AIRSHOW-Airbus confirms drop in air show orders

* Airbus wraps up air show with 58 orders

* Orders down sharply from last year

* Industry waiting for upturn in passenger traffic

(Combines items, adds details)

PARIS, June 19 (Reuters) - European planemaker Airbus wrapped up the Paris air show with $6.4 billion of orders for 58 aircraft, marking as expected a steep fall from last year as airlines hold back from renewing fleets to stave off recession.

The world's largest planemaker also reported preliminary commitments -- yet to be placed in the order book -- for 69 planes worth $6.5 billion at list prices at the biennial show.

At last year's Farnborough Air Show -- which alternates with Paris -- Airbus notched up firm orders for 247 aircraft and Airbus and rival Boeing (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) between them booked 444 orders.

Boeing and Airbus are headed for their worst annual order tally in at least 15 years as struggling airlines cancel or defer almost as many planes as they are buying.