Since the fatal crashes of 2018 and 2019, Boeing has struggled to restore stability across its operations. The difficulties worsened last year after a door plug detached mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, and placed the manufacturer under renewed regulatory scrutiny. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since capped 737 MAX production at 38 aircraft per month and imposed strict oversight of the production process.
As the company shifted focus to safety and quality, it managed to deliver only 348 commercial aircraft in 2024, a sharp decline from 528 the year before and well behind Airbus, which handed over around 766. But this year has brought signs of progress. The US planemaker has secured new orders and gradually increased deliveries, even while operating under the FAA’s restrictions.
US Planemaker Has Reported 48 Deliveries In July, 328 Year-To-Date
Indeed, the timing has coincided with closer trade engagement from Washington under President Trump, which is helping Boeing attract commitments from countries aligning with the US. In the widebody market, it has even outpaced Airbus in new orders. At the same time, the company has made progress on its delivery activity.
In July, according to Boeing Commercial Orders & Deliveries data, it handed over 48 aircraft, including 37 from the 737 MAX family, eight 787s, two 777 freighters, and one 767-300F. This compared to Airbus fell a little short, as the European manufacturer delivered 67 jets to 41 customers, including 54 A320neos, five A220s, two A330s, and six A350s.
But overall, the US planemaker’s year-to-date deliveries have been steady and show clear progress from the previous year. Deliveries this year have generally remained in the 40–45 range monthly, with June standing out at 60 aircraft. Through July, the company delivered 328 aircraft, including 246 737s, 45 787s, 22 777s, and 15 767s. This figure is already close to its full-year total of 348 in 2024.
MAX Output Remains Capped, But Boeing’s Deliveries Show Clear Progress
Notably, Boeing’s 737 MAX program is now showing more consistent output, with production stabilizing at the FAA’s current limit of 38 aircraft per month. In fact, in May, the company matched that ceiling for the first time since the cap was imposed, which reflects gradual progress in restoring rhythm to the program.
For now, Boeing’s near-term priority remains clearing inventory and sustaining steady volumes. As mentioned previously, its year-to-date deliveries reached 328 aircraft through July, up by 110 from the same period in 2024. Most of the increase came from the 737 program, which accounted for 77 additional deliveries. The company’s backlog now stands at 5,968 aircraft, most of them 737s.
|
Boeing 737 MAX Deliveries |
|
|---|---|
|
Month |
Aircraft Delivered |
|
January |
40 |
|
February |
31 |
|
March |
33 |
|
April |
29 |
|
May |
31 |
|
June |
42 |
|
July |
37 |
Boeing indeed has the demand to support higher output, but any growth will depend on FAA approval to raise the monthly cap. Executives remain confident that once restrictions are lifted, the rate can climb to 42 aircraft per month early in 2026 and reach 47 by mid-year, aligning production more closely with delivery requirements. Unlike its European rival, Boeing has not set a delivery target for 2025 and is currently keeping its focus on stabilizing production and maintaining quality across its programs.
Meanwhile, Airbus is under pressure to meet its full-year goal of 820 deliveries. To reach that target, it would need to hand over more than 89 aircraft per month for the rest of the year, compared with an average of just 53 during the first seven months. The company has a track record of accelerating output late in the year, but ongoing engine shortages have left about 60 aircraft waiting for installation.
Boeing Builds Confidence Around 787 As Delivery Cadence Improves
Besides, the 787 program continues to be an important driver for Boeing, with steady production supporting its wider recovery. The US planemaker delivered eight Dreamliners in July, including one -8, five -9s, and two -10s, bringing the total for the year to 45. The manufacturer continues to aim for a rate of seven per month by the end of 2025 and ten by 2026.
Forecast International has suggested this target is increasingly likely to be met, as Boeing has produced above its earlier goal of five aircraft per month for two consecutive months while also delivering aircraft from inventory. In addition, the manufacturer saw several adjustments to its 787 order book in July. American Airlines took over a 787-9 delivery slot from Boeing Customer Finance, while China Southern was confirmed as the customer for another 787-9.
- Stock Code
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BA
- Business Type
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Planemaker
- Date Founded
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July 15, 1916
- CEO
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Kelly Ortberg
Hawaiian Airlines switched five of its 787-9s to the larger 787-10, with one slot later reassigned to Boeing Customer Finance, as reported by Seeking Alpha. Iraqi Airways moved five of its 787-8s to the -9 model and canceled one 787-9. These changes did not alter the total backlog but point to a shift toward larger variants that carry more value for Boeing.
Now, the company’s main priority should be maintaining consistent production performance, which is essential to sustaining confidence in its recovery. But overall, its delivery cadence is looking stronger. Until May, monthly handovers were generally in the 40–45 range, but June and July showed a clear step up, supported by both the clearance of pre-built aircraft and higher production rates. If stability is maintained, Boeing could deliver about 550 aircraft this year and around 585 in 2026.
