Wanna bet Boeing is negotiating super hard for a big MAX order? Nobody thought IAG would order 200 MAX to replace a big block of older A320s at BA (Gatwick) and at Vueling (all-320 LCC operator out of Spain and Italy owned by IAG: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vueling). We are talking complete narrowbody fleet makeovers from Airbus to Boeing - and Vueling apparently operates 120 A320/21s....

Quite possible.

To not have an order ready at Paris makes me think Boeing is a real possibility. Maybe they’re waiting to announce the order once the planes not grounded. Maybe better PR then ordering a plane that right now is “dangerous” in the public’s eye.

Hopefully that's our reasoning. Though I'd prefer it not to be a Boing.

No, we don't.

I can’t imagine we would waste money on WiFi and interior refresh on the Airbus. Just to fleet swap to 737. My money is staying on Airbus. 220s and 321 XLR. Anything NEO
The June investor presentation says WiFi by 2020 end and fleet refresh. So that seems like their current plan

Maybe they need the Wi-Fi for the Airbus resale value? I bet the MAX would come Wi-Fi equipped (probably thrown in for free from Boeing as part of any deal). In addition to the standard 737-8 MAX, Boeing would love to sell the smaller 737-7 MAX (or even the Embraer E2 for smaller markets) to another airline beyond SWA. Again, it is all conjecture and speculation at this point...

That said, I do agree that the radio silence through the Paris Airshow implies there is likely some heavy-duty negotiating going on. Boeing needs more confidence-inspiring, big wins like the surprise IAG deal for the beleaguered MAX program.

I don’t think a Boeing order would be a “fleet swap” likely just expansion as a 2 fleet airline.

Allegedly the super sweet deal
offered for the Max’s would only be for a fleet swap.

Gross I hope not.