Reversal Of 2012 Numbers When Boeing Outsold Its European Rival

After outselling Airbus by 370 units through August in 2012, Boeing has sold 116 fewer airliners than its European rival through the same eight months in 2013.

Over the past 10 years, Airbus has consistently sold more jetliners than has Boeing, but the gap has been very narrow, according to analysis from NASDAQ.

In 2012, the dynamic changed due to strong sales of Boeing's newly-announced 737 MAX. But this year, there have been no major announcements in the single-aisle category, and Airbus has regained its advantage over Boeing in sales. For both manufacturers, single-aisle airplanes accounted for the bulk of sales this year. Airbus currently holds an advantage in single-aisle sales with its A320 neo family, which was introduced two years earlier the 737 MAX.

But as airplanes get bigger, Boeing has the advantage. Through August, Boeing has sold 124 widebody 777 and 787 airplanes, compared to 112 orders for A330, A350, and A380 aircraft.

NASDAQ reports that Boeing's production numbers are higher, delivering 414 aircraft through August compared to Airbus' 394.

(737 MAX, A320 neo images from file)

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