Boeing Delivers 40 Jets in August, Aiming for Increased 737 MAX Production

Boeing reported on Tuesday that it delivered 40 commercial jets in August 2024, an increase of five from the same month last year when the company faced challenges from a manufacturing defect affecting its 737 MAX. Under new CEO Kelly Ortberg, Boeing aims to ramp up production of its best-selling aircraft, the 737 MAX, to 38 jets per month by the end of the year.

In August, Boeing delivered 32 MAX jets, including nine to customers in China, marking the highest deliveries to the country since December 2019. This follows a total of 43 jets delivered in July, with 31 being MAX models.

Despite this progress, Boeing faces potential obstacles, including a possible strike by over 32,000 factory workers in the Seattle and Portland areas, who are set to vote on a new labor deal on September 12. A strike could further disrupt production schedules.

Boeing’s delivery numbers are crucial, as airplane manufacturers receive most of their payments when an aircraft is transferred to a customer. In August, Boeing also reported adjusted net orders for 24 planes, bringing its total gross orders for 2024 to 250. After accounting for cancellations and conversions, the company posted a net total of 207 orders for the year.

Year-to-date, Boeing has delivered 258 planes, including 198 737 MAX jets. In comparison, European rival Airbus delivered 47 aircraft in August, bringing its total deliveries to 447 for the year.