Boeing’s focus for 2012 will be a “stable and reliable” production and delivery of the new 787 Dreamliner which lists Gulf carriers among its biggest customers, a senior official has said.
The US plane maker said it booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fuelled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals.
The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders, it said in a statement.
“This past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing’s history,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and the quality of work performed by our employees.
“Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programmes.”
Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, has 30 787s on order and an option for 30 more, and will be the first regional airline to receive the jetliner with its first delivery expected in June.
Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s state-backed airline, has ordered 10 Boeing 787-9s valued at $2.3bn at list prices in a deal that will make it the largest operator of the Dreamliner.
Etihad’s total stock of Dreamliners is currently 41, due for delivery in 2014 through to 2019. It also has options and purchase rights for a further 25 787s.
The 777 once again led Boeing’s twin-aisle programmes by setting a new record for orders in a single year at 200, solidifying the company’s lead in the widebody segment of the market.
Meanwhile, the launch of the 737 MAX spurred historic deals that resulted in more than 1,000 orders and commitments to date from 15 customers.
“The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers’ future fleet needs. As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the ‘Year of the 737 MAX’,” said Albaugh.
Last month, the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner has touched down in Doha, as part of the global Dream Tour.
During a three-day visit to the Gulf state, representatives from Qatar Airways and the Qatar government were able to experience newly-launched aircraft.
The visit – its only Middle East stop – was part of a six-month international show tour as Boeing moves to bolster investor confidence after the jetliner’s three-year delay.
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