Boeing delivered 143 commercial aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing Airbus’s 114 units for the first time since the 737 MAX crisis in 2018. This marks Boeing’s highest Q1 delivery total since 2019 and a 10% year-over-year increase, while Airbus saw a 16% decline from 136 in Q1 2025.
The gap emerged from Boeing’s stronger January and February output, with 46 deliveries in March versus Airbus’s 60. Boeing’s 737 MAX program drove the lead, delivering 114 narrowbody jets—nearly 80% of its total and the strongest Q1 narrowbody performance since 2018—plus six 767s, eight 777s, and 15 787s.
Airbus struggled with narrowbody production, delivering 25 fewer single-aisle aircraft than last year. Boeing faced a late-quarter setback from wiring repairs on 25 undelivered 737 MAX jets, deferring about ten handovers to Q2, yet held its edge through consistent pacing and diverse programs like cargo and military derivatives.
This reversal signals Boeing’s operational recovery amid past FAA restrictions following the 2024 Alaska Airlines incident, boosting cash flow and backlog execution. For Airbus, the shortfall underscores supply chain bottlenecks, pressuring its ramp to an 84-aircraft monthly average needed for a 870-unit 2026 target.