SEATTLE — In a quiet but symbolic milestone, Boeing delivered the final Boeing 777‑300ER in January 2025, concluding nearly two decades of a flagship wide-body aircraft’s lifespan. According to The Air Current, veteran aviation journalist Jon Ostrower confirms that the last 777‑300ER, originally built in 2020 and long parked in Mojave Desert storage, was issued to Ethiopian Airlines through lease firm Altavair AirFinance. flightplan.forecastinternational.com
The End of an Era
Boeing’s 777‑300ER became an industry icon after launching in 2004. Powered by GE‑powered long-range capability and proven economics, it became the top widebody seller. However, its retirement reflects a strategic pivot to more efficient platforms like the new 777X, which features carbon‑fiber wings and GE9X engines.
Jon Ostrower’s report highlights broader production trends: Boeing aircraft deliveries fell to 348 in 2024, down 34 % from 528 in 2023, amid supply disruptions and labor issues.
Driving Factors in Delivery Decline
Industry data indicates several pressures on Boeing’s production:
- A machinist strike in Everett and Renton hampered assembly lines.
- FAA continued restrictions on 737 MAX output post‑door panel incident.
- Lingering supply chain bottlenecks post‑COVID and pandemic recovery.
Despite the lower deliveries, Boeing continues ramping up key production lines. As reported by Reuters and Barron’s, 737 MAX output is nearing 38 per month, with targets reaching 50 by late 2025. A rebound on 787 deliveries is also underway.
Ethiopian Airlines: Legacy Meets Opportunity
The final ER was an aircraft produced in January 2020, initially destined for China Southern Airlines, later stored at Victorville. Boeing brokered the transfer via Altavair AirFinance, delivering it in December 2024 as a pre-owned asset for Ethiopian Airlines . The delivery helps expand Ethiopian’s long-haul fleet, fitting in with its aggressive network growth strategy.
2025 Delivery Outlook
As Boeing transitions to a broader product mix, reliable monthly delivery rates are crucial. FlightPlan data estimates about 58 deliveries for June 2025, echoing Simple Flying’s report that June 2025 was Boeing’s best since December 2023. simpleflying.com.
Backlog depth provides visibility: Forecast International indicates 303 gross orders in May, including a pivotal 777X deal with Qatar Airways. This builds a backlog equating to roughly 11.5 years of current output, enough runway to support delivery goals.
Looking Ahead: 2025–26 Delivery Projections
Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook forecasts delivery volumes of:
- 550–600 aircraft by end of 2025,
- A ramp up to 700 annually by 2026,
- Single-aisle (737 MAX) forming the bulk (~500 units), supported by moderating widebody output reuters.com.
Despite optimistic projections, CFO Kelly Ortberg and Boeing executives emphasize production constraints and regulatory compliance. Plans to raise 737 MAX monthly rates from 38 to 42 by late 2025, eventually targeting 50, hinge on FAA approvals.
Implications for the Industry
The closure of the 777‑300ER line represents both an industrial milestone and a strategic realignment:
- Airlines that relied on high-capacity ERs must now integrate into the 777X and 787 ecosystems.
- Boeing shifts resources and production to future platforms like the 777‑X and the ongoing 737 MAX recovery.
- Persistent delivery challenges from supply-chain and labor issues could delay 2025–26 growth plans.
Competitive Context
Counterpoint data from Airbus shows a steadier increase. Aviation A2Z noted Airbus delivered 51 planes in May 2025 versus Boeing’s 45, highlighting Airbus’s tighter supply resilience. As Boeing improves production processes and supply chain health, this gap may narrow through 2025.
Final Takeaway
Boeing entered 2025 with a mixed picture: legacy models concluding and next-gen programmes prepping for lift-off. The last 777‑300ER delivery offers closure and a new beginning. With backlog visibility robust, focus now shifts to stable delivery rates, regulatory alignment, and smooth transitions into the 777X era.
