Why Boeing's 2025 Order Win Still Trails Airbus's Delivery Dominance
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Boeing secured more net orders in 2025, but Airbus maintained its delivery lead for the seventh consecutive year, as both face severe supply chain and production challenges.
Key Takeaways
- •Boeing secured 1,173 net orders in 2025, leading Airbus in new sales for the year.
- •Airbus delivered 793 aircraft in 2025, marking the seventh consecutive year it outpaced Boeing in deliveries.
- •Both manufacturers reduced 2025 delivery targets due to supply chain issues, including A320neo fuselage panel quality and 737 MAX production rate caps.
The long-standing rivalry between Boeing and Airbus saw a complex split in 2025 results. While Boeing led in net airplane orders, Airbus maintained its dominance in deliveries. This split highlights the persistent production challenges facing both aerospace giants. The overall picture suggests winning on orders does not guarantee a full recovery.
2025 Order and Delivery Scorecard
Boeing secured a lead in 2025 net orders by both value and units. The American manufacturer reported 1,173 net commercial airplane orders for the year. This figure surpassed Airbus’s 889 net orders. Boeing’s order intake was heavily weighted toward widebody aircraft. However, Airbus has maintained a substantial cumulative order lead since 2019. This lead is still estimated to be north of 2,500 units.
In deliveries, Airbus continued its long-term winning streak. Airbus delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025. This marked the seventh consecutive year Airbus outpaced Boeing in deliveries. Boeing delivered 600 commercial aircraft. Airbus’s lead was largely driven by its single-aisle jet programs. The A320 family even surpassed the Boeing 737 family in total lifetime deliveries in September 2025. The A220 program alone accounted for half of the delivery gap between the two manufacturers.
Production and Supply Chain Disruption
Both manufacturers are trailing their post-pandemic recovery curves. This is due to ongoing supply chain disruption and production ramp-up difficulties. Neither company has returned to its pre-pandemic delivery peak.
Airbus's Quality and Engine Hurdles
Airbus was forced to lower its 2025 delivery target from 820 to 790 aircraft. This revision was primarily due to a supplier quality issue with A320neo fuselage panels. Earlier in the year, the European manufacturer faced a shortage of engines. This required them to temporarily park otherwise-complete A320neo airframes. The reliability issues with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines also continued to affect the A320neo fleet.
Boeing's Regulatory and Rate Constraints
Boeing’s production is under intense scrutiny from the FAA. This follows a significant in-flight incident involving a 737 MAX door-plug in 2024. The regulator capped the monthly 737 MAX output at 38 aircraft. While Boeing is seeking to increase this cap, the focus remains on quality and stable production. Boeing trails the linear post-2020 recovery curve by a much larger margin than Airbus.
Impact on Airlines and the Industry
The ongoing delivery delays create significant operational challenges for airlines. Carriers rely on new, fuel-efficient aircraft like the 737 MAX and A320neo to meet demand. Delays disrupt fleet planning and capacity expansion. This forces airlines to operate older, less efficient aircraft for longer. The resulting increase in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) demand strains the MRO sector. Strong backlogs for both manufacturers mean that delivery slots are scarce. This gives the advantage to the manufacturer that can execute its production plan.
- Boeing led 2025 net orders (1,173 units) and value.
- Airbus led 2025 deliveries (793 units) for the seventh straight year.
- Both manufacturers missed initial production targets due to supply chain issues.
- The A320 family surpassed the 737 family in total lifetime deliveries in 2025.
- Persistent production instability poses a major risk to airline growth plans.
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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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