Boeing freighters continue to sell well amidst 737 MAX and 777X challenges

Boeing sold more freighters than passenger aircraft during the second quarter of 2019, according to the manufacturer’s Q2 results, with orders from FedEx for six 767-300Fs [ FATs 005050-005056 ]. By contrast, Boeing only logged unidentified orders for four 737 MAX aircraft and one 787-9 from Air Lease Corporation. Although Boeing said that development and testing of a software fix are underway, there is still no certainty regarding the recertification and return to service of the 737 MAX. Boeing said it hoped to have the MAX back in the air in the early part of the fourth quarter, but the Wall Street Journal has reported that this might not happen until 2020 . As Cargo Facts has previously reported, 737 NG conversion feedstock remains in lower supply as airlines decide to, or are forced to, delay planned withdrawals of -700s and -800s, or arrange alternative sources of lift. Just last week, United Airlines announced it was purchasing seventeen used 737-700s. Although the source of the aircraft was not disclosed, the aircraft will likely be coming from China Southern Airlines. The Guangzhou-based carrier currently operates twenty-six 737-700s, many of which are around 15 years of age – retirement age for airframes in CZ’s fleet. For some narrowbody freighter operators, the age of the airframes would have been suitable for freighter conversion. We note that the feedstock unit for PEMCO’s first 737-700 Flex-Combi conversion (30293, ex-Yakutia Airlines) is around a similar age. Similarly, Alaska Air Cargo’s three 737-700BDSFs are just over 15 years of age, with the oldest unit having rolled off Boeing’s assembly line just over 18 years ago. Operators of the 737 MAX, meanwhile, continue to delay the expected service re-entry date for the parked narrowbodies. Southwest Airlines today announced that it had extended its adjustments through early January. The silver lining is that once the MAX reenters service, a large number of narrowbody feedstock suitable for conversion may suddenly become available. Returning to Boeing's recent results, the 777X program is facing problems too. An issue with the GE9X engine has resulted in Boeing delaying the first flight from this autumn to early next year. With current-generation 777s and the 777X both being built on the same production line, Boeing has been keen to sell end-of-the-line 777s to help bridge the production gap and keep the line running. According to order data from Boeing, of the fifty-four 777s sold between June 2018 and June 2019, forty-two were 777Fs. Cargo Facts would expect to see 777Fs continuing to sell well and dominating the 777 line in 2020, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the 777X.

Boeing freighters continue to sell well amidst 737 MAX and 777X challenges

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Atlas Air begins operating 747F for Flexport amid forwarder’s legal spat with Western Global

Third Asia Pacific Airlines 757F arrives in Hawaii

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CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

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Follow Us