As the just-completed EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh floundered in the rain, the biennial flying event at Farnborough, England, broiled like a British breakfast tomato. Temperatures that topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit brought electrical systems down and sent event attendees searching for elusive shade, packing air-conditioned corporate chalets. Even the normally stiff-upper-lipped show exhibitors who welcomed the clear skies thought the heat a bit much. EADS Co-CEO Executive Thomas Enders cut a packed and sweaty press event short, saying, “So its hot in here and it smells of dead fish. Lets try to keep it brief.”
EADS, the parent company to Airbus, trotted out its planned competition to Boeings mid-range 787 and long-range 777 aircraft, the A350 XWB group. Singapore Airlines put a good spin on the show unveiling by announcing it is purchasing 20 of the aircraft. But all is still not right with Airbus. Though the Euro-conglomerate has sold more aircraft than Boeing over the past five years, Boeing is seeing a big uptick in orders on its 777 and 787 models. Airbus is still working to recover from a 26% share loss the day it announced problems and delays with its super-wide-bodied A380. Though share prices have rebounded, company officials are speaking in cautionary tones, warning of “further slippage.”
Oshkosh All Wet as Farnborough Sweats
Key Takeaways:
- The Farnborough Airshow experienced extreme heat, causing discomfort, electrical system issues, and prompting attendees to seek shade.
- Airbus unveiled its A350 XWB aircraft, intended to compete with Boeing's 787 and 777 models, securing an initial order for 20 planes from Singapore Airlines.
- Despite outpacing Boeing in sales over the last five years, Airbus is still grappling with the fallout from significant delays and share loss related to its A380 superjumbo, with company officials cautioning about potential "further slippage" as Boeing's competing models see increased orders.
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