Fitch Ratings Inc. decided to lower this year's aircraft delivery forecast for The Boeing Company "due to recent developments," the US credit-rating agency said on Friday.
According to the agency's latest forecast, Boeing is anticipated to deliver between 350 and 370 737 MAX aircraft, as well as 65 to 70 787 model aircraft, this year, down from previous expectations of about 400 and 75 airplanes, respectively. Fitch noted that the downgrade to carrier maker's deliveries for this year was primarily affected by the US Federal Aviation Administration's oversight within Boeing factories, as well as China's Civil Aviation Administration's decision to restrict certain aircraft deliveries to Chinese customers.
The agency's estimation suggests that Beijing's move could potentially lead to a decrease of at least 20-30 737 MAX deliveries and five 787 deliveries from inventory this year.
