Fresh off impressive quarterly results that caught the stock market by surprise, Boeing announced orders from Korean Air. The highlight of that order is surely the 747-8 component, especially after adjusting production on this program. The came the order from ElAl.
And today there is even better news. China’s economy has shown signs of slowing until recently. But the latest news seems to show some recovery. The new order for 200 MAXs is a great boost to the program. Especially when one considers that China has an Airbus factory and the COMAC C919 is due to start flying in 2016. China’s government has to approve the order of course.
Even given the fact that most orders are announced at retail, while the real number is probably closer to 50% of that, a list $21bn MAX order is huge. Boeing has 1,567 MAXs on order and the pending China order grows this by over 11%. Boeing is having a splendid week.
Not bad for the MAX program since it got a late start. The 737 frame appears to have been a very solid design to have lasted so long with many editions, each one garnering many orders and satisfied customers. Also the 747-8 order gives some new life to the program and if Boeing can gain 10 to 15 orders per year and continue to fine tune with PIP’S, it means the line can stay open and keep the A380 from gaining sole position in the VLA market.