In 2024, Boeing faced an especially challenging year, marked by production issues, reputational setbacks, and financial struggles. Recent data reveals how the company, once a leader in the commercial aviation market, lagged behind its European rival Airbus.
Production and Deliveries: A Noticeable Gap
Boeing delivered 348 commercial aircraft in 2024, significantly fewer than the 528 it delivered in 2023. This figure is less than half of the aircraft delivered by Airbus during the same period.
Deliveries are crucial in the industry, as they represent a major source of revenue, with buyers typically paying a substantial portion of the price upon receiving their planes.
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The 737 MAX model dominated Boeing’s deliveries, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total. In specific numbers, Boeing delivered in 2024:
- 265 units of the 737
- 51 units of the 787
- 18 units of the 767
- 14 units of the 777
Quality and Regulatory Issues
The year began with a significant incident: a door panel from a 737 Max detached shortly after takeoff during an Alaska Airlines flight in Portland, Oregon. This event prompted heightened scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which decided to cap 737 Max production until Boeing resolved its quality and safety issues. This setback also eroded customer confidence, leading to a lack of new 737 Max orders for at least two months.
Impact of Worker Strikes
Another major obstacle was a strike by workers at the Renton and Everett factories in Washington, where the 737 Max, 777, and 767 models are assembled. The labor stoppage, which lasted more than seven weeks, severely impacted the company’s production and delivery capacity. The strike ended after an agreement was reached with workers, including salary increases and improved benefits.
Orders and Comparison with Airbus
The results in terms of orders were also disappointing. Boeing recorded 317 net commercial aircraft orders in 2024, including cancellations, while Airbus achieved an impressive total of 826. This wide gap highlights Boeing’s challenging competitive position in the global market.
In 2024, Boeing not only faced fierce competition from Airbus but also a series of internal challenges reflecting the complexities of the current aerospace industry. While the company has a long road ahead, its ability to resolve these issues will be crucial in shaping its future in the coming years.
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