Boeing faced a challenging 2024 as its order and delivery figures dropped significantly based on a report from FlightGlobal. The company struggled with a manufacturing crisis, compounded by operational hurdles and reputational damage. In comparison to its competitor Airbus, Boeing lagged in both new orders and deliveries, highlighting the Boeing order decline.
In 2024, Boeing reported just 569 new orders, with 417 of these for the 737 family. This was a sharp decline from the 1,456 orders secured in 2023. After accounting for cancellations totaling 192, Boeing’s net new orders stood at only 377 jets. Among the cancellations were 135 aircraft, including 125 737 Max and 10 787s, initially ordered by Jet Airways. Boeing officially removed these from its records following news of Jet Airways’ liquidation.
Despite these setbacks, Boeing closed the year with a strong December, securing orders for 142 aircraft. Notable deals included an order for 30 787s by FlyDubai, confirmed after its announcement at the Dubai Airshow in 2023. Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines ordered 100 737 Max, while lessor Altavair added one 777-300ER to its purchase. Additionally, unidentified customers ordered eight 767 freighters. This slight end-of-year boost mitigated the overall decline in Boeing orders.
Boeing’s deliveries also suffered in 2024. The company delivered only 348 aircraft, a significant drop from the 528 jets delivered in 2023, underscoring the decline in Boeing’s order and delivery figures. A machinists’ strike lasting 53 days in the Pacific Northwest, ending in November, further disrupted operations.
Boeing also faced scrutiny after a January 5, 2024, incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9. The mid-cabin door plug failed during a flight due to unsecured bolts. This prompted Boeing to reduce production rates while addressing safety and quality concerns. Such incidents further exemplified the decline in Boeing order reliability.
Boeing’s backlog for 2024 slightly decreased, with 5,595 aircraft on order compared to 5,626 in 2023, contributing to the notable decline in Boeing orders throughout the year.
Boeing Backlog and Deliveries (2024)
| Aircraft Type | Boeing Backlog (2024) |
|---|---|
| 737 Family | 4,303 |
| 767 | 109 |
| 777 | 464 |
| 787 | 719 |
| Total | 5,595 |
| Year | Boeing Deliveries |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 348 |
| 2023 | 528 |
Airbus Maintains Lead in Orders and Deliveries
Airbus maintained its edge over Boeing in 2024, reporting a stronger performance in both orders and deliveries. The European manufacturer secured 878 new orders, reduced to 826 net orders after cancellations. Although this was a decrease compared to its 2,094 net orders in 2023, Airbus still outpaced Boeing in a year marked by Boeing’s order decline.
Airbus delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, a slight increase from the 735 delivered in 2023. While the company narrowly missed its target of 770 deliveries, it demonstrated resilience in meeting demand.
At the end of 2024, Airbus’s backlog stood at 8,658 aircraft, with the majority being A320-family jets.
Airbus Backlog and Deliveries (2024)
| Aircraft Type | Airbus Backlog (2024) |
|---|---|
| A220 Family | 516 |
| A320 Family | 7,210 |
| A330 | 230 |
| A350 | 702 |
| Total | 8,658 |
| Year | Airbus Deliveries |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 766 |
| 2023 | 735 |
The year 2024 saw Boeing grappling with operational and production challenges, leading to a decline in both orders and deliveries. Meanwhile, Airbus continued to strengthen its position, recording higher figures in both areas.
