Boeing Commercial Airplanes Achieves 2009 Delivery Target, Maintains Strong Backlog

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SEATTLE, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) recorded 481 commercial airplane deliveries in 2009, matching the company guidance of 480-485 airplanes. The Commercial Airplanes backlog remains strong at 3,375 airplanes. Boeing registered 263 gross and 142 net commercial orders for the year as air travel and freight declined and carriers worldwide experienced severe economic challenges.

The Next-Generation 737 continued its reign as the industry workhorse with 372 deliveries. The airplane also topped Boeing's order book with 197 gross orders as carriers chose the 737's efficiency and versatility for future fleet needs. The 777 led Boeing's twin-aisle programs as operators chose the most reliable and efficient twin-aisle jet flying today.

The global recession presided as an oppressive market reality in 2009, driving many carriers to re-evaluate their near- and medium-term fleet requirements. Program orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2009 were as follows:

             Gross Orders     Net Orders     Deliveries     Backlog Units
   737           197             178            372            2,076
   777            30              19             88              281
   747             5               2              8               108
   767             7               2             13               59
   787            24             -59            N/A              851

First flight of the 787 Dreamliner took place Dec. 15, with first delivery scheduled for fourth-quarter 2010. The 747-8 Freighter is slated for first flight early this year with first delivery planned for fourth-quarter 2010. Delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane is planned for fourth-quarter 2011.

"2009 was not without its challenges but it also was a year of exciting achievements for our company and our industry," said Jim Albaugh, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer. "With signs of economic recovery emerging in 2010, we look forward to better days ahead."

Boeing expects to provide 2010 commercial airplane delivery guidance when the company releases year-end earnings Jan. 27.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes highlights in 2009 included:

• First flight of the 787 Dreamliner.
• 3,000th delivery of the Next-Generation 737.
• The first 777 Freighter delivered to launch customer Air France.
• Delivery of the 1,400th 747 as the program celebrated its 40th anniversary.
• Boeing and the U.S. Navy formally unveiled the P-8A Poseidon - a derivative of the Next-Generation 737 - for the service's newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
• Significant progress among Boeing and its partners in studying sustainable biofuels.
• Boeing Training & Flight Services (formerly Alteon) introduced its new name and branding to highlight its expanded capabilities.
• Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services expanded its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations with the opening of a new hangar at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport.
• The 737-700C (Convertible) became the first member of the Next-Generation 737 family to be offered in both an all-passenger and all-cargo layout.

A detailed report of Boeing Commercial Airplanes orders and deliveries is available on the Orders and Deliveries Web site.

Source: BOEING