The Paris Air Show, the world’s biggest air fair, got off to a flying start Monday, despite stormy weather, as airplane makers Airbus and Boeing vied to announce a flurry of orders for passenger planes.

Airbus took the early lead in the biennial battle for orders between the European and US arch-rivals, who use the show at Le Bourget airport as a forum for announcing juicy contracts.

Germany’s Lufthansa confirmed its plans to buy 100 short-to-medium-range Airbus A320s, with a combined list value of $10.4 billion. Of the 100 planes, 70 were of the new engine, fuel efficient Neo variety.

France-based Airbus also announced a provisional deal for 20 double-decker A380 superjumbos from Doric Lease Corp, a German aircraft leasing company.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding for the order, which has a catalogue value of $8.08 billion.

The deal gives the world’s biggest airliner a boost, after technical problems with the wings in 2012 and sluggish sales caused by airlines opting for smaller, less expensive models.

The A320 neo has been a runaway success, by contrast, with airlines lining up for the new engine version of the narrow body plane, which uses 15 percent less fuel.

US aircraft leasing company ILFC signed an order for a further 50 A320 neo, on top of the 100 machines it ordered in 2011.

Not to be outdone, Seattle-based Boeing unveiled a buyer for the stretch version of its mid-size, long-range 787 Dreamliner — even though it has yet to build the plane.

General Electric signed a provisional order for 10 787—10s. Boeing has not yet communicated a price for the aircraft. The smaller version, which is already in service, is listed at around $207 million.

Boeing also announced a firm order from Qatar Airways for two long-range wide-body 777s, and an option on a further seven. The nine aircraft have a total catalogue value of $2.8 billion.

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