CHICAGO (AP) — Boeing Co. said Thursday it delivered 9 percent more commercial airplanes in the third quarter than a year ago, with the single-aisle 737 model accounting for three-quarters of the total.
The Chicago-based aerospace company delivered 109 planes in the period, up from 100 a year earlier. That pushed its total for the year to 329 and keeps it roughly on pace to reach its full-year estimate of 440 to 445.
Boeing delivered 81 of its stalwart 737 in the quarter for a total of 250 so far this year. It also delivered 20 777s, five 747s and three 767s.
Chief Executive Jim McNerney said earlier this year that the company expects to overtake European rival Airbus in deliveries by early 2008, helped by the momentum generated by the 787.
Airbus, which is expected to report third-quarter deliveries shortly, projects that its 2007 deliveries will total 450 to 460.
Boeing shares fell 7 cents to $104.65 in afternoon trading — up 18 percent in 2007.
