EVERETT — With the third-quarter results in, Airbus both leads and trails the Boeing Co.
The European planemaker retains its lead over rival Boeing in year-to-date commercial jet deliveries, according to information it released Tuesday. But Airbus is behind the Chicago-based Boeing when it comes to 2007 aircraft orders.
Airbus clings a one-plane advantage over Boeing with 330 jets delivered during the first nine months of the year to Boeing’s 329.
Both companies have delivered more single-aisle jets than any other model of plane. In 2007, Airbus has handed over 266 of its A320 jets while Boeing has delivered 250 of its Renton-built 737s.
Earlier this year, Airbus announced it plans to crank up its A320 production, eventually pumping out 40 single-aisle jets monthly. In September, the Toulouse, France-based company delivered 29 A320s. In May, Scott Carson, president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said he doesn’t see enough demand for that many single-aisle planes to warrant that kind of increase. Boeing delivered 26 737s in September.
Airbus officials say they hope to turn over a total of 450 to 460 commercial jets by the end of the year. That means they’ll have to deliver 120 to 130 planes in the fourth quarter. Boeing will need to build 116 to 121 planes in the next three months to meet its goal of 440 to 445 jets delivered in 2007.
With 893 net orders in hand through September, Boeing kept its lead over Airbus, which has picked up 853 orders this year.
Airbus continues to bring in more single-aisle jet orders with 525 to Boeing’s 486. However, Boeing leads in the more profitable twin-aisle competition with 407 to Airbus’ 329.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
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