US aircraft manufacturer Boeing delivered just 26 planes to customers in July, or half the number of planes it delivered in June. Boeing has just released its latest order and deliveries report covering the period up to July 31. Boeing's gross orders in July stood at 130, but the plane builder also had four cancelations, giving Boeing net orders of 126 planes for the month. In contrast, Airbus delivered 46 planes and received over 400 orders in July.

Boeing delivers to 17 airline customers in July

Boeing delivered planes to 17 customers across July. Twenty-three of the 26 planes delivered were 737 MAXs. Denmark's A/S Maersk Aviation Holdings took a 767-300 freighter, China's CES Leasing Corporation took a 777 freighter, and FedEx Express took a 767-300 freighter. Of the remaining July deliveries, 777 Partners, Air Canada, Ethiopian Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Ireland's SMBC Aviation Capital, the UK's TUI Travel, and United Airlines all took a single 737 MAX.

Air Lease Corporation, Bain Capital, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, GOL Linhas Aereas, China's ICBC Leasing, and Lion Air all took two 737 MAXs, while Southwest Airlines received three MAXs. Boeing delivered 51 planes in June, and as of July 31, total deliveries for calendar 2022 stood at 242 aircraft, of which 212 were 737 MAXs. Airbus delivered 343 planes in the same period.

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The 737 MAX (pictured) is fast becoming the mainstay of Boeing's orders and deliveries. Photo: Boeing

Boeing says several challenges, including ongoing supply chain issues and delays bringing planes out of storage, are contributing to slower than hoped delivery rates. Sanctions imposed against Russia and an ongoing trade US-China trade dispute are halting or slowing deliveries into those markets. The plane builder has unfilled orders for 34 planes from two Russian Federation airlines and orders for 157 aircraft from eight China-based customers.

Coinciding with the less than stellar July numbers was some good news for Boeing. This week, Boeing is delivering its first 787 Dreamliner in 15 months. American Airlines has confirmed it is receiving a 787-8 (registration N880BJ) on Wednesday. Boeing reportedly has 120 Dreamliners built and awaiting delivery pending Federal Aviation Administration inspection and approval. But this week's development suggests some momentum may build over the next few months regarding 787 deliveries. Notably, Boeing delivered no widebody passenger jets in July.

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The biggest order at Boeing in July came from Delta Air Lines, who ordered 100 737 MAXs (pictured). Photo: Boeing

737 MAXs the mainstay of Boeing's July orders

Meanwhile, the 737 MAX made up the vast bulk of July's orders at Boeing. One hundred and twenty-seven (or 97.6%) of the 130 gross orders received in July were for MAXs. Air Canada ordered a pair of 777 freighters, and FedEx signed up for one. No customers ordered Boeing widebody passenger aircraft in July. The preference for smaller single-aisle planes isn't only impacting Boeing. Airbus is also experiencing a similar trend towards its A320neo and A321neo aircraft over bigger widebody aircraft. That customer preference is reflected in the current Airbus order and delivery reports.

Boeing's blockbuster order for July was placed mid-month during the Farnborough Air Show when Delta Air Lines signed up for 100 MAXs. Qatar Airways also agreed to take 25 MAXs. Those two orders accounted for all but five of the planes ordered in July. Aside from the three 777 freighters, American Airlines ordered two more 737 MAXs. In total, Boeing now has unfilled orders for over 5,200 planes.