Russia's Aeroflot to choose Airbus planes over Boeing

AFP ^ | Sat May 6 | AFP

[Icelander]

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian flagship airline Aeroflot is to buy planes from Europe's Airbus instead of US-based Boeing, in apparent retaliation for US opposition to Moscow joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"This is a clear signal to the United States not to put too much pressure on Russia in WTO talks otherwise many lucrative contracts and privileges could go to the Europeans," Yaroslav Lissovolik -- an analyst from the Deutsche UFG investment house -- told Saturday's edition of the Vedomosti business newspaper.

In December 2005, Vedomosti had said Aeroflot was considering buying 22 Boeing 787s, known as "Dreamliners".

But on Saturday it reported an anonymous official in Russia's presidential administration as saying that Aeroflot's board of directors had last month "decided that Aeroflot should buy the Airbus-350 liners".

Vedomosti estimated the cost of an Airbus deal at three billion dollars (2.36 billion euros).

But Aeroflot said it was too early to talk about the results of the tender since no contract had been signed.

"The results of the tender will be announced when we sign the contract. We haven't done that yet," airline spokeswoman Irina Dannenberg said.

"For some time, Boeing was preferred. Now we are looking at offers from Airbus. We haven't chosen the planes yet," she added.

Lev Koshlyakov, Aeroflot's deputy chief executive, was quoted by Interfax news agency on Saturday as saying: "The main shareholder -- the state -- has the last word and there has been no instruction from the state to the company."

The Russian government holds a 51-percent stake in Aeroflot.

Vedomosti said Aeroflot had delayed announcing its decision after an Airbus A320 passenger jet belonging to Armenia's Armavia airline plunged into the Black Sea on Wednesday, killing all 113 people on board.

Moscow has already signed a bilateral agreement with the European Union to pave the way for it to join the WTO but it has yet to clinch such an agreement with the United States.

Washington has expressed concern over software, music and video piracy in Russia, as well as agricultural subsidies, import tariffs and rules on the establishment of foreign banks.

[snowman1]

Thats total horse crap. Airbus is totally subsidized by the EU and aren't afraid to admit it. Last year they went after Boeing because they also turn out stuff for the military and the EU said that was subsidizing Boeing.

[freeplancer]

Sorry, being sarcastic due to the rediculous post. Your good.

[Denver Ditdat]

Stuff happens. Yes, to Boeings, too.

[Rembrandt]

""This is a clear signal to the United States not to put too much pressure on Russia in WTO talks otherwise many lucrative contracts and privileges could go to the Europeans," Yaroslav Lissovolik -- an analyst from the Deutsche UFG investment house -- told Saturday's edition of the Vedomosti business newspaper."

Hey bucko, good luck on future spare parts service after the Francy folk become Mud Slime. Just a tiny amount of bucks at risk, eh wot?

[Energy Alley]

please advise me of how many airplanes you have bought from Boeing. I have bought 58, you?

As for subsudies, check out the Japanese subsudies for the 787... completely illegal under the WTO.

[COEXERJ145]

I'm sure there's billions in foreign aid from the E.U. promised to Russia as part of this deal.

[rohn]

Hi!
Airbus v. Boeing.
Airbus handles quite differently from other aircraft, mostly due to software overiding real pilots. Can get into situations that others won't, witness the "twin engine hedge clipper" at the airshow a few years back.
In ATC we have to make allowances for Airbus not following "normal" turn procedures. More details if you seek private reply. (heads could explode otherwise!)

Work ATC into/out of NY. While I can't overtly play favorites, I have discretion on breaking "ties" to an approach fix:
1) US flag carriers get priority, they pay the taxes and my salary!
2) Non-US flag carriers flying US built aircraft (I was in aero/astro engineering before this career, and will always support the industry). Buy US
3) US allies before non allies, support US.

Not too many "ties" to break, but feel I'm doing my part.

Had to wait at Heathrow for some friends flying in from the states. Know that the "red-eye" from the US gets in before the curfew. Noticed that the passengers passed through customs in reverse order of separating from the British empire! US last, Singapore first ( India, Canada, Australia, and South Africa in the right sequence. thought the controller at London Center had a sense of humor!
Rohn

[Energy Alley]

The airshow incident was a result of complete incompetence on the part of the pilot. Pilots might like to fly stick 'n rudder, but an an A320 is not a Spitfire. And it is the responsibility of the flight crew to operate the aircraft according to the approved manuals and not use $50,000,000 airplanes in lieu of a tape measure if they want to whip it out.

The Boeing 777 is also fly-by-wire and also features flight envelope protection... what is the big deal?

[MARKUSPRIME]

You are a euro schlong smoker are'nt you?

[Energy Alley]

thank you for your invaluable contribution,

[Centurion2000]

I wonder which Russian official was bribed by Airbus?

[IAG]

see paper at www.iagportal.com on whether Airbus can ctach up with Boeing.