Sir - Recent coverage (Flight International, 2-8 April, P4) has been favourable to Airbus Industrie's decision to proceed with its A3XX, while Boeing's decision not to go ahead with a "super-jumbo" appears to be very much the voice of Boeing finance. Decisions to launch new aircraft have always been risky. Now, it seems that Boeing does not wish to take such risks. As we ponder what a grey and dull business aviation sometimes appears to be, on whom may we place responsibility?
Although Boeing believes that it can blunt Airbus by using its financial and political leverage, Airbus takes the risks. Congratulations to those who at least, have the verve to offer the world something new.
Professor Philip Lawrence,
Director
Aerospace Research Group, UWE, Bristol, UK
Source: Flight International