Boeing and Airbus have a well-known rivalry that was on display this week at the Paris Air Show, where the two companies competed over the wide body jet market, according to USA Today.
The Paris Air Show began on Monday in Le Bourget, just outside of Paris. Airbus and Boeing will be marketing the A350 aircraft and the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft, respectively. The two aircrafts are the first commercial jets to be manufactured with lightweight carbon composites, enhancing their fuel efficiency.
The Dreamliner began flying in 2011. It was then grounded in January for approximately four months after multiple incidents with the batteries. The jet has since received clearance, and has been flying again. The new A350 version is expected to enter the passenger market next year.
"It's going to be a fight," Ray Conner, the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said before the Paris Air Show began.
Both companies secured pledges from airlines for new orders on the first day. Boeing received an order from Qatar Airways.
"You know, I like to make announcements at this very prestigious aerospace event," Akbar Al Baker, the CEO of Qatar Airways, said. "Today is no exception.
"Qatar Airways is glad to be back at Le Bourget," Al Baker continued.
Boeing also received a commitment from the airline leasing company GECAS for the new Dreamliner.
"There's more to come," Randy Tinseth, the vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said from the show on Monday afternoon.
Airbus received an order for the A380 jet. The order has the potential to be worth $8 billion.
Boeing officials say they are ready for a duel in the market for wide body jets.
"We look forward to it," Conner said. "I think that's going to be a great competition.
"Our customers are going to benefit from the fact that both companies are going to have a [competitive] wide body product line," Conner continued.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
