Boeing sold 82 aircraft in February and registered 51 cancellations, which is the first time since November 2019 that monthly sales exceed the number of abandoned orders.
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to weigh on sales of new aircraft as airlines largely try to save money wherever possible. However, some airlines are starting to prepare for a recovery in travel demand by purchasing new aircraft.
Boeing’s February sale included 25 Boeing 737 Max aircraft to United Airlines and 27 KC-46 tankers. The Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer reported 51 cancellations, including 32 Max aircraft. Singapore Airlines replaced an order for 19 787-10 Dreamliners with one for 11 777X jets, Boeing’s long-delayed new aircraft. The company expects this two-pass, long-haul jet to enter commercial service by the end of 2023.
Boeing’s backlog is now 4,041 aircraft.
Boeing delivered 22 aircraft last month, including 18 737 Max aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration gave the planes permission to fly again in November after being aground for 20 months after two fatal crashes. Most other aviation regulators have followed suit, allowing Boeing to resume deliveries of the more than 3,000 Max aircraft it had on backorder.