On the surface, (NYSE: BA) is finally on the mend after several years of turmoil caused by the 737 MAX grounding, COVID-19 pandemic, and 787 manufacturing flaws. Air travel demand is booming around the world, driving strong order activity across Boeing's commercial jet portfolio.

That said, new statistics on the breakdown of orders within the Boeing 737 MAX family should give investors pause. The relative lack of success of Boeing's larger 737 MAX models compared to the Airbus (OTC: EADSY) A321neo is creating an opportunity for Airbus to build a larger version of its A220 family. That could severely cannibalize future demand for the 737 MAX, Boeing's most important product.

Between early 2019 and early 2021, Boeing's 737 MAX order backlog plunged by over 30% as customers canceled orders because of the 737 MAX grounding and the pandemic. However, orders have rebounded over the past couple of years.

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Source Fool.com