For Boeing, the start of 2020 was not promising. For the first time after 1962, Boeing did not register orders in January. The deliveries didn't look good either. Only 13 planes left the factory gate.
According to the report presented by Boeing, 2 737 aircraft were delivered to China Eastern Airlines, 2 triple seven to Turkish Airlines and United and 6 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and the Avolon and CALC leasing companies. 3 special aircraft were also delivered to the US Army.
Boeing did not register orders in January
There are some optimistic news, especially for the 737 MAX aircraft family. At the Singapore Airshow 2020, Steve Dickson (FAA Administrator) said that the 737 MAX is being recertified. In a few weeks, the certification flight could take place, and later the situation will be clearer about the new generation of Boeing aircraft. Only at this time there is no set date for this certification flight, which will be performed by FAA pilots.
The return of 737 MAX aircraft in flight would be a key moment for Boeing. Only problems begin to appear on the production line. Last month, Boeing has decided to stop production of 737 MAX aircraft on the grounds that there is no place to store them. This resulted in Spirit Aerosystems, the 737 fuselage supplier, firing 2800 employees. This action reduced the number of 737 aircraft scheduled for 2020. This year 216 fuselages, ie 18 per month, would be delivered.
Ori Boeing wanted a monthly production rate of 57 737 MAX aircraft. According to some statistics, the rate desired by the American aircraft manufacturer could only be reached in 2023.
It will be a very exciting and busy year with many interesting moments in the world of aviation. And the Boeing soap opera will be in the spotlight.