Boeing, 600 aircraft delivered in 2025 the highest level in seven years
There were 1,173 orders, exceeding those of Airbus. Delta Air Lines orders 30 Dreamliners and Aviation Capital 50 737 Max jets
by Mara Monti
Key points
Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025 the largest number since 2018 when 806 were delivered, a sign that production is stabilising after years of crisis over quality defects. In December alone, 63 aircraft (45 narrow body 737s and 14 wide body 787 Dreamliners) passed to airlines, while orders reached 1,173 aircraft and net of cancellations 1,075 one of the highest levels in Boeing's history. Now the aerospace giant is likely to aim to increase production, the next steps will be unveiled at the end of the month when the 2025 financial results are published with targets for the current year.
Changing course after dark years
A sign that perhaps the past is behind it after being forced to scale back production in recent years following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 of its popular 737 Max and the burst during takeoff of the tailgate of one of its Alaska Airlines planes in early January 2024. The pandemic took its toll with problems in aircraft assembly and the supply chain, the layoff of experienced machinists and engineers making work even more difficult. Suffice it to say that in 2024, annus horribilis, only 348 aircraft were delivered, whereas in 2023 there had been 528.
Production increases also for incoming Dreamliners
Now Boeing executives, including CEO Kelly Ortberg, who was called out of retirement to take over as CEO after the Alaska accident that reset the top management, are preparing to increase production of its most popular aircraft the 737 Max and the longer-haul 787 Dreamliner.
This could help the manufacturer, the largest US exporter by value, return to profitability, as analysts predicted for this year, a goal that had been unattainable for seven years. Airlines frustrated by delays in aircraft deliveries have become more accommodating since Boeing increased production, with the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US aviation agency, which in October allowed it to increase 737 Max production from 38 to 42 per month, a limit imposed to ensure quality after the Alaska accident. In October, the same CEO speaking to analysts did not rule out expecting a further increase of five aircraft over the course of the year. Investors are optimistic and Boeing shares have gained 40 per cent over the past 12 months, outperforming the S&P 500 stock index which has gained 20 per cent.
However, several aircraft that should have already carried passengers are awaiting certification, including the Boeing 777X and the Max 7 and Max 10 variants, depriving Boeing of cash and increasing costs.
