The past six years have undoubtedly been among the most turbulent in Boeing’s 109-year history. However, according to Malcolm An of Boeing, “Boeing is back.”
Speaking at the Routes Asia conference in Perth, Western Australia, Mr. An, Boeing’s Senior Managing Director for Global Strategic Initiatives, Commercial Sales, and Marketing, highlighted that the company’s production stability is improving. For the first time in years, Boeing is working to potentially inform airlines that their orders will be delivered ahead of schedule rather than notifying them of further delays.
Mr. An noted that the Boeing 787 remains the best-selling widebody aircraft, with production set to increase from the current rate of five aircraft per month to seven per month by the end of the year. By 2026, the company aims to ramp up production to 10 aircraft per month. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 777-9 remains on schedule for delivery sometime in 2026.
The aviation industry continues to face significant supply chain challenges, including shortages of skilled labour, spare parts, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity.
Boeing currently has a backlog of 6,200 aircraft (before ASC 606 adjustments), with customers facing a wait time of approximately 5–6 years, making long-term planning essential for future growth. Adding to the pressure on the aircraft manufacturer is Boeing’s forecast of Asia Pacific demand for around 18,500 aircraft over the next 20 years, with an estimated 4,700 of those needed in the Southeast Asia region alone.
Advancements in modern, fuel-efficient, and higher-capacity aircraft, such as the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner, have significantly expanded air travel accessibility. These aircraft have enabled the connection of more secondary city pairs, making air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population. Mr. An noted that in Indonesia alone, the introduction of the 737 MAX has contributed to the establishment of 174 new routes over the past two decades. Additionally, the Boeing 787 has facilitated the creation of 425 new routes globally since its launch including four of the world’s ten longest air routes: Perth–London, Perth–Paris, Melbourne–Dallas Fort Worth, and Auckland–New York.
There is no doubt that modern aircraft provide greater opportunities for airlines, airports, and passengers alike. Boeing forecasts a demand for approximately 930,000 new aviation professionals in the Asia Pacific region over the next 20 years, underscoring the industry's continued expansion and the critical role of next-generation aircraft in shaping the future of air travel.
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