Despite the prospective onset of possible economic recession triggered by the credit crunch and record-high oil prices, demand for new jetliners remains robust, according to Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Scott Carson. He sees present circumstances as offering airlines a double-edged sword. “We expect present oil price trends to continue. But if [fuel] price becomes predictable, airlines will respond more appropriately [by acquiring more-efficient aircraft].” There is a risk the credit crunch will hit the aerospace industry, but “we are not seeing that yet.”
Asked if the newly launched 100- to 130-seat Bombardier C-Series (supported by a Lufthansa “letter of interest” potentially covering 60 aircraft) posed a threat, Carson said that rising fuel prices would see operators of smaller aircraft with fewer than 100 seats “upgauging.” Boeing has not ruled out continuing to offer aircraft in the smallest (100-seat) sector, said the official.
