Output May Reach Its Best Since 2018 Despite Trailing Behind Airbus

Boeing delivered 53 jets in October, bringing its 2025 total to 493 aircraft and marking its strongest output since before the pandemic. The plane maker has been gradually rebuilding from a series of crises that began with the 737 MAX grounding and extended through years of safety, quality, and demand problems.

Of the log, 39 aircraft were 737 MAX models, including nine to Southwest Airlines and five to Ryanair. Widebody deliveries included eight 787 Dreamliners, two 777 freighters, and four 767s. The company also handed over a P-8 Poseidon to the U.S. Navy and logged 15 new aircraft orders for the month.

The numbers put Boeing on track for its best annual total since 2018, when it delivered 806 planes. Between then and now, the company has shouldered high-profile crashes, heightened oversight, and a pandemic-related travel plunge. CEO Kelly Ortberg says production quality is improving, and federal regulators have approved an increase in 737 output from 38 to 42 jets per month… a small, but symbolic improvement.

Still, Boeing remains a step behind its European rival. Airbus has delivered 585 aircraft between January and October, recording its strongest delivery month of 2025 with 78 planes handed over to 36 customers. That’s up from 62 in the same month last year.

Highlights for Airbus included four A350-900s for Emirates and the first A321XLR for American Airlines. The company is expecting an even smoother finish to the year since engine supply chain issues slowed deliveries early on.

Boeing’s backlog now sits at 5,911 aircraft, including 782 net new orders this year after cancellations and conversions. Of those, 320 are for the 787 Dreamliner. Airbus, on the other hand, is pushing to hit 820 deliveries for 2025.

Global air travel demand has more than tripled since 2000, and both manufacturers are leaning heavily on growth from emerging markets. Recent orders from Uzbekistan Airways and Somon Air, for example, have given Boeing a major assist. Legacy carriers like Emirates also play a role as they commit to fleet modernization with the upcoming 777X.

FMI: www.boeing.com