Bangkok--26 Jul--Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Boeing reported second-quarter profits of USD1.1 billion dollars on increased orders for passenger aircraft. Sales at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes unit rose 22% to USD8.7 billion in the quarter, while profits for the unit were up 34% to USD960 million dollars. The manufacturer booked 360 gross orders during the quarter and 549 in the first half. In the second quarter, Boeing delivered 114 aircraft, up from 97 in the period last year. In the first six months of 2007, it delivered 220 aircraft, up from 195 in the same period last year. In Feb-07, Boeing stated it expected to surpass Airbus's delivery totals in 2008 to regain the position as the world's biggest commercial aircraft maker. Boeing forecasts 440 - 45 deliveries in 2007, rising to 515 to 520 in 2008, while Airbus predicts deliveries of 440 to 450 aircraft this year and has no official forecast for 2008. Boeing additionally expects to deliver more aircraft in 2009 than 2008, although a target was not disclosed. The strong result caused Boeing to raise its revenue, earnings and cash flow guidance for the full year 2007, while more will be invested in research and development. And the good times are expected to continue, with Chief Executive, Jim McNerney, indicating over 1,000 orders could be booked this year (subject to pricing) for an unprecedented third year in a row. According to McNerney, the strong order cycle could extend “for the next few years”, with momentum “stronger than expected”, particularly from emerging markets. McNerney also pointed to ILFC’s recent large order for B787s as further evidence of the cycle continuing, stating the lessor was a “pretty savvy group of purchasers.”