Boeing Upsets Airbus in 2025 Sales Race, Securing First Order Win Since 2018

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 06:35 AM•3 min read

Boeing Upsets Airbus in 2025 Sales Race, Securing First Order Win Since 2018

Boeing secured 1,173 net orders in 2025, surpassing Airbus's 889 for the first time since 2018, despite Airbus retaining the lead in aircraft deliveries (793 vs. 600).

Key Points

1Boeing secured 1,173 net orders in 2025, surpassing Airbus's 889 net orders for the first time since 2018.
2Airbus maintained its delivery lead with 793 aircraft delivered, compared to Boeing's 600, despite both facing supply chain constraints.
3Boeing's order book was boosted by major deals, including over 100 737 MAX jets for Alaska Airlines and a minimum of 30 787 Dreamliners for Delta Air Lines.

The US aviation giant Boeing has achieved a major milestone. For the first time since 2018, Boeing 2025 aircraft orders surpassed those of its European rival, Airbus. This shift signals a significant turn in the ongoing aerospace industry competition.

Official figures show Boeing secured 1,173 net orders last year. This total is a dramatic increase from its 377 net orders in 2024. It also marks the firm's fifth-highest annual total in company history. Airbus reported 889 net orders for 2025, trailing its competitor.

Deliveries Remain a Key Metric

Despite leading in new sales, Boeing still delivered fewer aircraft than Airbus. Deliveries are crucial for manufacturers' revenue. Airlines pay the majority of a jet's cost upon receipt.

Airbus maintained its lead in Airbus aircraft deliveries with 793 jetliners handed over. This figure is lower than its 2019 record of 863 aircraft delivered.

Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025. This is the highest annual delivery total for the company in seven years. It is a substantial rise from the 348 aircraft delivered the year prior.

Supply Chain Constraints Persist

Supply chain constraints continue to affect both manufacturers. Engine shortages and other component issues delay aircraft deliveries. This slows the rate at which new aircraft reach airline customers.

Major Orders Drive Boeing’s Order Book

Boeing's strong order performance was bolstered by several key deals. Last month, the company secured 174 aircraft orders in total. This included a significant commitment from Alaska Airlines. The Seattle-based carrier ordered over a hundred Boeing 737 MAX jets.

Another landmark agreement came from Delta Air Lines. The airline placed its first wide-body order with Boeing in years. The deal is for a minimum of 30 Delta Air Lines 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This signals renewed confidence in Boeing's long-haul offerings.

Industry Impact and Outlook

The strong performance in Boeing 2025 aircraft orders suggests a market recovery. Airlines are investing heavily to modernize their fleets. The high number of new sales contributes to massive manufacturer backlogs. This backlog ensures years of production for both major planemakers.

Opportunity: Boeing's order lead marks a strong recovery signal after challenging years.
Challenge: Both manufacturers must address supply chain constraints to convert their record order books into revenue-generating deliveries.
Impact: The shift in the aerospace industry competition will be closely watched by investors and airlines globally for future trends.

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