Boeing Moves Closer to Matching Airbus Deliveries

Boeing says it is closing in on Airbus’ delivery pace as CEO Kelly Ortberg outlines a plan to stabilize production and rebuild customer confidence. Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference, Ortberg noted Boeing has finally cleared its inventory of 737 MAX jets—a task that took six years after the aircraft’s grounding and the pandemic—but cautioned there is still “a mountain of work” to do.

Airbus currently holds about 60 percent of the single-aisle market versus Boeing’s 40 percent and has roughly 60 A320neo family aircraft in storage awaiting engines. Ortberg said Boeing’s focus is on quality, gradual production increases, and debt reduction rather than chasing short-term targets.

Certification hurdles remain the biggest challenge. The 737-7 and 737-10 MAX variants are now pushed into 2026 as engineers work through engine anti-ice fixes. The 777X program also faces delays, with first 777-9 deliveries now expected in the fourth quarter of next year instead of mid-2025. Boeing has accumulated more than $10 billion in forward losses and additional deferred production costs on the 777X.

Ortberg stressed that Boeing will not rush approvals or ramp-ups, instead implementing a “Keystone Review” with the FAA before moving from 38 to 42 and eventually 47 MAXes per month. He also signaled a shift from promising cash returns to investors toward prioritizing debt repayment and investment in future aircraft programs.

While Boeing still trails Airbus, Ortberg believes the company is “turning the corner” as it works to deliver certified, high-quality aircraft and rebuild its financial health.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com