Boeing Airliner Orders Hit 4-Year High, Led by 737 Max Jets

A Boeing 737 MAX jet prepares to land at Boeing Field following a test flight in Seattle on Sept. 30, 2020. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

Boeing said Tuesday it took more than 200 net orders for passenger airplanes in December and finished 2022 with its best year since 2018, which was before two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max jet and a pandemic that choked off demand for new planes.

The biggest boost came from United Airlines, which placed large orders for both the 737 Max and the larger, twin-aisle 787, which is used mostly on international routes. Bank of China Aviation also placed a significant order for 40 Max jets, Boeing said.