Boeing bounces back against odds

0 Comments | USA TODAY, January, 2007 | by Marilyn Adams

CHICAGO -- After years of ethics scandals and competitive setbacks, aerospace giant Boeing is on a winning streak. Neither its rivals nor its past sins seem to be slowing it down. Last week, Boeing announced it booked a record number of commercial airplane orders in 2006, almost certainly surpassing the annual airplane sales of France-based Airbus.

In a blow to the USA's national pride, Boeing in 2001 lost its lead in annual sales of commercial aircraft to its European rival. For five years, as Boeing grappled with the post-9/11 industry downturn and its own disgraces, it looked doubtful it would retake the lead. But last year, the fortunes of the companies reversed. Behind Boeing's 2006 sales surge: its innovative 787 Dreamliner, the continuing popularity of its workhorse...