PARIS, June 17: Leading planemakers are battling over strategy for big jets as the Paris Airshow gets underway today.
After a bruising two-year fight for market share of popular smaller models, Airbus and Boeing Co are increasing the deployment of next-generation long-range jets, seen as crucial to the future of both companies and their suppliers.
Days after it surprised the industry by making the first flight of its new A350 just in time for the show, Airbus will attempt a curtain call on Friday with a fly-by for President Francois Hollande, on only the plane’s third test.
“People are focusing on long-haul aircraft this year. It is a crucial segment and a fundamental one for the profitability of both constructors,” said Bruno Goutard, sector economist at credit insurer Euler Hermes which has a key role in aviation.
Boeing said last week it sees a 1 trillion dollar market over the next 20 years for mid-sized, twin-engined passenger jets, a category that includes its 787 Dreamliner.
Europe’s Airbus and its US rival have placed bets worth tens of billions of dollars on the success of this market.
Behind them Canada’s Bombardier Inc is betting the same technology will be suitable for smaller planes as it seeks to boost orders for its new CSeries, due to fly this month.
Brazil’s Embraer is expected to announce an upgrade and possible fresh orders for its regional E-Jet.
For Boeing, the latest addition to its fleet, the 323-seat 787-10, is partly designed to serve dense routes within Asia — a region fast emerging as the world’s largest travel market.
The company claims it will have the best economics of its kind, while Airbus sees it as a repeat of a previous 767 flop.
Boeing re-introduced the 787 Dreamliner to service in April after a three-month grounding due to battery problems. Now it is also looking at a partial redesign of its 777 mini-jumbo too. (AGENCIES)
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