Boeing, Airbus Split $8.5 Billion Jet Order

Boeing confirmed Tuesday that International Lease Finance Corp., one of the largest aircraft-leasing companies in the world, will order 61 Boeing jets worth an estimated $4.5 billion.

The order includes all models, from the smallest new-generation 737s to the 747 jumbo jets - 31 737s, 2 747s, 6 757s, 12 767s, including the newest 767-400, and 10 777s.

Deliveries will stretch out to 2002. The Los-Angeles based aircraft lessor also placed a large order with Boeing’s European rival Airbus Industrie for 65 airliners worth an estimated $4 billion.

Negotiations with large customers like ILFC are ongoing, Elizabeth Verdier, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group spokeswoman, said Tuesday. One complex aspect of the latest deal with Boeing was over substitution rights that would give ILFC the flexibility to change models based on airline needs.

ILFC ordered 18 777s in March 1996 and 15 other Boeing jets just a year ago. Including the last order, it has purchased 451 Boeing jets in its history.

Airbus spokesman David Venz said the consortium’s order includes 15 A330 twinjets, which compete with the 767 and the 777, and 50 narrow-body jets in the A320 family that competes with Boeing’s 737.

Airbus said the order brings its total for the year to 187 aircraft. Boeing had booked orders for 346 jets through yesterday.