Airbus announced a record number of jet orders for 2005 on Tuesday, unexpectedly beating Boeing's tally for a fifth straight year, but the European plane maker fell behind its rival on order value as sales of its larger planes failed to keep pace. Airbus announced a review of its long-range A340 airliner in the wake of disappointing orders.

Toulouse, France-based Airbus unveiled a total of 1,055 net orders, trouncing its U.S. rival's 1,002, and said it delivered 378 airliners last year to Boeing's 290. Gross orders - which do not take account of cancellations - came to 1,111, the largest number ever booked either side of the Atlantic.

The Airbus figures defied predictions that the European plane maker would lose the lead in order numbers it took from Boeing in 2001, two years before pulling ahead on deliveries. In the 11 months to Nov. 30, Airbus had reported 687 firm orders.

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