This week's week in review has a little something new inside of it. Call it an informational (royalty free) music interlude. As always, I'm looking for feedback and comments on what people think. This week's was put together a bit quicker due to time constraints and in a less ideal environment, so please bear with me.
Script below the fold:
Welcome to the FlightBlogger aviation industry week in review for the third week of January 2008.
With the final decision by the US Air Force on the winner of the KC-X Advanced tanker quickly approaching, Airbus has raised the stakes by pledging to assemble the new A330-200 Freighter in Mobile, Alabama, the same site that would host final assembly operations for the Northrop Grumman EADS North America KC-30 tanker.
If awarded the tanker contract, Airbus would be the first manufacturer to launch a new final assembly line for commercial aircraft in the United States in four decades. The A330-200F is set to enter commercial service during the fourth quarter of 2009.
Airbus released its 2007 order totals this week, taking in 1,341 net aircraft orders against Boeing’s 1413. The narrow-body marketplace continues to be red hot for Airbus with over 900 orders for A320 family aircraft. The composite A350 XWB, the European response to the 787 and 777 got off the ground in a big way with nearly 300 orders for the new long range twin.
The backlog of aircraft for Airbus stands at 3,421, nearly identical to its toughest competitor. Not to be outdone, Airbus delivered 453 aircraft in 2007, twelve more than Boeing. Each manufacturer can walk away from 2007 proudly touting its status as world’s largest commercial aircraft company.
Boeing ended weeks of speculation Wendesday when it confirmed that the 787 Dreamliner would not fly until the end of the second quarter of 2008. Our top story of the week sent ripples across the aviation industry with its potentially significant impact on 56 airlines and leasing companies and the team of suppliers spread across the world supporting assembly. Boeing has given itself at least two months to analyze the current state of the 787 program. When completed, the recovery plan will lay out new targets for production, a revised entry into service and new delivery dates.
Boeing took the correct step in once again publicly acknowledging the serious challenges it faces ahead. By giving itself more time, Boeing and its suppliers have an opportunity to allow the manufacturing and assembly to fully mature in preparation for managing a backlog of unprecedented size.
The road ahead will be difficult for Boeing and it suppliers, but getting the job done right is more important than getting the job done quickly.
on January 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply
Great job, Jon, even when hurried.
I'd be curious to know if anyone at Boeing had evaluated the larger financial losses (labor costs, airline compensation fees, market cap, etc) as well as credibility and considered writing off the first 787 as a 'Global Sourcing Prototype'.
on January 21, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply
Re: the music: I expected Jed Clampett to show up on the video. Very hillbilly-esque.
on January 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply
I would chnage the music and maybe put it in the end.