Boeing not as optimistic as IATA

Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO, Jim Albaugh, stated he is "not quite as optimistic" as IATA about the prospects for airline recovery and does not expect a major return in widebody ordering until 2012 (Reuters, 08-Jun-2010). The manufacturer confirmed it is in discussions with a number of carriers for B787 and B777 orders. A decision on a whether the manufacturer will develop a larger B787 or a modified B777, potentially with a new wing, is expected to be announced in late 2010 or early 2011. A decision on new engines for the B737 is "several months away".

Boeing Commercial Airplanes: "I hope IATA is right but I am not quite as optimistic. I continue to see airlines returning to profitability in 2011, and 2012 will be the year we see them really stepping up to wide-body orders," Jim Albaugh, CEO. Source: Reuters, 07-Jun-2010.