Aircraft

Airbus’ penultimate monthly statistics for 2007 show the airframer is leading rival Boeing by around 50 aircraft in terms of order count, although several recent agreements are likely to affect the year-end figures.

By 30 November the European firm had accumulated orders for 1,204 aircraft against Boeing’s total of 1,154 to 4 December.

But the Airbus statistics have yet to account for AirAsia’s firming of another 25 A320s, Cathay Pacific’s decision to take eight more A330s, and the declaration last month that Chinese carriers are to acquire 160 aircraft.

Boeing’s most recent additions include a firming of 20 787s for Qantas and the inclusion of 73 Boeing 737s for as-yet unidentified customers.