Xiamen Airlines a subsidiary of China Southern is in some talks with Airbus. Those talks would include its NEO family of single-aisle aircraft including the A321NEO. Boeing is on the sideline with only its defense on the field. This is a typical American football battle. However, even defense can turn the ball over with a "pick 6". The bigger issue becomes Boeing's NMA play. Boeing can't run it unless it's on offense. Boeing is still in the huddle on this matter. The Chinese Goose gives Boeing its golden egg or so goes the proverb in some sort of quote.
The 797 could be squeezed out on an Airbus play with a Chinese airline. Will this Xiamen attempt score the 797 announcement? The answer could come as soon as Paris 2019. If Xiamen holds back on the Airbus advance, then a 797 is on the horizon at the next big airshow it would seem. Boeing can only wait so long until future orders begin to erode away before an NMA announcement is even made, The pressure is on by Airbus to force Boeing's hand into an incomplete move for its next big thing. It's a game of chicken with high stakes on the table.
The Winging IT mantra was the NMA was a foregone conclusion several years back.
Boeing exclaimed!
"Boeing needs more time, more study for a business case and now this from Airbus."
A full assault in China on one of Boeing's best customers. What will Airbus flush out of a Boeing hiding place with its play in the Chinese marketplace? The question itself indicates Airbus has a quick and dirty A321NEO plan shoring up against the Boeing 797 move. It will try to diminish any Boeing NMA move with an enhanced A320NEO order book and its Xiamen talks are the first example of the Airbus plans.
Perhaps, Boeing all along wanted to see what card Airbus was to lay down first when Boeing was perched to announce a new program. Airbus showed its hand and now more Boeing people are discussing a reaction with action. It was one of those 50 things we can do if Airbus does this or that. Well, Airbus has gone to Xiamen with big plans. An NMA launch customer position for Xiamen is up in the air with a fresh offer from Airbus.
Sherlock Holmes would say, "the games afoot!"
The Airbus card has been flip and the Boeing response is awaiting a slap. Then Airbus will have to go ahead and announce a fully enhanced single-aisle NEO to square off against a 797. Airbus is calling BS on Boeing with this overture played for Xiamen. Boeing so far doesn't even indicate what it will make until Airbus plays its cards. A boot will drop at the next Paris Airshow.
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