The aircraft manufacturer wrapped up 2011 with record-breaking order announcements fuelled by a late flurry of deals with the Middle East.
Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011 and delivered 477 airplanes. It ended the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders that it predicts will provide strong growth in 2012.
“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.
Mr Albaugh added: “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.”
The 777 once again led Boeing’s sales figures, setting a new record for orders in a single year at 200. In a statement released by the company, it said that the record 777 sales helped to solidify the company’s lead in the widebody segment of the market.
The launch of the 737 MAX has resulted in more than 1,000 orders and commitments from 15 customers. Boeing expect sales of the 737 to grow further in 2012 and become a leading product for the company.
“The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers’ future fleet needs,” said Albaugh. “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’.”
With a strong backlog and the growing demand for Boeing airplanes from emerging and oil-rich markets, the company is increasing production rates across most of its airplane programs over the next two years.
Most notably, the US-based company said that it will immediately increase its production of 737 airplanes to 38 per month from the current level of 35. Likewise, the average figure for the amount of 777 Boeing manufacturers per month (taken from the amount to be made over 2012) is set to rise from 7 to 8.3 and 787 to 10 airplanes per month (currently at 2.5 per month).
