The manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft has announced record order figures today.

Worldwide orders and commitments for 359 airplanes have been made in the last week alone at Boeing. The orders helped the company in setting a record for orders of 777s in a single year. To date, 192 orders have been taken for 777s, surpassing the previous record of 154 set in 2005.

“This has been an outstanding week for our customers and our employees,” said Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re pleased that in planning for their future, our customers have chosen Boeing airplanes.”

The record-breaking figures have been aided by the growing demand for increased flight capacity from the Middle East. Oman Air ordered six 787-8s and Qatar Airways ordered two 777 Freighters.

The company announced two record-setting deals with Emirates Airline and Lion Air, as well as other deals during and after the Dubai Airshow. Emirates Airline ordered 50 777-300ERs, with options for 20 more. Lion Air committed to buy 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next Generation 737-900ERs, the agreement including purchase rights for an additional 150 aeroplanes. Aviation Capital Group (ACG) committed to buy 35 737 MAX aeroplanes and finalised a firm order for 20 Next-Generation 737-800s.

Boeing employs over 1,000 people at numerous sites across the UK, a spokesperson stating that these figures make for good news in sustaining these jobs, as well as offering the possibilities for future expansion.

Albaugh added: “We continue to see worldwide expansion in air traffic, and as a result, strong customer demand for our products and services. Our product strategy is playing out as we expected with our wide-body offerings being the airplanes of choice and the 737 MAX enjoying tremendous customer acceptance.”

Tom Moore