Also . . .

* Boeing Co. said it lost the annual order race last year to European rival Airbus Industrie for the second time. Boeing said orders dropped 40% to 391 jets in 1999, well short of the 417 Airbus Industrie claimed as of Nov. 30. Airbus plans to release its annual figures next week. Unlike Airbus’ win in 1994--a poor sales year for both companies--analysts said 1999’s total showed it could consistently split the market with its Seattle-based rival. Boeing was hurt by slumping sales of large aircraft in Asia, a market it dominates with its 747 jumbo jets.

*

Guide to Our Staff: Need to reach Business section reporters or editors? A guide to the section’s staff can be found at https://www.latimes.com/bizstaff.