Podcast: How's Business At Airbus And Boeing?

Editors discuss recent earnings updates from Airbus and Boeing that saw the duopoly shrug off the Gulf War but note persisting supply chain issues. A freighter battle between the two is also heating up.  

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AI-Generated Summary

The podcast delves into the recent financial performances of Boeing and Airbus, highlighting contrasting outcomes for the two aviation giants. 

Boeing's latest quarter was described as “clean,” with no unexpected financial charges, signaling a positive shift towards financial recovery. The company reported a revenue increase on the previous year, and anticipates generating significant cash flow soon. This optimism is tempered by the need for continued success in their commercial airplane programs. 

In contrast, Airbus faced challenges, including a shortage of engines and delivery delays, resulting in a decline in commercial aircraft earnings. The ongoing Pratt & Whitney GTF dispute and supply chain disruptions have further complicated Airbus's operations. Despite these issues, both companies remain cautiously optimistic about future demand, with no significant cancellations reported. The discussion also touched on the impact of rising jet fuel prices, driven by refinery capacity shortages, and the potential implications for airline orders. Boeing's strategic focus on maintaining a robust order backlog was noted as a buffer against market fluctuations. 

The conversation concluded with insights into Boeing's production ramp-up plans and the importance of freighter aircraft in their portfolio. Airbus's ambitious production targets and the challenges of scaling up were also discussed, emphasizing the shared supply chain struggles faced by both manufacturers. 

Key Topics: 

  • Boeing's Financial Recovery 
  • Airbus' Supply Chain Issues 
  • Impact of Jet Fuel Prices 
  • Boeing's Production Ramp-Up 
  • Importance of Freighter Aircraft 
  • Strategic Order Backlogs 
  • Future Production Targets
Joe Anselmo

Joe Anselmo has been Editorial Director of the Aviation Week Network and Editor-in-Chief of Aviation Week & Space Technology since 2013. Based in Washington, D.C., he directs a team of more than two dozen aerospace journalists across the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Michael Bruno

Based in Washington, Michael Bruno is Aviation Week Network’s Executive Editor for Business. He oversees coverage of aviation, aerospace and defense businesses, supply chains and related issues.

Jens Flottau

Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Jens is executive editor and leads Aviation Week Network’s global team of journalists covering commercial aviation.

Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.