Question: The March 6, 2012, edition of the Wall Street Journal Online contains an article by David Kesmodel entitled "Air War: ‘Winglet' Versus ‘Sharklet'." This article demonstrates how a company focused on green technology has also been profitable.
Instructions: Read the article and answer the following questions.
(a) Why did Airbus file a lawsuit against Aviation Partners?
(b) What are the percentage fuel savings provided by Aviation Partners' Winglets on Boeing jetliners? How much total jet fuel did Aviation Partners say that its Winglets have provided at the time the article was written?
(c) Describe the history of the relationship between Aviation Partners and Airbus, and the development of the Airbus Sharklet.
(d) What would be the likely accounting implications if Aviation Partners were to lose the lawsuit?