Ailing Airbus

The Wall Street Journal reported today that problems are developing concerning the restructuring plans of Airbus. Although, the CEO said these problems wouldn't affect deliveries, already Airbus employees in France in Germany are protesting in the streets.
The issue is the solicitation of foreign investors and the closing of three plants in the two countries. More than 10,000 jobs, nearly 20% of the workforce, are to be cut within the next four years and related costs in 2007 are expected to be nearly $1 billion. Employees are justifiably fearful of more closures in the future. Delays have already occurred in the production of the A380 and the development of the A350 twin-aisle jet has already exceeded expected costs.
These problems come amid a growing rivalry with U.S.'s Boeing. The A380 superjumbo jetliner proved to be effective in test flights and has nearly 200 orders. The quiet-running plane features wide seats and a bar. Production, however, is already two years behind, according to the Economist.