An aerial photo shows Boeing 737 MAX airplanes parked on the tarmac at the Boeing Factory in Renton, Washington, March 21, 2019.

Boeing Co said on Tuesday it handed over 56% fewer airplanes in May compared with a year earlier, as deliveries of its top-selling 737 Max jet remained suspended following a deadly crash in March.

Total deliveries fell to 30 planes, compared with 68 in 2018. Net orders for the first five months remained in negative territory, with a total of minus 125 net orders.

The company has been facing its worst ever crisis after an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max plane crashed, killing all 157 people on board, in the second fatal accident involving the jet in just five months.

This is the last order and delivery update from Boeing before the Paris Airshow, which kicks off next week. European rival Airbus SE and Boeing are battling for wide-body aircraft orders worth well over $10 billion at the air show.

Boeing will also be under scrutiny at the airshow, where the planemaker will face questions about the 737 Max groundings, deliveries and orders.