Boeing surpasses Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018

Boeing recorded net orders of 1,173 planes last year, marking the first time its sales have surpassed those of European rival Airbus since 2018, the latest sign of Boeing’s recovery.

Boeing delivered 63 jetliners to customers last month, bringing its annual delivery total to 600 planes, the most in seven years, before two fatal crashes and a host of other problems derailed its production. Forty-four of these deliveries were for 737 Max aircraft, Boeing announced Tuesday.

Airbus still delivered more planes last year than Boeing, with 793, although this was lower than the European manufacturer’s record 863 planes delivered in 2019. Airbus recorded 889 net orders for 2025.

Engine problems and other supply chain issues continue to delay aircraft deliveries. Deliveries are essential for plane makers because airlines pay most of the price of a plane when they receive it.

Boeing’s net orders last month totaled 174 planes, including more than 100 737 Max aircraft for Alaska Airlineswhat the Seattle carrier announced last week. Delta Airlines Earlier Tuesday, it announced it had ordered at least 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, its first for a wide-body plane. Deliveries begin in the early 2030s, a sign of how airlines are reserving delivery slots over the next decade to replace older planes and expand.

Boeing executives are expected to discuss the manufacturer’s production plan when the company reports quarterly results on January 27.