Chapter 359: Taking over Airbus!
"You want to buy a Boeing 777?" Huang Jingdu was stunned: "Mr. Xu, you know that the Boeing 777 is a wide-body aircraft, right?"
In Huang Jing's impression, Xu Cang's Spring Airlines should not have any international routes.
"Or are you going to buy it for Kingfisher Airlines?"
However, Huang Jing still felt that it was not scientific. He knew that Kingfisher Airlines was Xu Cang's business, but Kingfisher Airlines basically operated routes within Europe, and there were few ultra-long-distance routes. Moreover, with Kingfisher Airlines' low-cost operation, it was obviously not suitable to use the Boeing 777.
Although Huang Jing is from Boeing, from the perspective of Kingfisher Airlines, if they really want to operate ultra-long-distance routes, it is better to use Airbus 330 or Boeing 767. Of course, in the current market, the competitiveness of Airbus 330 is greater than that of Boeing 767. When Boeing 777 was first launched, it was to replace Boeing 767 and compete with Airbus 330.
The Boeing 777 is good in every aspect, and almost every technical indicator is better than the Airbus 330, but it has one huge disadvantage, which is that it is expensive. The catalog price of a Boeing 777 is nearly one-third higher than that of an Airbus 330, which is quite exaggerated.
Xu Cang laughed and said, "Do I need to report this to the aircraft manufacturer regarding how I use it?"
"No, no, no, of course not." Huang Jing said quickly: "I'm just curious. Mr. Xu shouldn't need a Boeing 777. Besides, the price of a Boeing 777... is quite high..."
"If I remember correctly, the price of a slightly newer Boeing 777-200 is $270 million, right?"
"That's right, but this is the lowest price." Huang Jing quickly added: "Mr. Xu, the price of our latest Boeing 777-300 has risen to 290 million US dollars. This... is of course the catalog price. Given our relationship with Mr. Xu, we will naturally not follow the catalog price, but... such a high-value product cannot be sold like the previous 737-900 aircraft."
A long time ago, Xu Cang and the previous Boeing Asia Pacific President Li Rongcheng made an installment purchase of 737-900, setting a record by paying ten installments over ten years, which was simply crazy. However, Boeing needed Xu Cang at the time, and the value of Boeing 737 was indeed slightly smaller and the number was not large.
However, the Boeing 777 is different. One Boeing 777 can be exchanged for several Boeing 737s. If the repayment is still in ten years, Boeing really cannot accept it.
Huang Jing didn't dare to say it too clearly, for fear of upsetting Xu Cang. However, he openly and covertly doubted whether Xu Cang could afford a Boeing 777.
"Model 300? I don't want that." Xu Cang said immediately: "I want the 777-300ER."
"300ER?" Huang Jing was confused for a moment: "We don't have 777-300ER?"
"That's because I didn't make any requests. If I had, they would have been there long ago. Listen carefully, and remember all my requests below."
"You want to customize the plane?"
"Yeah?" Xu Cang smiled and said, "Is it not possible?"
There was an obvious scream from Huang Jing's side, followed by the sound of something breaking, and then Huang Jing uttered a curse in Chinese.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute, I'll go get something to record."
About a minute later, Huang Jing's voice came from the phone: "Go ahead."
"First of all, I must tell you that the following conversation will be recorded. My customized modification plan for the Boeing 777 is unique to me, and you cannot follow this plan without authorization."
"This... is not possible." Huang Jing said directly: "Actually, it's not impossible. Each customized plan is formulated by the airline according to its own needs. The situation of each airline is different. There is no such a universal customized plan."
"I am very satisfied with my solution and don't want others to use it. Is this not acceptable?"
Huang Jing was annoyed by Xu Cang's nagging: "Okay, okay, okay, you're the only one using it. You tell me, and I'll remember. If you're not sure, you can apply for a patent for your solution."
"Hey, that's a good idea. I'll do it later." Xu Cang thought for a while and said, "Remember, change the engine of the Boeing 777-300 to the GE90-115B engine, add a slanted winglet to the end of the wing, and strengthen the engine frame and casing..."
"Wait a minute, what are raked winglets?"
Xu Cang was interrupted by Huang Jing and seemed a little annoyed: "You will understand if you tell your design department. If you still don't understand, refer to the winglets of the 767-400ER."
"The winglets of the 767-400ER, I'll take note of them." Huang Jing said hurriedly, "You continue."
"My data requirements for the 300ER are that the fuselage length increase by 0.04 meters, the wingspan increase by 3.9 meters, and the cabin width increase by 0.01 meters..."
"Wait a minute!"
Xu Cang was very annoyed: "What are you doing? You keep interrupting me."
"No, do you want such precision?" Huang Jingren was stunned: "0.01 meter accuracy?"
“Can you guarantee an accuracy of 0.01 meters?”
"sure."
"That's it, why do you care why I make this modification?" Xu Cang continued, "The maximum fuel capacity needs to reach 181,280 liters, the endurance range needs to be increased to 14,600 kilometers, and the maximum take-off weight needs to be increased to 351,500 kilograms." Xu Cang recalled, "That's it, just follow this standard."
"That's it?" Huang Jing repeated Xu Cang's request and muttered softly, "Xu Cang, isn't this just making it bigger? The Boeing 777-300 is already a stretched version of the 200 model. We think this is already a relatively suitable size for the 777. Are you still going to make it bigger and longer?"
"That's right, let's modify it like this." Xu Cang confirmed: "Also, after you modify it according to this plan, order ten for me."
"Ten?" Huang Jing was stunned. "Mr. Xu Cang, according to your request, the catalog price of this customized Boeing 777 will be more than 300 million. Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure, it's ten." Xu Cang said with a smile: "Also, are the three 777s that were cancelled the 300 model?"
"Yes."
"Okay, then there's no need to modify the three aircraft. We can just deliver them when the time comes." Xu Cang thought for a moment: "If I remember correctly, if you modify the external structure of the aircraft, you need to obtain a new airworthiness certificate, right?"
Some airlines have requirements for interior decoration. This modification plan is generally simple and does not involve changes to the aircraft fuselage, so a new airworthiness certificate is not required. However, Xu Cang not only needs to modify the engine, but also the fuselage structure. Of course, the platform remains unchanged, but a new airworthiness certificate is still required.
Of course, this situation is not uncommon. After all, if it is a minor modification on the Boeing 777 platform, the new airworthiness certificate will be issued quickly. But even if it is fast, it will take more than two years.
"Can it be delivered within three years?" Xu Cang asked.
"Do you really want to be crucified?" Huang Jing was stunned.
Xu Cang was a little puzzled: "Is an order for ten 777s considered a large order? Or are you driving customers away?"
"No, no, no, I just..." Huang Jing slowed down a bit, and his voice became brighter. Ordering ten 777s at one time was indeed a big order, almost equivalent to ordering nearly forty Boeing 737s at one time. Even without the previous relationship, Xu Cang would be a big customer of Boeing after buying these ten Boeing 777s, especially since Boeing 777 has been in bad luck recently. Having such an order can boost the morale of Boeing 777: "Mr. Xu, if you really want ten 777s, then we can give you the best price, about 160 to 170 million per plane."
Generally speaking, the lowest price of an aircraft can reach half of the catalog price. However, this is usually the case after buying several aircrafts, and the same model of aircraft will enjoy such a price. This is Xu Cang's first time buying a Boeing 777, and it stands to reason that there shouldn't be such a big discount. Huang Jing is quite polite.
There is no way. The Boeing 777 is too expensive. If we don’t give more discounts, it will be uneconomical to scare away big customers.
"Okay." Xu Cang said straightforwardly.
"Then Mr. Xu... we need a deposit of about 5%. If you cancel the order later, we will deduct a 2% penalty. Of course, if no one takes over the plane, the penalty rate will be higher."
Xu Cang is an insider, so he understood this point, and naturally agreed readily: "I will go to the United States later, and sign the order with you, and I will also bring the deposit with me."
When Huang Jing heard that Xu Cang was really coming to the United States, it was basically certain that he was not joking. Thinking of this, he felt as happy as if he had finally seen the return of his money.
Although Boeing seems to be very arrogant, in fact, in the communication with Xu Cang, Boeing is the one who contributes more.
Unexpectedly, I could make money from Xu Cang.
In any case, the order for thirteen Boeing 777s, including the three Boeing 777-300s, is definitely a big order. As the person who took over, it is also a good performance.
After hanging up the phone, Xu Cang felt helpless. He could hear Huang Jing's genuine happiness and secretly sighed that Huang Jing was the president of Boeing Asia Pacific after all, so why was he still so naive?
Not to mention the three Boeing 777-300s recently received, the purchase cost of the next ten customized Boeing 777-300ERs is as high as nearly 1.7 billion US dollars. Although this amount cannot be paid in one go, the total amount is still quite astonishing.
Xu Cang has a lot of ways to make money in his mind, so how could he really spend $1.7 billion to buy those ten 777s? When will it take to get his money back?
In the future, Xu Cang will definitely develop international routes, but the cost-effectiveness of choosing Boeing 777 is too low. Of course, this is for poor people like Xu Cang. For some wealthy giant airlines, Boeing 777 is still quite good.
If nothing unexpected happens, Xu Cang's choice of wide-body aircraft for international routes in the future will be Airbus, not Boeing 777, or even the future Boeing 787.
Since Xu Cang doesn't know how to use the Boeing 777, why buy it?
Just now, Xu Cang suddenly had an idea.
In fact, there is such a profession as a broker, and Xu Cang may think that he can be an aircraft broker. Although the modification plan that Xu Cang mentioned to Huang Jing seems a bit... willful, in fact, it is a customized plan proposed by Air France in the future, and it will become the best-selling model of the Boeing 777 in the future.
Xu Cang not only took the lead, but also patented the customized solution. If others want it in the future, they will have to pay him. I don’t know how comfortable it must be.
After putting away his phone, Xu Cang took it out again for some reason and looked at the photos that Xia Shuyue had sent him again and again.
To be honest, this photo is not very clear, but the feeling is very strong.
If his memory was correct, two years later, a flight on the Northern European route would crash due to the strong electromagnetic induction of the aurora. Since this was a rare case of an accident due to electromagnetic induction in the history of civil aviation, Xu Cang paid a little attention to it. When checking the information, Xu Cang even saw the information of the passengers, including a very beautiful girl with a single ponytail.
In terms of appearance alone, Xia Shuyue actually fits Xu Cang's aesthetic taste better. Therefore, Xu Cang took a closer look at her at that time and sighed that his best years were gone, so he had a little more impression of her.
Before, Xia Shuyue had basically never tied her hair into a ponytail, so she didn't feel anything. However, the sense of déjà vu of the photo on the cover of the physical examination booklet was too strong, which made Xu Cang uneasy.
Just when Xu Cang was getting annoyed, the screen of his mobile phone suddenly lit up. It was Xiao Lingyun's number.
As soon as Xu Cang answered the call, Xiao Lingyun's wild laughter came from the other side: "Xu Cang, this is really a big win. Airbus's stock fell 15% in just two hours after opening today. Airbus has never seen such a drop in its life. The capital market is now bearish on Airbus, and it seems that there are also a large number of Airbus orders being canceled."
"Someone is messing with things?"
This time, Airbus made major mistakes in drawing and manufacturing due to the lack of synchronization of software versions. To be honest, although this error is outrageous, it is not a serious technical problem after all, but more of a management chaos.
The severity of this matter varies from person to person. Some people think that this is just a momentary mistake and not a big deal. Some people think that this exposes a huge loophole in Airbus' management and that there may be more problems in the future, which is an extremely serious mistake.
It was certain that Airbus’ stock would plummet. It was a bit exaggerated that it plummeted as soon as the market opened. Xu Cang felt that someone was playing tricks.
"Of course, you know who it is just by thinking about it." Xiao Lingyun is an insider and knows better: "Almost all financial and aviation media are bombarding Airbus, and the contents of the press releases are extremely similar. Isn't this someone deliberately messing with Airbus? In this world, who wants Airbus to die the most? Isn't it Boeing? Xu Cang, didn't you discuss with Boeing before that if Airbus is in trouble, Boeing will definitely step on it? This time it seems that it is not just a step, but a step on Airbus's face, and it is going to step on Airbus to death."
Xu Cang was also speechless. He knew that Boeing hated Airbus very much, but it shouldn't be to this extent.
They almost bought off the mainstream financial and aviation media around the world, and all of them were targeting Airbus. The key point is that Airbus really has no way out this time, and can't even talk back. If it talks back, it will be ridiculed even more.
To be honest, the A380 project was so short-lived, which was also largely due to this major mistake, which led to a bad start and missed the best launch time. After that, the A380 did not go smoothly and ended in a hasty manner.
"Xu Cang, the Airbus stock price plummeted too quickly this time. I estimate that the results will be known within a week." Xiao Lingyun estimated: "In just this week, I estimate that we can make 2 billion yuan at one time. It is even more comfortable than printing money. I have never seen such a good thing in my life."
"Two billion?" Xu Cang was not very satisfied. However, their capital was relatively small before, and making two billion in a week was almost the limit. "Ling Yun, after paying back the stocks to the brokerage firm this time, keep some funds. We will buy a large number of Airbus stocks when the stock price is the lowest."
"You want to buy Airbus shares?" Xiao Lingyun was stunned: "You want to buy Airbus at the bottom?"
"Yeah, that's what I mean."
"We can buy at the bottom. Airbus is in big trouble this time. If it can't survive, it might collapse. Even if it doesn't die, it will be a heavy blow it will have to recuperate for a long time. Even if you can make money by buying at the bottom, the cycle is too long."
Perhaps Xiao Lingyun felt comfortable with earning 2 billion a week, and he no longer wanted to do things that could bring long-term benefits.
"Ling Yun, listen to me and leave some money..."
Before Xu Cang finished speaking, he suddenly heard Xiao Lingyun shouting, "Oh no! Why is Airbus' stock price going up? What's going on?"
Then there was a crackling sound of keyboard tapping, and soon Xiao Lingyun's terrifying roar came from the phone: "Damn it, someone is buying a large amount of Airbus shares, someone is saving Airbus."
"What? Airbus' stock price has risen?" Xu Cang was shocked. Xu Cang could only make money when Airbus' stock price plummeted. How could the stock price rise now?
Airbus had such a big accident, the capital market will certainly lose confidence in Airbus, and there will be a sell-off of stocks. This is normal, but if it is too drastic, it will cause an avalanche effect.
The more stocks are sold, the more the stock price will fall, and more people will sell their stocks in panic, leading to a vicious cycle.
Therefore, if you want to save this stock, a common approach is to have huge amounts of capital purchase the stock to maintain the stock price and prevent an avalanche.
Airbus should obviously be falling now, but it actually suddenly rose against the trend, which clearly shows that big capital has taken action.
"No, it shouldn't be like this." Xu Cang had never remembered seeing big capital saving Airbus.
In this way, investors will feel that there is big capital supporting Airbus, and the negative impact of the A380 delay will not be great. In this case, Airbus is likely to survive the crisis. Even under certain extreme conditions, Airbus's stock price will not only return to its original level, but may even be higher.
The financial market is all about confidence. It depends on whether the market is optimistic about you.
If the market is bullish, even a pig can fly.
This time, Airbus suffered a major setback because of the A380, but from a long-term perspective, Airbus has its own technology and is still a good investment project. Moreover, from this incident, it can be seen that Airbus is backed by huge capital, so even if there is a problem, it will not fall apart.
It is a stock with good prospects in itself and is backed by big capital, so the investment market will definitely be optimistic about it.
If an extreme situation occurs and Airbus's stock price rises instead of falling, Xu Cang will not only not make money, but will probably lose money.
"Who the hell is this who spent so much money on Airbus?" Xiao Lingyun cursed angrily, but there was obviously some fear in his voice. This situation was very dangerous for Xu Cang.
At this moment, Xu Cang's cell phone vibrated again. It was another new call.
Xu Cang took it and looked at it, his eyelids jumped. It was Doctor Xu Ruxing's number.
"Why are you looking for me at this time?" Even though Xu Cang was in a state of confusion, he was still able to be more patient with Dr. Xu Ruxing. After calming down a little, Xu Cang first said to Xiao Lingyun: "I'll take a call."
After saying that, Xu Cang answered Xu Ruxing's call.
"Doctor Xu!"
"Xu Cang, where are you?" Xu Ruxing's voice was still as calm as before, but this time it seemed weaker than before.
"I'm in Hanjing. I came here to do some things. I'll probably go back tomorrow." Xu Cang said with a smile, "Doctor Xu is in Hanjing or Tianning. I was just about to contact you. If it's convenient, let's have dinner together in the evening."
"I'm not in Hanjing, so there's no need to eat." Xu Ruxing paused and said, "Xu Cang, how much did you make by shorting Airbus?"
Xu Cang's heart skipped a beat: "Doctor Xu, you..."
His involvement in Airbus should be a secret, how did Xu Ruxing know about it?
"Xu Cang, I don't have much time, so I'll make it short. You're a petty person like you and you won't achieve anything. You're very capable in the aviation industry, but you're still too immature in the capital market. How much money can you make by shorting Airbus?"
Xu Cang almost stopped breathing: "The one who saved Airbus... was you?"
"That's right!" Xu Ruxing admitted it directly: "Xu Cang, this opportunity is fleeting, I can't take care of you. You can choose to stop now and still get some benefits, or start from this time and complete a complete class transition."
To be honest, even Xu Cang felt that his thinking was stuck at this time.
In fact, Boeing was attacked by a mysterious capital before. Xu Cang did not know who the capital was, so he did not dare to cooperate with Boeing. Later, Xu Ruxing hinted that he had a relationship with the capital, so that Xu Cang could rest assured to cooperate with Boeing.
It was also at that time that Xu Cang obtained the genuine authorization for some of Boeing's aviation materials.
However, it now seems that Xu Ruxing is not only a member of that capital, but is very likely the leader of that capital.
Xu Cang knew that Xu Ruxing was not just a doctor as he appeared to be, but he didn't expect him to play such a big game.
Once Xu Ruxing revealed his cards, things became clearer.
Xu Ruxing must have negotiated terms with Airbus to save Airbus this time. In exchange for certain conditions, Xu Ruxing provided funding for Airbus. However, judging from Xu Ruxing's tone, he probably didn't really want to help Airbus.
This is actually the most critical moment for Xu Cang, more critical than any previous decision.
"You don't really want to help Airbus, you are laying mines!" Xu Cang said.
"Isn't this obvious? Airbus has overspent more than $10 billion on the A380 project. Their cash flow is already very sensitive. Now that the A380 has encountered such a serious problem, this is a godsend." Xu Ruxing suddenly changed the subject: "Xu Cang, when do you think I should detonate this bomb?"
Xu Cang was stunned for a moment, but he still pondered for a moment and finally said, "Wait a little longer, maybe early September."
"Early September?" Xu Ruxing suddenly laughed out loud: "Okay, Xu Cang, you really did not disappoint me. I am very satisfied with your answer."
In fact, Xu Cang didn’t really understand what Xu Ruxing meant. He just felt that what Xu Ruxing was going to do this time was big, very big.
"What exactly is your purpose?"
"The Airbus board of directors hasn't changed in a long time, haha." Xu Ruxing laughed and said, "Xu Cang, you have to remember that small-scale actions will never accomplish anything. In flying, you have the courage to break through everything, and in business wars, you should also have such courage."
"But if I move too much, others will notice me."
"Then seize this opportunity and surge to become something that others cannot despise." Xu Ruxing suddenly said meaningfully: "The timing is very delicate now. Airbus is in crisis, and it's almost September. You chose September to make me explode, isn't it because you think Boeing will be too busy to take care of itself in September?"
Xu Cang's breathing gradually became rapid, but Xu Ruxing's voice did not stop: "At this time when Boeing and Airbus are extremely weak, isn't this your best chance? No, this is your only chance. If you miss it, you will never catch up."
At this time, Xu Cang could hardly stand, his pupils constricted, and the shock in his heart was beyond words.
Xu Cang held onto the nearby railing with one hand to steady himself. He calmed himself down a little and asked in a tone as agitated as before a storm, "Who are you?"
