Story
Boeing Edges Airbus as Farnborough Airshow Orders Top 300 Amid Industry Constraints
Summary
The Farnborough International Airshow concluded with over 300 firm aircraft orders, a Reuters tally shows, with Boeing securing a narrow lead over rival Airbus. The total fell short of higher expectations amid persistent supply-chain and production challenges across the aerospace industry.
The Farnborough International Airshow wrapped up with airlines and lessors placing more than 300 firm aircraft orders, with Boeing securing a narrow lead over European rival Airbus, a Reuters tally on July 22 showed. The final count highlights continued demand but also reflects a more cautious market grappling with persistent production bottlenecks.
Order Tally Falls Short of Hopes
The airshow generated 327 firm orders, a figure slightly above the event's last iteration in 2024, according to Reuters. However, this total fell significantly below more optimistic industry hopes for as many as 800 orders, underscoring the ongoing impact of global supply-chain constraints on planemakers' ability to ramp up production.
Major deals were dominated by large aircraft lessors and international carriers. The most significant commitments included:
- SMBC Aviation Capital: A split order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets and 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.
- Riyadh Air: The Saudi carrier exercised options for 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and confirmed an order for six Airbus A350-1000s.
- Philippine Airlines: An order for 15 firm Boeing 787-10 jets and nine Airbus A350 aircraft.
- AerCap: The leasing giant placed a firm order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Boeing Secures Narrow Lead
AdBoeing emerged with a slight advantage in the order race, driven by strong demand for its 737 MAX narrowbody and 787 Dreamliner widebody jets. In addition to the major deals, the U.S. planemaker secured commitments from customers including Uganda Airlines for 737 MAX and 787 aircraft, MSC Air Cargo for five 777-8 freighters, and Luxair for two 737-10s.
Airbus logged significant orders for its best-selling A320neo family and A350 widebody aircraft. Key wins for the European manufacturer included the 100-plane deal from SMBC, a firmed-up order for 25 additional aircraft from Saudi budget carrier Flynas, and smaller orders from Shohin Airlines and startup BermudAir.
Engine and Regional Jet Markets Active
Beyond the headline aircraft deals, engine manufacturers also announced major agreements. CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, signed a memorandum of understanding with India's IndiGo to purchase more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines, a potentially record-breaking deal. Additionally, BOC Aviation placed its largest-ever engine order for up to 300 CFM engines, while British Airways selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines for its incoming Airbus A320neo jets.
In the regional jet market, Brazilian planemaker Embraer announced multiple orders for its E-Jet family. Deals included firm orders from Japan’s Fuji Dream Airlines, South American airline group Abra, and Spanish carrier Binter.
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