Boeing and Airbus in new battle for cargo conversions

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Airbus and Boeing are engaged on a new battlefront: the narrowbody conversion  sector. While Boeing, which has not yet signed-off on the programme, has a commitment from China’s YTO Airlines for converted 737-800s, Airbus appears to have revived plans for A320 and A321 conversions. With a new supply of aircraft, and new demand in the domestic express sector, this is likely to be a lively new market in the future.

And in other Boeing news, it would seem the manufacturer would do well to lobby harder to get the US ExImBank back in business, as airlines are threatening to look to Airbus instead if export financing is not available. Comair, which has an outstanding order, has said the bank’s closure undermined the “long-term viability of acquiring Boeing aircraft”.