Airbus SE and Boeing Co. reportedly are scurrying to cash in on the soaring demand by airlines for new planes, driven by record numbers of passengers taking to the sky. Passenger growth last year soared to 7.5%, topping the 5.9% forecast by the International Air Transport Association, WSJ.com explained. By raising production while holding down costs, Boeing and Airbus generate more profit and cash. Airbus reported an 18 percent jump in commercial services revenue to about $3 billion in 2016, with the 2017 numbers yet to be released, said Laurent Martinez, head of Services by Airbus. Martinez said that as Airbus grows its services business, less-efficient independent MRO companies might find themselves left in the cold.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 16, 2018 18:22 UTC