Reading the press these days, investors would assume that Airbus is almost out of business and Boeing (NYSE: BA) is having one of the great years in U.S. corporate history. But, that is not entirely true.
Through early July, Boeing had orders for 580 planes, lead by demand for its new 787 Dreamliner. The sales have come at the cost of sales for Airbus' A350.
But Airbus has a big lead in orders for shorter-range single aisle planes, and at the end of June had a total of 680 orders year-to-date.
The figures and the difference in the types of planes being ordered from each company may signal a division in the market. And it could last for some time.
Airbus has had little success in marketing its two-engine long haul A350, and its super-jumbo A380 is behind schedule and being outsold by the 747-8. It is unlikely that it will catch Boeing in this end of the market, at least not anytime soon.
But, Airbus products have become popular in the segment which was once dominated by the 727 and 737. This market is for planes that fly a few hundred miles between cities and may make several flights each day.
Airbus, contrary to popular opinion, is not ready to be buried.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-13-2007 @ 7:55AM
Lewis said...
I would be careful about these numbers coming out of Airbus. Tehy have a habit of inflating the numbers and often mix in firm orders with lesser commitments. They also have a habit of double counting. Some of the recent orders for the A-350, for example, are reconfirmations of orders previously announced two or three years ago.
More interesting, however, than the number of orders is the value of the orders. I think Boeing is way ahead in that regard.
7-13-2007 @ 9:41AM
keesje said...
I think everybody is focussing on A350 vs B787, ignoring the A350 is amainly aimed at the B777.
Also one must see Airbus has a steaming production line of A330s that has exactly the same size /market as the 787's, meanwhile Boeings 767 line is crumbling. I think Airbus has sold more then 300 A330s since the 787 was launched & orders keep streaming in.
I think the press is repeating each other & focussing on high level issues while ignoring what's rolling out of the factories daily..
7-13-2007 @ 12:05PM
GS said...
Most of Airbus' orders as many people pointed are A319 and A320 which they are 'giving' them away just to make their sales order book looking better..in terms of real revenue and profitability...Boeing is by far miles and miles ahead!
7-13-2007 @ 9:09PM
Richard said...
"Airbus has had little success in marketing its two-engine long haul A350, and its super-jumbo A380 is behind schedule and being outsold by the 747-8."
This statement makes it clear this guy has no idea of what he is taking about, A380 outsold by the 747-8??? that is completly false, well so far the 747-8I(the passenger version) has only sold 24 frames, of wich 4 are to BBJ(Boeing buying to itself, shouldn't count) the A380 has 165 firm orders for its passenger version, so far none for the Freighter (due to delays orders were canceled and work will resume in 2015) Who is outselling who?? Still if I add up the orders for the 747-8Freighter the A380 still is far beyond.
7-14-2007 @ 10:01AM
van said...
Its simple-if its not boeing, I'm not going.
I simply will not get on a airplane not manufactured and sold by a American manufacturer.
I drive a Chevrolet eat american food and will wave the American flag till someone stops me.
7-14-2007 @ 8:25PM
DALLAS said...
UNLESS BOEING MAKES THE 747-8I OUT OF CARBON FIBRE COMPOSITES OF THE SAME AMOUNT AS THE 787 AND UPS THE AMOUNT OF SEATS IN IT TO AS MUCH AS THE A380 THE PASSANGER VERSION PROBLEY WON'T SELL MANY AIRCRAFT THERE FOR I PROPOSE THAT THEY MAKE A 777-300LR WITH 500 SEATS MADE OUT OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS EXACTLY LIKE THE 787