On Metaphoric Language that Doesn't Work with Its Subject

The Seattle Times has an article that reports sales for Boeing's new airplane, the 787, are doing well and expected to do even better:

Boeing executives are predicting a blowout quarter for 787 sales that will seal the success of the Everett-assembled jet and leave a proposed rival from Airbus in its dust.

I think that airplane executives should think twice before associating their company and its products with a "blowout," regardless of the context. "Reaching new heights" or "soaring profits"--these are better phrases and metaphors that both appropriately describe an airplane company's success and prevent us from conjuring up thoughts and images of explosions. A good thing for an airplane company, I think.