Boeing reported a surge in the delivery of new jetliners last month, with the return of the long-range 787 Dreamliner contributing to the increase. As a result, the American aircraft manufacturer has surpassed its European competitor, Airbus, in terms of both deliveries and new orders.
Boeing disclosed that it supplied 64 commercial aircraft in March, which is almost equivalent to the combined total of January and February. Of the 64 planes delivered, seven were 787s, which Boeing had been unable to ship to airlines for several weeks due to questions surrounding pressure seals at the front of the planes.
Boeing has had to suspend 787 deliveries on various occasions over the last two years due to production and regulatory concerns. Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration in the US proposed that airlines should examine their 787s for lavatory leaks that could result in water penetrating electronic equipment.
For Boeing, deliveries represent a crucial source of revenue as the company seeks to recover from last year’s $5 billion loss.
Airbus, on the other hand, reported 61 deliveries in March, bringing the total for the year to 127, primarily in its A320 family, which competes with Boeing 737s.
Boeing recorded 60 new orders for planes in March, but 22 orders were cancelled, resulting in a net increase of 38. The most significant portion of this gain came from Japan Airlines’ previously announced order of 21 Max jets.
Airbus, on the other hand, received orders for 20 planes in March, with two cancellations.
