Boeing (BA) and Airbus play a clever PR game. Each company announced how many planes it has sold in a quarter. And, each companies announces how many it has delivered to customer. Since some sales can be cancelled, figuring out what is going on is very difficult.
The first quarter of 2007 is a fine example. Boeing says it sold 189 planes. Airbus sold 134, but that figure could be revised.
Airbus delivered 115 planes to customers in Q1. Boeing delivered 106.
One of the two companies is doing better than the other. Right now it would appear to be Boeing. Its 787 Dreamliner is selling well, and Airbus is facing delays on completion of its flagship the A380 Super Jumbo.
But, based on recent numbers, either company could claim it is doing very well. But, then again, maybe they aren’t.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
