Richard Riley wrote:
I think, technically speaking, that's what would be called a
catastrophy.

I hope the rumor about Boeing taking advantage of Airbus' weakness to
build a 737 replacement is true.

I'm an aerospace analyst (but I play a doctor on TV) and read about
this stuff all day long from many US & international sources. The
outgoing CEO of Airbus, the guy who had the job for 3 months, had some
pretty harsh words concerning Airbus' plight right now. The delays in
the 380 program will cost Airbus several hundred million dollars in
late delivery penalties and are having a ripple effect with 2nd and 3rd
tier suppliers. They're into a major restructuring to turn things
around, but they admit they've lost the edge to Boeing.

As far as the single-aisle market, Airbus wouldn't have the resources
for a timely redesign of the A320 series if they do go ahead with the
A350XWB program, which is already 5-6 years behind the 787. The
narrowbody transports are a huge segment that they can't afford to lose
ground on. The 737 replacement has been in the works for a while now,
and is expected to debut in 2012 or thereabouts. Airbus would have to
have a new A320 to counter it or risk losing significant sales.