Boeing Ends 2011 With Record-Breaking Orders, 2012 To Be "Year Of 737 Max"

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fuelled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals. The company delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfulfilled commercial orders, it said. “The past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing’s history. “By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and work quality performed by our employees. "Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programmes,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, Jim Albaugh. The 777 once again led Boeing’s twin-aisle programme by setting a new record for orders in a single year at 200, solidifying the company’s lead in the wide-body market segment. Meanwhile, the launch of the 737 MAX spurred historic deals, resulting in more than 1,000 orders and commitments to date from 15 customers. “The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers’ future fleet needs. "As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the "Year of the 737 MAX", said Albaugh. Against a strong backlog, the growing demand for Boeing airplanes is driving higher production rate across "most of our airplane programmes over the next two years." Most notably, 737 will increase production to 38 airplanes a month (35 per month rate begins this month), 777 to 8.3 airplanes a month (currently at seven per month) and 787 to 10 airplanes a month (currently at 2.5 a month). -- BERNAMA Malaysia