Boeing’s May Deliveries Drop As 737 MAX Weighs

June 11, 2019

Boeing delivered 30 commercial aircraft in May, down from 68 in the same month last year, as the grounding of the 737 MAX series continues to weigh.

Boeing’s May Deliveries Drop As 737 MAX Weighs

Of the 30, six were for the US military and five were freighters, leaving just 19 passenger aircraft handed over to customers in May.

In comparison, February, the last full month of 737 MAX deliveries before they were suspended, saw 26 of the type delivered out of a total of 49. Four of that total were destined for the military and three were freighters.

Boeing continues to produce 737 MAX aircraft at a rate of 42 per month after it eased back from its previous high of 52. The company's delivery website shows the last MAX handed over was on March 11 to lessor Aviation Capital Group.

The Chicago-based company ceased delivery of the MAX after the aircraft was grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes in five months.

Boeing said it has completed software updates and associated simulator testing for the MAX and is working with the FAA to provide additional information the regulator has requested to permit it to start flying again.

An additional problem on some 737s, including the MAX, surfaced last week with the US Federal Aviation Administration releasing details of a possible issue with leading edge slat tracks. A total of 179 MAX aircraft may have had suspect parts installed, including 33 in the US.

Airbus delivered delivered 81 aircraft in May, including four A220s and 57 A320-family planes.

(Airwise)