SEATTLE, Wash. – Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fueled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals. The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders.

“This past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing’s history,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and the quality of work performed by our employees. Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programs.”

The 777 once again led Boeing’s twin-aisle programs by setting a new record for orders in a single year at 200, solidifying the company’s lead in the widebody segment of the market. Meanwhile, the launch of the 737 MAX spurred historic deals that resulted in more than 1,000 orders and commitments to date from 15 customers.

“The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers’ future fleet needs. As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the ‘Year of the 737 MAX’,” said Albaugh.

Orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2011 by program were as follows:

Gross Orders
Net Orders
Deliveries
Unfilled Orders

737
625
551
372
2,365

747
7
-1
9
97

767
42
42
20
72

777
202
200
73
380

787
45
13
3
857

Total
921
805
477
3,771

On top of a strong backlog, the growing demand for Boeing airplanes is driving production rate increases across most of our airplane programs over the next two years. Most notably, 737 will increase production to 38 airplanes per month (35 per month rate begins this month), 777 to 8.3 airplanes per month (currently at 7 per month), and 787 to 10 airplanes per month (currently at 2.5 per month).

Boeing Commercial Airplanes highlights in 2011 included:

First delivery of the 787 Dreamliner

First delivery of the 747-8 Freighter

Premiere and first flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental

Launch of the 737 MAX

Certification of three new airplanes in one year (787, 747-8 Freighter, 747-8 Intercontinental)

U.S. Air Force award of $35 billion tanker contract; 767 line in Everett established as home of the KC-46A

Record-setting 200 net orders for 777 program

Record orders for Boeing airplanes by dollar value set twice in one year (Emirates order for 777s followed by Southwest Airlines’ order for the 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737)

Landmark agreement between Boeing and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers on four-year contract extension

Renton selected as future home of 737 MAX

7,000th delivery for 737 program

1,000th delivery for 767 program

1,000th 777 starts production

First South Carolina-built 787 starts production

787 Dreamliner kicks off six-month global Dream Tour

787 Dreamliner sets world records for distance and speed during an endurance flight around the world

China Services Center opened in Beijing

50th order for the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter