Airbus vs. Boeing
I have recently been extremely intrigued by the ongoing competition between Airbus and Boeing. The two companies have taken decidedly different approaches in their next generation of passenger airplanes. In essence, the difference boils down to this: Is it better to take lots of passengers between large airport hubs and then have them fan out from there to destinations or is it better to fly people longer distances with the hopes of having more direct flights?
Airbus has taken the former approach with the development of the A380 Superjumbo, set to become the largest passenger airplane in the world. This mammoth jet requires airports to make some modifications to in order to handle its two levels of entries and gigantic wingspan. The project has fallen horribly behind schedule and already exceeded budget by billions. In fact, Airbus’ parent company has reports a substantial loss for the first time ever.
Boeing, on the other hand, is betting on the fact that people will want to take direct flights as much as possible, resulting in the development of the 787 Dreamliner. It’s designed to be extremely fuel efficient and carry people farther than any other plane. The first test flights are scheduled for later this year and delivery of the first completed aircraft will be in 2008.
Airbus has had no choice but to develop a competing aircraft, the A350. The plane is still five years away, and that’s assuming Airbus manages to stay on schedule despite the setbacks on the A380. It’s also worth mentioning that Airbus’ problems have led them to want to lay off people in their German plant, which has led to widespread strikes among their workers in France.
I have been following the developments very closely, especially now with the command “BA Equity CN” on The Bloomberg (yes, Bloomberg’s main product is called “The Bloomberg”). Every day there are new orders announce for the A380, A350, and the 787. However, as I watch the orders come in, I tend to see “Boeing wins plane order” and “company cancels order for delayed A380″ more and more. It would seem Boeing is going to beat out Airbus for the first time in quite a few years.
I’m not exactly sure why I find the story so interesting or feel a desire to write about it. Perhaps it is based in the fascination in airplanes my grandfather instilled in me many years ago. Perhaps it is because I find it intriguing when two completely different mentalities in design go up against one another. Whatever the reason, it is a story I will continue to follow closely.