NEW YORK: Boeing, creator of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft of the 20th century, commemorates its centennial Friday facing multiple challenges to remain at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.
At the top of the list is European archrival Airbus, which has topped Boeing in commercial orders in recent years and made inroads into the American market by building planes on US shores.
Boeing also faces tough going in defense, having lost a US contract for the long range strike bomber to Northrop Grumman, and another from the US and allies for a joint strike fighter to Lockheed Martin.
That leaves Boeing with only the delay-plagued KC-46 tanker program for the US Air Force, a deal it controversially wrested out of Airbus’ hands.
“Boeing’s biggest challenge is Airbus,” said Loren Thompson, chief operating officer of the Lexington Institute. “Whether Boeing keeps up or beats Airbus will determine the future of the company.”
To stay strong in defense, Boeing must beef up its operations in maintenance of military vehicles, analysts say.
In space travel, another longtime core activity, Boeing faces upstarts like SpaceX, which has been aggressive on price.
“Technologically they are positioned, but they are not well positioned in terms of pricing” in space travel, said Marco Caceres of Teal Group.
