For Airbus and Boeing, Inflation in Airfreight May Also Prove Temporary

Will Covid-19 deliver a permanent boost to the cargo business? Financial markets seem less optimistic than shipping and aviation companies.

This week’s Dubai Airshow gave a snapshot of the current state of aircraft manufacturing. Boeing struck a high-profile deal with India’s Akasa Air for 72 737 MAX jets, a further sign of confidence in the once-troubled model, and Airbus accumulated hundreds of orders and commitments. However, wide-body planes sold poorly, supporting fears that the pandemic has permanently reduced demand for business travel.