For the year to date, Airbus leads Boeing 1015 to 379 in terms of firm aircraft orders – a staggering lead of 636 aircraft, thanks in no small part to the success of the A320neo. Both manufacturers have large numbers of commitments for their revamped narrowbodies that are still to be confirmed as firm orders – around 425 for the A320neo and 496 for Boeing’s B737 MAX, with Boeing promising “hundreds” more commitments to come. All indicators are present that this could be another record year of ordering, just as the global economy teeters on the brink of another recession and as Europe and America’s airlines reduce capacity and ground aircraft. But the long-term trend shows the world's two largest airframers dovetail each other.