Boeing Co (NYSE:BA, ETR:BCO) could be set to experience an uptick in its aircraft deliveries after research found the number of customer acceptance flights rose last week.
Customer acceptance flights are test journeys done before an aircraft is transferred from the manufacturer to the airline/leasing company.
Seven customer acceptance flights took place at Boeing last week before doubling to 14 over the weekend, research from Aero Analysis Partners found.
Analysts at Bank of America believe these findings could indicate “a potential uptick in deliveries in the coming weeks.”
While it provides a glimmer of light for the struggling aircraft producer, deliveries of its 737 models remain “subdued”, with only four having been delivered as of April 21.
Bank of America said: “The pace of deliveries is notably slow, even considering the ongoing inspections Boeing is facing.”
Boeing would have to go back three years to April 2021 to find a period when aircraft deliveries were similarly low, albeit due to British Airways halting deliveries.
Nevertheless, the aircraft maker is planning on delivering three more 737s by the end of the month.
Analysts at the bank maintain a “neutral” rating for Boeing and place a target price of US$190, representing a near 11% premium to its current market value.
“We think the company will be able to continue to benefit from the robust global air travel demand environment and, in the long run, benefit from improved quality assurance,” BofA added.