Boeing's '05 Jet Orders Set Company Record

The Boeing Co. announced yesterday that it booked 1,002 jet orders in 2005, the most in its history. The total is nearly four times as large as the 272 orders the company received in 2004. The Chicago-based aeronautics giant credited the gains to increased demand from Asian and Middle Eastern carriers for its fuel-efficient 777 and 787 models. In total, more than 72 different customers ordered Boeing airplanes in 2005, including passenger airlines, cargo carriers, leasing companies and private customers. The orders are expected to enable Boeing to recapture its lead in airplane sales from European rival Airbus for the first time in five years. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Airbus will not release its year-end tally until later this month, but through November the aircraft maker had reported 687 orders.