Boeing outsold Airbus on aircraft orders in 2025 for the first time in seven years, as Washington promotes US manufacturing abroad.
Marking a shift in the competitive landscape of commercial aviation, Boeing reported a significant rebound in 2025. The firm achieved its highest annual aircraft delivery total since 2018, outselling European rival Airbus in new aircraft orders for the first time in seven years.
According to a company press release, Boeing delivered 600 commercial aeroplanes during the year, a sharp increase from previous annual figures, with 63 jets delivered in December alone.
The tally reflects ongoing progress in ramping up production after years of operational challenges.
Boeing has had to dial down output over the past few years after a series of major setbacks, including two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019, followed by a January 2024 incident in which a door plug blew out mid-flight on one of its aircraft.
The Covid-19 pandemic also disrupted production for both Boeing and rival Airbus, as supply-chain bottlenecks and a loss of skilled workers continued to weigh on assembly lines even after the worst of the crisis had passed.
The fourth quarter and full year data from Boeing underscores that of the 600 deliveries, 447 were Boeing 737 series jets — a mainstay of airline single-aisle fleets — as well as the 767, 777, and 787 wide body planes.
Boeing reported that it ended 2025 with 1,173 net new orders. This figure, representing booking commitments across Boeing’s commercial models, reflects renewed airline confidence in Boeing’s product lineup and production stability.
Airbus faces production constraints
By contrast, Airbus’ own January press statement shows the European manufacturer delivered 793 commercial aircraft to 91 airline customers in 2025 and recorded 1,000 gross orders for its family of jets — translating to 889 net orders after cancellations.
Airbus also highlighted its growing backlog, with more than 8,750 aircraft still in the pipeline for future delivery.
Airbus framed its 793 deliveries as proof of an upward trajectory despite a "continued complex and dynamic operating environment," particularly around components for its popular A320 family.
The company noted that deliveries for smaller A220 jets, as well as wide-body A330neo and A350 models, contributed to the overall total.
While Airbus still leads in total aircraft handovers, Boeing’s year-end order data may signal an inflection point for the at-times troubled aircraft manufacturer, reflecting positive signs of a recovery after earlier production disruptions.
The Trump bump?
Boeing’s order momentum has also been boosted by high-profile dealmaking showcased by the Trump administration.
During a May 2025 visit to Qatar, the White House promoted a “landmark” Qatar Airways commitment valued at $96bn (€82.35bn) for up to 210 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft. The government explicitly framed the purchase as a jobs-and-exports win under the tagline of "making American manufacturing and innovation great again".
Qatar Airways separately described the agreement as the largest widebody and largest 787 order in Boeing’s history.
President Trump’s support is largely tied to Boeing’s role as a flagship US exporter and jobs engine.
In multiple White House fact sheets tied to overseas visits, the administration has promoted Boeing aircraft commitments as proof of “bringing home” investment and manufacturing work, framing jet orders as wins for US employment and trade balance.
At a company level, Boeing has publicly credited Trump for backing these export-heavy agreements, with CEO Kelly Ortberg thanking the president for supporting the Qatar deal and emphasising Boeing’s importance as one of America’s leading exporters.
