Japan Airlines have both ordered the Boeing 787 aircraft,

Airbus sets its sights on Japan, in an effort to challenge Boeing’s stronghold. AFX notes that Boeing boasts extensive partnership and supply agreements with Japanese companies, which have guaranteed the plane maker consistently won the bulk of orders from Nippon airlines. Airbus now hopes to take advantage of a state visit to Japan by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, accompanied by Louis Gallois, to give a boost to its activities in this lucrative market. “The Prime Minister has been extremely efficient and aggressive on this issue”, said Louis Gallois, alluding to talks between Mr Fillon and his Japanese counterpart Yasuo Fukuda. As All Nippon Airways and the delays to the programme could be an advantage for Airbus in Japan, says a London-based analyst. “The problem is that Boeing owns Japan”, thanks to its partnerships in place, cautions the analyst. “Changing the balance could take a decade or more”. The news agency points out that Airbus has also mirrored Boeing’s strategy to establish an industrial network in the archipelago. While 16 Japanese companies are involved in the A320 programme, 17 are suppliers for the A330/A340 aircraft. For now, Airbus is particularly keen to sell its A380 superjumbo to the Japanese airlines. “The A380 has forged even stronger partnerships between Airbus and the Japanese industry”, outlined the plane maker in a statement. This programme will “bring around $ 4.6Bn to the Japanese industry in the coming years”, it added. AFX (14/04)