Chicago, July 02: Boeing landed a big win over rival jet maker Airbus on Tuesday, as thriving low-fare carrier AirTran Airways ordered up to 110 narrow-body planes. The big order, which had been in the works for months, gives Boeing some relief from a persistent sales slump. The world's largest commercial aircraft builder, headquartered in Chicago, has fired about 35,000 workers in its Seattle-based commercial jet unit since the September 11, 2001, attacks.

AirTran, with a hub in Atlanta, said it would lease or buy 50 737-700 airliners and take options on 50 more. Each plane seats 135 to 140 passengers. The unit of Orlando, Florida-based AirTran Holdings. can also upgrade to the 737-800, which seats up to 189 passengers.
The order would be valued at about $6 billion based on list prices, but manufacturers typically offer steep discounts, particularly for large orders. It will allow AirTran to more than double the number of passengers it carries. Bureau Report