Happy news for Boeing

Its not all about Airbus. The USN increased its order for its P-8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft from 114 to 123. The Navy found more uses for the aircraft, which will replace 161 aging P-3Cs. The first two P-8 development aircraft recently flew for the first time. A third development P-8 will fly before the end of the year.

The Navy has great expectations for this plane. It is highly versatile and has a huge base of spares and service technicians the world over. In fact, it may be the most successful Boeing military plane after the B-52 and KC-135 if it gets export orders. We expect to see Boeing quietly push the plane into many new areas. Never mind the Wedgetail mess, the military 737 has a great life ahead of it.

In other news --

• Republic's upset role
• The new competition across the Pacific
• The Great Shrink of 2009
• BA shows LCCs are not always cheaper

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