Analysis: Boeing 777/777x Gap Unchanged Through May

Based on Boeing’s most recent release of orders and deliveries to include May 2015, there were nine 777 aircraft delivered in May.  This continues to demonstrate Boeing’s resolve to maintain its production schedule at 8.3 aircraft per month.

A review of Boeing’s orders in May showed no new 777 or 777x aircraft orders, thus leaving a shortfall of orders between the current technology 777 aircraft and the new Boeing 777x aircraft of approximately 222, or at the existing production rate, more than 26 months.

The scenario varies dramatically from Airbus’ handling of the A330/A330neo gap.  In the case of the A330, Airbus has stepped down its production rate, commencing October 2015, to nine aircraft per month and again in February 2016, to six per month.  A quick review of the first five months of A330 deliveries by Airbus shows that the company is, this year, already moving lower on its delivery schedule with an average of seven aircraft being delivered per month, through May 2015.