Here’s how some of the European news media played the Qantas decision to buy 787s instead of A350s.
The Times of London http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9077-1930108,00.html reported that Airbus is backing off its earlier vow to have 200 A350 orders booked by year-end, although EADS co-chief Thomas Enders says they’re still working on adding to their total of 164.
Key Quote: “Analysts believe Boeing may have won the advantage over Airbus because it was able to promise delivery of the airlines two years earlier than its rival. … Dreamliner’s greater versatility may also have helped, according to Robert Stallard, an analyst at Bank of America. The Boeing plane’s ‘ability to perform domestic, regional and long-haul trips as opposed to the A350’s strength in medium-capacity, long-haul sectors was a strong contributory factor,’ he said.”
The BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4527798.stm notes that this has been a monster year for both jet-makers.
Key Quote: “Boeing and Airbus have secured more than $100bn in orders so far this year, as airlines move to replace their fleets with more fuel-efficient jets.”
The Scotsman http://business.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2406892005 noted that Boeing’s pulling ahead in total orders for the year.
Key Quote: “Boeing and Airbus have recorded more than $100bn (£56.4bn) in orders this year. The Qantas order will push Boeing further ahead of Airbus in 2005 order numbers. Boeing had 800 orders as of November 30, according to the company’s website, while Airbus had 494 as of the end of October, but has since won a deal to supply 150 single-aisle aircraft to China.”
EuroNews — a news service operated by 19 separate European broadcasters — reported that Airbus was putting a brave face on losing the contract. http://euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_eco&article=326153&lng=1
Key Quote: “An Airbus spokesman expressed disappointment at the Qantas decision, but said the flagship of the Australian airline’s fleet would be the A380 superjumbo. Qantas is buying 12 of the double deckers, with delivery due to start in early 2007.”
In Liverpool, the Daily Post seems to have ignored the Qantas deal and instead focused on Airbus’ plans to deliver more planes than Boeing over the next few years. http://icnorthwales.icnetwork.co.uk/business/businessnews/tm_objectid=16483134&method=full&siteid=50142&headline=airbus-expects-smooth-flight-name_page.html
Key Quote: “Airbus, which has been the largest commercial aircraft maker since 2003, expects to keep that lead at least until 2008. Airbus is promising 370 deliveries for 2005, compared with 290 for Boeing. For the 11 months through November, Airbus has delivered 337 aircraft compared with 268 for Boeing.”
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