Mixed July Results: Boeing Posts Solid Delivery Numbers but Barred by Wider Dealer Gap with Airbus

Boeing delivered 53 commercial aircraft in July, bringing its year-to-date total to 367 units, a 12% increase over the 328 delivered in the first seven months of 2025. Narrowbody 737 MAX jets accounted for 39 of those deliveries, while the remaining included 10 787 Dreamliners, three 767s, and one 777 freighter. This improvement underscores recovering production momentum. However, Airbus maintained its edge, delivering 67 aircraft in July and reaching a year-to-date count of 418, widening its lead over Boeing.

July’s order intake for Boeing totaled 38 gross commitments, cut down by eight cancellations to a net 30 new orders. The gross orders included significant placements from AerCap, Uganda Airlines, Luxair, and others, including one Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) from an unidentified customer. The net figure reflects the softening momentum compared to June’s stronger figures.

The disparity between Boeing and Airbus was particularly stark at the Farnborough Airshow. Airbus booked 204 orders in July, propelled by robust show activity, while Boeing’s 38 gross orders fell significantly short. Year-to-date through July, Airbus had secured 1,090 gross orders versus Boeing’s 483, leaving the American manufacturer trailing by over 600 aircraft.

Despite the challenges, Boeing landed a major commitment from SMBC Aviation Capital, which ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets — 60 of the newer 737‑10 variant and 40 737‑8s. This represents SMBC’s first order for the 737‑10 and further cements its long-standing partnership with Boeing across the MAX family.

Why It Matters

Boeing’s delivery rebound in July is a positive sign for its production stabilization efforts, particularly for the 737 MAX and 787 programs. But on the sales side, Airbus has significantly outpaced Boeing in both order volume and backlog growth. Boeing’s smaller order intake and cancellations suggest continued challenges in closing new deals and sustaining pipeline momentum.

The SMBC order is encouraging, introducing the high-capacity 737‑10 to the lessor’s portfolio and signaling long-term confidence in Boeing’s narrowbody lineup. Nevertheless, closing the gap with Airbus will likely require sustained new order flow and fewer cancellations.

What to Watch

• Whether Boeing can accelerate its order momentum in coming months to narrow the order book deficit with Airbus.
• Stability and scalability of Boeing’s production lines to support delivery growth into the second half of 2026.
• Further uptake of the 737‑10 variant by lessors or airlines, following SMBC’s lead.