Boeing's troubled 777X jet program has taken another hit, with the company reporting a nearly $5 billion charge due to delays in delivering the aircraft. This is on top of more than $15 billion in charges already taken by Boeing related to the program.
The latest delay pushes back the first delivery of the 777X, which was originally slated for 2026, and further strains Boeing's finances. The company has been struggling with production delays and quality issues since the launch of its 737 MAX program, but a growing demand for international travel has created an opportunity for rival Airbus to gain ground.
"The challenge is getting to be more about people losing patience and demanding compensation," said Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory. "Now it might be getting to a point where the stakes are higher."
Boeing's shares fell 1% in premarket trading after the announcement. The charge includes penalties owed to customers for late deliveries, as well as longer production costs.
The delay comes at a time when demand is growing for international travel, driven by rising air traffic and increasing global connectivity. This growth has created an opportunity for Boeing to rebound from its current setbacks and regain its footing in the competitive market.
However, with over $15 billion already accounted for in charges related to the 777X program, it remains to be seen whether Boeing's financial situation can withstand further delays or setbacks. The company's debt levels have been a concern, and any additional hits to profitability could exacerbate the issue.
Despite this, Boeing has shown signs of improvement in recent quarters. Deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft have increased significantly, with 55 jets handed over in September - its strongest performance for that month since 2018. The company also reported a free cash flow of $238 million, turning positive for the first time since 2023.
However, investors will be watching closely to see how Boeing responds to this latest delay and whether it can meet its delivery targets going forward. With demand for international travel expected to continue growing, there is still an opportunity for Boeing to regain its position in the market - but it will require swift action and a commitment to getting back on track.
The latest delay pushes back the first delivery of the 777X, which was originally slated for 2026, and further strains Boeing's finances. The company has been struggling with production delays and quality issues since the launch of its 737 MAX program, but a growing demand for international travel has created an opportunity for rival Airbus to gain ground.
"The challenge is getting to be more about people losing patience and demanding compensation," said Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory. "Now it might be getting to a point where the stakes are higher."
Boeing's shares fell 1% in premarket trading after the announcement. The charge includes penalties owed to customers for late deliveries, as well as longer production costs.
The delay comes at a time when demand is growing for international travel, driven by rising air traffic and increasing global connectivity. This growth has created an opportunity for Boeing to rebound from its current setbacks and regain its footing in the competitive market.
However, with over $15 billion already accounted for in charges related to the 777X program, it remains to be seen whether Boeing's financial situation can withstand further delays or setbacks. The company's debt levels have been a concern, and any additional hits to profitability could exacerbate the issue.
Despite this, Boeing has shown signs of improvement in recent quarters. Deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft have increased significantly, with 55 jets handed over in September - its strongest performance for that month since 2018. The company also reported a free cash flow of $238 million, turning positive for the first time since 2023.
However, investors will be watching closely to see how Boeing responds to this latest delay and whether it can meet its delivery targets going forward. With demand for international travel expected to continue growing, there is still an opportunity for Boeing to regain its position in the market - but it will require swift action and a commitment to getting back on track.