Boeing, Airbus secure major deals

Rival European and American planemakers Airbus and Boeing have claimed successes at the 12th edition of Dubai Airshow that concludes today. Onsite orders have crossed $45 billion (Dh165 billion) in the last four days. Airbus said it won a total of 211 orders and commitments during the first four days at the Airshow worth $20.5 billion, underlining outstanding demand for the A320neo, and again proving its status as the fastest-selling aircraft ever. The deal includes 135 firm orders worth $13.7 billion (130 A320neo and five A380s) and 76 memoranda of understanding (MoU) worth $6.8 billion. Airbus is expected to close 2011 with 530 deliveries, ahead of Boeing which is expected to close the year with 480 deliveries. Boeing said it "enjoyed a highly successful Dubai Airshow 2011, highlighted by strengthened alliances with partners in the Middle East, landmark commercial airplane orders, high-level customer engagement and an unprecedented display of technologically advanced aircraft". Boeing reinforced its partnership with Mubadala Aerospace with the announcement of agreements with Mubadala subsidiaries Strata and Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (Ammroc) to progress the commercial and military aviation industry in the UAE. One agreement defines a strategic roadmap for Strata to become a major Tier 1 supplier to Boeing. And Ammroc and Boeing are working together to ensure the right support infrastructure is in place for the operational readiness of UAE Armed Forces aircraft, including Boeing-built Apache and Chinook rotorcraft and C-17 transport aircraft. "Dubai 2011 has been a very positive airshow for Boeing. We have sealed key agreements that mark a significant step forward in our partnerships in the UAE and across the Middle East region. Our Middle East customers have heavily endorsed Boeing's innovative family of commercial airplanes with outstanding orders," said Charlie Miller, vice-president, International Communications. Sharing "We also had the opportunity to share with customers, partners, suppliers and government officials our current family of commercial and defence products and technologies, which created real excitement." Emirates opened the flurry of announcements by placing a $18 billion firm order for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs and a further option for 20, worth $8 billion at list prices, making it the single largest order in dollar value in the 95-year history of the Boeing Company. Qatar Airways made the single largest firm order for Airbus including 50 A320neo and five A380s worth $6.4 billion at list prices, following a day of drama on Tuesday. Firm orders for the A320neo from Alafco (50) and ACG (30) worth a combined $7.3 billion demonstrates the A320 neo's strong investment appeal by lessors. Spirit Airlines made the largest commitment at the show for 75 aircraft from the A320 family (30 A320 with Sharklets and 45 A320neo) worth $6.7 billion. ‘Comlux The Aviation Group' signed a commitment for an Airbus ACJ321 — the first placed with Airbus for the type — expanding Airbus' corporate jet family. This deal, worth $99.7 million, will make Comlux the first to operate the Airbus ACJ318, ACJ319, ACJ320 and the ACJ321. John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers commented: "The order intake at this airshow is the second best we've ever had at Dubai. Our A320neo has again been the star of the show. But despite some storm clouds on the horizon there is still strong market demand for fuel-efficient aircraft from airlines and lessors." Commitments By end of the Dubai Airshow sales of the A320neo have reached 1,420 orders and commitments in less than a year after launch, making it the fastest-selling aircraft ever. With the latest orders from Qatar Airways, the total firm orders for the aircraft stand at over 243 from 18 customers worldwide. Over 16 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board the all-new aircraft. This year's Dubai Airshow is the biggest yet, with nearly 55,000 trade visitors expected over the week.