John M. Chase
Boeing (NYSE:BA) reported 48 aircraft deliveries in July, a decrease from June’s 60 but an increase compared to 43 in July 2024. This marked the company’s highest number of deliveries in July since 2017, when it handed over 58 planes. However, Boeing (NYSE:BA) continues to trail behind its European competitor, Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY), in total deliveries this year.
Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) delivered 67 jets in July, despite a growing backlog caused by insufficient engine supply. While this was down from 77 deliveries in July 2024, it pushed Airbus’ total for the year to 373, surpassing Boeing’s (BA) 328. The European manufacturer also leads Boeing (BA) in single-aisle jet deliveries, with 286 A320neo family jets delivered compared to Boeing’s (BA) 243 737 MAX jets. Single-aisle aircraft, which make up about 66% of the global commercial fleet, remain a key segment for both companies.
Boeing’s (BA) July deliveries included 37 737 Max jets, eight 787s, and three freighters, while Airbus handed over five A220 jets, 54 A320neo family aircraft and several wide-body models. Deliveries are critical for planemakers as they receive significant payment upon handing over aircraft to customers.
Boeing (BA) also secured 31 new orders in July, including 30 for 737 Max jets and one for a 787. As of the end of July, Boeing’s (BA) total orders for the year stood at 699, with a backlog of 5,968 aircraft.
Despite engine supply issues affecting both companies, Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) expects to deliver 820 jets by the end of 2023, a 7% increase over last year. Boeing (BA), on the other hand, has not provided a specific delivery forecast for the year, as it works to resolve production issues following a quality control problem with its 737 Max earlier this year.