The charge contributed to a 15 percent drop in
However, analysts were encouraged by signs that
operations are getting back on track and that the worst of its
development problems with the 787 Dreamliner aircraft and 747-8 jumbo
jet may be in the past.
intended to begin delivering both aircraft to customers by year’s end,
turning programs that have been a drain on its finances into sources of
revenue.
With global airlines recovering from the recent recession,
is seeing a strong surge in demand for its aircraft and will decide
this quarter whether to boost production of its top-seller, the 737
jet, this quarter,
speed production rates for the 777 and the new, stretched version of
the 747.
Late Tuesday evening,
finalized the aerodynamic configuration of the 787. “We have completed
sufficient testing to decide that no additional changes to the external
lines or shape of the airplane are required,” said
Analysts were encouraged by the improving operating margin for
But observers continue to closely monitor the cash burned by
as it completes research and development costs on the new planes and
advances cash to suppliers who have been squeezed by the long delays to
both planes.
“This was a decent quarter for
to keep executing to this forecast, particularly on the 787, and enjoy
the improving macro backdrop for global airlines (post volcano).”
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(c) 2010, Chicago Tribune.
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