Airbus announces new orders at Paris Air Show

Aerospace giant Airbus bettered its rival Boeing at the Paris Air Show today after it announced its third aircraft order, but competition has been muted by the recession this year.

Boeing has so far failed to unveil any new orders at the world's biggest air show, while Airbus has announced three in the past two days - a fraction of the normal orders.

Airbus said yesterday it had secured a contract with Qatar Airways for 24 jets from the A320 family worth US$1.9bn (€1.37bn), followed today by a private order for a A320 Prestige high-end business jet and new orders for commercial jets from Vietnam Airlines.

However, the two main groups raked in US$25bn (€18bn) in the first day alone at the previous air show, which took place at Farnborough last year.

The global recession has taken its toll on the sector, with airlines reining in their fleets as they seek to shrink routes to match lower demand.

The recent crash of Air France Flight 447 en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris has also compounded woes and further knocked sentiment in the sector.

Airbus and Boeing have already warned not to expect the usual flurry of large orders seen at annual air shows.

Boeing is hoping its defence business will offset the slower commercial business.

It has so far this year taken orders for 73 planes, but has suffered cancellation of 66 - leaving it a net intake of seven.

Airbus has net orders of more than 35 this year.

This week's Paris Air Show - which is celebrating its 100th anniversary - launched to the industry on Monday and will open to the public on Friday.