Marks Seven-Year High In Quarterly Deliveries

Fueled by a 16 percent increase in the number of 737s heading out the doors in Renton, on Thursday Boeing announced it delivered 11 percent more aircraft in the second quarter of 2008, or 126 planes, compared to the same period last year.

That marks the best quarterly performance for Boeing since Q4 2001, when it delivered 144 aircraft. The Associated Press reports Boeing delivered 110 737s in the quarter, 18 777s, five 747s and three 767s.

To date, Boeing has delivered 241 planes in 2008 -- 187 of which have been narrowbody 737s. European rival Airbus has not yet released its quarterly delivery totals.

Airbus has dominated in total deliveries for the last five years, fueled by record demand for its A320 Family of single-aisle airliners.

Boeing CEO Jim McNerney said last October he expected Boeing to overtake Airbus in deliveries by early 2008... but that was back when Boeing was also saying the 787 Dreamliner would be in serial production. That plane hasn't flown yet.

FMI: www.boeing.com