Coming out of an abysmal 2019, which saw Boeing's deliveries cut in half due to safety issues surrounding the 737 MAX airliner, things went from bad to worse for the U.S. aviation giant in 2020. Boeing delivered just 157 commercial aircraft during year and, while main rival Airbus was clearly also affected by the pandemic, the French firm still managed to chalk up 566 deliveries.
“2020 was a year of profound societal and global disruption which significantly constrained our industry. The deep impact of the pandemic on commercial air travel, coupled with the 737 MAX grounding, challenged our results", Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun is quoted saying in the company's Q4 2020 earnings release, adding: "While the impact of COVID-19 presents continued challenges for commercial aerospace into 2021, we remain confident in our future, squarely-focused on safety, quality and transparency as we rebuild trust and transform our business.”
Indeed, this confidence appears to have been somewhat well-placed. As this infographic shows, deliveries in 2021 took off again for both companies. Airbus rose to 611, while Boeing approached 2019 levels again with 340. Calhoun again on the developments: "We increased 737 MAX production and deliveries, and safely returned the 737 MAX to service in nearly all global markets. As the commercial market recovery gained traction, we also generated robust commercial orders, including record freighter sales."
In yet another sign of things getting back off the ground again for Boeing, the company announced a new deal with Qatar Airways on Monday, representing a record launch order of 34 for its new 777X freighters - with an option for 16 more - as well as an order of up to 50 737 MAX airliners, amounting to what is thought to be a $30 billion-plus deal.
