Boeing may have locked up Singapore order

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, November 6, 2005

That’s what The Observer http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,6903,1635192,00.html in London reports, anyway. The paper, citing those all-knowning “sources” — either a well-connected airline mechanic or (more likely) some mid-level Boeing executive in Europe — says that Singapore Airlines and Qantas both are leaning toward placing 787 orders with Boeing.

Key Quote: “It is believed that Singapore encouraged Airbus to develop the A350 as an alternative to the 787. However, it is thought that a combination of frustration over the A380 delays and a sales push spearheaded by Boeing’s Scott Carson have moved the Chicago-based company ahead in the race for orders.”

Of course, if Qantas buys 787s, it’s almost certainly going to order 777s too.

Meanwhile, Jane’s is reporting http://www.janes.com/aerospace/civil/news/jtf/jtf051107_1_n.shtml that Boeing is on track to land 965 orders this year. I’m hearing scuttlebutt that the company actually has set a target for 1,000, although no one in a position of authority has confirmed that.

Key Quote: “In absolute numbers, this is a plus. However, until the financials come out next year, the absolute number of aircraft sold or to be sold leaves a gap relating to the relevance of those sales in terms of revenues and earnings. Airbus is expected to offer deep discounts to land A350 orders; Boeing may also be offering large discounts on the B-787.”

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