Boeing: UK must keep strong EU air industry link
AMERICAN aircraft maker Boeing has urged the UK to maintain the closest links to the European Union aerospace industry and regulatory affairs after Brexit.
Speaking ahead of the Paris Air Show, which starts tomorrow, boss Dennis Muilenburg said Boeing remained committed to long-term investment in the UK, regardless of the outcome of Brexit talks.
But he said: ‘We do think it’s important as Brexit negotiations continue that we encourage the ability for the UK to continue to connect into the broader aerospace community in Europe in terms of regulatory models, certification of airplanes and air traffic systems. We think it would be advantageous for all of Europe and the UK to have those integrated aerospace systems remain in place.’
Boeing, which said airline passenger traffic was up 8 per cent this year compared with 5 per cent last year, is expected to announce the launch of a new version of its 737 Max aircraft to take on Airbus in Paris. He said: ‘The Max 10 is essentially the same size as the A321 but has about 5 per cent better operating costs per seat so it’s a very attractive airplane.
‘While we haven’t officially launched it yet, we’re having very productive discussions. It would enter into service in roughly the 2020 time frame.’
He said Boeing was also considering making a totally new mid-market airliner.