DESCRIPTION : Last year was a historic year ... Airbus totalled in 2011, 1,419 firm orders against 805 for its rival Boeing. Regarding deliveries, Airbus is also leading with 534 aircraft delivered last year against 477 for the American manufacturer. Still, this year, the two manufacturers are expected to compete more evenly, because Boeing intends to catch up to the A 320 NEO with its 737 MAX.