Originally Posted by Schnides (Post 139465)

One of the reasons Airbus is bumping up it's production on the A320 is to bring in the capital to develope the technology needed to produce the A350. They're a little behind in composites on a plane of that size. Since Boeing is already pushing production of composite tubes, my money is on them for the next generation narrowbody. When they do that, it may give them the positioning they need to corner that sector of the market as well. Don't forget, China has announced it's intention to enter the market as well. Probably more than 10 years out, but something to consider.

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 139445)

Actually they ARE in deep doo-doo, both short-term (operational screw-ups) and long-term (strategic screw-ups)...


They only had money to develop ONE next-gen airplane...and they blew it on that gigantic white elephant wich appears to have niche-market value only. I suspect euro-pride had something to do with that decision, ie desire to have the biggest airplane :rolleyes:

Their solution to the upper mid-range was to warm over the 330 and call it the 350...well the industry didn't want old technology and now they have to go back and actually develop a NEW airplane to compete $$$$$$$$$$

Massive design delays on the A400M, the 380 production debacle (with canx orders), and the need to re-design the 350 are the elements of a perfect storm...the EU won't let them go BK of course, but they are in a world of hurt.

The A320 serise is the only thing they have going for them, but it's old technology :eek: Several major airlines (including AA) are already showing signs of bypassing A320/737 technology and waiting for the NEXT gen narrow-body...who's going to have the technology and experience to deliver that? The same folks who are bringing you the 787... ;)

Originally Posted by saab2000 (Post 139425)

Have you ever lived in or worked in Europe? Work ethic there is no less than in the US. . . . .

Originally Posted by careerpilot (Post 138870)

I think it is American Eagle. They are the only ones not in the big RJ market.

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot (Post 139197)

heard a rumor(take it just as that), that there are talks of usair selling their 190's and future orders to RAH. it would be almost deja vu of mid atlantic.:eek:

Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 139504)

UH, Eagle has 70 seaters. The only regionals that aren't whoring themselves out in the big RJ market are Air Whiskey and XJET.

Originally Posted by detc (Post 139514)

And Air Wisconsin has been doing soooo well with all their RFP's for routes...



<Massive sarcasm>

Originally Posted by Ftrooppilot (Post 139497)

Sorry. I should have been more specific.

"The image of French work ethics is mediocre (this is an understatement....) : 35-hour work week law, constant strikes, 5 to 8 weeks vacation, early retirement etc... Only in France can you work so few hours/year compared with other countries (the difference between France and the USA is on average 330 hours/year)."

"People work less in Europe because there’s no direct benefit in working more and earning more: painful progressive taxation is the disincentive which in turn has allowed governments to fund generous programs that serve as a safety net for many working and non-working Europeans. As a result the incentive to hoard for a rainy day is less; there is a nice blanket that ensures one’s security in case work derived revenues dry up. Now I know that drastic cuts are being implemented in some European countries, but it’s not too hard to note the huge divergence between US and European entitlements. This economic phenomenon has spawned a culture that has:

(a) created a workforce that has grown accustomed to a certain level of wealth which can be attained with a reasonable but not excessive amount of work;
(b) allowed a culture wherein individual gratification is far more focused on leisure activities and not work (the infamous 35-hour workweek);
(c) made it easier to abandon religion as a spiritual guide which is now more easily achieved by the individual who is economically secure and free to pursue whatever interests he or she has. "