European plane maker Airbus said Monday it had started off the year strongly with 91 new orders in January when it delivered 37 aircraft.

The single-aisle medium-haul A320 series of aircraft remained its most popular, with 88 orders, including 33 for the A320neo which Airbus plans to begin delivering in 2015 with newer fuel-efficient engines.

Its rival Boeing registered 148 orders and two cancellations in January, and delivered 38 aircraft, according to its website.

Airbus strongly outperformed Boeing in 2011, winning a record 1,419 orders while its US rival won 805, boosted by strong demand for the A320neo which should offer airlines 15 percent fuel savings.