Boeing Co delivered a record 648 jetliners in 2013, beating its own target and likely securing its place as the world’s biggest plane maker for the second year in a row. Boeing’s delivery tally beat its forecast of up to 645 jets for the year, and is likely to exceed deliveries by rival Airbus Group NV, which is targeting up to 620 deliveries in 2013. Airbus is due to announce annual its orders and deliveries on January 13. The Chicago-based aerospace and defense company also said it booked gross orders of 1,531 jetliners, a record, and net orders of 1,355 aircraft in 2013. Net orders are the total after subtracting cancellations. Investors closely watch the deliveries total since plane makers book the bulk of the revenue from airplane sales when the aircraft are taken by customers. Boeing said it delivered 440 of its 737 single-aisle planes, 98 of its 777 widebody planes and 65 of its carbon-composite 787 Dreamliners, which are now in use with 16 customers. It also delivered 24 of its 747 jumbo jets, and 21 of its 767 jets. Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Ray Conner praised “solid execution” as factories increased production rates last year. “We delivered more advanced, fuel-efficient airplanes to our customers than ever before, and it’s a great example of what our team can accomplish,” he said in a statement. (Reuters)