Deliveries of Boeing aircraft fell by over a third in 2024 as the US company struggled to recover from a damaging strike and serious quality concerns that have left it under “unwavering scrutiny” from the federal regulator.
Last year saw a stark contrast in delivery figures for the world’s two leading passenger aircraft manufacturers, with Airbus surging ahead as Boeing’s output sharply declined.
Data from FlightPlan shows that Boeing delivered just 340 commercial jets in 2024, compared with 528 in 2023, while Airbus this year shipped 755 aircraft, marginally up on its 2023 output of 749.
Boeing’s production numbers saw a similar decline, with 256 aircraft making their first flight in 2024 compared to 425 the previous year.
Boeing’s poor figures are the result of significant setbacks in 2024, including a disastrous strike, increased quality checks after the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident, when a door blew out on a 737 MAX, and the certification challenges facing the 777X.
The strike by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ended in early November after members accepted a new contract offer. Boeing confirmed on 17 December that production has resumed across all programmes, including the 737 MAX lines.
Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to monitor and inspect Boeing’s production activities. Its outgoing Administrator, Mike Whitaker, has pledged that the FAA’s “enhanced oversight” of the company’s quality control processes was “here to stay”.
“…this is not a one-year project. What’s needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that’s oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing and unwavering scrutiny on our part,” he concluded.
While many commentators are casting doubts on Boeing’s long-term prospects, some rare good news for the US manufacturer emerged in December with an order for up to 200 787 MAX 10s by the Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines.
With continued demand for its aircraft and a new CEO, David Calhoun, who is focused on addressing the company’s cultural and operational issues, others are cautiously optimistic that Boeing’s fortunes will revive in the coming year.
Photos: Pegasus Airlines, Boeing
Pegasus Airlines ordered up to 200 Boeing 737 MAX-10s in December.
