Boeing 737 Max deliveries dip sharply as latest defect bites
Boeing deliveries of its best-selling 737 Max fell to the lowest level since in over two years as it continues to struggle with required works to correct a manufacturing defect.
The US’s largest planemaker said on Tuesday that overall deliveries fell to 27 in September, including 15 Boeing Max 8 and 9 aeroplanes, the fourth-lowest month of Max deliveries since they resumed in December 2020 after a worldwide grounding following two Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.
The planemaker booked new orders in September for 224 planes and reported 10 cancellations. The new orders include 50 787s for United Airlines.
Investors closely watch delivery numbers, as aeroplane makers receive the majority of payment for an aircraft when it is transferred to customers.
Overall, Boeing has handed over 371 planes to customers during the first nine months of 2023, including 286 737s.
By comparison, European rival Airbus has delivered 488 aircraft over the first eight months, including 55 in September.
Boeing’s gross orders since the start of January rose to 848 in September, or 724 net orders after factoring in cancellations and conversions.
Airbus has booked 1,280 gross orders or 1,241 after cancellations.
Boeing’s commercial backlog increased from 4,971 to 5,172. Boeing said September was the first month since December 2019 that its official backlog surpassed 5,000.
Separately, Boeing is still awaiting certification of the smaller 737 Max 7 from the Federal Aviation Administration that has been reviewing the plane for more than a year.
The planemaker said in July the first delivery of the 737 Max 7 had been delayed to 2024.
David Shepardson – Reuters