Boeing sees 2016 jetliner sales below target: report

Boeing aims to sell 535 jetliners this year, it was reported Monday, well below the plane maker’s official forecast of 740 to 745 aircraft. If correct, the reduced tally would mirror a slowdown in aircraft sales at Boeing and rival Airbus. Widebody plane sales are under particular pressure. Still, asked about the internal forecast which has not been made public, Boeing said it remained committed to its target of selling about as many planes as it delivers this year, or about “740 to 745.” New aircraft sales have slowed as airlines rein in capacity amid weak global growth, and as low oil prices prompt some carriers to fly older planes longer, rather than upgrading to new fuel-efficient models. Also, many airlines already ordered new planes over the past few years, which has cooled demand. <br/>