Boeing’s November Deliveries Drop 17%, Still Trailing Airbus in 2024
- How Bad Was Boeing’s November Delivery Slump?
- Why Is Airbus Pulling Ahead?
- What’s Dragging Boeing Down?
- Financial Fallout and Market Reaction
- Historical Context: A Decade-Long Duel
- What’s Next for Boeing?
- Expert Take: Can Boeing Recover?
- FAQs: Boeing vs. Airbus Delivery Battle
How Bad Was Boeing’s November Delivery Slump?
Boeing handed over just 42 commercial aircraft in November, down from 51 during the same period last year—a 17% year-over-year drop. The decline underscores persistent challenges, including parts shortages and stricter FAA oversight following the 737 MAX recertification process. Meanwhile, Airbus delivered 64 jets in November, maintaining its lead despite its own supply hurdles. Analysts note Boeing’s reliance on the 737 MAX, which accounted for 75% of deliveries but faces lingering customer skepticism.
Why Is Airbus Pulling Ahead?
Airbus’s A320neo family continues to outsell Boeing’s 737 MAX, with a backlog nearly 30% larger. The European manufacturer has also avoided major production scandals, allowing it to ramp up output more predictably. “Airbus’s supply chain is like a Swiss watch compared to Boeing’s improv jazz band,” quipped one industry insider. The A321XLR, set for 2025 delivery, is already drawing orders from airlines eager for long-range narrow-body options.
What’s Dragging Boeing Down?
Three key factors haunt Boeing:
- Supply chain tangles: Engine delays at Spirit AeroSystems and late-arriving avionics parts forced last-minute delivery postponements.
- Regulatory shadow: The FAA’s “enhanced oversight” after the MAX crashes adds layers of paperwork, slowing final approvals.
- Labor shortages: Boeing’s Seattle-area factories still struggle to fill skilled mechanic roles, with overtime costs soaring 22% this quarter.
Financial Fallout and Market Reaction
Boeing’s stock dipped 3.2% post-announcement, while Airbus shares gained 1.8%. The delivery gap could dent Boeing’s Q4 cash flow—critical for servicing its $52 billion debt pile. “Every undelivered 787 Dreamliner is basically a floating IOU,” noted BTCC market analyst David Ren. Airbus, meanwhile, reaffirmed its 2024 delivery target of 720 aircraft, putting pressure on Boeing to accelerate year-end handovers.
Historical Context: A Decade-Long Duel
Boeing last consistently outsold Airbus in 2012, before the 787 battery fires and 737 MAX crises eroded its reputation. The chart below shows the delivery gap since 2020:
| Year | Boeing Deliveries | Airbus Deliveries |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 157 | 566 |
| 2021 | 340 | 611 |
| 2022 | 480 | 661 |
| 2023 | 528 | 720 |
What’s Next for Boeing?
The company aims to deliver 50+ jets in December to meet its revised 2024 target of 500 aircraft. Key hurdles include resolving wiring issues in 787s and securing final FAA sign-offs on 737 MAX 7/10 variants. CEO Dave Calhoun hinted at “painful but necessary” production slowdowns to address quality lapses—a MOVE that could further strain relations with airlines like Southwest and United.
Expert Take: Can Boeing Recover?
“Boeing’s playing catch-up in a game where Airbus wrote the rules,” says aviation consultant Mira Patel. “Their saving grace might be the 777X, but with first deliveries pushed to late 2025, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Some airlines are reportedly negotiating penalty clauses for future delays—a sign of eroded trust.
FAQs: Boeing vs. Airbus Delivery Battle
How many planes has Boeing delivered in 2024 so far?
As of November 2024, Boeing delivered 458 commercial aircraft, putting it on track to miss its initial 520-unit target.
Which Boeing model is most delayed?
The 787 Dreamliner remains problematic, with 38 completed jets stuck in inventory due to inspection backlogs.
Does Airbus face any delivery challenges?
Yes—Airbus recently warned of A220 engine shortages, but its diversified supplier network provides more buffer than Boeing’s.
