Boeing makes up lost ground on Airbus

Boeing has landed almost four times as many aircraft orders as rival Airbus so far this year.

Boeing has scored nearly four times as many aircraft orders as Airbus over the first two months of 2012 as it seeks to make up ground on its European rival.

The US airframer sold 387 aircraft during January and February, headlined by the closing of a deal for 230 737 MAX aircraft with Indonesian LCC Lion Air. Airbus, meanwhile, sold 97 aircraft, with both manufacturers delivering 84 aircraft.

Boeing reached a low point in its longtime rivalry with Airbus last year but has tabbed hopes for a comeback on a new generation of fuel efficient aircraft like the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. The 787 entered limited commercial service late last year. The 737 MAX is scheduled to begin deliveries in 2017 but is already tallying substantial orders, with Boeing predicting 2012 will be “The Year of the 737 MAX.”