European Manufacturer Unlikely To Catch Up This Year, Observers Say

Boeing appears to be on the brink of winning the orderbook battle with rival Airbus for 2018 after announcing a multi-billion-dollar orders from two carriers the week before Christmas.

The U.S. planemaker announced a preliminary 100-plane deal including 50 firm orders for its 737 MAX 8 airliner with Green Africa Airways. If all 50 options are also exercised, the deal would come in at $11.7 billion at list prices if it becomes a firm order. Boeing also announced a deal for 30 737 MAX jets with 20 options with Saudi Arabian carrier flyadeal coming in at $5.9 billion.

Reuters reports that Boeing has 690 orders on its books for 2018, compared to 380 total orders minus cancellations for Airbus.

While Airbus has a record of announcing large deals late in the year, industry observers say it is unlikely Airbus can make up the distance between the two. But there are still some potential Airbus deals in the works, including one with leasing customer SMBC Aviation. Airbus may offer discounts to customers in an effort to close the gap before the end of the year.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report