The retirement age of commercial aircraft is decreasing as the global fleet renews, which is causing teardowns at younger ages.

Facing huge costs, engine makers have made archrivals into partners.

Despite a slew of scandals and defense acquisition issues in India, Mark Kronenberg, vice president of international business development for Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), remains upbeat about business opportunities in the South Asian nation. Kronenberg sat for an exclusive interview in New Delhi with Aviation Week's Jay Menon before the Farnborough International Airshow and discussed why he thinks Boeing is entering banner times in India. AW&ST: What are the opportunities that Boeing is eyeing in India?

Aftermarket parts suppliers and distributors face convergent effects in the market that have not existed in previous economic cycles.

The industry spotlight is on Japan Airlines (JAL) as it prepares for a lucrative stock market relisting on the back of an impressive return to profitability. Meanwhile, however, local rival All Nippon Airways (ANA) has also been achieving standout financial results.

Airbus and Boeing face a similar problem—but it's a nice one to have. Demand for their best-selling jets, the A320 and 737 families, respectively, is so high that they are steadfastly increasing production rates.

Despite troubles, aircraft builders are eyeing bigger projects.

City and state officials in Alabama are still celebrating Airbus's decision to build an A320 final assembly line in Mobile. By any measure, the planned $600 million industrial facility will be a big stimulus to the local economy. It also will add to the southeastern U.S.'s emergence as a major hub for aerospace manufacturing. What may not be apparent yet, however, is how much the supplier base across North America could share in that bonanza.