Boeing Versus Airbus

About the Author

John Newhouse is a distinguished author and journalist with an unparalleled understanding of the aircraft manufacturing industry. His seminal work, The Sporty Game, published twenty-five years ago, remains a classic in the field, offering a comprehensive examination of the high-stakes environment of commercial aircraft manufacturing and sales. Newhouse's expertise is not limited to aviation; he has also written extensively on foreign policy for The New Yorker and has served in influential government positions, including assistant director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and senior policy advisor for European Affairs in the U.S. State Department during the Clinton administration. His diverse background and deep knowledge make him uniquely qualified to explore the intricate rivalry between Boeing and Airbus in his latest book, Boeing Versus Airbus.

Main Idea

Boeing Versus Airbus offers an in-depth look into the intense competition between the two giants of the commercial aviation industry. Newhouse delves into the historical evolution, corporate dynamics, and strategic maneuvers that define this rivalry. He presents a compelling narrative that highlights the unpredictable nature of the market and the constant battle for dominance between Boeing and Airbus. Through detailed analysis and insightful anecdotes, Newhouse paints a vivid picture of an industry where fortunes can change overnight and where the stakes are always high.

Table of Contents

• The Big Two Emerge
• Airbus' Curious Makeup
• Rivalry Stories
• Building the Planes
• The VLA Market
• Leadership Ups and Downs
• The Continuing Competition

The Big Two Emerge

In the prologue and the first two chapters of Boeing Versus Airbus, John Newhouse provides a succinct history of the large commercial aircraft (LCA) industry over the past three decades. This period saw the consolidation of the market, ultimately leaving Boeing and Airbus as the two dominant players. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the industry was shared among four companies: Boeing, Lockheed Aircraft Corp., McDonnell Douglas Corp., and the newcomer Airbus Industrie. While Boeing maintained a significant lead in market share, Airbus began to make its mark with the introduction of the A300. This aircraft's success disrupted the market and established Airbus as a formidable competitor. Over time, Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas exited the commercial airplane business, leaving Boeing and Airbus to battle for supremacy.