As the aviation world gathers in East Hampshire at Farnborough for the bi-yearly aviation show, here’s my predictions for this week’s airshow.
Orders
- Reading around, I wouldn’t expect the mega orders we’ve seen at Paris and Farnborough the past few years. Let’s blame the wonderful UK Brexit for some of this, which has introduced a lot of uncertainty into the market.
- I’m expecting a lot positivity to the Bombardier CSeries as it edges closer into commercial service. It seems Bombardier has been charming the backside off the press (thanks for the invite…) – so it will be interesting to see if any extra orders are announced this week.
- I’m expecting Airbus to make a few announcements. Although I’ll be physically be amazed if anyone orders an Airbus A380 whose name isn’t Emirates.
- I’m expecting Boeing will announce a mixed back of orders for both its narrow body and wide body products
- As for Embraer and ATR? A few orders here and there. The same for COMAC and Inruk who may pick up some more domestic orders.
New Planes
- Boeing and Embraer have brought brand new aircraft to the airshow.
- Boeing with their Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Embraer bringing over their brand new E2 series regional jet
- Bombardier will show off their CSeries for the first time in the UK
- SuperJet International will have its Superjet shown off by CityJet.
- As for the rest? Expect aircraft of all types on both static and dynamic display. Expect A380s, Boeing 787s, A350s to make flying displays.
- Oh, the F-35 is making an appearance. Not that we pay much attention to military planes here at Economy Class and Beyond.
New Aircraft types?
- Will we see a larger Airbus A350, heading into the >400 seat category? I’m not sure that announcement will come. There has been a lot of chatter of an A350-2000, but this is looking unlikely.
- A380neo announcement? Even less unlikely.
- Will Boeing announce a new “Middle of the Market” plane? Unlikely. Boeing has let this segment slip to the A321LR with a Boeing 757 style hole still yet to be filled.
It’s going to be another interesting week at Farnborough – it always is – be it from the order book or a new product announcement.
Economy Class and Beyond will be covering it with our nightly digest, covering the orders and major news from the event.
Look out for the digest around 8pm Monday through Thursday next week!
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