Flight of the Titans: Boeing, Airbus and the Battle for the Future of Air Travel

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.