Hello everyone.

This week’s issue of PlaneBusiness Banter is now posted. In this issue we talk about this week’s ISTAT Conference that was held in Scottsdale. Can airlines find financing in the capital markets? What about the European banks — are they completely out of the loop now? Asian banks — are they stepping up to the plate?

What is the biggest challenge to an airline treasurer these days?

Then of course the Airbus/Boeing competition was in full swing, with dueling presentations. Both sides used information that was not directly comparable, so trying to figure out just who is better than whom was almost impossible. But it was good theater.

But probably not as good theater as watching the engine manufacturers go at it.

In case you have not been paying attention, the engine manufacturers are the ones who are responsible for coming up with new products that are substantially more efficient. Why? Higher fuel prices. And I do think that perhaps the competitive undertones that once could sense between the folks from CFM, Rolls-Royce and Pratt &Whitney were more nasty than the usual Airbus/Boeing cat snarls.

Are Boeing and Airbus production rates too high?

We let you know what the folks at ISTAT thought.

It is a requirement that airlines make money? One aircraft lessor argues no, it isn’t.

Which widebodied aircraft did most ISTAT attendees say they would like to own?

Who upstaged Air Lease Corp’s Steve Hazy on the aircraft lessor’s panel?

What is the current update on the cargo market? (Hint: It’s not positive.)

Anyway, you get the picture. We love the ISTAT Conference each year. It is the closest thing this country has to an Air Show. It has all the same people — just without the chalets and the aircraft.

We also have a new American Airlines’ Bankruptcy Filing Follies column, we take a look at how the usual suspects fared in the most recent DOT Air Travel Consumer Report (and welcome Virgin America to the group that reports each month) and we look at some recent stock action in share of Pinnacle.

All this and much, much more in this week’s issue of PlaneBusiness Banter.