Aircraft Deliveries Could Be Stalled by Political and Supply Chain Pressures

Boeing delivered 130 commercial jets in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing analyst expectations and marking a sharp rebound from the same period last year. The company also handed over 26 defense and space systems, also ahead of forecasts.

March saw 41 aircraft deliveries, up from 29 in March 2024, though slightly down from 45 in January and 44 in February. The majority of first-quarter deliveries—104 out of 130—were Boeing’s 737 MAX jets, its highest-volume model. In the first quarter of 2024, Boeing delivered only 83 commercial jets, including 66 MAXs.

Boeing logged 163 net new aircraft orders in March, bringing the quarterly total to 204 net orders after cancellations and conversions. These include 88 737 MAXs, 11 777 freighters, 40 777Xs, and 53 787s. The company’s backlog now stands at 5,648 aircraft.

The rebound comes after a difficult 2024 that included a production freeze due to safety probes and a nearly two-month labor strike. The improved delivery numbers offer some breathing room as Boeing continues to manage debt and rebuild trust following a string of high-profile incidents.

Wall Street had anticipated 125 commercial aircraft and 20 defense and space systems for the quarter. Boeing's defense and space deliveries also improved from last quarter’s total of 36, despite industry-wide pressure from workforce shortages and component delays.

Still, challenges remain as the threat of a new trade conflict evolves. Boeing supplier Howmet Aerospace has warned clients that new tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump could interrupt shipments. The company is still working to navigate a supply chain stressed by both policy uncertainty and ongoing parts shortages.

Meanwhile, European rival Airbus continues to outpace Boeing in overall deliveries, handing over 71 aircraft in March and 136 for the quarter. Engine supply constraints from CFM International limited Airbus’ output but, in the end, did not prevent it from taking the lead.

FMI: www.boeing.com