Tanker contest gearing up

The Department of Defense’s JROC (a joint requirement group) met to consider what to do about the next round of the KC-X tanker competition, and US Sen. John McCain threw cold water on the idea promoted by US… Read More

China’s Western aviation recuitment alarming

The news that China’s AVIC is recruiting Western executive talent for its aerospace subsidiaries is alarming. Long-time readers of this column and our main website know that we’re concerned about Western technology transfer by Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and… Read More

Airbus adjusts production

Update, Feb. 20: Flight Global has this report with a dire prediction from the IATA General Director that Airbus and Boeing won’t be able to deliver half of the aircraft scheduled this year because of the credit crunch…. Read More

Assessing production cuts

The big question being asked by just about everyone with an interest in aviation these days is what are Airbus and Boeing planning for production rates this year and next. Jobs are at stake in an economic environment… Read More

Airbus A400M program in doubt: report

Just so readers don’t think Boeing is the only one with problems, Germany’s Der Spiegal reports things may be going far south with the Airbus A400M. Here’s their report, via Business Week.

Ryanair and a GTF-powered A320/737

Jon Ostrower has an interesting think piece about the prospect of Ryanair ordering up to 400 Airbus A320s or Boeing 737s powered by the new Pratt & Whitney GTF, or Geared Turbo Fan P1000G. We first broke the… Read More

Why Airbus nixed AF One bid

Seattle Times columnist Ron Judd got the real reason why Airbus parent EADS said no to bidding on Air Force One: “Airbus backed out only after the US government failed to qualify for financing.”

EADS/Airbus says ‘No’ to Air Force One competition

EADS and its subsidiary Airbus won’t compete for the Air Force competition to replace the US President’s Air Force One. The very idea of the President of the United States possibly flying around in a French airplane was… Read More

Financing Airbus, Boeing customers

Too much is being made over a decision by France to funnel cash through French banks for the express purpose of providing financing to Airbus customers. France will provide $6.5 billion to the banks for loans to the… Read More

Airbus YE08 Conferences Tuesday, Thursday

EADS and its subsidiary Airbus will have their year-end 08 press conferences January 13 and 15 to discuss 2008 orders, events and the outlook for 2009. This comes on the heals of a January 9 analyst report by… Read More