Sunday, November 17, 2013

Airbus, Boeing post sales

The battle for single-aisle dominance between Airbus and Boeing continued at the opening day of 2013 Dubai Airshow with both companies announcing sales. Etihad Airways, national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced a firm order for 36 A320neo aircraft, 50 A350 XWBs and one A330-200F as part of its fleet modernization strategy. (Source: Airbus, 11/17/13) Boeing and flydubai announced a commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 airplanes and 11 next-generation 737-800s. The commitment from the airline of the emirate of Dubai is valued at $11.4 billion at list prices, the largest ever Boeing single-aisle airplane purchase in the Middle East. (Source: Boeing, 11/17/13) Gulf Coast note: Sales of A320 family aircraft are of interest to the Gulf Coast, where Airbus is building an A320 final assembly line. Both companies have operations in the region.