Airbus CEO Christian Streiff quit yesterday with immediate effect. Owner EADS has promptly appointed EADS co-CEO Louis Gallois (pictured) as Airbus CEO in Streiff”s place.
Gallois will remain co-CEO of EADS. Non-Airbus divisions will report to co-CEO Tom Enders.
Streiff has been under constant pressure to placate all concerned about the increasing delay of the A380 and only last week the aircraft manufacturer announced cost-cutting measures centred on a restructuring plan.
Add to that long-term Airbus devotee Emirates” announcement that it is adding Boeings to its cargo fleet (ABTN October 9) and Singapore Airlines” announcement that due to the A380 push-back it will seek compensation.
Virgin Atlantic, also waiting for A380 deliveries, commented to ABTN: "the new delay has serious implications for us which will be discussed in a board meeting later in the week. But no decisions have been taken at present."
It doesn”t bode well for Airbus. How much longer can airlines hang on before they give up entirely of ever seeing their A380s? Have your say on ABTN Blog.
Picture source: EADS