Airbus steals the show in Paris

[xchrom]

http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2011/06/aviation-industry

THE decision by the bosses of Airbus last year to offer a re-engined version of the A320 single-aisle jet from 2015, rather than going for a completely redesigned plane, seems to be paying off. At the Paris air show this week, the European planemaker was able to announce some sizeable orders for the A320neo, including a record-breaking one for 200 jets from AirAsia, a fast-growing Malaysian budget airline.

Boeing is still hesitating over whether to to go for a simple re-engining of its rival plane, the 737, or a complete redesign. At the Paris show Ryanair’s boss, Michael O’Leary, criticised Boeing for its indecision. In the mean time Ryanair signed a co-operation deal with Comac, a Chinese planemaker which is one of several emerging-market rivals to the long-established Airbus-Boeing duopoly on large passenger jets.

The splurge of orders announced at the Paris show suggests that civil aviation is rebounding, as airlines in America and other established markets seek to swap older craft for newer models with better fuel economy; and airlines in India and other big developing countries keep on growing. But for makers of military aircraft, the threat of defence-spending cuts is a worrying signal on the radar.

Here’s a slideshow of some of the highlights of this year’s Paris show:

[Motown_Johnny]

1. Woot! More Manufacturing Jobs For China!!! Lets Party!!!

:sarcasm: :mad: :spank: :grr: :thumbsdown: :nuke: :banghead: :hurts:

[xchrom]

2. boeing seems to be in something of a competetive pickle.

it shouldn't be like this.

[Motown_Johnny]

4. But, But, But..... Private Enterprize.... and and and..... creativity!!!!

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Yup, and Coates Engine is going ahead with spherical rotary valve equipped gensets

in China... very soon, very soon indeed.

[xchrom]

5. +1