Airbus bullish on more orders despite turmoil - by ISAAC JOHN
DUBAI — Undeterred by the latest bout of production snags and controversies, the embattled European aircraft maker Airbus yesterday denied any negative regional impact on its business prospects and said it was hopeful of winning more aircraft orders from some of the leading Middle Eastern carriers to meet their huge fleet replacement and expansion requirements. Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East, dismissing widespread industry concerns that production delay of its A380 superjumbo and design glitch with A350 programme followed by an insider trading scandal— which forced Airbus parent company's CEO Noel Foregard to quit on Sunday— had shaken customer confidence, said his company, on the other hand, has succeeded in reassuring carriers with a well-chalked out recovery programme. Middle Eastern carriers that are pressing ahead with fleet replacement and expansion programmes include Saudi national carrier Saudia, Yemenia and Gulf Air, apart from Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways. While Saudia is looking at replacing its ageing fleet of wide-bodied aircraft, Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways are pondering large-scale fleet expansion with mid-size aircraft, Fekih said. The choice is between Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, set for rescheduled debuts in 2008 and 2012 respectively following some production hitches.
Fekih said customer would be judging the company by its recovery plan. Refusing to be dragged into the insider trading scandal, Fekih said the merit of the company should be judged by its product and not by the behaviour of the individuals. "Investigation is going on and we need to wait for its conclusion."To reassure carriers, Airbus is preparing a detailed action plan and schedule for future deliveries. "It will be finalised within the next few weeks. We will continue to be more transparent and closer to our customers to nurture the partnership," Fekih said. According to the new delivery schedule of the double-decker A380, which is due to arrive in Al Ain on July 23 for hot-weather test, Emirates will receive four aircraft next year— one in October, another in November and two in December.
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