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Boeing sees profits fall by 50% Boeing sees profits fall by 50%
(about 20 hours later)
Aircraft giant Boeing says first-quarter profit fell 50%, after it was forced to make production cuts as airlines cut back on plane purchases. Aircraft giant Boeing says first-quarter profits fell 50%, after it was forced to make production cuts as airlines cut back on plane purchases.
The Chicago-based firm said it earned $610m (£417m), down from $1.21bn a year before. Revenue was up 3% at $16.50bn.The Chicago-based firm said it earned $610m (£417m), down from $1.21bn a year before. Revenue was up 3% at $16.50bn.
Aircraft orders fell at Boeing in 2009 as passenger numbers fell and airlines bought fewer planes. Air cargo volumes have also been dropping.Aircraft orders fell at Boeing in 2009 as passenger numbers fell and airlines bought fewer planes. Air cargo volumes have also been dropping.
Earlier this year, Boeing said it would cut 6% of its workforce or 10,000 jobs.Earlier this year, Boeing said it would cut 6% of its workforce or 10,000 jobs.
"The expanded global economic downturn is presenting unprecedented challenges in our commercial airplane markets," Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman and chief executive, said."The expanded global economic downturn is presenting unprecedented challenges in our commercial airplane markets," Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman and chief executive, said.
The airline's shares rose 4% to $38.10, despite the fall in profit, amid analyst relief that the results were not worse.The airline's shares rose 4% to $38.10, despite the fall in profit, amid analyst relief that the results were not worse.
Tough timesTough times
The company made 121 commercial airplane deliveries in the quarter, compared with 115 a year ago. The company made 121 commercial aeroplane deliveries in the quarter, compared with 115 a year ago.
Boeing also made a loss in the final three months of 2008 after a strike by workers disrupted aircraft deliveries.Boeing also made a loss in the final three months of 2008 after a strike by workers disrupted aircraft deliveries.
The firm has been losing ground to rival European planemaker Airbus, which delivered and received more orders for planes than Boeing last year.The firm has been losing ground to rival European planemaker Airbus, which delivered and received more orders for planes than Boeing last year.
Airlines are expected to cut spending on new jets as the economic downturn hits demand for air travel.Airlines are expected to cut spending on new jets as the economic downturn hits demand for air travel.