In the midst of soaring fuel costs and fears over slumping global economic growth, the bigwigs of the airline industry have put on a brave face at the biennial Farnborough airshow currently underway just outside of London. While major multi-billion plane orders maybe thin on the ground, the exhibition halls throng with people, while the top brass from the likes of EADS, Bombardier, and Northrop Grumman schmooze potential clients with bottles of champagne in invitation-only chalets. Not to be outdone, Chicago-based aerospace manufacturer Boeing has been on a charm offensive on the back of its grueling duel with EADS for a $35 billion U.S. Air Force tanker contract and protracted delays to its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Speaking to BusinessWeek at the airshow, Randy Tinseth , vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, admits market conditions "remain challenging," but says continued strong demand for planes, particularly in emerging economies, will help the U.S. giant to weather the turbulence currently hitting the industry. So why is Boeing convinced it's in good shape? ...
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