According to figures released by rival aircraft manufacturers - Boeing and Airbus - the former finished second, in terms of orders and deliveries in 2011, for jetliners.

A Chicago-based aerospace corporation, Boeing, delivered a total of 477 commercial aircrafts, with a gross order intake of 921 planes (805 after cancelations).

Meanwhile, Airbus - a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. (EADS) - has reportedly declined to comment on its 2011 performance, ahead of the Jan. 17 company presentation.

However, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, a person familiar with the data suggested Airbus delivered 530 orders and booked 1,378 through 2011 (1,521 before cancelations).

Despite losing to Airbus in the order race, Boeing believes they will be stronger competitors in 2012, with bigger sales of aircraft with revamped bodies.

"Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our program," said Jim Albaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers' future fleet needs. As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the 'Year of the 737 MAX'," Albaugh further said.

The rivalry between the two corporations is a long-standing one and is now intensely felt, over mutual accusations of subsidies.