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Boeing Beats Airbus in $7.35bn Singapore Airlines Deal Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it will purchase up to 31 long-range Boeing B777-300ER aircraft in an order estimated to be worth 7.35 billion US dollars. The high-end Asian carrier, whose aircraft choices are closely followed by competitors, picked US-based Boeing's extended-range model over European manufacturer Airbus' A340-600. Eighteen were firm orders for delivery between 2006 and 2010, while options had been taken on an additional 13 units, which will be powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines, SIA said in a statement. The package cost includes spare engines and parts. The airline said competition between Boeing and Airbus for the order was "very keen" but the B777-300ER "was chosen for its higher operating efficiency, commonality with existing fleet and cabin spaciousness." SIA currently operates 89 wide-bodied passenger aircraft, of which 84 are supplied by Boeing, including 55 B777s and 29 B747s. "Our choice recognises the popular appeal among travellers of the B777 aircraft," SIA chief executive Chew Choon Seng said in the statement. Despite the setback, Airbus remains a key part of SIA's long-range plans. The five Airbus A340-500s in its fleet are now being used in direct services from Singapore to Los Angeles and New York, which have set world records for the longest nonstop commercial flights. In 2006, SIA is expected to be the first airline to launch services on the Airbus A380-800 super jumbo, which can carry up to 550 passengers but will be configured by SIA to have fewer than 500 seats. SIA last month reported a 259 million-Singapore dollar (152.35 million US) net profit in its first quarter ending June as it swung back from a 312 million-dollar loss the year before due to SARS (news - web sites). The carrier said a recovery in air travel from the impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome epidemic underpinned the rebound, with revenues up 64.8 percent to 2.73 billion Singapore dollars. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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