The Chicago Tribune ran this article today about the general mess at Airbus. Delays in the A380 launch. $6B in lost profits. Questions about its ability to compete with Boeing's 787. Rumors about thousands of layoffs and plant closings. Turmoil in the executive suite. Boeing has booked triple the new orders that Airbus has.
A total 180? Yes indeedy. 5 years ago Boeing looked like roadkill after being run over by the Bus and suffering self-inflicted wounds. Cancellation of the Sonic Cruiser. Industrial espionage and $1B in lost government business. Outstripped at the orderpad by surging Airbus sales. Turmoil in the executive suite.
An amazing turn of fates for sure. And good news for the US, as Boeing is the largest exporter in the US. However, unlike much of its past fleet of planes, the critical 787 program is extensively sourced around the globe for key subassemblies, and, makes use of break through technology such as the carbon fiber composite fuselage which requires complex new manufacturing techniques. Click here for how the story could turn out.
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