Boeing Profit Climbs on Strong Plane Sales

Boeing reported an increase in its second-quarter profit on strong sales, particularly for a longer version of its 737 commercial jetliner.

Net income was $169 million on $4.02 billion in sales. That compared to earnings of $136 million and sales of $3.37 billion for the same period last year.

Boeing President Frank Shrontz said that new orders for jets “are continuing at a high level.”

He said customer response has been excellent for Boeing’s new 747, a 500-seat, wide-bodied aircraft, and a longer 737, which includes three additional seat rows in its passenger cabins.

During the second quarter, Boeing received orders for 172 jets valued at $7 billion, including the sale of 25 new 737s to Piedmont Airlines and 81 new and older 737s to GPA Group Ltd. of Ireland.

So far this year, Boeing said, it has received orders for 247 jets worth $12 billion. During the comparable six-month period last year, Boeing had 77 jet orders worth $2.6 billion, the company said.