Looking ahead to 2013 in Commercial Aviation

Last year yielded a few surprises in an otherwise predictable year. Jim Albaugh shocked the aviation world when he retired unexpectedly at age 62. He was expected to remain in his position as CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes… Read More

American to decide on merger Jan. 9, Bloomberg says

American Airlines’ Board of Directors will meet on Jan. 9 to decide whether to merge with US Airways, according to this report by Bloomberg News. The outcome, of course, has ramifications beyond those employees of both airlines. These… Read More

EU caves on ETS, for now–but says it didn’t really cave

The European Union caved in on implementing the carbon trading scheme known as ETS that would have taxed international airlines flying into Europe. The EU claimed it didn’t really cave to international pressure (Financial Times, free registration required)… Read More

Airbus, Boeing under price pressure

The Wall Street Journal has two articles about Airbus and Boeing being under price pressure. There is a third article by the WSJ about Airbus wanting its suppliers to consolidate. The two companies have accused each other of… Read More

ISTAT Europe: a tough review by Aeroturbopower, and our thoughts

ISTAT Europe: Aeroturbopower has this recap of last week’s ISTAT Europe conference and he takes a devastating hit at the Boeing presentation. We weren’t at the event this year but we’ve seen plenty of Boeing presentations and agree… Read More

Cash cows at Airbus and Boeing

Eyes are on Boeing over the prospect of a 777X. Chatter doesn’t cease about the prospect of an Airbus A330neo. Boeing is in no hurry to proceed with the “7X” and an A330neo is unlikely any time soon,… Read More

Odds and Ends: Preparing market for 3-5 mo delay on CSeries; Air Canada fleet plans

Bombardier: On its earnings call. the company is preparing the market for a 3-5 month delay on the first flight of the CSeries. We’ve been estimating 3-6 months. Air Canada: Here’s an interesting item. Air Canada is pondering… Read More

Air Asia acquires stake in Batavia Air; opening for CSeries?

Air Asia will acquire 77% of Batavia Air and the rest of the shares next year. Air Asia is an A320/A330 operator. Batavia has a mix of A320s, A330s and Boeing 737 Classics. We can’t help but wonder… Read More

Farnborough, Day 3: Even more dull than Day 2

Few little activity today. Orders today Airbus: CIT Aerospace, 10 A330 (five previously undisclosed); China Aircraft Leasing, 28 A320ceo, 8 A321ceo–MOU. Boeing: Avolon (lessors), commitment for 20 737 MAX 8/9 and 10 737-800s. The MAXes are part of… Read More

The mid-size, twin-aisle battle

The mid-size twin-aisle battle While a plethora of new entrants are nipping at the heels of Airbus and Boeing in the single-aisle market, the battle in the twin-aisle segment is strictly between the two behemoths. The two OEMs… Read More