Despite Boeing's absence from the commercial exhibition space, Farnborough International reports record-breaking demand for exhibition space and sponsorship packages.
The air show occurs amidst an industry grappling with increased passenger and cargo demand while supply chains recover from pandemic disruptions.
A significant development leading into the show is Boeing's agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems. This merger marks a return of Spirit under Boeing's control after it was sold to Onex Corporation in 2005. The all-stock transaction values Spirit at approximately $4.7 billion, with a total transaction value of about $8.3 billion including net debt.
Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun stated: "By reintegrating Spirit, we can fully align our commercial production systems, including our Safety and Quality Management Systems."
Airbus plans to acquire some commercial work packages that Spirit performs for them concurrently with the closing of the Boeing-Spirit merger.
The acquisition comes as deliveries of 737 fuselages have slowed due to production quality issues at Spirit. According to Bernstein analysts in New York, Boeing aims to reach a production rate of 38 per month by year-end and hopes to achieve 50 per month by 2026.
Boeing also faces challenges with its 787 production rate reduced to five per month due to part shortages. Bernstein noted that the goal of ten per month has been postponed until early 2026.
Airbus has also faced supply chain problems and recently announced reduced delivery expectations for 2024 due to these challenges. The company now anticipates delivering 770 aircraft in 2024 instead of the previously projected 800.
On the order front, Airbus appears well-positioned following Cebu Pacific's commitment to purchase 150 A321neos last June. Additional large orders are rumored from Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways.
With certification expected for Boeing’s 777X by 2025 following Emirates' significant order last year at the Dubai Air Show, there may be renewed interest in this model at Farnborough. Emirates ordered an additional 55 Boeing 777-9s and 35 Boeing 777-8s last year bringing their total orders for this model series to 205 units. Currently, Boeing’s backlog for the combined models stands at 539 units.
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