Boeing Tops Airbus in Annual Orders, But Deliveries and MAX Delays Persist.

The commercial aviation sales landscape saw a significant shift in 2025. Boeing secured more net new orders than its European rival, Airbus, for the first time since 2018. The American manufacturer logged approximately 1,173 net orders for the year. This figure surpassed Airbus's total of 889 net orders.

However, the market victory in Boeing annual orders is nuanced. Airbus maintained its lead in actual aircraft deliveries for the seventh straight year. Airbus delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025, while Boeing delivered 600.

Production and Regulatory Headwinds

Boeing’s path to increasing deliveries remains constrained by regulatory oversight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has maintained heightened scrutiny. This follows the 2018 and 2019 737 MAX crashes and a subsequent January 2024 in-flight incident.

737 MAX Production Cap

The FAA previously imposed a 737 MAX production cap of 38 aircraft per month. This measure was intended to prioritize safety and quality over volume. In a sign of confidence, the FAA approved a small rate increase in October 2025. The new limit allows Boeing to produce up to 42 737 MAX jets per month.

This increase is a crucial step toward alleviating the massive backlog. Boeing delivered 447 737s in 2025. The company is working with suppliers to meet the new, higher production rate.

Certification Delays and Costs

Certification for new Boeing 737 MAX variants continues to face delays. The 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 variants are still awaiting final FAA approval. Boeing expects to complete the certification process by the end of 2026.

Delays also plague the long-range 777X certification delay program. The first delivery of the 777X widebody is now expected in 2027. This is several years later than initially planned. The ongoing delays have resulted in significant financial charges. Boeing recently recorded an additional charge of nearly $5 billion due to the program's extended timeline.

Market Confidence and Legal Resolution

Despite production challenges, commercial aviation sales show strong long-term demand for Boeing aircraft. A massive widebody order from Qatar Airways contributed significantly to the 2025 sales total. The airline placed an order for up to 210 widebody jets, including the 787 Dreamliner and 777X. This was announced in May 2025.

In a separate but related development, the Department of Justice case against Boeing concluded. A U.S. District Judge dismissed the criminal conspiracy charge in November 2025. This action was part of a non-prosecution agreement requested by the DOJ. The judge reluctantly approved the dismissal. He stated the agreement “fails to secure the necessary accountability” for the fatal crashes.

Key Takeaways for Airlines and Stakeholders
- Boeing secured a major win in net new orders for 2025, its first since 2018.
- Airbus maintains a significant lead in actual deliveries, impacting current airline fleet renewal plans.
- The FAA increased the 737 MAX production cap to 42 jets monthly, a sign of improving manufacturing stability.
- The 777X first delivery is now delayed until 2027, costing billions and forcing airlines like Lufthansa to seek interim fleet solutions.