The end of the crisis confirms the domination of Airbus over Boeing

Airbus can rub its hands. For several weeks, the European aircraft manufacturer has been collecting orders. The latest, not yet finalized, involves around a hundred devices, revealed Reuters, Thursday, September 9. The Hungarian low-cost company Wizz Air, one of the most active in Europe in recent years, would like to accelerate its development by acquiring 100 medium-haul Airbus. An order valued at nearly 12 billion dollars (about 10.1 billion euros), according to the old list prices of the Toulouse manufacturer. This giant contract is far from being the only one to fall into its purse. Before Wizz Air, several companies gave in to the advantages of the new-generation Airbus A320 and all its variations.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also With the takeover, giant aircraft orders are making a comeback

In August, the American Delta Airlines placed an order for 30 additional A321s worth more than $ 4 billion. Better still, Airbus manages to convert companies hitherto loyal to Boeing. Thus, at the end of August, the British low-cost company Jet 2 announced that it was placing a first order for 36 A321 Neo to replace part of its fleet so far made up of Boeing 737. Still nearly $ 5 billion more for the European aircraft manufacturer.

While the latter flies from commercial success to commercial success, Boeing is struggling. Monday, September 6, the American saw a giant order of 200 aircraft move away. 737 MAXs intended to expand the fleet of the Irish low cost Ryanair to bring it to nearly 600 planes. The contract was for around $ 25 billion. Michael O’Leary, the very thrifty boss of the company, hissed the end of the discussions, which had lasted for more than six months. “It became clear last week that the price gap between the partners could not be closed. Therefore, the two parties agreed not to waste any more time on these negotiations ”, did he declare.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also Despite the violence of the crisis, Airbus limits the damage

This insult to Boeing is not a surprise. Gone are the days when the American manufacturer could grant significant discounts to its best customers like Ryanair. He can no longer afford it. Indeed, “He has money problems. Today it is a very financially weakened group ”, points out Stéphane Albernhe, CEO of the consulting firm Archery Strategy Consulting, which is particularly active in the aeronautics sector.

“Hole in the Boeing range”

It must be said that the problems of the 737 MAX, immobilized on the ground for more than a year following accidents, cost it dearly. Already nearly $ 15 billion, not counting the compensation that will have to be paid to the families of the victims as well as to the injured airlines, whether they have been deprived of their planes or they have seen their deliveries delayed for several months, explains Mr. Albernhe.

You have 49.51% of this article to read. The rest is for subscribers only.