Boeing Outsells Airbus for First Time Since 2018 as Annual Deliveries Hit Seven-Year High

Boeing has completed one of the most significant comebacks in aviation history. The American aerospace giant logged net orders for 1,173 aircraft in 2025, marking the first time it has outsold European rival Airbus since 2018. Deliveries reached 600 planes for the year—the highest total in seven years—as airlines around the world demonstrated renewed confidence in Boeing's products.

The recovery comes after years of crisis for Boeing, including the 737 MAX groundings, pandemic-related demand collapse, and more recent quality control issues that had raised questions about the company's ability to compete. Those concerns appear to be fading as customers continue placing substantial orders.

Major Orders Signal Industry Confidence

The order book strength is particularly notable for its diversity. Major carriers from multiple continents have committed to significant Boeing purchases in recent weeks:

Alaska Airlines' Historic Order

Alaska Airlines announced its largest-ever airplane order, committing to 105 737-10 aircraft—the largest variant of the 737 MAX family—plus options for 35 more. The deal also includes five 787 Dreamliner widebody jets for expanding long-haul service to Europe and Asia.

"This order positions us to grow our fleet from 413 aircraft today to 475 by 2030 and 550 by 2035."

— Alaska Airlines Management

The Alaska order reflects growing demand for the 737-10, which offers greater capacity and range than smaller MAX variants while maintaining fuel efficiency advantages over older aircraft.

Air India Expands Boeing Fleet

Air India ordered 30 additional 737 MAX jets on January 29, bringing its total Boeing order book to nearly 200 aircraft across single-aisle and widebody models. The deal includes a finalized purchase of 20 737-8 jets and a previously undisclosed order for 10 737-10 aircraft.

The order underscores Air India's aggressive fleet modernization following its acquisition by Tata Group. The carrier is positioning itself to compete more effectively on both domestic routes and international markets.

Ethiopian Airlines Adds Dreamliners

Africa's largest carrier ordered nine 787 Dreamliner aircraft as demand for long-haul travel continues rising across the continent. Combined with an earlier commitment for 11 737 MAX jets, Ethiopian Airlines has boosted its order book by 20 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft.

Aviation Capital Group's Fleet Order

Leasing giant Aviation Capital Group placed an order for 50 737 MAX jets, including 25 737-8 and 25 737-10 aircraft. Lessors have now ordered nearly 1,300 737 MAX jets, representing roughly one-fifth of the total MAX backlog.

Production Ramp-Up Accelerating

Boeing delivered 63 jetliners in December alone, capping a year in which deliveries increased substantially from pandemic-era lows. The company recently announced plans to add a new 737 assembly line at its Everett, Washington facility to meet growing demand.

The new line, known as the North Line, will boost production capacity as Boeing works to clear its backlog. Management has also announced plans to increase Dreamliner production to 10 aircraft per month, supported by a $1 billion expansion of its South Carolina manufacturing facility.

These capacity additions address a key constraint that has limited Boeing's ability to convert strong demand into actual deliveries. Airlines have waited years for some orders to be fulfilled, creating frustration and, in some cases, driving customers to consider Airbus alternatives.

Quality Improvements Restore Trust

Perhaps more significant than the order numbers is the restored confidence in Boeing's manufacturing quality. Following high-profile incidents including a door plug failure that grounded some MAX aircraft, the company has implemented extensive quality control improvements.

The willingness of major carriers to place substantial new orders suggests these efforts are bearing fruit. Airlines stake their reputations—and their passengers' safety—on the aircraft they operate. Their purchasing decisions represent votes of confidence in Boeing's commitment to quality.

What This Means for Investors

Boeing's return to order leadership carries significant implications for investors. A backlog measured in thousands of aircraft provides revenue visibility for years to come. And as production rates increase, operating leverage should improve margins.

However, challenges remain. Converting orders to deliveries requires flawless execution on manufacturing and quality control. Any new incidents could quickly reverse the momentum Boeing has built. The company also faces ongoing challenges in its defense business and continues working to resolve various legal and regulatory matters.

For the broader aviation industry, Boeing's resurgence ensures robust competition with Airbus, which benefits airlines through pricing pressure and product innovation. The duopoly dynamic that has shaped commercial aviation for decades appears set to continue, with both manufacturers operating at or near capacity for the foreseeable future.

Boeing's 2025 performance demonstrates that corporate turnarounds are possible even after years of crisis. The question now is whether the company can sustain this momentum through consistent execution and continued quality improvements.