For the first time since 2002, the American aerospace and defence corporation Boeing is set to surpass its rival Airbus as it delivered more number of passenger jets in 2012.

During the past year, the French aircraft maker received more orders for 787 Dreamliners, as such the company faced delays in delivering them.

Boeing and Airbus have delivered 537 and 516 aircraft respectively to global carriers for the 11 months ended 30 November 2012. The companies have increased production of single- and twin-aisle aircraft significantly in the recent times so as to meet demand from the global airline companies.

The demand for passenger aircraft is expected to rise till 2015. Apart from reducing research and development costs, the companies are also considering reducing aircraft production after 2015.

Nick Cunningham, an analyst at Agency Partners, told the FT: “Aircraft orders have either peaked or are about to peak for Airbus and Boeing, and the historical trend tells us that the peak in aircraft deliveries will follow within two or three years.”

The board of EADS, the parent company of Airbus, is considering increasing dividend for shareholders in 2013.