Boeing's Recovery Amidst Competition from Airbus

Boeing has reported a significant uptick in aircraft deliveries, with 55 jets delivered in September 2025, marking its strongest September since 2018. This includes 40 units of the 737 MAX, which has become a crucial component of Boeing's recovery strategy. Notable customers for these deliveries include Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and China Southern. In total, Boeing has delivered 440 aircraft in the first nine months of 2025, although it still trails behind Airbus, which has delivered 507 aircraft during the same period.

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The competition between Boeing and Airbus has intensified, particularly with Airbus recently surpassing Boeing in total aircraft deliveries. The Airbus A320 family has now become the best-selling commercial airplane in history, with 12,260 units delivered, compared to Boeing's 12,254 737s. This shift reflects ongoing challenges for Boeing, including safety and quality control issues that have plagued the company since the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.

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In September, Boeing secured 96 new orders, including 30 for the 737 MAX from Norwegian Airlines and 50 787s from Turkish Airlines. Despite these gains, Boeing's backlog slightly decreased from 5,994 to 5,987 aircraft due to cancellations and conversions. The company is currently limited to producing 38 737 MAX aircraft per month, a restriction imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration following safety incidents.

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Boeing's recent performance has not been without criticism. Analysts have pointed to the company's struggles with profitability, as evidenced by a three-year revenue growth rate of -1% and significant operating losses. The company's production issues, exacerbated by labor strikes, have raised concerns about its ability to compete effectively with Airbus. Critics argue that Boeing's focus on acquisitions and political maneuvering has detracted from its core mission of manufacturing high-quality aircraft.

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Boeing's leadership remains optimistic about the future, with CEO Kelly Ortberg expressing intentions to increase 737 MAX production to 42 units per month by January 2026. The company is also working to resolve ongoing safety and production challenges to restore its reputation and market position.

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Looking ahead, Boeing aims to ramp up production and improve its operational efficiency. The company is targeting a return to higher delivery rates, with hopes of fulfilling its most significant order volume since 2018. However, the timeline for achieving these goals remains contingent on regulatory approvals and the resolution of existing production issues.

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• “The growth to this final assembly line has been made in record time,” — Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America

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• “It’s a big contribution to the overall production of Airbus,” — Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

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• “We have to be patient. The good news is our industry remains a growth industry … air transportation is bound to grow. We are cultivating a very fertile ground here in Mobile.” — Christian Scherer, regarding Airbus's expansion in Mobile, Alabama.

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In summary, while Boeing is on a path to recovery with increased deliveries and new orders, it faces significant challenges from Airbus and internal operational hurdles that will shape its future in the competitive aerospace market.

European Airbus A320 all-time deliveries top US Boeing 737