Report: Boeing has edge on jet deal The Boeing Co. has the inside track on a jet purchase by LOT, Poland's national airline, according to a Thursday online report by Reuters. Recent Company News ? Air Canada ? Air India ? Airbus ? Boeing Co. ? Boeing Wichita Latest News ? Wichita misses EADS tanker list ? Canlan CEO: City rushed out of rink deal ? Aquila CEO: Company's stock still 'speculative' ? Sales down for Duckwall-Alco ? Report: Boeing has edge on jet deal More ? Companies in the News ? People in the News Boeing and Airbus officials declined to comment of the deal. LOT is looking for long-range planes to replace its current fleet of six Boeing 767s, which are used on the carrier's international routes. The two companies are engaged in a fierce battle for new orders in a highly competitive commercial passenger aircraft market. Boeing (NYSE: BA) is pitching its new 787 Dreamliner, which will have lower operating costs than the 767 because of its higher fuel efficiency. For its part, Airbus is working on sales of its new A350, a long-range version of its mid-sized A330, and its answer to the 787. Parts of the 787 will be made at Boeing Wichita. Airbus has a design and engineering center in Wichita's Old Town district. Boeing won a number of recent customer orders despite competition from Airbus, including major orders from Air India and Air Canada. The 787 is due to begin deliveries in 2008. So far, the company has more than 200 orders for the aircraft. ? 2005 American City Business Journals Inc. Roger EWROPS