SEATTLE, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) recorded 462 commercial airplane deliveries in 2010, meeting company guidance of approximately 460 deliveries during the year. Boeing posted 530 net commercial orders for the year as air carriers transition from economic recovery to expansion. Boeing Commercial Airplanes maintains a strong order base of 3,443 unfilled orders.

“With 376 deliveries in 2010, the Next-Generation 737 set a company delivery record for the second consecutive year,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 is the industry’s most in-demand airplane with 486 net orders as carriers continue to rely on its superior economics, versatility and continuous performance enhancements.”

The 777 led Boeing’s twin-aisle programs with 74 deliveries and 46 net orders in 2010 as the airplane continues to rank at the top of operator, investor and frequent traveler polls for its efficiency and passenger comfort.  

Program orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2010 were as follows:

During 2010, Boeing announced a series of production rate increases throughout its product line to meet increasing airplane demand from carriers worldwide. The Next-Generation 737 production rate will grow to 35 per month in early 2012 and 38 per month the second quarter of 2013. The 777 production rate will rise from five to seven per month in mid-2011 and grow to 8.3 per month in the first quarter of 2013. The 747-8 Freighter is slated for first delivery mid-year and first delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is planned for late 2011. The 787 Dreamliner continues in flight test. Boeing expects to provide 2011 commercial airplane delivery guidance when the company releases year-end earnings Jan. 26.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes highlights in 2010 included:

• Flight testing of six 787 Dreamliner airplanes passes 2,400 hours.
• Pilots from ANA, the first 787 customer, fly the Dreamliner.
• 747-8 Freighter surpasses 1,500 flight hours.
• 900th 777 delivery.
• 747-8 Intercontinental reaches final assembly and achieves power on.
• 1,000th 767 prepares to enter Final Assembly.
• First deliveries of Next-Generation 737s with the new Boeing Sky Interior.
• Launching 787 GoldCare with TUI Travel – first of new comprehensive service   offerings for customers.
• On-time performance for urgent customer support requests of 99 percent through the Operations Center.
• Boeing and China partner on sustainable aviation biofuel.
• Last P-8A test airplane enters final assembly.

A detailed report of Boeing Commercial Airplanes orders and deliveries is available on the Orders and Deliveries website.

Source and photo: Boeing Press Release / Rob Vogelaar, ZAPP