Airbus Says 2007 Will Be Its Year

For those of us who expected Boeing to walk away with the 2007 sales crown just a few months ago -- and this editor resembles that remark -- Airbus would like to set the record straight.

Fueled by a healthy dose of orders announced this week at the 2007 Dubai Air Show, Airbus claims 1,122 gross orders to date, reports The Canadian Post. That tally includes big orders from Emirates, Air Arabia, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

That total breaks last year's record tally of 1,111 gross orders (including purchase rights and options), according to the European planemaker... and should put Airbus on top in the 2007 sales race with rival Boeing.

But don't cry for Boeing, as it appears 2007 will be a record year for the American planemaker, as well. In addition to a deal for 30 787 Dreamliners and five 777 freighters from Qatar Airways, it appears Boeing will also be able to claim its own 100-plane deal from upstart aircraft lessor DAE Capital.

"Boeing and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) today signed a proposal acceptance at the Dubai Air Show for 100 airplanes that includes four of Boeing's production models (70 737s and a mix of 787s, 777s and 747s)," the planemaker announced Tuesday. "Once finalized, the order will be added to Boeing Orders & Deliveries Web site."

As ANN reported Monday, the offshoot of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise also announced a 100-plane deal for Airbus.

Boeing also won six new orders for its upcoming 787 from leasing company LCAL, and a two-plane deal from Royal Jordanian Airlines.

The Dubai show concludes Thursday.

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