Paris, February 16 - The aviation industry kicked off 2026 with a notable disparity in widebody aircraft deliveries between Boeing and Airbus, highlighting ongoing production dynamics in the long-haul segment. In January, a total of nine widebody jets were handed over to commercial customers, marking an increase of two units compared to the same month in 2025. Boeing dominated the period with eight deliveries, while Airbus contributed just one. This performance underscores Boeing's stronger momentum in widebody output at the start of the year, driven by steady progress across its key twin-aisle programs amid sustained global demand for efficient long-range aircraft.
Boeing's widebody deliveries in January consisted of five 787 Dreamliners and three 777s. The 787 program continued to demonstrate reliable execution, benefiting from ramped production at facilities in Everett and North Charleston. These Dreamliner handovers support operators seeking fuel-efficient, high-capacity options for international routes. The three 777 deliveries further bolstered Boeing's position in the large twin-aisle market, where the type remains a workhorse for both passenger and freighter configurations. Overall, Boeing's widebody focus complemented its broader monthly total of 46 commercial aircraft deliveries, providing a solid foundation for backlog conversion and revenue recognition early in 2026.
Airbus, by contrast, recorded a single widebody delivery during the month: one A350-900. This limited output reflects a slower start for the European manufacturer in the long-haul category, with no A330 deliveries reported and activity concentrated primarily in narrowbody programs. The A350 remains a cornerstone of Airbus's widebody portfolio, prized for its advanced composite construction and operational economics on premium routes. Despite the modest January figure, Airbus's widebody lineup continues to attract interest from carriers modernizing fleets for efficiency and range.
These January widebody delivery figures—Boeing's eight versus Airbus's one—illustrate divergent execution paces between the two leading manufacturers as they navigate supply chain stabilization and production scaling. Boeing's robust performance in the 787 and 777 programs positions it favorably for capturing demand in the recovering long-haul market, while Airbus's A350 delivery sustains its competitive presence. As the year progresses, both companies are expected to accelerate widebody output to meet airline requirements for fleet expansion and replacement in an era of rising international travel.