More Gas from the Gas Works: John Leahy Speaks

It's widely reported this morning that John Leahy, mouthpiece extraordinaire for Festung Airbus, opines that there will be no more cancellations in the A380 program, and that he expects orders for 20 more aircraft this year.

Well. As we say here in the states, "I may be an Okie, but I've been to town a few times."

Twenty new orders this season are not nearly enough to repair the program's fortunes, in view of the fact there have been no new customers since 2005 and a substantial cancellation by one. Customers who have stayed the course thus far are visiting ruinous exactions on the firm, which Airbus has been paying in cash and kind to stem any more defections.