Airbus’ commercial airplanes backlog got a boost in November when an unnamed customer ordered 52 of its single-aisle A320 jets.
The request lifts Airbus’ net order tally to 194 through the first 11 months of 2009, the company said Thursday. The European jet maker leads rival Boeing in net orders this year. Boeing, which updates its orders Web site weekly, lists 93 net orders through Dec. 1.
Boeing won an order for two 737s in the last week from an unidentified customer, bringing its net orders up from 91. The Chicago-based jet maker has been plagued by order cancellations this year, particularly for its delayed 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has received 204 gross orders through Dec. 1 but has logged in 111 cancellations — 83 for its 787.
The company confirmed this week that it still plans to put the fuel-efficient 787 in the air before year’s end. Boeing recently finished a crucial test on its 787, one that will verify whether a modification for a structural weakness works. Boeing should have the test results next week.
For the month of November, Airbus picked up 74 new jet orders, announcing several of the new requests at the Dubai Air Show. The company has won 225 gross orders through Nov. 30. Airbus also leads Boeing in the race to deliver the most commercial aircraft this year. The Toulouse, France-based company has handed over 437 jets through the first 11 months of the year. Airbus delivered 38 aircraft in November.
Boeing has delivered 430 jets this year, including 36 aircraft in November. The company plans to deliver between 480 and 485 airplanes total before the end of the year. Boeing will have to hand over at least 50 aircraft in December to meet its goal.
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