Boeing exec says orders might level off in 2008

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) The chief of Boeing Co's commercial plane unit said today that orders might level off in 2008, but the company is hopeful US airlines are ready to start buying new aircraft.

''I would think you would see some plateauing or some reduction in orders,'' Scott Carson told reporters after addressing an industry group.

Carson said he was hesitant to forecast any specifics but added that ''one would think'' US airlines may be at the point where they would start ordering more planes.

Boeing said this week that firm orders this year -- now standing at 919 planes -- could surpass the record of 1,044 last year, when Boeing overtook Airbus as the leading plane seller for the first time since 2000.

REUTERS SZ PM0105