Boeing v. Airbus — Who Dominated at the 2015 Paris Air Show?

Airbus outsigned Boeing for orders and commitments valued at $57 billion at the annual 2015 Paris Air Show.

Airbus Group SE edged out Boeing Co. with $57 billion worth of orders and commitments won at the 2015 Paris Air Show.  Boeing announced $50.2 billion.

Europe-based Airbus garnered deals for 421 aircraft: firm orders for 124 aircraft worth $16.3 billion and commitments for 297 aircraft worth $40.7 billion, a total of $57 billion.

“The orders and commitments at this year’s Paris Air Show demonstrate three things: Asia is powering the growth, we are leading in single-aisle and widebody and our A321neo is the aircraft of choice in the middle of the market,” said Airbus COO John Leahy. “Our latest forecast for 32,600 planes in the next 20 years is being proved correct.”

Meanwhile, Boeing announced orders and commitments during the week for a total of 331 airplanes, including 21 Next-Generation 737s, valued at $50.2 billion at list prices. The Chicago-based manufacturer said it remains on track to deliver between 750 and 755 airplanes in 2015 and expects the factory rollout of the 737 MAX and firm configuration of the 777X by the end of the year.

“Innovation is the heart of our strategy,” said Boeing Vice Chairman, President and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Muilenburg. “We have more research, development and capital projects underway and are bringing innovation to market faster than at any time in our history.”

Airbus’ new orders and commitments include:

• Airbus signed Europe’s low-cost airline Wizz Air for 110 of its A321neo aircraft, the manufacturer’s biggest single order. Wizz Air operates 61 aircraft in Central and Eastern Europe with over 380 routes from 22 bases.

• In the widebody market, Airbus announced the first operator for the new A330 Regional, with Saudi Arabian Airlines taking 20 on lease from IAFC, a leading lessor in the Middle East.

• In the single-aisle sector, Airbus’ A320 Family garnered 103 firm orders and 263 commitments worth $41.4 billion. Of these, 323 are NEO’s, taking total orders and commitments for the A320neo family beyond 4,000 since launch in December 2010.

Boeing’s new orders and commitments include:

• Boeing’s biggest deal came from Dutch leasing company AerCap for an order of 100 737MAX-8 planes, worth $10.7 billion at list prices.

• Korean Air intent to purchase 30 737 MAXs and two additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, with options for an additional 20 737 MAXs, together valued at approximately $3.9 billion at current list prices. Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 87 Boeing 737, 747 and 777 passenger airplanes and operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 27 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

• Boeing signed the government of Qatar to purchase four more C-17 Globemaster III airlifters.

Founded in 1909, the Paris Air Show, held in Le Bourget, France, is the aerospace industry’s largest trade show.

[Photo: Paris Air Show Facebook]