John Newhouse, of the New Yorker magazine, in his 1982 book The Sporty Game, described the “bet the company” decisions involved in developing commercial aircraft. In recent years, with the difficulties with the A380 and 787, his analyses once again…
Airbus has ticked another box in its A350XWB development program with the arrival of the first wings for first aircraft, which will be used for static testing. The A350 wing, which is manufactured in Broughton, England, is the largest single…
Many industry analysts and consultants believe the 100-149 seat segment is the “Bermuda Triangle” for airplane manufacturers. We disagree, and here’s why. It has been the wrong market for some OEMs and for some airplanes. When OEMs tried to meet…
Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) identifies a need for ~28,200 passenger and freighter aircraft (100 seats+) between 2012 and 2031 worth nearly $4 trillion, reconfirming an upward trend in the pace of new aircraft deliveries. Of these over 27,350…
Airbus Military have just announced that it will deliver the first four new generation A400M to customers in 2013 as planned, following the development of solutions to the recent engine issue. Flight tests had to be suspended after 160 hours…
Earlier this year we noted Airbus’ concern with the ETS and its China orders being held up. China has been at the forefront of battling with the EU and its new carbon tax on air travel. China is not alone…