Boeing Beats Airbus in 2025 Orders: Widebody Demand Secures First Win Since 2018

The global commercial aviation news cycle has shifted. Boeing has officially taken the lead in the annual order race. The US manufacturer secured its first annual win over Airbus since 2018. This victory is based on the final 2025 aircraft orders tally. The strong performance was largely driven by robust widebody aircraft demand.

The 2025 Order Tally

Boeing reported a total of 812 net commercial aircraft orders for 2025. This figure includes a significant number of twin-aisle jets. In comparison, Airbus finished the year with 640 total commercial aircraft orders. The gap marks a major reversal from recent years. Airbus had held the orders crown for five consecutive years. The shift highlights a changing dynamic in the global aviation market.

Widebody Dominance

The most significant factor in Boeing’s first annual win was the 787 Dreamliner sales. Boeing sold 351 Dreamliners in 2025. This number is more than triple the sales of the competing Airbus A330-900neo. The 787-9 variant proved especially popular with airlines. This resurgence in the twin-aisle market reflects long-haul growth planning. Airlines are actively seeking fuel-efficient aircraft for international routes. Major widebody commitments, such as those from Emirates for the 777X family, also bolstered Boeing’s position.

Airbus, however, maintained a lead in the narrowbody market. The A320neo family orders totaled 504 units. This slightly outperformed the 461 sales for the Boeing 737 MAX. The A321neo continues to be a market leader. Its superior economics and versatility are highly valued by carriers. The single-aisle market remains the highest volume segment. Yet, the sheer value and volume of Boeing aircraft orders 2025 in the widebody sector tipped the scales.

Industry Impact and Outlook

This outcome is a major confidence boost for Boeing. It follows several years of production and quality challenges. The US manufacturer has focused heavily on stabilizing its production lines. The strong order book for the 787 and 777X provides stability. It ensures long-term revenue streams for the company.

For airlines, the massive aircraft order backlog at both manufacturers continues to grow. This means new aircraft delivery slots remain scarce. Carriers must wait years for new jets, impacting airline fleet modernization plans. The intense manufacturer competition is now focused on widebody jets. This signals a full recovery in long-haul international travel.

• Boeing secured 812 net orders, winning the annual race.
• Airbus recorded 640 net orders, maintaining a narrowbody lead.
• The 787 Dreamliner was the key driver for Boeing's victory.
• The win marks Boeing's first annual order lead since 2018.

Industry analysts suggest the focus will now shift. The competition will move from orders to delivery performance. Both manufacturers must ramp up production. They must also address persistent supply chain issues. For more expert analysis on this developing story, visit our dedicated section for commercial aviation news.