Airbus destined to win delivery race over Boeing in 2010; Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of first 777

As Ethiopian Airlines had its first 777 delivered, it was deployed on its now non-stop Addis Ababa-Washington route. Celebrating the event in Washington were the airline’s soon retiring CEO Girma Wake; H.R. Crawford, Immediate Past Chairman Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Seyoum Mesfin, Chairman Ethiopian Airlines and former Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Lynn Hampton, President and CEO Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

In November, Airbus delivered almost 30% more aircraft than its American competitor, reaffirming its lead. With 40 more units delivered this year, it is already beyond certain that the pan-European aircraft manufacturer will win this year’s delivery race.

Airbus: 44 deliveries in November (32 single-aisle, 12 widebody)

Source: Airbus

The largest recipient of Airbus aircraft in November was Beijing Capital Airlines, the Hainan Airlines subsidiary, which took four A320 family aircraft. Meanwhile, low-cost carriers Indigo of India and Tiger Airways of Singapore and Australia took three A320s each.

Although both Hong Kong Airlines and Turkish Airlines took two widebody aircraft each, the A330s are outdone by Emirates’ two delivered A380 superjumbos.

The Austrian business jet operator Jetalliance notably took its second 14-seat A318 Elite aircraft.

Boeing: 34 deliveries in November (27 single-aisle, 7 widebody)

Source: Boeing

Boeing’s November deliveries were to a more limited list of airlines than was the case for Airbus. Except for leasing companies and cargo airlines, only 16 carriers took Boeing aircraft throughout the month.

flydubai notably became the first airline to take 737-800s with the new Boeing Sky Interior. Jetairfly and Malaysia Airlines, which also took new aircraft of the same type, also had them delivered with the new, updated interior.

The future Star Alliance member Ethiopian Airlines took its first 777-200LR in the last month, representing the beginning of new, long haul expansion for the airline. The airline’s route between Addis Ababa and Washington Dulles is now operated non-stop, whereas it previously had a technical stop in Rome.