The shockwaves from Power8 could be felt more strongly in the supply chain than in Airbus's already slick production plants. Martin Malvy, president of the Midi-Pyrénées region which is home to Airbus's Toulouse headquarters, met Gallois last week.
Malvy says: "I emphasised in particular that I am very anxious about the consequences of this plan for the network of equipment manufacturers and subcontractors based in the eight departments of the Midi-Pyrénées region. I reminded Mr Gallois - who told me about Airbus's need to rationalise its network of suppliers - that in the Midi-Pyrénées there are 558 businesses working in the aeronautical sector, and that the majority of these have already achieved considerable increases in productivity over the last few years."
Malvy says he is "very worried about the consequences of the weakness of the dollar and the overvaluing of the euro which penalise French and European companies by up to 20% of production costs, placing them at a disadvantage, not only compared with low-cost economies but also vis-à-vis suppliers in the dollar zone".
The UK's Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) is more upbeat: although the delays are "disappointing", the SBAC insists: "It is important to remember that Airbus production is at record levels and has a strong orderbook well into the next decade. SBAC is confident that the A380 programme will get back on track and be a major revenue generator for UK aerospace companies for many years to come."
The UK's North West Aerospace Alliance says: "The delay will no doubt impact the supply chain. The delay has already caused Rolls-Royce to suspend the engine programme. This is highly likely to impact those north west companies in the R-R supply chain." The SBAC adds: "The longer term objective must be to ensure the capability, reliability and productivity of UK aerospace is rewarded with a major share of future projects. We recognise that workshare decisions are influenced by governments and we are encouraging the UK to do all it can to support our industry."
Source: Flight International
