sized jet, using 20 percent less fuel. Boeing has dropped projects for an enlarged jumbo jet that would have directly competed with the A380. Singapore Airlines Ltd., which is set to be the first airline to fly the A380 in 2006, delivered a blow to Airbus this week when it chose Boeing's 777-300ER over the Airbus A340-600. In a deal worth US$7.35 billion (¤6.07 billion) at list prices, Singapore ordered 18 of the long-range Boeing jets with options on a further 13, but postponed a decision on whether to buy the 7E7 in what was seen as a setback to Boeing's longer-term fortunes. Airbus outpaced Boeing in deliveries for the first time ever last year, delivering 305 planes to Boeing's 281, and has said it is on track to beat that score in 2004 as the aviation market improves. "The market's definitely turned," said Prang. "We're getting questions from customers on how they can get their aircraft delivered earlier."
