v Boeing: another round of what the customers tell us

With the recent spat upping the media war between Airbus and Boeing over whose airplanes offer better economics, we’ve been once more asking customers what their analyses conclude. Nothing has changed from our earlier conversations. As recent media… Read More

EADS Investors Day–Analysts reports

EADS held an investors Day this week; here are takes from two who attended. Airbus presentations may be found here. Bernstein EADS is holding its annual Global Investor Forum. We describe key themes from Day 1, which focused… Read More

Airbus’ A330 improvements aimed at maintaining market position vs 787

Airbus last week announced additional gross weight upgrades and improvements to the A330-200/300 that increase range and reduce fuel burn. Aviation Week has this story about the enhancements. This is the latest in a series of improvements taking… Read More