The Wall Street Journal reports that Airbus expects fewer sales next year as bank finance tightens for airlines. The source for this prediction was Airbus’ Middle East President.
In a related story, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, EasyJet‘s Founder, has increased his EasyJet ownership to 26.9% from 15.6%. It is believed that he has done this in order to influence the strategic direction of the carrier, and to be able to pay out a dividend to shareholders by 2011 (market conditions permitting) rather than purchasing new planes. EasyJet is scheduled to purchase 80 new aircraft and also to expand it fleet by 35 over the new three years. If EasyJet curtails new purchases while continuing its expansion plans, this could mean flying older aircraft that are more in need of maintenance (and expands the possibility for sales by PMA manufacturers making parts for 737 and/or 319 aircraft).
EasyJet flies Airbus 319 aircraft as well as Boeing 737 aircraft, and they have orders and options with Airbus for the purchase of additional 319 aircraft.