Jim McNerney on commercial and defense plans and programs.

Volga-Dnepr tends to plan on a supersized scale—it transports oversized cargo, such as a 60-ton truck-mounted pump—and considers its mission to be building “air bridges” across the world.

There is a subtle sea change underway in the fight for the multibillion-dollar twin-aisle airliner market. According to Boeing, the battle for range is over and the battle for production rate is about to begin.

The article “Going Out on Top” (AW&ST July 2, p. 31) was attributed to the wrong author. Northern California Bureau Chief Michael Mecham was the writer.

What's in the works for 737 MAX, A320NEO and CSeries

Picture a group of senior Boeing executives cutting the ribbon on a new 737 plant in France, surrounded by adoring local officials and lauded by the chamber of commerce. The flip side of that fanciful vision occurred July 2 in Mobile, Ala., when Airbus ceremoniously announced that it will invest more than $600 million to establish a U.S. final-assembly factory for A320s, starting in 2015. The new line, which will employ more than 1,000, will join A320 assembly plants in Hamburg, Toulouse and Tianjin.

All eyes are on Airbus as it prepares the A350 for first flight, but the aircraft maker is putting at least as much attention on ensuring it can handle the steep production ramp-up due shortly afterward.

GKN Aerospace has sought for years to join forces with Volvo Aero. With the contract finally signed, GKN is emerging as a stronger supplier for engine manufacturers.