Airbus outsells rival Boeing by 2 to 1

Airbus outsold Boeing almost two-to-one in 2011 after gambling on a revamped fuel-efficient jetliner and delivered more aircraft than its rival for the ninth year running, it emerged yesterday.

Figures released by the European plane-maker showed it had won orders for 1,608 aircraft or a net total of 1,419 after cancellations, giving it a record market share of 64 per cent by volume or 54 to 56 per cent by value.

Airbus sales chief John Leahy said he expects orders to fall back in 2012, which could see Boeing win the order race.