Boeing Outpaces Airbus in January 2026 Aircraft Deliveries

Boeing has reported a significant increase in industrial momentum, delivering 46 commercial aircraft in January 2026. This figure more than doubles the 19 aircraft delivered by its European rival, Airbus, during the same period and marks Boeing's strongest start to a year since 2019.

The performance suggests an early-year recovery for the U.S. manufacturer, driven largely by its narrow-body program. The strong delivery numbers for Boeing vs Airbus deliveries follow a key regulatory change from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been closely monitoring the company's production quality.

Delivery and Order Breakdown

According to company reports, Boeing's January deliveries were dominated by the Boeing 737 MAX, with either 37 or 38 units of the narrow-body jet handed over to customers. This reflects the ramp-up in the 737 MAX production rate. In contrast, Airbus's 19 deliveries consisted primarily of 15 A320neo family aircraft and three A220s. January is traditionally a slower month for Airbus, which often sees its delivery figures accelerate towards the end of the year.

On the sales front, Boeing also secured a lead, recording 107 gross orders for the month. Airbus reported 49 gross orders in the same timeframe, highlighting continued demand for new, fuel-efficient aircraft across the industry.

Regulatory and Production Context

The rebound in Boeing's output follows the FAA's decision in October 2025 to lift a production cap on the 737 MAX program. The regulator had previously restricted output to 38 jets per month due to quality control concerns. The cap was raised to 42 aircraft per month, a move that appears to be reflected in the January 2026 delivery figures.

The data from both manufacturers underscores the ongoing dominance of narrow-body aircraft in the current market. Airlines are prioritizing the renewal of their short and medium-haul fleets, a key trend in the post-pandemic aircraft manufacturing recovery. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if Boeing can sustain this increased production tempo throughout 2026, which would be a critical indicator of its long-term stability and ability to manage its extensive order backlog.

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