Latest backlog figures reveal that Airbus and Boeing have firm orders worth an estimated $30 billion at stake in Asia Pacific as the region's airlines struggle with the unfolding economic crisis.
In their 1997 year-end backlog figures, the two manufacturers count firm orders for about 260 aircraft destined for the region. Although this is only about 10% of the units remaining to be delivered, the mix includes a high proportion of expensive widebodies.
Based on current list prices, the extent of the dollar exposure could amount to some 15% of the combined Airbus/ Boeing backlog, which ended last year at close to $127 billion.
Among the individual programmes most heavily exposed to the risk of cancellations in the region are Boeing's big widebodies. Some 34% of the 777 orderbook is taken up by Asia Pacific carriers, giving an exposure of $13 billion, while 28%of the year-end backlog for 747s, worth an estimated $7 billion, was due to be delivered to the region.
A large slice of the business is with Singapore Airlines, which is so far relatively stable, but is unlikely to be able to insulate itself from a prolonged crisis.
Source: Flight International
