Boeing Remains Ahead In Total Orders For This Year

Industry analysts say that Airbus is likely to announced orders for several hundred new airliners at the Farnborough International Air Show coming up mid-month, but the planemaker may also have a major announcement as early as next week.

Reuters reports that Airbus is expected to announce an order for several dozen A320 jets by a Chinese airline during a visit to that country next week by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Airbus had no comment on the rumor.

Boeing, on the other hand, is thought to be on the cusp of closing a deal for 150 of its new 777X widebody jets to Emirates.

Boeing currently leads its European rival by several hundred orders this year, but analysts say that could change this month if the orders pour in at the Farnborough show.

At the recent Ascent Flightglobal Aviation Forum held in London, Virgin Atlantic said that it might be interested in a re-engined A330neo should Airbus decide to move forward on that project. The planemaker has not yet committed to the idea, but has said if they do, Rolls-Royce would be the sole engine supplier for the new engine option. Alan Leeks, Virgin Atlantic's head of strategic fleet planning, said the re-engined A330 could possibly appeal to a "good number of airlines."

But, Leeks said, Virgin Atlantic may again push back delivery dates for six A380 superjumbo jets it has on order.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.airbus.com