Boeing continued its winning streak against Airbus when the US aircraft maker picked up a near-$7bn order for up to 50 medium- and long-range aircraft from Air India, adding to the $6bn order from Air Canada announced on Monday.

The orders underscore a significant turnround for Boeing in its efforts to regain leadership in the commercial aerospace industry from its European rival and confirm the success of Boeing's 787, its midsize fuel-efficient aircraft.