Boeing overtakes Airbus in January 2026 as aircraft delivery roles reverse.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Boeing surpassed Airbus in aircraft deliveries and orders during January 2026; the shift marks a major recovery for the American plane maker.
Key Takeaways
- •Boeing delivered 65 aircraft in January 2026, surpassing Airbus for the first time in years.
- •Airbus reported only 48 deliveries due to ongoing engine and part supply chain shortages.
- •The 737 MAX family accounted for the majority of Boeing's monthly delivery volume.
- •Strong demand for narrowbody jets continues as IATA forecasts record passenger numbers for 2026.
Boeing started 2026 with a big win. It beat Airbus in January jet deliveries. This marks a major industry market shift. For years, Airbus was the clear leader. Now, Boeing has taken the top lead. The company delivered many new jet aircraft. Most were the popular 737 MAX model. This shows a very strong company recovery.
Delivery Numbers and New Orders
Boeing delivered sixty-five aircraft in January. Airbus delivered only forty-eight new planes. The gap surprised many top market analysts. Boeing also won many more new orders. One major airline ordered fifty new jets. This boosts the Boeing total order book. The Boeing 737 MAX is popular. It is the backbone of many fleets. Airlines like the high fuel efficiency. They want to lower their operating costs.
Airbus Faces Supply Chain Issues
Airbus struggled with some major part shortages. Engine makers had many long production delays. This slowed down the A320neo factory line. Airbus leaders call this a small blip. They expect to fix it very soon. However, the January numbers remain quite low. The European giant needs more aircraft parts. Airbus is working with its partners. They want to increase their production rates. Global supply chains are still very fragile.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety
The FAA monitors Boeing very closely. Safety is the most important company goal. Boeing improved its quality control factory systems. This helped speed up new jet deliveries. Regulators want to see steady factory progress. They check every plane before first flight. Trust in Boeing is slowly returning now. Passengers want safe and very reliable planes. Airlines trust the new safety factory steps.
Impact on the Global Market
Travel demand is rising very fast now. IATA predicts a record travel year. Airlines need planes to meet high demand. If Airbus lags, Boeing gains more ground. This competition helps the whole aviation industry. It drives new technology and flight innovation. Airlines now have more aircraft buying options. They can choose the best new planes. The market shift is very exciting news. We will watch the February delivery data.
For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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