A new Boeing report reveals a drastic drop in commercial and defence deliveries for the first quarter of 2020.
Unsurprisingly, figures were down due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak but they also paint a grim picture for the troubled 737 MAX.
Once the company’s bestselling aircraft, just five of the grounded narrow-body were delivered in Q1 2020, compared with 89 in the same quarter of last year.
In total, just 50 aircraft were delivered over the first three months of the calendar year. Most of these were 787 Dreamliners, which have so far managed to avoid the brunt of travel restrictions.
Over that same period, no 747s were delivered, as major airlines around the world continue to phase the model out.
Reuters reported that the US planemaker lost out on 150 MAX orders in March alone. Cancellations came from Irish leasing company Avolon, as well as Brazil’s GOL Airlines.
According to other outlets, including CNBC, this brings net cancellations for Q1 to a total of 307 planes.
“We are working closely with our customers, many of whom are facing significant financial pressures, to review their fleet plans and make adjustments where appropriate,” Boeing said in a statement. “At the same time, Boeing continues to adjust its order book to adapt to lower-than-planned 737 MAX production in the near term.”
Bernard
says:Why should we be surprised. Do yourself a favour and reconfigure the Max’s remaining to military and freight use-increased range, cargo ramp if possible. The travelling public are over it. Reminds me of problems Ansett had with old aircraft and maintenance scares-Australian public side stepped them at every opportunity. Bring back 717, 767 to compliment the 787.
Peter Last
says:B777 sales are back to snails pace as the A350 burns 25% less fuel. The B777-9X is going to be too big for the next 5 years or so; expect cancellations and deferments. The B787 is going ok but many customers are now ordering the A350. That leaves the B737 to save Boeing !