Boeing May Raise 2006 Forecast on Asian Sales

Boeing Co., surpassed in the last two years by Airbus in the delivery of commercial aircraft, said it might raise its forecast for 2006 deliveries because of higher-than-expected demand from Chinese and Indian airlines.

China Southern Airlines Co., Air India Ltd. and other carriers from the two nations may order more planes next year, especially smaller aircraft with single aisles, enabling Chicago-based Boeing to deliver “a little” more than an earlier target of 375 to 385 planes, said Lee Monson, Boeing’s senior vice president for sales in the Middle East and Africa.

“Demand is starting to increase rapidly,” Monson said. “There is more demand than supply,” he said, declining to be more specific about next year’s target.

Growth among the airlines of Asia, where 10 low-fare carriers began flying last year, is leading global demand for new planes. Chinese airlines may need 1,790 new planes worth $230 billion until 2023, and Indian carriers may need 570 new aircraft, Airbus said March 8. Boeing put the forecast at 2,300 planes valued at $180 billion for China and said India’s airlines might spend $35 billion on new orders.

Boeing shares rose $1.30 to $58.10 on the New York Stock Exchange.