How will aviation be affected?

Well, there’s already been a downturn in the number of flights and passengers between Canada and USA. However, in keeping with our stance on not discussing politics, instead we’ll look at the complex issues facing aircraft manufacturers and airlines.

It didn’t take long for a diagram to appear of a B787 and the origin of various key components. In case the image above loses clarity when enlarged, here’s a list –

Forward fuselage – USA and Japan

Landing gear structure – France

Centre fuselage – Italy

Wings – Japan

Fixed and moveable leading edges – USA

Wingtips – Korea

Moveable wing trailing edges – USA, Canada, Australia

Wing to body fairing – USA

Rear fuselage – USA

Horizontal stabilizers – Italy

Tail fin – USA

Passenger entry doors – France

Centre wing box – Japan

Engine nacelles – USA

Engines – UK and USA

Main landing gear wheel well – Japan

Fixed trailing wing edge – Japan

Lithium-ion batteries – Japan

Wing/body fairing – Canada

Cargo access doors – Sweden

According to Aerospace Global News, B787 prices could soar by up to $40m if all the tariffs are implemented. If this happens, then airlines would most likely turn to Airbus, who could capture 75-80% of the market. AerCap, a major leasing company, has observed significant improvements in Boeing’s quality.

What will happen with the American airlines and their orders with Airbus? Is Delta’s CEO now regretting his praise for his president’s actions? Although he’s made a firm statement that Delta will not be paying tariffs on any aircraft deliveries, preferring to delay until a policy change or tariff removal. As it stands, a 10-20% tariff has been paused for at least 90 days. The only other carrier to comment is United, who seem to have taken a more conciliatory position.

One airline that could benefit is Jet2 who are suffering delivery delays for A321. The UK based airline recently announced it would base an Air Tanker A330 at BHX from 1 July for this reason.

In other news….

Air Baltic – parted company with their CEO. Whilst Martin Gauss has been instrumental in raising the Latvian carrier’s profile, it was not good enough for his Government masters. They cited “lack of progress in seeking public funding" as the reasons for his dismissal. He had been instrumental in building the airline’s fleet of A220-300 aircraft, on which he is type rated. Who knows if the 10% shareholding by Lufthansa also had any bearing on the decision…

Emirates – now training its A380 pilots to operate the A350. Although a different number of engines, there’s a commonality between the two aircraft. Qatar Airways had hinted at doing this too, but there’s been no further news from the Doha based carrier. Nothing to report from BA or Qantas, yet.

And finally…

Envoy Air – the American regional carrier has recently dedicated one of its jets to Gary Sinise. The E175 now displays decals honouring the actor’s charity supporting military personnel, veterans, first responders and their families. The aircraft carries the special registration N316GS. In Forrest Gump he played Lt Dan, also astronaut Ken Mattingly in Apollo 13. More recently, he’s taken the lead role as Detective Mac Taylor in CSI:NY.

Information courtesy of Reuters, Airways, Aviation Geeks

Images courtesy of Reuters, Aviation Geeks

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers