The NEO and MAX have taken the market by storm. Customers seem to be willing to stand in line – even though the 787 and A380 programs taught that sometimes one can order too early. Yet the desire for fuel efficient workhorses appears inelastic. Continue reading
As we head into the Paris Air Show, here is AirInsight’s outlook:
The big news at air shows are orders for new aircraft.
Forget the drivel that Airbus “saves” up orders for the show and Boeing doesn’t. Customers drive when the announcements are made, and many like the limelight of air shows, and some don’t. Boeing has announced many orders at air shows that were “Unidentified” on the order books. Airbus typically has fewer Unidentified orders on its spreadsheet and we know that Airbus works mightily to conclude orders at the air show—as well as converting MOUs to firm orders during the show and re-announcing them—but this is all part of the game.
So here is a company-by-company run-down of what we expect:
Lufthansa recently ordered the A320neo, joining ILFC as a major customer in the first quarter. ILFC ordered 60 of their 100 aircraft with the Pratt & Whitney GTF, with 40 options, providing a boost to the GTF program. The focus is now on what Lufthansa will do. If it opts for the GTF, momentum will continue for the PW program. If it selects the LEAP-X, that rival engine will secure a major endorsement. Continue reading