Boeing edges Airbus in annual orders for first time since 2018

Boeing won more commercial aircraft orders than Airbus last year, snapping a six-year streak in which the European manufacturer led the tally. The US planemaker recorded 1,173 net orders for 2025, boosted by 175 deals in December, while Airbus reported 889.

Despite the turnaround, Boeing still trails its rival in overall backlog and jet deliveries. Airbus handed over 793 aircraft in 2025 compared with Boeing’s 600, maintaining a lead that has widened since the 737 MAX safety crisis.

Boeing has been working to rebuild trust after multiple setbacks, including a near-disaster on an Alaska Airlines flight early last year and a lengthy worker strike that slowed production. The company says it has strengthened manufacturing and quality control under heightened oversight from US regulators.

Signs of steady improvement emerged in the fall when the Federal Aviation Administration cleared Boeing to step up monthly output of the 737 MAX. Executives say on-time deliveries are improving and momentum is returning.

Boeing also gained fresh momentum with Delta Air Lines announcing a purchase of 30 787 Dreamliners, with options for 30 more. The deal, revealed Tuesday, was not included in Boeing’s 2025 order total.

Airbus still holds a commanding backlog of 8,754 jets, well above Boeing’s 6,720 unfilled orders. Analysts say outpacing Airbus in a single year is encouraging for Boeing, but the long-term rivalry will be determined over decades rather than headlines. Boeing shares gained 2 percent following the announcement.