Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fueled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals. The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders.

"This past year was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing's history," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and the quality of work performed by our employees. Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programs."

The 777 once again led Boeing's twin-aisle programs by setting a new record for orders in a single year at 200, solidifying the company's lead in the widebody segment of the market. Meanwhile, the launch of the 737 MAX spurred historic deals that resulted in more than 1,000 orders and commitments to date from 15 customers.

"The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers' future fleet needs. As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the 'Year of the 737 MAX'," said Albaugh.

On top of a strong backlog, the growing demand for Boeing airplanes is driving production rate increases across most of our airplane programs over the next two years. Most notably, 737 will increase production to 38 airplanes per month (35 per month rate begins this month), 777 to 8.3 airplanes per month (currently at 7 per month), and 787 to 10 airplanes per month (currently at 2.5 per month).

Boeing Commercial Airplanes highlights in 2011 included:

• First delivery of the 787 Dreamliner

• First delivery of the 747-8 Freighter

• Premiere and first flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental

• Launch of the 737 MAX

• Certification of three new airplanes in one year (787, 747-8 Freighter, 747-8 Intercontinental)

• Record-setting 200 net orders for 777 program

• Record orders for Boeing airplanes by dollar value set twice in one year (Emirates order for 777s followed by Southwest Airlines' order for the 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737)

• Landmark agreement between Boeing and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers on four-year contract extension

• Renton selected as future home of 737 MAX

• 7,000th delivery for 737 program

• 1,000th delivery for 767 program

• 1,000th 777 starts production

• First South Carolina-built 787 starts production

• 787 Dreamliner kicks off six-month global Dream Tour

• 787 Dreamliner sets world records for distance and speed during an endurance flight around the world

• China Services Center opened in Beijing

• 50th order for the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter

Contributed by Boeing