Boeing marks a high-flying year in 2011
Published 3:54 pm Thursday, January 5, 2012
Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fueled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals, according to a company press release.
The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders.
The 777 once again led Boeing’s twin-aisle programs by setting a record for orders in a single year at 200, solidifying the company’s lead in the widebody segment of the market, according to Boeing.
The launch of the 737 MAX spurred historic deals that resulted in more than 1,000 orders and commitments from 15 customers.
“This past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing’s history,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in the press release.
“By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and the quality of work performed by our employees. Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programs.”
Albaugh said the “737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers’ future fleet needs. As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the ‘Year of the 737 MAX’,” said Albaugh in the release.
Orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2011 by program were as follows:
Gross Orders Net Orders Deliveries Unfilled Orders
737 625 551 372 2,365
747 7 -1 9 97
767 42 42 20 72
777 202 200 73 380
787 45 13 3 857
Total 921 805 477 3,771
On top of a backlog, the growing demand for Boeing airplanes is driving production rate increases across most airplane programs over the next two years.
The 737 will increase production to 38 airplanes per month (35 per month rate begins this month), 777 to 8.3 airplanes per month (currently at 7 per month), and 787 to 10 airplanes per month (currently at 2.5 per month).
Boeing Commercial Airplanes highlights in 2011 included:
• First delivery of the 787 Dreamliner
• First delivery of the 747-8 Freighter
• Premiere and first flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental
• Certification of three new airplanes in one year (787, 747-8 Freighter, 747-8 Intercontinental)
• U.S. Air Force award of $35 billion tanker contract; 767 line in Everett established as home of the KC-46A
• Record-setting 200 net orders for 777 program
• Record orders for Boeing airplanes by dollar value set twice in one year (Emirates order for 777s followed by Southwest Airlines’ order for the 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737)
• Landmark agreement between Boeing and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers on four-year contract extension
• 1,000th delivery for 767 program
• 1,000th 777 starts production
• First South Carolina-built 787 starts production
• 787 Dreamliner kicks off six-month global Dream Tour
• 787 Dreamliner sets world records for distance and speed during an endurance flight around the world
• China Services Center opened in Beijing
• 50th order for the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter
A detailed report of Boeing Commercial Airplanes orders and deliveries is available on the Orders and Deliveries website.
