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A321XLR

As China freezes out Boeing, Airbus ramp grows output imbalance

Jon Ostrower·June 17, 2021

“Boeing is very much relying upon that commercial pressure from the airlines in China, putting political pressure on Beijing...And so far it hasn’t happened yet,” said Air Lease CEO John Plueger.

First Biden budget to accelerate push toward Boeing 737 replacement

Jon Ostrower·May 25, 2021

There are a growing number of recent comments from NASA officials and government notices that point to NASA plans for a piloted experimental X-plane to validate Boeing’s transonic truss-braced wing (TTBW) design as the possible template for a future smaller single-aisle. Boeing hasn’t decided on a path for its own development future, but the Biden budget priorities begin to put the U.S. government’s finger on the scale as a national stakeholder in the plane maker’s success or failure.

In Hamburg, Airbus passes last embers of A380 torch to A321XLR

Jon Ostrower·March 14, 2021

Airbus and Boeing, back in their corners, fight in the digital factory. Airbus in Hamburg is gearing up for production of the A321XLR.

Three Points: Dash 8-400 pause, flying on Mars, miniaturizing the long-haul cabin

Jon Ostrower·February 17, 2021

De Havilland Canada's time building the Dash 8-400 turboprop in Downsview is coming to an end as the company plans to indefinitely pause production, but is leaving the door wide open to start again to begin a new for a post-COVID-19 rebound in demand. The fourth rock from the sun is slated to become the solar system's second planet to host a powered flight. Perseverance and Ingenuity arrive on Mars on February 18. As single-aisle jets like the Airbus A321XLR take on roles once assigned for long-range twins, the more narrow cabin is going to be a battleground for increasingly complex passenger systems in the fight against commodification.