Boeing first quarter 2012 deliveries spike 32%

Boeing's first quarter 2012 commercial deliveries spiked 32% from the same period a year prior, reflecting the company's increased narrowbody ramp up and continued early deliveries of its 787 and 747-8.

The airframer handed over 137 aircraft from January through March, including 99 737s, 20 777s, 7 767s, 6 747-8s and 5 787s, up from 104 in the first quarter of 2011, increasing quarters in a row.

First quarter deliveries reflect the increased 737 production rate, which has advanced from 31.5 to 35 per month as it moves to 42 per month by the first half of 2014.

The quarter also featured significant milestones for Boeing, including the 1000th 777, first 747-8 for a VIP customer and first deliveries of the 787 to Japan Airlines.

Boeing aims to deliver 585 to 600 commercial aircraft in 2012, a figure that will see 70 to 85 combined 787s and 747-8s handed over to customers.

Further, Boeing added an additional six 777s to its backlog, including three 777-300ER aircraft from TAAG Angola Airlines and another three from an unidentified customer, bringing the company's year's net order total to 412.