Boeing Delivers 40 Jets in August
Boeing (NYSE: BA) delivered 40 commercial jets in August—five more than a year ago, when the 737 MAX line was slowed by a manufacturing defect. It’s a solid uptick and a sign of progress as the U.S. planemaker works to lift output under its new CEO, Kelly Ortberg.
Production Goals for the 737 MAX
Boeing is targeting a build rate of 38 737 MAX jets per month by the end of the year. The aim is straightforward: keep pace with demand while keeping safety and reliability at the center of the production system.
Headwinds to Watch
There are still hurdles. More than 32,000 factory workers in Seattle and Portland are preparing to vote on a new deal as early as Friday, and the outcome could ripple through production schedules if a strike occurs.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Assembly has also moved more slowly amid tighter oversight after the January 5 in-flight door plug blowout on a 737 MAX 9. In response, Boeing has tightened safety protocols and is addressing regulators’ concerns with added rigor.
August Deliveries, by the Numbers
Of the 40 jets delivered in August, 32 were 737 MAX aircraft. Nine of those went to customers in China—the most to that market since December 2019. For comparison, Boeing handed over 43 jets in July, including 31 MAX jets.
Why Deliveries Matter
Deliveries are closely watched because most aircraft payments land when a jet transfers to the customer. In short, delivery counts speak to cash flow and the pace of operations.
Year-to-Date Snapshot
After accounting for backlog changes, Boeing posted adjusted net orders of 24 for the month. Through August, the company delivered 258 aircraft, including 198 from the MAX family.
Airbus, Boeing’s European rival, reported 47 deliveries in August, down from 77 in July, bringing its year-to-date total to 447 aircraft.
Where Boeing Stands Now
August’s results underscore a company working its way back—raising output while managing labor talks and regulatory demands. The leadership’s plan is clear: recover momentum and meet a steadily improving aviation market without losing sight of safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jets did Boeing deliver in August?
Boeing delivered 40 commercial jets in August, an increase of five compared with the same month last year.
What could disrupt Boeing’s production in the near term?
A potential strike by more than 32,000 factory workers in Seattle and Portland—who are set to vote on a new deal as early as Friday—could affect schedules. Ongoing regulatory oversight following the January 5 MAX 9 incident also keeps the assembly line moving more cautiously.
How many of August’s deliveries were 737 MAX jets?
Thirty-two of the 40 delivered were 737 MAX jets. Nine went to customers in China, the highest monthly tally to that region since December 2019.
What is Boeing’s current production goal for the 737 MAX?
Boeing is aiming to reach a rate of 38 MAX jets per month by the end of the year, with safety and reliability remaining priorities.
How does Boeing’s performance compare with Airbus this year?
In August, Airbus delivered 47 aircraft, down from 77 in July, and has delivered 447 so far this year. Boeing has delivered 258 aircraft year-to-date through August.
