Boeing Co (BA.N) reported on Tuesday that it delivered 32 planes in January, the fewest in three months, as the planemaker’s halted 787 Dreamliner programme hampered its ability to profit from a rebound in air traffic.
Boeing said in its closely monitored monthly report that it turned over 27 737 MAX jets and three widebody aircraft, including a 777 cargo, in January.
Seven of the 27 MAX planes were sent to Ryanair (RYA.I), an Irish discount airline, and one 777 freighter was delivered to China Eastern Airlines.
In December, Boeing delivered 38 planes, compared to 34 in November.
The 787 Dreamliner and the 737 MAX are critical to Boeing’s ability to rebound from the epidemic and catch up to Airbus (AIR.PA), which has lost the delivery battle to its European rival for the third year in a row.
Planemakers are rushing to rev up production of medium-haul passenger planes and freighters after reducing production due to the epidemic.
Snags in Dreamliner production, on the other hand, have cost Boeing dearly, with the company incurring $4.5 billion in charges in the fourth quarter and paying customers fines for delayed deliveries.
In January, Boeing received 77 orders on a gross basis, including 55 MAX aeroplanes and 22 freighters. The company’s cargo jets have been a bright spot, since they continue to dominate sales despite an e-commerce boom.
Qatar Airways placed 14 freighter orders, all for the 777-8 type. Last month, the airline placed an order with Boeing for 34 new 777X freighters and 25 new 737-10 MAX jets.
Twenty of the 737 MAX orders in January were from unidentified customers, with the remaining 35 going to American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) and Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N), both of which are based in the United States.
In January, two 737 MAX orders were cancelled, bringing Boeing’s total net orders to 75.
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