Airbus orders topped 500 in 2010

Published 9:12 am Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Airbus’ commercial jet orders topped 500 in 2010, EADS’ chief told reporters on Wednesday.

The exact total will be revealed next week at Airbus’ press conference. EADS is the parent company of Airbus.

Louis Gallois, EADS’ chief executive, said that demand for Airbus jets last year were “better than expected,” the AP reports.

Gallois comments, however, do not clarify which jet maker won the orders race for 2010. Last week, Boeing said it received 530 net orders last year. At the end of November, Airbus had 388 net orders. Airbus has received more net orders than Boeing the last couple of years.

EADS’ chief also commented about the U.S. Air Force tanker contest. EADS is competing against Boeing for the $35 billion contract.

“If we win it will be a true breakthrough,” Gallois said. “It is an important business opportunity for Airbus and EADS, and we approach it as that – a business opportunity with a clear intention of making money,” Gallois said.