Orders fall as Boeing output wanes

Boeing has borne the brunt of production cuts as its combined output with Airbus fell 25% in the first quarter compared with a year ago.

The US manufacturer's deliveries fell by a third to 71 aircraft, compared with the same period in 2002. Airbus delivered 65 aircraft, just seven fewer than the same period last year, and edged closer to its ambition of producing half the world's mainline airliners. Airbus should achieve this in 2003 with the production of 300 aircraft, compared to Boeing's expected level of around 280. However, the European manufacturer warns it will be unable to confirm this year's output until at least next month.

Orders have also tumbled compared to last year, but this is primarily because last year's figures were skewed by the 100-aircraft 737-800 order placed by Ryanair in early 2002. In total, the two rivals accumulated 74 gross orders, better than some feared given the poor trading conditions.

Airbus was victorious in gross terms, but total net sales (adjusted for cancellations and modifications) were split evenly between the two. Ryanair again made a major contribution to the Boeing tally, ordering 22 737s. Airbus's biggest order was China Airlines' 12 A330s. It has not yet firmed up Malaysia Airlines' January A380 commitment.

Both manufacturers suffered cancellations, with Airbus losing six orders and Boeing two. In the Airbus cancellations were the two A340-600s on order for EgyptAir, which were dropped as part of the airline's deal for seven A330s.

Source: Flight International