Boeing Outdelivers Airbus in February 2026 Amid Production Ramp-Up

Total commercial aircraft production reached 106 units in February 2026, with Boeing projected to outdeliver its European rival Airbus for the second consecutive month. According to data from Forecast International, Boeing is estimated to have delivered 52 aircraft in February, compared to an estimated 33 from Airbus.

This performance continues a trend established in January 2026, when official delivery data confirmed Boeing delivered 46 commercial aircraft while Airbus delivered 19. The February figures suggest a widening gap, reflecting both Boeing's efforts to stabilize and increase its production rates and the persistent supply chain pressures affecting Airbus's output, particularly for its best-selling narrowbody jets.

Contrasting Production Trajectories

Boeing's increased delivery rate is closely tied to its focus on the 737 MAX program. The company is working towards a stated goal of delivering 500 of its 737 family jets in 2026, as outlined in its Q4 2025 earnings call. According to Boeing's March 2026 Outlook, the current 737 MAX production rate is 42 per month. This rate was authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in late 2025, and the manufacturer aims to increase it further to 47 per month by mid-2026. This steady ramp-up is critical to clearing a significant order backlog and meeting strong airline demand for new, fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.

In contrast, Airbus is navigating significant headwinds in its supply chain. While the European manufacturer has set an ambitious target of delivering approximately 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, its ability to meet this goal is being constrained by engine shortages. The issues, primarily with Pratt & Whitney engines for the A320neo family, have been publicly addressed by company leadership. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury described the situation as "very painful and unsatisfactory" during the company's 2025 financial results presentation, stating, "We are very dissatisfied, and we don't agree with it. We will enforce our contractual rights." These supply chain disruptions are a primary factor limiting the A320neo production ramp-up, though Airbus maintains a long-term target of producing 70-75 A320-family aircraft per month by the end of 2027.

Market Demand and Order Momentum

The production figures for early 2026 underscore the continued dominance of the narrowbody aircraft segment. In January 2026, 76 of the 93 total commercial aircraft produced globally were single-aisle jets, a trend driven by airline demand for short and medium-haul fleet renewal.

Boeing has also demonstrated strong commercial momentum at the start of the year, outpacing Airbus in new commitments. In January, Boeing secured 107 gross orders, significantly more than the 49 gross orders recorded by Airbus. Notable deals for Boeing included an order for 50 737 MAXs from Aviation Capital Group and another for 30 787-10s from Delta Air Lines. These orders not only bolster Boeing's backlog but also signal market confidence in its core products as it works to stabilize its manufacturing processes.

Why This Matters

The February 2026 delivery estimates highlight a potential shift in the near-term production race, heavily influenced by each manufacturer's ability to manage their distinct operational challenges. For Boeing, the data indicates progress in its production stabilization efforts, particularly for the crucial 737 MAX program. For Airbus, it exposes the vulnerability of its ambitious ramp-up plans to ongoing aerospace supply chain issues. This dynamic directly impacts airlines worldwide, as delivery schedules determine fleet renewal timelines, capacity growth, and operational efficiency.

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