In an interview with France Inter on 10/12, Airbus chief executive officer Guillaume Faury stated that the company might lose this year's order race to Boeing. For the first time in six years, Boeing could secure a larger market share, attributed to the import tariff policies of US President Donald Trump.
On 10/12, Boeing announced it received a total of 1,000 orders during the first 11 months of the year. After accounting for cancellations, the net orders totaled 908. In contrast, Airbus's net figure stood at 700.
Airbus continues to lead in deliveries and outstanding orders. "We have led in orders for five years. Therefore, our backlog is significantly higher than our competitor's", Faury explained.
However, Boeing "has been supported by US import tariff negotiations with other countries", with aircraft orders becoming a means to resolve trade tensions.
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A Boeing 737 Max at the Farnborough International Airshow (UK). Photo: Reuters |
President Trump also claimed he helped Boeing reach the 1,000-order milestone. Airlines announced orders for hundreds of wide-body aircraft following his visit to the Gulf region in May.
"Boeing gave me the 'greatest salesman in Boeing history' award. I believe I sold 1,000 planes. Now they just need to produce them", he stated.
Analysts suggest that some airlines placed Boeing aircraft orders, or strategically timed their announcements, to alleviate trade tensions with the US this year, particularly in Asia. At a September conference, Boeing chief executive officer Kelly Ortberg acknowledged that "the administration has been very supportive" in promoting sales efforts, and that they benefited from President Trump's drive to increase exports. He emphasized that demand for new aircraft models also boosted sales.
When asked about reports of a large upcoming order from China, Faury stated he did not anticipate hundreds of aircraft orders in the near future, though previous orders had been approved. Meanwhile, Airbus confirmed it reached an agreement with China to proceed with the delivery of 120 previously ordered aircraft.
Airbus is also advancing discussions to sign a deal for 100 A220 aircraft with AirAsia, competing against Brazil's Embraer. The recall to fix software errors on thousands of A320 series aircraft has been completed. Faury affirmed that nearly 4,000 aircraft required rectification, and all have been addressed.
By Ha Thu (according to Reuters)
