Boeing remained the world largest plane maker in 2013, but industry sources said it lost the race to log new orders to rival Airbus.
Boeing Co said on Monday that it delivered a record 648 jetliners in 2013, topping Airbus for the second year in a row and beating 2012 deliveries by 7.8 percent.
Airbus topped Boeing in new orders, however, according to two industry sources. Boeing said jetliner gross orders totalled 1,531 in 2013, a record, and net orders reached 1,355.
Airbus sales exceeded both of those numbers, the sources said on condition of anonymity, without giving further details.
Based on announcements of 98 orders since the end of November, Airbus has booked at least 1,471 gross orders and 1,412 net orders. The European planemaker typically unveils new orders with its final figures for the year, due January 13.
Investors keep close tabs on deliveries, since plane makers book the bulk of the revenue from airplane sales when the aircraft are handed over to customers.
But orders have had a growing impact on share prices in the past two years, as the world's dominant plane makers fought for sales of new fuel-efficient models. Plane orders also can produce large swings in company cash balances, because airlines make down payments when orders are placed.
Boeing's delivery tally topped its forecast of up to 645 jets for the year and was up from 601 last year. The tally also exceeded deliveries by rival Airbus (AIR.PA), one of the sources said.
Airbus delivered more than 625 aircraft in 2013, beating its target of up to 620 but lagging Boeing's total of 648 deliveries, the source said.
Boeing said it delivered 440 of its 737 single-aisle planes, 98 of its 777 widebody planes and 65 of its carbon-composite 787 Dreamliners, which are now in use with 16 customers.
The Chicago-based aerospace and defence company also delivered 24 of its 747 jumbo jets, and 21 of its 767 jets.
Boeing also delivered 171 military aircraft and satellites, up 11 percent from 154 in 2012. Boeing in October said it will close its C-17 military transport plane production, which is producing a steady 10 planes a year, due to lack of orders.
The order book for fighters also is tapering, and analysts say this could force closure of those production lines later this decade unless Boeing lands new orders.
Source: Reuters
