Helped By Two Holdovers From 2007

Boeing beat Airbus for the ceremonial airliner sales trophy in 2007... but so far in 2008, Airbus is off the line way ahead of its American rival.

Airbus reported this week it sold 238 planes in January, more than 3.5 times as many as Boeing. The high sales total for Airbus was driven largely by a previous agreement with the Chinese government for 110 single-aisle A320-series planes, which Airbus held off on posting with its 2007 sales numbers.

Another 75 planes came from Irish aircraft-leasing company AWAS. As ANN reported, that deal was actually signed December 22 of last year --  but the initial payment didn't hit the bank until last month.

In contrast, Boeing reported sales of 65 jets in January, though rumor has it the planemaker will announce some big deals of its own at the upcoming Singapore Air Show.

Airbus also reported a lead over Boeing in aircraft deliveries for the month, 37 to 34. Airbus delivered more planes in 2007 than Boeing despite recording lower sales.

Airbus chief operating officer and sales chief John Leahy said last week his company projects 700 new orders for 2008, down almost half from 2007's record of 1,341.

Boeing's 2008 sales and delivery totals may be hurt by setbacks in production of the 787 Dreamliner -- which was supposed to be delivered to customers starting in May, but will now be delayed till sometime in 2009.

FMI: www.airbus.com