Boeing sales collapse

Author: Thomas Wandler
Date: 12.07.2019

Airbus could overtake Boeing

The flight bans and the two crashes of the 737 MAX aircraft in recent months have caused a drop in sales of Boeing. In the second quarter of 2019, the US aircraft manufacturer delivered only 90 aircraft. Meanwhile, European competitor Airbus is catching up and could take over market leadership for the first time this year. This can be seen from the delivery figures published on Tuesday.

With 90 aircraft delivered, Boeing’s sales fell by 54 percent. Deliveries of the 737 models fell from 137 to 24 aircraft. The 737 MAX model may no longer be delivered due to the worldwide launch bans imposed in March. The most recently delivered aircraft are older models of the 737 series.

Neglected safety

Until the causes of the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia have been clarified, the 737-MAX series may not start either. Any software problems should also be fixed. How long this will take is unclear.

Boeing is accused of hastily bringing the aircraft onto the market due to high competitive pressure, and thus neglecting safety. The first investigation reports provide information on a software error as the decisive cause.

Only a short lead

Airbus, on the other hand, is doing more than well: in the first half of 2019, sales increased by 28 percent compared to the previous year with 389 aircrafts sold.

Already in 2018 it became critical for Boeing with the title of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer: Last year a total of 806 aircraft were delivered, while Airbus sold 800. Airbus was therefore unable to achieve its target of 810 to 815 deliveries.