Boeing is showing fresh signs of recovery after a turbulent few years, as the U.S. plane maker outpaced its longtime rival in annual sales for the first time since 2018. The company recorded net orders for 1,173 aircraft last year, marking a key milestone in its comeback and underscoring renewed confidence from airline customers.
Deliveries also picked up pace. Boeing handed over 63 jetliners to customers in the final month of the year, lifting its total deliveries to 600 aircraft — the highest annual figure in seven years. Of those, 44 were 737 Max jets, which remain central to Boeing’s production strategy. This performance means Boeing surpassed Airbus in annual sales for the first time since 2018, with aircraft deliveries climbing to 600 last year, a notable turnaround after years of safety crises and manufacturing setbacks.
Despite Boeing’s progress, Airbus still led in overall deliveries. The European manufacturer delivered 793 aircraft during the year, though that total fell short of its 2019 record of 863 planes. Airbus reported 889 net orders for 2025, highlighting that competition between the two giants remains intense.
Both manufacturers continue to grapple with engine shortages and broader supply chain constraints, which have slowed the pace of aircraft handovers. Deliveries are especially critical in the aviation industry, as airlines typically pay most of a jet’s purchase price only once the aircraft is delivered.
Boeing ended the year on a strong note in terms of demand. Net orders in the final month totaled 174 aircraft, including more than 100 737 Max jets for Alaska Airlines, a deal announced recently by the Seattle-based carrier. Delta Air Lines also revealed it had placed an order for at least 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners — its first for the wide-body aircraft — with deliveries scheduled to begin in the early 2030s. The long lead time reflects how airlines are securing production slots well into the next decade to replace aging fleets and support future growth.
Investors and industry watchers will soon get more clarity on Boeing’s outlook. Company executives are set to outline production plans and address delivery targets when Boeing reports its quarterly earnings on January 27.
