BUSINESS
Aircraft deals at Paris Air Show
June 21, 2019 - Airbus signed off the Paris Air Show with deals for 363 commercial planes, worth around $35 billion at list prices, including 206 orders for the new A321XLR narrow-body aircraft.
Speaking at a final press conference, Airbus sales chief Christian Scherer vowed to challenge a surprise order for 200 Boeing 737 Max aircraft by its chief U.S. rival.
Scherer said that Airbus never received a request for proposals from IAG, the owner of British Airways, a process that formally launches bidding for most major aircraft contracts.
IAG is currently an Airbus-only narrow-body customer and has said it plans to use the Max planes -- now grounded following two fatal crashes -- for its discount and leisure divisions, including British Airways, Vueling and Level.