EVERETT — The Boeing Co. slipped back into the red for aircraft orders in 2009 after reporting a cancellation for 25 of its 787 Dreamliners on Thursday.
Despite reporting new requests for 18 jets on Thursday, Boeing has racked up more cancellations than new aircraft orders through May 5. Of Boeing’s 59 cancellations, 57 have been for the company’s delayed Dreamliner. The new 787 cancellation comes as Boeing races to put its mostly composite Dreamliner in the air by June 30.
This year, only Gulf Air has placed a new 787 order for eight of the airliners. Boeing’s Dreamliner has fallen nearly two years behind schedule, but the company has made significant progress in the last few months toward the 787’s first flight. On Sunday, Boeing moved the first 787 out to the flight line in Everett, where the Dreamliner will undergo several more tests before being cleared for flight.
Overall, Boeing’s order tally for 2009 stands at a deficit of one, with 58 new orders but 59 cancellations. On Wednesday, Boeing announced an order from Turkish Airlines for five 777 jets. An unidentified customer also ordered 13 single-aisle 737s, Boeing revealed on its orders Web site Thursday. But Boeing tacked on 26 cancellations — one 777 and the 25 787s — this week.
Airlines have struggled with both slumping traffic and a tough credit market. In March, passenger travel declined 11.1 percent over the previous year and cargo dropped 21.4 percent over March 2008, according to the International Air Transport Association.
Boeing trails rival Airbus in total orders for the year. Airbus, which updates its orders monthly, reported Thursday that it received eight orders in April, including five for its A350. The European company has 11 net orders through April, having won 30 gross orders and having received 19 cancellations.
As of the end of April, Boeing also was behind Airbus in aircraft deliveries. Boeing had delivered 160 planes compared to Airbus’ 162. Boeing delivered 39 jets in April, down one from the April 2008. However, the company has handed over more aircraft this year so far at 160 than the 155 it delivered through April last year.
Boeing plans to slow production of its 777 beginning in June 2010 but says it will stick with its delivery goal of 480 to 485 this year. Airbus said Wednesday that it will deliver fewer A380 superjumbo jets this year but will deliver 483 aircraft in 2009.
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