Key facts
- Boeing delivered 60 jets in May, a 33% increase year-over-year.
- Boeing's May deliveries included 51 737 MAX jets.
- Boeing is studying a potential increase in 737 MAX production to 70 jets per month.
- Boeing's current 737 production plan remains 63 jets per month.
- Boeing delivered the first two 787 Dreamliners to Riyadh Air.
- Boeing can provide aftermarket support for a 200-jet China order, contingent on approvals.
- Airbus delivered 81 jets in May, a 59% increase year-over-year.
- Airbus deliveries reached 262 year-to-date in May.
- Airbus deliveries rebounded after a Chinese regulatory issue was resolved.
- Airbus is experiencing delays with A321XLR deliveries to IndiGo.
- Airbus is nearing a widebody aircraft order from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
- Airbus CEO sees no order cancellations despite industry pressures.
Boeing reported a 33% year-over-year increase in jet deliveries for May, with a total of 60 aircraft handed over. This figure included 51 737 MAX jets, marking the highest monthly number for this model since production resumed in December 2024. The company is currently studying the feasibility of boosting 737 MAX production to a record rate of 70 jets per month, a move that would be critical for its financial recovery. However, CEO Dave Calhoun emphasized that 'right now 63 is our plan,' indicating that these higher production rate studies are in early stages and may not be adopted. Boeing also delivered its first two 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline that plans to utilize the 787-9 for regional and long-haul routes. In a separate development, Boeing's top services executive stated the company can provide aftermarket parts support for a 200-plane order from China, provided global parts approval is obtained and China receives supply guarantees for engine parts.
Airbus also saw a significant rebound in May, delivering 81 aircraft, a 59% increase from the previous year. This surge followed the resolution of a Chinese regulatory issue that had previously delayed 20 planes. Despite this recovery, Airbus faces ongoing supply chain disruptions that continue to challenge its annual delivery targets. The company is also experiencing delays with its A321XLR aircraft deliveries to IndiGo, which is impacting the Indian airline's expansion plans. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury indicated that despite industry pressures like higher fuel costs, there are no signs of customers cancelling jet orders, suggesting resilient long-term demand. Airbus is reportedly close to securing a widebody aircraft order from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which could include a significant number of A330neo and A350 family aircraft.
Rolls-Royce, a key engine supplier for Boeing's widebody aircraft, has secured additional orders for its engine used in the 787 jet. This development aims to help the UK manufacturer regain market share from competitor General Electric on this aircraft type. The overall aviation industry is experiencing robust demand for new aircraft, though manufacturers are navigating production challenges and supply chain constraints. Boeing's deliveries in May, while up significantly, still trailed rival Airbus. The FAA had previously lifted a production cap on the 737 MAX, paving the way for potential production increases.
Looking ahead, both manufacturers are working to meet demand while managing production rates and supply chain issues. The potential increase in Boeing's 737 MAX production is subject to supplier capacity and strategic decisions. Airbus is also working through delivery schedules for its A321XLR and is in discussions for a substantial widebody order from SAS. The aftermarket support for Boeing's China order remains contingent on regulatory approvals.