Airbus Outsells Boeing, Heads for Record Year

The Toulouse, France-based company pulled in a net 1,015 orders after cancellations during the first eight months, it said today in a statement. That includes 918 neos, a version of Airbus’s single-aisle plane with more fuel-efficient engines.

Since introducing the re-engined A320 in December, Airbus has won more than 1,200 commitments for the plane. If the company secures firm orders for the outstanding 300 commitments, it will approach the 2007 record of 1,458 orders.

The planemaker this year has delivered 334 planes so far, including 264 single aisle planes, 57 widebodies, and 13 A380s. Airbus, a unit of European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co., is aiming to deliver about 530 planes this year, including about 25 of its double-decker A380s.

Boeing so far this year has won 472 gross orders through Aug. 30, and 370 net orders, according to information on the Chicago-based company’s website. Delivery figures were available only through the end of July, at 260 planes.

By Andrea Rothman, Bloomberg