Boeing delivered the fewest jets last year since the pandemic, as the plane maker worked to restore confidence in its manufacturing after a turbulent year that included a two-month strike and curbs on production after a near-catastrophe.
The US manufacturer handed over 348 jets, less than half of its European rival Airbus SE’s 766, and about a third fewer than in the previous year. Boeing also recorded 569 gross orders and 317 sales net of cancellations, conversions and a US accounting provision for at-risk deals.
Boeing faced a series of crises that started when a door-shaped fuselage panel blew out of an airborne 737 Max on January 5 last year, sparking investigations, a customer revolt and eventually a leadership shake-up. The plane maker slowed the pace of work in its factories to tackle defective or late-arriving parts from stressed suppliers in the months after the incident.
The plane maker was also delayed in the resumption of production of its cash-cow 737 Max jet until December, a month after workers agreed to a deal that ended the damaging strike. That walkout halted production of virtually all its models, and required Boeing to retrain and recertify its mechanics.
Only nine new 737 Max models rolled out of the plant in Renton, Washington state last month, according to a report on January 6 by Sheila Kahyaoglu of Jefferies, an indication of the tough task Boeing faces in stepping up output to match pre-crisis expectations.
The plane maker delivered 30 planes last month, including 18 of its 737s.
