Yesterday the Airbus CEO, reacting to the controversial Boeing/AirForce tanker deal, plainly stated that the European plane manufacturer will establish a factory here in the USA.
Do you think Airbus could acquire the former McDonnell Long Beach assembly plant? Would Boeing consider selling this facility to a competitor? Could the politicians force Boeing to sell this plant? California is a political plum and Airbus could also be closer to their Asian customers, a market where Airbus doesn't currently have a solid presence.
Think about it -- Long Beach has the infrastructure and skilled workforce. Just by talking about this facility Airbus could compel Boeing to keep building a product (717) with limited market appeal, thus tying up Boeing resources that could be deployed on say, the 7E7 aircraft.
Could it happen?
Do you think Airbus could acquire the former McDonnell Long Beach assembly plant? Would Boeing consider selling this facility to a competitor? Could the politicians force Boeing to sell this plant? California is a political plum and Airbus could also be closer to their Asian customers, a market where Airbus doesn't currently have a solid presence.
Think about it -- Long Beach has the infrastructure and skilled workforce. Just by talking about this facility Airbus could compel Boeing to keep building a product (717) with limited market appeal, thus tying up Boeing resources that could be deployed on say, the 7E7 aircraft.
Could it happen?
