Airbus tops Boeing’s orders in 2005

Airbus tops Boeing’s orders in 2005    European aircraft manufacturer Airbus today reported record orders in 2005, with 1,055 net orders surpassing rival Boeing’s 1,002 net orders.
   Airbus said its net orders make up 52 percent of the market and comprise 918 Single Aisles, 166 A330s, A340s and A350s, and 20 A380s, as well as seven A300 Freighters. The Toulouse, France-based company valued its 1,111 gross orders at $95.9 billion.
   In 2005, Airbus delivered 378 aircraft, helping it to achieve revenue of approximately euros 22.3 billion ($27 billion).
   “2005 was a record year for the whole industry and for Airbus in particular,” said Gustav Humbert, Airbus’ president and chief executive officer. “Airlines have never ever placed so many orders, a sign that they are very optimistic about the future of air transportation. But it also reflects the need for more modern equipment to face the rising fuel prices.”
   “We are pleased to have maintained our lead in terms of market share. But, more importantly, we continue to increase our production output, based on a backlog never seen in history, which secures work for the next four to five years at very high production rates,” Humbert said.