Airbus outsells Boeing as focus shifts from buying to building

Airbus came in ahead of Boeing at this week’s Paris Air Show in the closely watched contest for airplane orders thanks to a massive haul from India that highlights Asia’s growing importance to aircraft demand. North American and European carriers sat largely on the sidelines while Airbus raked in a record-setting deal for 500 narrowbody jets from low-cost carrier Indigo, the biggest airline in the world’s most populous country. While that was the only major show stopper, the two planemakers also split a 470-jet purchase by Air India that had already been announced in February and was now firmed up in Paris. The nation’s former flag carrier, being revamped under new owners, also added 70 Boeing options — setting up the deal to potentially reclaim mantle of the world’s biggest aircraft order. Overall though, dealmaking remained muted. Airbus picked up an agreement with leasing company Avolon Holdings for 20 A330neo aircraft and an accord with Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas for 30 A320 aircraft. Boeing secured a win with North African carrier Air Algerie for eight 737 Max models, alongside another accord with Avolon for the same bestselling jet. But with so many commitments already on their books, attention focused on how Airbus and Boeing will get the planes built. Aviation executives and investors attending the show spent much of their time discussing how the manufacturers will overcome shortages of parts and labor that have slowed a post-pandemic ramp-up in production, as well as the repair work needed to keep existing fleets in the air. “The focus of air shows is shifting away from large orders, especially as both Airbus and Boeing have large backlogs that they have still to deliver,” said Andy Cronin, the Avolon chief executive officer. “We do believe in the demand story. There have been some significant orders in markets where we see real growth opportunities, whether that’s in the Middle East, or whether thats in India.”<br/>