Airbus seizes crown as industry’s top planemaker
Europe’s Airbus handed over a record number of aircraft in December to exceed its 2019 delivery target while seizing the industry’s crown as no.1 planemaker from troubled U.S. rival Boeing, airport and tracking sources said on Wednesday. Airbus, which had been forced by industrial problems to cut its 2019 delivery goal by 2-3% in October, deployed extra resources until hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve to reach 863 aircraft for the year, up 7.9% from 800 in 2018. – Reuters
Will a $1 billion offer bring expanded gambling and a lottery to Alabama?
The Alabama Legislature in 2020 will be asked to take up a major question regarding the state’s future direction — whether or not to enter a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It could pave the way for new casinos in Alabama, a lottery and hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue. The tribe wants the legislature to take up the issue this year. – WHNT
What’s ahead for the Birmingham Business Alliance in 2020?
2020 promises to be a big year for the Birmingham Business Alliance. As the organization enters its second decade, it will be looking for a permanent CEO, among other things. But it will also be implementing a new four-year strategic plan – focusing on specific areas for targeted growth and enhancing its services. – AL.com
A decade after decline, Alabama’s automakers are booming
If you want to see how far Alabama’s automotive industry has come in the last decade, there are several places to look. Take Honda. Last week, the company’s Lincoln plant announced it produced its 5 millionth vehicle and engine this year since opening in 2001, the first of Alabama’s automakers to reach this milestone. Where was Honda in 2009? Like others, it was in the throes of the Great Recession, its production slashed by 35 percent from the previous year. –AL.com
Gas Buddy predicts drivers could save at the pump in 2020
Gas industry experts are looking down the road for 2020 and predict you could be saving a few dollars to fill your tank this year. One big reason, 2020 is an election year. Gas Buddy predicts President Trump will push to sign a trade agreement with China and increase U.S. oil production to 13 million barrels a day to give the domestic economy a shot in the arm before November. – WHNT
