Boeing outperforms Airbus in July orders

In a rare victory over Airbus, Boeing reported 72 gross orders for new planes in July, surpassing Airbus's 59 orders. However, this uptick is overshadowed by Boeing's significant struggles throughout the year, primarily due to ongoing safety concerns that have tarnished its reputation. The majority of July's orders were for the troubled 737 Max jet, largely stemming from aircraft leasing companies and linked to the Farnborough Air Show, a key event for commercial jet sales. Despite the July orders, Boeing's overall performance remains dismal compared to last year. The company has faced a steep decline in orders following a serious incident on January 5, when an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a door plug failure, resulting in a significant breach in the aircraft's fuselage. This incident has prompted multiple federal investigations and hearings, raising serious questions about Boeing's safety protocols and quality control, leading to production limits imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. As of now, Boeing's total gross orders for the year stand at only 228 commercial jets, with net orders dropping to 186 after cancellations. This figure is less than half of the 579 gross orders recorded in the same period last year and lags behind Airbus, which has reported 386 gross orders to date. In terms of deliveries, Boeing managed to deliver 43 jets in July, matching last year's figures but falling short of June's 44 deliveries. Overall, deliveries have plummeted by 29% this year, totaling just 218 jets, while Airbus has delivered 400 jets in the same timeframe. These deliveries are critical for Boeing's efforts to regain profitability, as the company typically receives payment upon delivery.