Airbus beats US rival in new orders

Toulouse - Europe's largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, garnered more new orders in 2014 than its US rival Boeing, but the Seattle-based giant delivered more planes and its orders were worth more than the Europeans'.

Airbus sold 1 456 new aircraft, or 24 more than Boeing, making 2014 a new record year for sales, the company announced from its headquarters in the south-western French city of Toulouse on Tuesday.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Bregier said: "2014 has been an excellent year and the teams in Airbus not only delivered on, but exceeded their targets and commitments."

The new orders that Airbus booked were worth €148bn, compared to the equivalent of €197bn at Boeing, which also delivered almost 100 more planes than Airbus, or 723 compared to 629.

The large numbers of new orders have increased the backlog at both companies: 6 386 at Airbus compared to 5 789 at Boeing. Customers will have to wait years for some of the most popular models.

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