"We also solidified the transformation of our product line, and the market validated our strategy with every order during the year," Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive, said in a press release Thursday. "Our new portfolio of airplanes from 100 to 450 seats, combined with our global support services, put us in a great position for the long term." Airbus, Boeing's European rival, recorded 687 total bookings for its planes through the end of November, the latest figures that are publicly available. The companies engaged in a fierce battle throughout the year for customers, and both picked up numerous orders overseas as U.S. airlines struggled to contain their expenses. Headlining last year's difficulties for domestic carriers were the bankruptcy filings of Delta undefined and Northwest undefined. Should Boeing's orders prove enough to top the ultimate Airbus total, it would be the first time since 2001 it had more orders than its competitor.