European planemaker Airbus sold 76 aircraft in September, but ended the first nine months of the year behind its US rival Boeing in the number of aircraft sold and delivered, company data showed yesterday.

Airbus sold a net total of 69 aircraft last month after adjusting for the cancellation of seven of the nine A321 jets ordered by privately owned regional carrier Nile Air at the Dubai Airshow in 2007, according to monthly order figures.

It delivered 54 aircraft during September, including four A380 superjumbos, bringing the total number of deliveries for that type of aircraft so far this year to 21.

In the first nine months, Airbus booked orders for 1,077 aircraft. Net orders, which are adjusted for cancellations or conversions between different models, ended the period at 791. – (Reuters)