Boeing Outsells Airbus for First Time Since 2018 as Aircraft Deliveries Rise to 600

Key Highlights

• Boeing recorded 1,173 net aircraft orders in 2025
• Airbus logged 889 net orders during the same period
• Boeing delivered 600 aircraft, its highest total since 2018
• December deliveries reached 63 planes, including 44 737 Max jets
• Supply chain constraints continue to limit delivery growth

Introduction

Boeing regained ground in the global aircraft market last year. For the first time since 2018, Boeing outsold its longtime rival Airbus in new jet orders.

At the same time, Boeing increased aircraft deliveries to their highest level in seven years. Together, these results signal progress after years of production setbacks and safety challenges.

Boeing Surpasses Airbus in New Aircraft Orders

Boeing logged 1,173 net orders in 2025. In contrast, Airbus recorded 889 net orders. As a result, Boeing reclaimed the top spot for annual aircraft sales.

This shift marks a turning point. Since 2018, Airbus had consistently outpaced Boeing in new orders. However, airlines now appear more confident in Boeing’s recovery.

Aircraft Deliveries Reach Seven-Year High

Boeing delivered 63 aircraft in December alone. That surge pushed its full-year total to 600 planes, the most since 2018.

Of those December deliveries, 44 were 737 Max jets. The model remains Boeing’s most important product as airlines seek fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft.

Airbus Still Leads in Total Deliveries

Despite Boeing’s gains, Airbus still delivered more planes overall. The European manufacturer handed over 793 aircraft in 2025.

However, that figure remains below Airbus’s 2019 record of 863 deliveries. Therefore, both manufacturers continue to face production limits.

Supply Chain Issues Continue to Slow Output

Engine shortages and supplier delays still constrain aircraft deliveries. These bottlenecks affect both Boeing and Airbus.

Deliveries matter because airlines pay most of a plane’s price upon handover. Consequently, production slowdowns directly impact cash flow and profitability.

Major Airline Orders Boost Boeing Momentum

Several large airline deals helped fuel Boeing’s strong order book. Alaska Airlines placed orders for more than 100 737 Max aircraft.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines ordered at least 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets. These planes will enter service in the early 2030s. As a result, airlines are locking in long-term delivery slots.

What Comes Next for Boeing

Boeing executives plan to outline updated production targets when the company reports earnings on January 27. Investors will watch closely.

Specifically, markets want clarity on factory quality improvements and supply chain stability. Continued delivery growth will remain critical to Boeing’s recovery narrative.

Conclusion

Boeing’s 2025 performance marks a meaningful step forward. The company outsold Airbus for the first time in seven years and delivered more aircraft than at any point since 2018.

Still, challenges remain. Supply chain constraints and production discipline will shape results in 2026. However, for now, Boeing has regained momentum in a fiercely competitive aerospace market.