At the Paris Air Show 2011 in Le Bourget, Airbus won orders and commitments worth about US$72.2 billion for a total of 730 aircraft. This success sets a new record for any commercial aircraft manufacturer at any air show ever. The commitments comprise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 312 aircraft worth US$28.2 billion and firm purchase orders for 418 aircraft worth around US$44.0 billion.
The A320neo Family was clearly the star of the show, by winning unprecedented 667 commitments worth US$60.9 billion. Included are two historical orders from AirAsia and Indigo. AirAsia ordered 200 A320neo which marks the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family, Indian low-cost carrier Indigo ordered 150 A320neo and 30 A320.
Furthermore, this means that the total A320neo Family backlog since its launch in December 2010 has now reached 1,029 units, making it by far the best selling airliner in the history of commercial aviation.
In addition to the A320neo Family’s success, the standard A320 Family also continues to be popular, having received 34 commitments worth US$2.8 billion at the show. Commitments were also received for 11 A330s worth US$2.4 billion, six A350s worth US$1.6 billion, and 12 A380s worth US$4.5 billion.
“Le Bourget 2011 is a strong confirmation of our product strategy. With over 1,000 commitments just half a year after launch our A320neo is a real bestseller,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.” “I have to admit, I largely underestimated the market demand for neo before this show.”
And Boeing? The US aircraft manufacturer announced orders and commitments for 142 airplanes – 80 737-800, 27 777-300ER, 17 747-8i, seven 737-900ER (+4 options), four 787-9, two 747-8F, one 767-300ER. Combined valued at more than $22 billion.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer could reach orders from:
- Air Lease Corporation for 25 E190s and 5 E175s
- Air Astana for two additional E190s
- Kenya Airways signed a Letter of Intent for 10 Embraer 190, including options for another ten aircraft, which could be either the EMBRAER 190 (E190) or the EMBRAER 170 (E170)
- Sriwijaya Air, of Jakarta, Indonesia, has signed an agreement for the acquisition of 20 EMBRAER 190 jets, with purchase rights for ten more aircraft
Bombardier announced following orders at Paris Air Show 2011:
- An unidentified customer has signed a firm order for 10 CS100 aircraft with options on additional six
- VistaJet of Switzerland has placed a firm order for 10 Global 8000 aircraft
- Korean Air has signed an agreement to acquire 10 Bombardier CS300 aircraft with an additional 10 options and 10 purchase rights on CS300 airliners
- AVWest of Australia has placed overall firm orders for four Global 7000 and two Global 8000 ultra long-range jets
Image: (c) Bombardier