How do Boeing and Airbus deliver airplanes to buyers?

The process is much more paperwork than it is pomp and circumstance. Once off the assembly line and out of the paint and interior shops, the aircraft is test-flown with builder's pilots and airline pilots. read more

Boeing used to give ceremonial keys out, but I'm not sure if they still do. Boeing's delivery center for narrowbodies is at Boeing Field in Tukwila, while widebodies are handled at Paine Field in Everett, save for the 787's built in Charleston, SC. read more

If they were not supported, the price would have to be higher for Airbus planes, so more Boeing's would be sold. At least that's the belief. I haven't followed it enough to have a hard number on the facts. read more

When the aircraft is ready for delivery, Boeing contacts the buyer, who in turn send their pilots in order to take the delivery. Sometimes, if the aircraft is the first made in the series, then a ceremony is also held. The neccessary formalities are completed by the manufacturer, buyer, banker and the aircraft is ready for delivery. read more