CHICAGO (AP) - Boeing Co. said Thursday it delivered 114 commercial airplanes in the second quarter, its highest total since 2001.
The deliveries ran the aerospace company's total through the first half of the year to 220, leaving it on target to reach its full-year estimate of 440 to 445.
Boeing's deliveries for the quarter included 86 737s, 21 777s, four 747s and three 767s.
The last time it had a higher total was the fourth quarter of 2001 when it delivered 144 commercial jets.
The world's No. 2 maker of commercial planes behind Airbus is on pace to overtake its European competitor in deliveries by early next year, helped by the momentum generated by the 787 Dreamliner.
The 787, the first large commercial airliner built mostly from light, sturdy composite materials instead of aluminum, is scheduled to be displayed publicly for the first time Sunday at Boeing's plant in Everett, Washington. Test flights are expected to begin by September and the plane is to enter service next May.
Separately, Boeing said CIT Group Inc. agreed to buy five 787s worth $810 million (euro594 million) at list prices. CIT, which provides commercial and consumer finance services, including aircraft leasing, now has orders for 10 of the planes.
Boeing shares rose 50 cents to $98.15 in morning trading.
