Boeing has more jet orders in 2021, but Airbus remains the leader

Boeing won the annual order run against Airbus on an adjusted basis, but its European rival remained the world’s biggest planemaker based on the number of jets delivered, data showed on Tuesday.

Boeing ended 2021 with 535 net orders after cancellations and conversions, partially offset by regular accounting adjustments. Gross orders were 909.

Excluding accounting adjustments, which reflect Boeing’s more positive view of airlines’ ability to take deliveries, Boeing trailed its rival with 479 orders. Airbus sold 771 planes in 2021, bringing the total to 507 after cancellations, nearly double the 2020 level.

Boeing has met analyst expectations, delivering 340 aircraft to customers in 2021, up from 157 in 2020 but down from 380 in 2019 and a record 806 in 2018.

Its 2021 figures include the delivery of 14 two-aisle Dreamliner 787s, up from 41 in 2020.

Airbus delivered 611 jets in 2021, maintaining its position as the world’s largest jet manufacturer for the third year in a row.

In December, the latest data showed that Boeing had delivered 38 planes, including 32 737 MAX jets, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to Norway and five ‘widebodies’.

Boeing had 79 net aircraft orders in December, following cancellations and the case of a purchase converted to another aircraft type. This included an order for 50 Allegiant Air 737 MAX planes, seven for an unspecified customer, 19 767 freighters for United Parcel Service and four 777 freighters for Atlas Air.

The company had 84 orders for new production freighters, surpassing its previous record of 83 in 2018.

Airbus, meanwhile, has booked the first orders for a new A350 freighter — albeit partially shifting existing orders from passenger versions to the cargo planes.