Boeing has surpassed Airbus in terms of aircraft orders for the first time in seven years. In 2025, Boeing received orders for 1,175 aircraft, outperforming Airbus, which recorded gross orders for 1,000 aircraft during the year.
Boeing outsold Airbus for the first time this decade
Boeing outsold Airbus for the first time since 2018, buoyed by its most popular 737 MAX family of planes. The Boeing 737 MAX remained the plane-maker’s most popular jet, accounting for 447 deliveries out of its total 600 deliveries, with 117 aircraft delivered in the fourth quarter. In terms of new orders, Boeing’s 737 MAX total orders stood at 591.
Alaska Airlines remained one of Boeing’s top customers. The airline recently announced its largest-ever aircraft order. In December, the airline placed an order for a whopping 105 Boeing 737-10s, bringing its 737 MAX aircraft order book to 174 airplanes. This was in addition to its order for five 787 Dreamliners. Overall, Boeing received an order for 175 aircraft in December 2025.
Additionally, Boeing’s 787 family of aircraft is gaining popularity among Middle Eastern airlines as the region is set to expand operations. Boeing received orders for 381 aircraft in its 787 family, with top customers including Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. Other 787 customers include Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Alaska Airlines and Gulf Air.
The orders have continued into this year. Most recently, Boeing received orders for 60 Dreamliners from Delta Airlines and for 50 737 MAX jets from Aviation Capital Group.
According to reports, Boeing’s sales can be attributed to the fact that airlines are getting bullish on American aircraft to appease the Trump administration.
Deliveries trail Airbus
Despite outselling Airbus in 2025, Boeing’s deliveries still lag behind the European aircraft manufacturer. Airbus remains the top plane maker in 2025 with 793 deliveries compared to Boeing’s 600.
Both manufacturers are grappling with various issues, including engine and supply chain constraints, holding up deliveries. Airbus, last year, had to revise its delivery target owing to issues arising from a major recall of its Airbus A320 family of aircraft after an analysis revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to flight controls.
Boeing has also been facing intense scrutiny over the years, after multiple fatal crashes involving its aircraft. This includes two crashes involving 737 MAX aircraft in Indonesia and Ethiopia, as well as the fatal June 12 Air India crash last year. The aircraft manufacturer is now looking to ramp up production to meet the growing demand.
It also faced major criticism and regulatory checks after an Alaska Airlines door plug blew out mid-air on the 737 Max aircraft. But the FAA showed confidence in the manufacturer, following security checks, and allowed it to increase production from 38 to 42 jets a month. As per a Reuters report, the Boeing 737 MAX 10 has recently been cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to move to the second phase of its certification after facing delays amid unresolved engine de-icing issues. The plane maker also completed the much-awaited $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems last year, which can further help its plans to ramp up production.
Boeing executives are set to announce their plans as the company announces its quarterly results on Jan. 27.
What do you think of the rising popularity of Boeing and its competition with Airbus? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
Boeing has more vacated delivery slots because the backlog is smaller – nothing to do with preference or build quality. Even in the light of the crashes – the public knows that the flights are safe mostly due to strong regulatory pressure, and the fear of another issue that limits the manufacturers production, keeps them in step.