EVERETT — Four months into 2008, the Boeing Co. still trails rival Airbus in both commercial jet orders and aircraft deliveries.
Airbus, which updated its monthly figures Wednesday, has received 397 net orders during the initial four months of 2008. The European jet maker won 432 total orders this year but has seen cancellations for 35 airplanes. Boeing lists 346 net airplane orders as of April 29.
Last year, Boeing set a record for aircraft orders with 1,413 requests for its aircraft. Airbus won 1,341 orders. Boeing has bested Airbus in commercial jet sales the last two years.
The Chicago-based Boeing finds itself outpaced by Airbus in terms of jet deliveries so far this year. Airbus has handed over 162 aircraft to customers, compared with the 155 jets delivered by Boeing.
Boeing plans to deliver between 475 and 480 airplanes this year. Through the end of April, the company remains slightly behind schedule to meet its delivery goal.
Sales and deliveries of single-aisle jets continue to take the top spot for both Airbus and Boeing.
Airbus’ A320 family of narrow body aircraft has picked up 290 net orders this year while Boeing’s Renton-built 737 family has won 235 orders. Airbus has delivered 134 of its single-aisle jets to Boeing’s 120 deliveries of 737s.
Airbus lists 47 net orders for its new A350 XWB jet, 57 orders for its A330 family and three requests for the A380 superjumbo jet.
Boeing, however, retains a slim lead in net orders of the more profitable wide body jets with 111 compared with Airbus’ 107. Its delayed 787 Dreamliner is second overall in orders with 79 — only the 737 has more orders. Boeing has received orders for 30 of its 777s and two 747s.
Although Boeing officials have noted interest from customers in its 767, the jet has not won a commercial order this year. Boeing lost in February its bid to supply the U.S. Air Force with tankers based off the Everett-built 767. The company has protested the decision.
Boeing’s shares closed down $1.20 on Wednesday at $84.55.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
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