Boeing 787 Dreamliner Surpasses 1 Billion Passengers, Sets Record for Widebody Aircraft

Boeing announced that its 787 Dreamliner fleet has carried over 1 billion passengers, the fastest any widebody aircraft has reached this milestone—achieved in under 14 years since entering service. The global fleet of more than 1,175 Dreamliners has completed nearly 5 million flights and logged over 30 million flight hours.

Key highlights of the 787 program include:
- Over 2,000 orders from 89 customers
- Service across 85+ countries and 520+ airports
- 425+ new nonstop routes enabled
- 2,100 daily flights carrying 480,000 passengers—about 14.5 million monthly
- Average utilization: over 12 flight hours per day per aircraft
- 25% better fuel efficiency than the aircraft it replaces

The longest route flown is London–Perth (7,829 nautical miles) by Qantas, and the shortest is Aruba–Curaçao (65 nmi) by TUI.

Boeing credited the success to customer trust, employee innovation, and strong global demand. A celebration video was released, and the public is encouraged to share their stories on social media using #Dreamliner.

The Boeing Company – Annual Shareholder Meeting Results

At its recent Annual Meeting, Boeing shareholders voted on several important matters:

Board of Directors: All 11 director nominees were elected. Robert Ortberg received the highest number of "for" votes with over 501 million. Other directors, including Mortimer Buckley, Lynne Doughtie, and John Richardson, also secured strong shareholder support.

Executive Compensation: The advisory vote on named executive officer compensation was approved, with approximately 435 million votes in favor and 73 million against.

Auditor Ratification: Shareholders ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as Boeing’s independent auditor, receiving over 605 million votes in support.

Shareholder Proposals:

A proposal requesting a report on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and related risks was rejected.

A separate proposal for a civil rights audit also failed to gain approval.

Broker non-votes totaled around 112.7 million across all items, reflecting institutional holdings without voting direction.

Boeing Reports Q1 2025 Results

- Boeing's Q1 2025 revenue rose to $19.5 billion, an 18% increase from $16.6 billion in Q1 2024, driven by 130 commercial aircraft deliveries.
- 737 production increased gradually during the quarter and remains on track to reach a rate of 38 per month in 2025.
- The company reported a GAAP loss per share of ($0.16) and a core (non-GAAP) loss per share of ($0.49).
- Operating cash flow was negative $1.6 billion; free cash flow was negative $2.3 billion.
- Total backlog increased to $545 billion, with over 5,600 commercial airplanes in the pipeline.

Boeing noted continued progress on increasing commercial production rates and improving performance while navigating supply chain challenges.

Boeing to Sell Parts of Digital Aviation Solutions Business to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion

Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement to sell select assets of its Digital Aviation Solutions business to software investment firm Thoma Bravo in a $10.55 billion all-cash transaction. The deal includes notable assets such as Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways.

The transaction is part of Boeing’s broader strategy to strengthen its capital structure, refocus on core aerospace operations, and support its investment-grade credit rating. The company will retain digital capabilities essential to its maintenance, diagnostics, and repair services for commercial and defense fleets.

"This transaction is an important component of our strategy to focus on core businesses," said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO. Chris Raymond, CEO of Boeing Global Services, added that the move will enable each part of the digital portfolio to sharpen its strengths while continuing to support customers.

Thoma Bravo, a firm with over $179 billion in assets under management, emphasized its commitment to growing the acquired aviation tech platforms. Managing Partner Holden Spaht noted Jeppesen’s long-standing history of innovation since the 1930s and expressed optimism about building on that legacy.

Approximately 3,900 employees work within Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions organization. Boeing is coordinating with Thoma Bravo to ensure a smooth transition for personnel and continued service to customers. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Citi is serving as Boeing’s exclusive financial advisor, with Mayer Brown LLP as legal counsel. Thoma Bravo is represented by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Boeing Reports First Quarter 2025 Deliveries Across Commercial and Defense Divisions

Boeing [NYSE: BA] released its major program delivery figures for the first quarter of 2025. The aerospace giant reported a total of 130 commercial aircraft deliveries and 26 defense-related units. Among commercial jets, the company delivered 105 of its 737 models, followed by 13 Dreamliners (787), seven 777s, and five 767s.

In its Defense, Space & Security segment, deliveries included 15 Apache helicopters (new and remanufactured), three Chinooks, five F/A-18s, and one each of the F-15, MH-139, and P-8 aircraft. Boeing will release full financial results for Q1 on April 23.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will release its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on Wednesday, April 23.

President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Brian West will discuss the results and company outlook during a conference call starting at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Boeing Secures Order from BOC Aviation for 50 New 737 MAX Jets

Boeing has announced a firm order from BOC Aviation for 50 737-8 aircraft, significantly expanding the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 215 planes. This new deal boosts BOC Aviation’s unfilled Boeing order book to 139 aircraft and marks the largest Boeing orderbook position in the company’s history. Currently, BOC Aviation leases 69 737 MAX aircraft to over 15 airlines globally.

The purchase comes as air travel demand continues to grow and airlines seek fuel-efficient, modern fleets. With projections showing single-aisle jets will make up 75% of global aircraft deliveries over the next two decades, lessors like BOC Aviation are increasing their investments in newer models. Boeing has received over 1,200 737 MAX orders from leasing companies to help replace aging aircraft.

The 737-8 model, known for its versatility and fuel efficiency, accommodates between 162 and 210 passengers and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. Boeing emphasized that this aircraft helps airlines reduce operational costs and increase route flexibility.

Boeing, a leading aerospace manufacturer and U.S. exporter, continues to support global customers with commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technology, underscoring its commitment to safety, quality, and integrity.

Boeing Names Eric Hill as Investor Relations Leader

**Boeing Completes First In-Flight Test of Quantum Navigation System**

Boeing has successfully conducted the world’s first flight test of a quantum navigation system, operating without GPS for four hours aboard a Beechcraft 1900D. The test used a six-axis quantum inertial measurement unit (IMU) developed with AOSense, which demonstrated precise navigation performance during takeoff, flight maneuvers, and landing.

The IMU uses atom interferometry to detect acceleration and rotation via atoms, enabling high-precision tracking without GPS reliance. The system could reduce long-flight navigation errors from kilometers to mere meters.

Additional tests included Boeing’s All Source Positioning, Navigation and Timing (ASPNT) software, a star tracker developed with HRL Laboratories, and AQNav, a quantum magnetometer system from SandboxAQ. These technologies support accurate, unjammable navigation in GPS-denied environments.

Boeing will continue lab testing to optimize the system’s environmental performance and reliability.

Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

boeing, leading an industry team, has installed the first of 20 additional ground-based midcourse defense (gmd) silos and silo interface vaults at fort greely, alaska. these additions are part of a newly completed fourth missile field designed to house more ground-based interceptors and next-generation interceptors, enhancing u.s. missile defense against evolving long-range threats.

gmd is the u.s.'s only operational missile defense system capable of protecting the entire country, including alaska and hawaii.

lt. gen. heath collins, director of the missile defense agency, emphasized gmd’s continued role in homeland defense, highlighting ongoing service life extensions for older interceptors and new capabilities demonstrated in recent tests.

boeing’s ground systems team, drawing from over 20 years of experience, led the missile field’s design and deployment. boeing employees from six states—alabama, alaska, california, colorado, ohio, and utah—support the gmd program.

Boeing's X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator has completed its first wind tunnel tests, marking a key step in validating its design. The aircraft, developed in collaboration with NASA, features a transonic truss-braced wing design aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and sustainability.

Testing included a low-speed wind tunnel assessment at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, where a nearly 6-foot wingspan model was evaluated for lift, drag, and other aerodynamic forces. A semi-span model was then tested at NASA's Ames Research Center in California to simulate high-speed flight conditions and provide data for design refinements and flight simulators.

The results will guide further design adjustments before additional testing. A full-span model is now undergoing high-speed wind tunnel testing, and modifications to an MD-90 aircraft to create the full-scale X-66 prototype are ongoing. Ground and flight testing is expected to begin in 2028.

The U.S. Air Force's MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters recently underwent Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) flights in January, demonstrating their operational and emergency response capabilities. These tests are crucial to ensuring the aircraft can effectively replace the aging UH-1N Huey without a lapse in mission capability.

Colonel Philip Bryant highlighted the Grey Wolf’s advantages, including its ability to carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times faster, and remain airborne for longer durations, significantly enhancing nuclear security operations. The transition from the UH-1N is progressing smoothly, with airmen adapting quickly to the new platform.

Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director, expressed confidence in the aircraft's performance during testing and anticipated achieving initial operational capability (IOC) later this year. The tests included simulated emergency response scenarios and involved multiple aircraft at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

Boeing announced changes to its leadership and board structure. Effective February 19, 2025, Stephanie F. Pope no longer holds the title of Chief Operating Officer but continues in her roles as Executive Vice President and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Additionally, Sabrina Soussan has decided not to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Her decision was not due to any disagreement with Boeing’s operations, policies, or practices. As a result, Boeing’s Board has approved a reduction in its size, which will take effect at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

The X-37B has been named a finalist for the 2024 Collier Trophy, a prestigious aerospace award recognizing the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in the U.S. This nomination highlights the spaceplane’s groundbreaking aerobraking maneuver, which allowed it to shift orbits efficiently while conserving fuel.

Aerobraking is a technique where a spacecraft uses atmospheric drag to slow down and adjust its orbit, reducing the need for onboard propulsion. This advancement enhances space maneuverability and sustainability.

Michelle Parker, Boeing’s vice president of Space Mission Systems, praised the team’s dedication and innovation in making this maneuver possible. The Collier Trophy has been awarded since 1911, with past recipients including the Wright brothers, Apollo 11, and the Boeing 787.

The final selection will take place on March 20 in Washington, D.C., with the winner announced on March 25 and the award ceremony scheduled for June 12.

source: BNN, February 20, 2025.

Boeing reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, marked by significant operational updates and financial challenges. The company finalized an agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), enabling production to resume on the 737, 767, and 777/777X programs. However, financial performance reflected the impacts of the IAM work stoppage, charges related to certain defense programs, and workforce reduction costs announced previously.

Quarterly revenue was $15.2 billion, with a GAAP loss per share of ($5.46) and a core (non-GAAP) loss per share of ($5.90). Operating cash flow stood at ($3.5) billion, while cash and marketable securities totaled $26.3 billion. For the full year, Boeing delivered 348 commercial airplanes and secured 279 net orders, contributing to a growing backlog that now exceeds $521 billion, including over 5,500 commercial airplanes.

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. announced amendments to its agreements with The Boeing Company to address repayment schedules for outstanding advances.

Under the January 22, 2025 amendments:
1. The April 2024 Memorandum of Agreement was modified to outline a repayment schedule for $425 million of advances, with installments ranging from $50 million to $75 million, due monthly from April 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026. If the Merger Agreement between Spirit, Boeing, and Sphere Acquisition Corp. is terminated, the outstanding advances will be due in full on April 1, 2026.

2. The April 2023 Memorandum of Agreement was amended to detail a repayment schedule for $180 million of advances, with $45 million due quarterly between October 1, 2026, and December 1, 2027. Similarly, in the event of the Merger Agreement's termination, all outstanding advances will be due on April 1, 2026.

These amendments reflect updated financial commitments and provisions in the context of the merger and production agreements between the two companies.

Boeing has announced preliminary fourth-quarter 2024 results, highlighting challenges from a work stoppage by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and charges in its defense segment. Key highlights include:

**Financial Performance**
- Expected Q4 2024 revenue: $15.2 billion.
- GAAP loss per share: ($5.46).
- Operating cash flow: ($3.5 billion).
- Cash and marketable securities at quarter-end: $26.3 billion.

**Commercial Airplanes**
- Impacted by the IAM work stoppage, resulting in lower deliveries and $1.1 billion in pre-tax earnings charges.
- Includes a $0.9 billion charge for the 777X program, primarily from higher labor costs due to the IAM agreement.
- Revenue: $4.8 billion; operating margin: (43.9%).

**Defense, Space & Security**
- Pre-tax charges of $1.7 billion across multiple programs, including KC-46A, T-7A, Commercial Crew, VC-25B, and MQ-25.
- KC-46A charges ($0.8 billion) stemmed from higher manufacturing costs, while T-7A charges ($0.5 billion) were linked to anticipated cost increases for future production lots.
- Revenue: $5.4 billion; operating margin: (41.9%).

**CEO Statement**
Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO, emphasized steps taken to stabilize the business, including reaching an agreement with IAM, resuming production of the 737, 767, and 777/777X, and improving the balance sheet through capital raises. Boeing remains focused on building a strong future despite near-term challenges.

**Caution on Forward-Looking Statements**
Boeing highlighted that the financial results are preliminary and subject to change after finalizing quarter-end accounting. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, including labor disruptions, production system health, U.S. government budget changes, and climate-related impacts.

Boeing will release its final Q4 results on January 28, 2025. For further details, investors and stakeholders are encouraged to contact Boeing’s Investor Relations or Communications teams.