Boeing 777 heads toward record year on Airbus doubts

Skepticism about Airbus’ A350-1000 continue to spur sales of Boeing’s 777.

Randy Tinseth chief of Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing wrote on his blog Tuesday.  “Just this year, we’ve sold more 777-300ERs than Airbus has sold A350-1000s since that airplane was launched in 2006, overall, 163 777-300ERs have been ordered since the last A350-1000 was purchased.”

Air New Zealand celebrated delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER on Dec. 22, 2010. 

Boeing has netted orders for 124 777s this year, including six last week, putting 2011 behind only the 2005 record of 153 777s, with three months to go, Tinseth wrote. In January through August, it added orders for 83 777-300ERs. The company now has a total of 1,269 ordered, with a backlog of 313 aircraft.

Airbus has orders for 75 A350-1000s — the company’s largest version of its new composite airliner and its most-direct challenge to the 777.

“Earlier this year, Airbus announced a significant redesign for the A350-1000 that will cause its entry into service to slide,” Tinseth wrote. “While the competition is in disarray as it struggles to find its place in this market segment, the 777 continues to work its magic with both our customers and their passengers.” Speaking at the delivery of Qatar Airways’ 27th 777 last week, airline CEO Akbar Al Baker reiterated doubts about the A350-1000, saying: “We do not feel confident that that aircraft will do what it is proposed to.” Qatar Airways has 13 more 777s on order.

Boeing executives are looking into an upgraded 777X but seem content to hold off on a decision until they learn more about the A350-1000.

“As we close in on the 1000th 777 ever produced, I can understand the media’s fascination with the 777X and what’s coming next,” Tinseth wrote. “We’re always looking at the best approach for the program and will continue to work with our customers to make sure we give them what they want. But while we consider the future, let’s take a moment to enjoy the present and an airplane that is the best in its class.”

It’s worth noting that Airbus benefited from delays and issues with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, selling a bunch more of its existing A330 aircraft.