Dubai: Airbus soared past US rival Boeing to win the annual orders race in 2010, new figures from the French planemaker revealed yesterday.

The EADS subsidiary said it booked 644 commercial aircraft orders worth more than $84 billion (Dh308.5 billion) at list prices last year, beating Boeing's total of 625 planes.

Airbus sold a net total of 574 planes worth $74 billion (Dh271.8 billion) at list prices compared with Boeing's 530, giving it a 52 per cent market share.

Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, said: "2010 was a good year, in fact better than expected twelve months ago. The market rebound and improved programme performance has been particularly encouraging."

"However, with plenty of challenges, especially in our development programmes, we will have to work hard to further improve and also make 2011 a successful year for Airbus."

"This is the result of strong airline demand for new and more eco-efficient aircraft. We respond to our customer's requests by introducing the right technologies at the right time as per the launch of the A320neo (new engine option)."

Airbus launched the new A320neo last year, which the company says offers 15 per cent less fuel burn, the equivalent of saving up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year.

In total, Airbus' 510 deliveries in 2010 included 401 A320 family aircraft, 91 A330/A340s and 18 A380s.

At year-end, the company's commercial order backlog stood at 3,552 aircraft with a value of over $480 billion at list prices. The military backlog stood at 247 aircraft.

John Siddharth, Industry Analyst, Aerospace & Defence Practice, South Asia And Middle East, Frost & Sullivan, said: "Airbus has sold about 644 aircraft and about 200 [of them] were sold in December 2010, which is a big surprise."

"Airbus is full of surprises. For example, earlier this year it closed the biggest deal in aviation history of about 180 aircraft. As of November 2010, Airbus was lagging behind by about 142 aircraft. However, it was able to rebound."

"Airbus and Boeing are focusing on emerging markets, which include Asia Pacific and China. Out of the three low cost carriers in India, two carriers operate a fleet of Airbus aircrafts. Airbus has gained a competitive edge by introducing its 15 per cent fuel-efficient A320 neo much ahead of the competition."

Airbus also announced its 10,000th order on Monday with a firm contract from Virgin America for 60 A320s, including 30 A320neo aircraft.

Virgin America is the first airline to place an order for the A320neo, formalising an initial commitment given at the Farnborough International Airshow last July. The A320s will feature fuel-saving large wing tip devices called Sharklets.

David Cush, Virgin America President and CEO, said: "At just three-years-old and at a time when many carriers are contracting, we are pleased to be growing and bringing our award-winning service to new markets."

"We credit a great deal of our success to date to having the right aircraft. The low operating costs, cabin comfort and carbon efficient design of our all-new Airbus A320 fleet has helped fuel our growth and success in the North American market and we are confident the A320neo will only build on that."