Boeing, Airbus Grab the Spotlight: The Week in Aerospace

After a two-year dispute over paint and safety issues, Airbus reached a settlement with Qatar Airways. The French planemaker’s deliveries also contracted by a third year over year in January 2023.

Meanwhile, Boeing expects to cut about 2,000 “white-collar” jobs this year in its finance and HR divisions.

Buckle up! This is the Week in Aerospace!

Mexico

Aeroméxico Opens First Flight to US Since Category 2 Downgrade

Aeroméxico will fly Felipe Ángeles International Airport’s (AIFA) first flight to the US, flying directly to Houston, Texas. This announcement comes a few days after the airline introduced four new domestic frequencies.

The airline will offer a daily flight to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston Airport (IAH) from AIFA. Aeroméxico already provides a frequency to IAH from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

Aeromar Could Stop Flying After Feb. 14

Pilots at regional carrier Aeromar are only scheduled until Feb. 14, 2023, which could mean the end of operations as of the following day, reports Simple Flying. Official information has not been released. Aeromar has not been able to reach 12,500 flights per year since the COVID-19 pandemic, reports A21. The company owes about MX$100 million (US$5.55 million) to pilots and flight attendants.

International

Airbus, Qatar Airways Settle Dispute Over Grounded Jets

Airbus and Qatar Airways have reached an “amicable settlement” in their ongoing dispute over the grounded Airbus A350 jets. The two companies had been feuding for nearly two years over US$2 billion worth of surface damage on the long-haul jets. The row had led to the cancellation of orders for 23 undelivered A350s and 50 smaller A321neos. It also prompted Qatar Airways to increase its purchases from Boeing.

Business Jet Market to Surpass US$41 Billion in 2030

The business jet market will be worth US$41.89 billion in 2030, according to Canada-based consultancy Emergen Research. In 2021, revenue from this market reached US$28.73 billion and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% until 2030.

Airbus Deliveries Contract in January

Airbus deliveries fell by a third to 20 planes in January 2023 compared to the 30 jets delivered in the same month last year, the company said on Tuesday.

Boeing to Cut 2,000 Jobs

Boeing expects to cut about 2,000 “white-collar” jobs this year in its finance and HR divisions through a combination of attrition and layoffs.

South African Carrier Sues Boeing Over 737 Max Purchases

South African Airline Comair sued Boeing for fraud over its agreement to buy eight 737 Max planes and seeks damages of at least US$83 million. Boeing "placed profits over safety and led with a plan of deception," reads Comair’s suit filed Monday in a US District Court in Seattle.