Outlook 2021: Despite vaccines, COVID-19 will continue to dominate aviation in the coming year

Subscription Required By Judson Rollins Introduction Vaccine containers in an air freight container. Source: UPS. Jan. 4, 2021, © Leeham News: Recent approval of two major vaccine candidates are driving euphoria among aviation investors, employees, and travelers. Many… Read More

Pontifications: Certification timing may push EIS for 777X

Nov. 2, 2020, © Leeham News: Throughout the 737 MAX investigations and recertification process, former Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said there would be no delay on 777X certification. On Boeing’s earnings call last week, Muilenburg’s successor, David Calhoun,… Read More

Pontifications: Lufthansa is sabotaging history

June 4, 2018, © Leeham News: I never thought I would find myself writing something like this. Lufthansa Airlines is sabotaging history and its own airplane restoration project. Lufthansa, the airline that honors its history with the airworthy… Read More

Wide-body production rates show mix of strength, weakness

Subscription Required Introduction May 14, 2018, © Leeham News: Wide-body production rates by Airbus and Boeing are expected to go up modestly during the next three year, with a jump in 2022—if Boeing 777X production rates head for… Read More

Pontifications: 49 years ago, the first 747 rolled out

Sept. 30, 2017, © Leeham Co.: Today is the 49th anniversary of the roll-out of the Boeing 747-100. On Nov. 7, United Airlines operates its last 747 flight. Delta Air Lines ends it 747 service this year. Afterward,… Read More

Mid-Year production/delivery update: Bombardier, Embraer

Subscription Required Introduction July 31, 2017, © Leeham Co.: It’s time for our mid-year update of the Big Four airframe manufacturers and their production/delivery outlooks. Our update is through June 30. Although Boeing provides weekly order updates, Airbus,… Read More

Caution overhangs 777X program-(Update)

Update: This story is corrected. July 21, 2017, © Leeham Co.: Lufthansa Airlines’  indications that it may reduce the order for 20 Boeing 777-9s underscores caution with which the program should be viewed. Emirates Airline already rescheduled its first… Read More

Airbus, Boeing deferrals may indicate slowing global economy

Subscription Required Introduction Boeing 737 flightline at Boeing Field: 737s awaiting delivery. Seattle Times photo via Google images. Nov. 17, 2016, © Leeham Co.: The deferral by United Airlines of 65 Boeing 737-700s announced Tuesday caused some observers… Read More

Pontifications: The Bottom Line isn’t always about The Bottom Line

June 6, 2016, © Leeham Co.: Sweetheart deals to win strategic aircraft orders are nothing new in commercial aviation. John Leahy, COO-Customers for Airbus, last week poked Bombardier for its order from Delta Air Lines. Citing a reported… Read More

Dissecting Wide-Body deliveries through 2030

Subscription Required. Introduction May 26, 2016, © Leeham Co.: A softening of trans-Atlantic air traffic, with declining yields and passenger demand, raises anew concerns that there is an oversupply and over-ordering of twin-aisle aircraft. Air Lease Corp. addressed… Read More