Seattle, August 13 - In July 2025, Boeing Co. reported a significant decline in its aircraft deliveries, handing over 48 commercial airplanes, a 20% drop from the 60 delivered in June, according to company data. This marked a setback for the U.S. planemaker, which continues to trail its European rival, Airbus, in the fiercely competitive commercial aviation market. Airbus delivered 67 aircraft in July, maintaining its lead in monthly performance and reinforcing its stronger position in the year-to-date delivery race with 373 aircraft compared to Boeing’s 328. The disparity highlights ongoing challenges for Boeing as it grapples with production bottlenecks and heightened regulatory scrutiny, while Airbus navigates its own supply chain hurdles but sustains steadier output.
.gif)
Boeing’s July deliveries included 37 of its best-selling 737 MAX jets, alongside eight 787 Dreamliners, two 777 freighters, and one 767 freighter. The 737 MAX, a cornerstone of Boeing’s portfolio, accounted for the majority of deliveries, with 20 jets going to aircraft lessors and 17 to airlines. Despite the month’s downturn, July’s total of 48 aircraft was an improvement over the 43 delivered in July 2024, marking Boeing’s highest July delivery figure since 2017, when it handed over 58 planes. This year-on-year increase reflects incremental progress in stabilizing production, particularly for the 737 MAX, which has seen its production rate reach approximately 38 aircraft per month. Boeing is also working toward a target of seven 787s per month by year’s end, having delivered eight in July alone, and aims to certify its 777X model by late 2025, though delays could push this into 2026.
Airbus, by contrast, delivered a more diverse mix in July, including 54 A320neo family jets, five A220s, two A330s, and six A350s. The A320neo family, which competes directly with Boeing’s 737 MAX, has been a key driver of Airbus’s delivery lead, with 286 A320neo jets delivered year-to-date compared to Boeing’s 243 737 MAX jets. Single-aisle aircraft like these dominate the market, comprising about 66% of all commercial jets, making their production and delivery critical to both manufacturers’ financial performance. Airbus’s ability to maintain higher delivery numbers, despite facing engine shortages from suppliers like CFM International and Pratt & Whitney, underscores its more consistent production flow. Airbus aims to deliver 820 aircraft by the end of 2025, requiring an ambitious average of over 89 deliveries per month for the remainder of the year. While challenging, Airbus has historically ramped up output in the final months to meet annual targets. Boeing’s delivery decline from June to July stems partly from ongoing supply chain constraints and intensified quality control measures following a January 2024 mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX, which exposed production quality issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight has since limited Boeing’s ability to scale up production, with the company currently capped at 38 MAX jets per month. Boeing has not provided a full-year delivery target, focusing instead on stabilizing operations and improving quality. Meanwhile, Airbus’s challenges, including engine delivery delays, have not prevented it from outpacing Boeing, though its A350 and A220 programs are struggling to meet production goals. The delivery figures have significant financial implications, as both manufacturers collect substantial payments upon aircraft handover. Boeing’s order book remains robust, with 699 gross orders secured in 2025, including 31 in July (30 for 737 MAX and one 787), outpacing Airbus’s 501 gross orders. However, Airbus’s backlog of 8,678 aircraft, compared to Boeing’s 6,563, suggests stronger long-term production commitments. As both companies vie to meet rising global demand for air travel, their ability to overcome supply chain and regulatory hurdles will shape their competitive standing in the months ahead.