EVERETT — The Boeing Co. fell behind rival Airbus in both commercial jet orders and deliveries through the first three months of 2008.
Airbus said Monday that it set a new company record for monthly aircraft deliveries in March, handing over 48 new jets that month alone. The Toulouse, France-based company delivered 123 jets in the first quarter, compared with the 115 aircraft delivered by Boeing. Airbus also bested Boeing in net orders collected through March, posting 395 jet requests compared with Boeing’s 288.
Chicago-based Boeing updated its orders and deliveries Web site last week, while Airbus just reported its March figures Monday.
Deliveries of Airbus’ single-aisle A320 jet made up the bulk of the manufacturer’s deliveries at 102 of the 123 total jet deliveries. Airbus officials have said they plan to increase deliveries of their A320 single-aisle jets to 40 monthly by 2010. The company delivered 39 A320s in March.
Additionally, Airbus delivered eight A330/A340s and one A380 superjumbo jet in March. Its previous highest monthly delivery total, 46, was set in October 2006.
Boeing’s delivery total also consisted heavily of single-aisle jets. The company delivered 87 of its Renton-built 737s through the end of March. Boeing reported an 8 percent increase in deliveries for the first quarter compared with the same time frame in 2007. However, the company remains slightly off pace to meet its goal of delivering 475 to 480 jets this year.
Airbus also has jumped out to a lead over Boeing in commercial jet orders this year, having come in second in total jet orders the past two years. Through March, the European company posted 395 jet orders — 302 for its A320 jet family.
In its March bookings, Airbus also picked up a second VIP order for its A350 XWB jet. It also won orders for 27 A320s and 26 A330s.
In its weekly update last Thursday, Boeing listed 288 net orders, up from 189 net orders for the first quarter of 2007. Last year, Boeing set a record, booking 1,413 net jet orders.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
