Boeing has surpassed Airbus in commercial aircraft deliveries for the first time in seven years, according to reports from theregister.com.
In the first quarter of 2026, Boeing delivered 143 planes. During the same period, Airbus delivered 114 new aircraft into airline fleets.
This shift marks a significant reversal for the American aviation giant. For much of the 2010s, Boeing dominated the market, even setting an industry record of 763 deliveries in 2017.
However, the company's momentum stalled following the fatal 737 Max crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Those accidents, caused by faulty software, resulted in 346 deaths and led to a global grounding of the fleet.
Following those tragedies, Boeing's deliveries plummeted to 380 in 2018. Airbus has maintained a lead in quarterly and annual deliveries every year since that decline.
Supply chain hurdles persist
Despite the recent delivery surge, both manufacturers face significant production bottlenecks. Boeing recently warned that 737 production will slow down to address wiring issues.
The company is also facing scrutiny from NASA regarding its Starliner space capsule, which was deemed unsafe while docked at the International Space Station.
Airbus faces its own set of challenges due to engine shortages. The company's supplier, Pratt & Whitney, is currently repairing approximately 1,200 engines affected by a manufacturing flaw.
This issue has slowed the delivery of new engines, leaving Airbus with a massive backlog of completed aircraft that cannot fly without power plants.
Competition between the two giants will intensify next year. Boeing is preparing to deliver the 777X, a long-awaited rival to the Airbus A350.
Airbus is also expanding its long-haul offerings. The company recently launched an Ultra Long Range A350 for Qantas, designed for non-stop flights from Australia to London or New York.
