After Airbus was forced to cut its commercial delivery targets for 2025 over a fuselage panel flaw, attention has moved to Boeing’s overall performance this year.
In 2024, Boeing had a remarkable year for all the wrong reasons after only 348 passenger jets were delivered to customers, including just 57 in the final quarter.
A seven-week walkout by 30,000 Boeing workers and the fallout after a door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737-8 separated from the aircraft midflight were the chief causes behind the dire delivery figures.
Overall, Boeing delivered 180 fewer commercial aircraft in 2024 than it did in 2023. Before the pandemic in 2018, the company delivered 806 jets.
While Boeing is still down on Airbus, which is expected to deliver 790 aircraft in 2025, there are positive signs that times are more positive for the US giant.
Congratulations to Greater Bay Airlines on taking delivery of its first 737-9 and becoming the first Hong Kong-based 737 MAX operator. The 737-9 will set a new benchmark for single-aisle efficiency, reliability, and comfort in the Hong Kong market. pic.twitter.com/HpJWEn44Wg
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) November 26, 2025
On December 11, 2025, Boeing confirmed that during November 2025, 44 aircraft were delivered bringing the total this year to 537.
At the same stage in 2024, Boeing had only delivered 318 aircraft equating to a 68.9% rise in 2025.
On December 9, 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh welcomed Boeing’s delivery improvement.
“I think we are seeing a shift where it’s generally recognized that Boeing’s performance has significantly improved. People have a lot more confidence in Boeing delivering the commitments that they have made, and we’re seeing people having less confidence in Airbus,” said Walsh.
Among Boeing’s November 2025, deliveries were five 737 MAXs to United Airlines while American Airlines received three 737 MAXs and a single 787-9.
Boeing also confirmed that it received 164 orders, although there were also 38 cancellations including Etihad cancelling 15 777Xs.