Aerospace
We have a discussion with Airbus’ Chief Innovation Officer.
After this week’s A330neo, one might assume that Airbus is taking another leaf out of the Boeing playbook – sticking with one engine maker. What GE is to Boeing may be starting to look like what Rolls-Royce is to Airbus. With the foreseeable future in aviation looking like being filled with “MAX” and “neo” solutions, the obvious question is the A380neo.
Earlier this week Aviation Week put out a story that Airbus might be looking into this next year. Since the primary pressure on the A380neo comes from the largest customer, of course Airbus will give the matter attention. Even so, Emirates’ CEO has also said that absent an A380neo, they will keep taking delivery of the current version because it does the job better than anything else.
Which brings us to the the most obvious item for a “neo” – the engine. Emirates’… Continue reading
Part 1
Part 2
On Sunday we heard Boeing talk about the “failed” A350 in light of the imminent A330neo’s arrival. Then on Monday Airbus respond with an announcement of its intent to offer the A330neo, and go announce 105 orders. It also scored a few more A350 orders.
At airshows its expected that these two firms poke fun at each other. The audience laps it up.
So what’s wrong with the idea of an A330neo anyway? Turns out that its nothing special; its just an airplane updated with a new wing and engines along with some other technology tweaks. Just like the 737 MAX, the 777 MAX and the 747-8 MAX.
But for the banter, airshows would be a lot less fun.
Part 2
Part 3
