The past six years have been challenging for Boeing, but according to Malcolm An of the company, "Boeing is back." Speaking at the Routes Asia conference in Perth, Western Australia, Mr. An, Boeing’s Senior Managing Director for Global Strategic Initiatives, Commercial Sales, and Marketing, emphasized improvements in production stability. For the first time in years, Boeing can assure airlines that their orders will be delivered ahead of schedule rather than delayed.
Mr. An highlighted that the Boeing 787 continues to be the best-selling widebody aircraft. Production is expected to increase from five aircraft per month to seven by the end of the year and aims to reach ten per month by 2026. The 777-9 is also on track for delivery sometime in 2026.
Despite advancements, the aviation industry faces significant supply chain challenges such as shortages of skilled labor and spare parts. Boeing currently has a backlog of 6,200 aircraft with customers waiting approximately five to six years for delivery. Long-term planning remains crucial as Boeing forecasts a global demand for about 18,500 aircraft over the next two decades, with an estimated 4,700 needed in the Asia-Pacific region.