Manufacturer Gets Closer to 2019-Era Deliveries, But Sales of Widebodies Remain Anemic

Boeing announced its major program deliveries over 2021, with the company bouncing back to deliver 340 aircraft throughout the year. The announcement saw shares in Boeing rise by 2% after its orderbook was scrutinized, revealing 535 net orders after performing the requisite accounting voodoo. 

Boeing had a surprising year in 2021, better than many expected following the prior year full of lockdowns and closures. Boeing still trailed behind its archrival Airbus, receiving 479 orders to their 507 after cancellations. The demand for narrowbody jets in recent months was a boon to Boeing, bringing in orders that dwarf the quantities of its widebody jets. 263 737-series aircraft were sold, with the next greatest quantity being the 767-series with a paltry 32 planes. The aging 747 trailed behind all of them, however, with only 7 orders in all. The company's new 787 Dreamliner notably stumbled as well, an unfortunate result of compounding delays and production woes that have tarnished the aircraft's branding. The twin-aisle, twin-engined aircraft should have experienced a similar rise in demand to the economical, affordable 737, but until its issues are addressed and its good name is cleared, a MAX-esque rehabilitation awaits. 

Compared to 2020, the year was a rousing success, almost doubling its previous year's delivery numbers. 340 aircraft delivered throughout 2020 handily beats 157, but does falter in comparison to the 2019 equivalent of 380. The totals are heartening in the lens of the post-pandemic economy. Supply chain issues, inconsistent travel demand, staffing and supply issues, inflationary cost increases, and more all contribute a certain level of economic uncertainty for buyers, which evidently don't hold enough sway to convince them that their money is better saved than spent.  

FMI:www.boeing.com