Airbus and Boeing Experience Mixed Fortunes in May 2023 Aircraft Orders and Deliveries

In May 2023, both Airbus and Boeing had noteworthy developments in their aircraft orders and deliveries, each claiming a successful month.

Airbus’ Delivery Recovery: During the month, Airbus demonstrated signs of recovery in its supply chain by delivering a total of 63 aircraft, the highest number achieved so far in 2023.

The Airbus A320neo family, particularly the A320neo and A321neo models, dominated deliveries with 19 and 32 aircraft, respectively. Additionally, three Airbus A220s were delivered to airBaltic, Air France, and Breeze Airways, along with three A330-900neos, including ITA Airways’ first wide-body of this type, leased via Aircraft Lease Corporation (ALC).

Furthermore, Airbus handed over one A330 MRTT tanker to the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF). The manufacturer also successfully delivered three A350-900 and two Airbus A350-1000s, including one A350-1000 to Qatar Airways. Notably, the A350 orders were reinstated after Airbus and Qatar Airways resolved their dispute regarding the early degradation of the aircraft’s paint surface through an out-of-court settlement in February 2023.

However, Airbus received only 17 new orders during the month. These orders included 16 A320neo aircraft, nine of which were from an undisclosed customer, and one A330-900neo from another undisclosed customer. While year-to-date net orders stand at 144 aircraft after cancellations, the record-breaking number of deliveries in May signals a potential improvement in Airbus’ supply chain. The company expects the situation to further improve in the second half of the year, with a backloaded delivery schedule of 720 aircraft expected for 2023. As of May 2023, Airbus has delivered a total of 244 aircraft year-to-date.

Boeing Remains Commercially Competitive: Despite facing manufacturing challenges that temporarily slowed deliveries in 2023, including issues with the 737 MAX, 767, and 787 models, Boeing managed to maintain competitiveness in terms of year-to-date deliveries, trailing slightly behind Airbus.

In May 2023, Boeing delivered a total of 50 aircraft, with 35 of them being the 737 MAX. Notable customers receiving these deliveries were Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, and United Airlines, each taking six, 11, and six aircraft, respectively. Additionally, the South Korean military received the P8 Poseidon, a narrow-body aircraft based on the 737 NG.

On the wide-body aircraft front, airlines received eight 787s, three 767Fs, and three 777Fs. Boeing also delivered two 787-9s to lessors, specifically AerCap and ALC. These two aircraft are likely HL8389, registered with South Korea’s Air Premia, and ET-AYD, currently flying with Ethiopian Airlines.

In terms of orders, Boeing secured significant deals in May 2023, including a substantial 59-aircraft order for the 737 MAX from an unidentified customer. Additionally, another unidentified customer purchased eight Boeing 787-9s, and Papua New Guinea’s Air Niugini committed to acquiring two Boeing 787s.

Overall, Boeing has booked orders for 223 aircraft year-to-date, compared to Airbus’ 144 orders as of May 2023. Despite challenges, Boeing’s commercial success remains strong.