For Boeing, 2025 was the year of stabilization. But 2026 is shaping up to be something far more ambitious: the year of the comeback. The aerospace giant is targeting a dramatic ramp-up in 737 narrow-body production, aiming to reach 47 aircraft per month by late spring or early summer—a milestone that would mark Boeing's return to pre-crisis output levels.

From Crisis Management to Growth Mode

The transformation has been years in the making. Following the 737 MAX grounding, pandemic disruptions, and supply chain chaos, Boeing spent much of the past three years focused on quality control, workforce training, and rebuilding supplier relationships. Now, with those foundations in place, the company is ready to accelerate.

"2025 is a year of stability and 2026 will be a year of growth."

— Katie Ringgold, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, 737 Program

The confidence stems from hard numbers: Boeing currently holds a backlog of over 6,000 737 orders, with delivery slots essentially sold out through the 2030s. Airlines worldwide are clamoring for narrow-body jets as domestic travel demand remains robust and carriers race to replace aging fleets.

The Spirit AeroSystems Acquisition Changes Everything

A key enabler of Boeing's production confidence is its recent $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, the company's former fuselage supplier. The deal, completed in late 2025, brings critical manufacturing capabilities back in-house—a strategic move intended to improve quality control and eliminate the supply chain bottlenecks that plagued production in recent years.

Investors have responded favorably. Boeing shares have climbed in recent sessions, with the stock gaining additional momentum from a separate $2.7 billion Apache helicopter contract announced on 2026's first trading day.

The Competitive Landscape

Boeing's production push comes as rival Airbus maintains its commanding lead in the narrow-body market. According to industry data, Airbus holds 54% of the single-aisle market with its A320neo family, compared to Boeing's 33% for the MAX. Including the A220, Airbus commands 58% of the segment.

The European manufacturer is expected to release its audited 2025 delivery figures on January 12, with analysts anticipating the company will announce approximately 790 deliveries for the year—a figure that would cement its production leadership.

But Boeing's management argues market share isn't the only metric that matters. With the backlog extending through the decade, the company's challenge isn't demand—it's execution.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the optimistic outlook, several hurdles remain:

  • Supplier readiness: Even with Spirit back in-house, Boeing relies on hundreds of suppliers who must scale alongside the production ramp
  • Workforce expansion: Reaching 47 planes monthly requires hiring and training thousands of additional workers
  • Quality pressure: Any quality escapes could force another production slowdown, risking both reputation and delivery schedules
  • Certification backlog: New variants and updates require FAA approval, a process that has become more stringent post-MAX

What It Means for Investors

For Boeing shareholders, the production ramp represents the clearest path to earnings recovery. Each additional aircraft delivered translates directly to revenue, and the company's pricing power remains strong given the multi-year backlog.

Analysts note that Boeing's stock has significantly lagged the broader market during its crisis years, suggesting meaningful catch-up potential if execution improves. The company's defense business, highlighted by the recent Apache contract, provides earnings stability while the commercial recovery takes shape.

Key dates for Boeing investors to watch include:

  • January 12: Airbus delivery figures release (competitive benchmark)
  • Late January: Boeing Q4 earnings report
  • Spring 2026: Target date for reaching 47-plane monthly production rate

After years of turbulence, Boeing appears to have found its runway. Whether the company can stick the landing on its ambitious production targets will be one of 2026's most closely watched industrial stories.