Airbus and Boeing had a productive first day at Farnborough 2000, logging $18 billion in orders and commitments between them. Airbus also launched the first "superjumbo" transport, the 555-seat A3XX.

No doubt yesterday's biggest news was Emirates $1.5-billion commitment for five passenger and two freight versions of the A3XX. It will be launch customer for the program if a formal go-ahead decision is made as planned in December. Overall, Airbus says during Farnborough 2000 it plans to sign commitments for 22 of the 52 A3XXs that airlines have said they are seriously interested in buying.

Nine airlines, including Emirates, are studying A3XX purchases, according to Airbus CEO Noel Forgeard. Air France also signed a letter of intent for 10 A3XXs, further increasing chances of program launch.

Other Airbus sales included a 50-aircraft package to CIT Aerospace, a New Jersey-based leasing company. It includes 35 Airbus single-aisle aircraft and 15 A330-500s, according to Nikita Zdanow, group CEO. CIT now has all members of the A320 family in its order portfolio and will be launch customer for the 330-500, if a go-ahead decision is made. The 330-500 formerly was known as the 330-100 and is a foreshortened A330-200. CIT previously had 25 A320-family and five A330 twin aisles on order, Airbus said. Yesterday's order was worth an estimated $4 billion at list prices.

Boeing's opening day blast included 18 more orders for its recently introduced longer-range 777X family. These came from leasing giants GECAS (10) and ILFC (8) and more than doubles the 15 previously signed for by Japan Air Lines and Taiwan's EVA Air.

GECAS's total order was worth a stunning $5.5 billion and included firm orders for five 777-200ERs and 65 737NGs, 14 of which were exercised options and six of which were previously announced. It also placed new options or "purchase rights" on 10 777Xs, seven 777-200ERs, and 52 737NGs. The complex deal added 74 firm orders to Boeing's backlog, GECAS said.

ILFC committed to 40 new Boeings, including 25 777-200ERs and seven 737NGs. Its order is valued at approximately $ 7 billion. With this announcement, it has 67 777s and 211 737NGs on order with Boeing.

By Paul Proctor