United opting for Boeing?

Boeing has the upper hand against rival Airbus in the battle to win an aircraft order from United Continental Holdings. The potential value is $15 billion. Sources told Reuters that Boeing is the front-runner for orders for about 180 narrow body jets, and Bloomberg was told by sources that Airbus has dropped out of the contest. The deal could be concluded this summer. Talks had been underway for at least six months about a mix of current-generation Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s. (Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, 04/23/12) Gulf Coast note: Airbus has an engineering center in Mobile, Ala.