TOPIC
TOPIC: AVIATION BUSINESS
Level: Easy
1. Read this abstract about a world-known aviation industry show, then answer questions based on the information provided in the text:
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is a seven-day trade fair for the aviation business that is held once every two years in Hampshire, UK. (http://www.farnborough.com ) This airshow is considered to be one of the world's most iconic global aviation events. It is particularly important because new developments and orders are announced during the event.
2008 was a record-breaking year for FIA bringing US$88.7 billion worth of orders announced during the show. The dire slump that followed and haunted the aviation industry for 2 years after the show seems to be over in 2010.
FIA 2010 channels a new, more optimistic mood and there is talk of a revival of fortune for the air shows that have recently not been doing very well in this economy.
Leading aircraft manufacturers and leasers claim one year has made a substantial difference, and there is hope that about 400 hundred planes would be ordered by the end of the trade week.
Both, Airbus (http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release/?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4468&tx_ttnews[backPid]=816&cHash=e87fd4c02f )and Boeing are expecting a lot of orders to be announced at Farnborough and predict profit for their customers (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/farnborough-airshow/7897812/Farnborough-Airshow-2010-Boeing-787-Dreamliner-in-focus.html ). Their chief executives are certain that 2010 shows an upswing due to an increase in interest from customers and a definite growth in ridership. Asian countries, Latin America and Turkey are named as chief buyers.
Reading comprehension:
1. Why is the Farnborough International Show important for the aviation business?
a. The airshow brings a lot of profit to aircraft manufacturers
b. FIA channels an optimistic mood
c. The Farnborough airshow serves as ground for announcing new developments and orders
d. FIA helps increase ridership
Answer: 1c
2. According to aircraft manufacturers and leasers, why is FIA 2010 drawing more attention this year?
a. FIA 2010 shows a noticeable increase in orders after an economic slump
b. FIA 2010 includes Latin America, Turkey and Asian countries as buyers
c. FIA is a global iconic event that deserves more and more attention every year
d. Airbus and Boeing are participating
Answer: 2a
Vocabulary:
Match words from the left column with their definitions in the right column:
Left Column:
1. ridership
2. to claim
3. slump
4. record-breaking
5. upswing
6. increase (n)
7. manufacturer
8. dire
9. announce
10. channel (v)
11. revival
Right Column:
a. to assert or maintain as a fact
b. a marked increase or improvement
c. restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, etc.
d. the number of passengers using a particular form of public transportation
e. surpassing any previously established record
f. growth or augmentation in numbers, size, strength, quality, etc.
g. any recession in the economy as a whole or in a particular industry
h. causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible
i. to make known publicly or officially; proclaim; give notice of
j. a person, group, or company that owns or runs a manufacturing plant
k. to convey through or as through a channel
Answers: 1d, 2a, 3g, 4e, 5b, 6f, 7j, 8h, 9i, 10k, 11c
2. Follow the link to watch today’s video and answer the questions below:
http://video.aol.ca/video-detail/aircraft-manufacturers-announce-15bn-orders/3069355385
Listening comprehension:
1. According to the reporter, what are the expectations set on the first trade day? (a. that 400 planes would be ordered at the show by the end of the trade week; b. that intra-Asian travel would eclipse intra-North American travel; c. that Boeing 787 Dreamliner would increase ridership) Answer: a
2. What does Ron Wainshal mean by saying “intra-asian travel eclipsed intra-north American travel”? (a. that intra-Asian travel has caused an eclipse in North America; b. that intra-North American travel has suffered financial losses because of intra-Asian travel; c. that travel rates in Asia have surpassed those of North America) Answer: c
3. Why is the optimistic mood of FIA 2010 like music to the ears of aircraft manufacturers? (a. because aircraft manufacturers see it as a sign of future profit; b. because aircraft manufacturers like optimism; c. because aircraft manufacturers can now call their old customers) Answer: a
4. Why do you think many consider Boeing 787 Dreamliner to be 2 years too late? (a. because it could have been more useful in a bad economy; b. because no one needs to save fuel anymore; c. because there is no need for efficient airplanes) Answer: a
5. What did Boeing admit to at the FIA 2010? (a. Boeing admitted that Dreamliner is outdated; b. Boing admitted that ridership is up; c. Boeing admitted that the first deliveries of Dreamliner may slip into next year) Answer: c
6. What is the hope given at the FIA 2010? (a. that buyers from the Middle East would start buying planes; b. that there will be a more balanced range of orders from all over the world; c. that Paris Airshow shuts down) Answer: b
Read this short conversation between a BBC reporter and the Chief Executive of Aircastle – Ron Wainshal – and fill in the blanks with the appropriate active vocabulary available below:
a. eclipse
b. broadspread
c. bleak
d. in terms of
e. peak
f. resurgence
Answers: 1d , 2c, 3f, 4e, 5a, 6b
BBC: – What do you think the mood is going to be at this Farnborough…………1……………. orders and the general feel of things?
RW: What a difference a year makes! Last year was a very……2………… period. Now we’re seeing …………3………. Travel levels are now above the ……………4…… we saw in 2008, growth is happening throughout the world – particularly from the developing economies. In fact last year we had intra-Asia travel ………5……………intra-North America travel for the first time. The demand for airplanes is pretty …6………….. It’s not just the Middle East. It’s coming out of Asia more generally. Latin America has been very strong, Turkey has been very strong.
