( 5 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 2 2008
First let me state that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It entertained me for the better part of an intensive session that lasted four consecutive days. And in the process I emptied two Hi-Liter markers. As an avid reader of Aviation Week for the last 29 years and a professional of the aviation sector I could have been easily bored by this book; but instead I was absolutely captivated. The main reason is that this piece is first and foremost a summarized history of Airbus, via the testimony of one of it's main architect, Roger Beteille. Especially for the first part of the book. But as we progress forward we also learn a lot about Boeing and the internal workings of the commercial aviation business. In this book you will find a string of factual statements that will please the aviation buff in you. It is not too technical, certainly less than I would have liked, but remains accessible to a large public. What makes it entertaining are the numerous anecdotes that spice this history of contemporary commercial aviation. For this book is mainly a historical narrative. But it always sheds a remarkably balanced viewpoint. And it is never judgemental when it comes to relating embarrassing stories. Some might say that the treatment leans a bit in favor of Airbus but I believe it simply reflects that period when Airbus was the underdog. For the neutral observer that I am it was a thrill to watch the student (Airbus) surpass the master (Boeing). But as we now know Boeing has since made a comeback. But I do have some reservation about the writing style. Sometimes it sounds like an amalgam of previously published articles tied together more or less coherently. Because of that the book lacks fluidity and coherency and makes for a jagged reading. And that is where the missing star went.
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Posted: Jul 2 2008
First let me state that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which entertained me for the better part of an intensive session that lasted four consecutive days. As an avid reader of Aviation Week for the past 29 years, and a professional of the aviation sector, I could have been easily bored by this book. Instead I was absolutely captivated. This work is first and foremost a summarized history of Airbus recounted via the testimony of one of it's main architect, Roger Beteille. Especially for the first part of the book. As we progress forward we also learn a lot about Boeing and the internal workings of the commercial aviation business. Throughout the book we find a string of factual statements that should please any aviation buff. It is not too technical, certainly less than I would have liked, but remains accessible to a large public. What makes it entertaining are the numerous anecdotes that spice this piece of history of contemporary commercial aviation. It always sheds a remarkably balanced viewpoint and the author is never judgemental when it comes to relating embarrassing stories. Some might say that the treatment leans a bit in favor of Airbus. I believe it simply reflects that period when Airbus was the underdog. And it was a thrill to watch the student (Airbus) surpass the master (Boeing). But as we now know Boeing has since made a comeback. I do have some reservation about the writing style. Sometimes it sounds like an amalgam of previously published articles tied together more or less coherently. Because of that the book lacks fluidity and coherency and makes for a jagged reading. Other than that it is a fine story.
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Posted: Jul 2 2008
First let me state that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which entertained me for the better part of an intensive session that lasted four consecutive days. As an avid reader of Aviation Week for the past 29 years, and a professional of the aviation sector, I could have been easily bored by this book. Instead I was absolutely captivated. This work is first and foremost a summarized history of Airbus recounted via the testimony of one of it's main architect, Roger Beteille. Especially for the first part of the book. As we progress forward we also learn a lot about Boeing and the internal workings of the commercial aviation business. Throughout the book we find a string of factual statements that should please any aviation buff. It is not too technical, certainly less than I would have liked, but remains accessible to a large public. What makes it entertaining are the numerous anecdotes that spice this piece of history of contemporary commercial aviation. It always sheds a remarkably balanced viewpoint and the author is never judgemental when it comes to relating embarrassing stories. Some might say that the treatment leans a bit in favor of Airbus. I believe it simply reflects that period when Airbus was the underdog. And it was a thrill to watch the student (Airbus) surpass the master (Boeing). But as we now know Boeing has since made a comeback. I do have some reservation about the writing style. Sometimes it sounds like an amalgam of previously published articles tied together more or less coherently. Because of that the book lacks fluidity and coherency and makes for a jagged reading. Those quibbles aside, this is a fine story.
