Boeing plane orders slump to lowest level in over a decade amid 737 Max crisis

Deliveries were also down in 2019

Boeing delivered more 787 Dreamliners last year than the prior year (Boeing)

Boeing orders have slumped to their lowest level in more than a decade, as the crisis over the 737 Max continues.

In 2019, Boeing took net orders for just 54 new commercial jets, compared with 893 net orders in 2018 – a drop of 94 per cent.

Meanwhile, the US planemaker delivered just 380 aircraft last year, down 53 per cent from a record high of 806 in 2018.

In the last quarter of 2019, Boeing delivered just nine 737 aircraft, as the planemaker wound down its manufacturing operation for the doomed Max plane.

However, Boeing delivered 158 787 Dreamliners last year, up from 145 in 2018.

Figures from rival European manufacturer Airbus show that it delivered a record 863 aircraft in 2019, an 8 per cent jump year on year.

In addition, it took 768 net orders for new aircraft, making it the world’s biggest planemaker.

Boeing’s best-selling Max jet has been grounded worldwide since last March, following two fatal crashes in which 346 people were killed.

The figures come as David Calhoun beds in as Boeing’s new president and chief executive. He replaces Dennis Muilenberg, who was fired in December.

Mr Calhoun said last month: “I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 Max. I am honoured to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation.”