The world’s two largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, released their delivery and order reports for August. Boeing posted its best August performance since 2018, delivering 57 aircraft. However, during the same period, Airbus delivered 61 aircraft to customers, surpassing its rival.
In the first eight months of 2025, Boeing delivered a total of 385 aircraft, already exceeding last year’s full total (348 aircraft). The majority of deliveries were narrow-body 737 MAX jets: 289 units. In addition, 54 787 Dreamliners, 26 777F freighters, and 16 767s were delivered. By comparison, Airbus handed over 434 aircraft to customers during the same period.
Boeing’s delivery performance continues to be affected by the FAA’s production restrictions. The company cannot produce more than 38 737 MAX jets per month. However, thanks to planes being taken out of storage at Moses Lake, Washington, the pace increased, and the last stored 737 MAX was delivered in August.
Airbus also leads in orders. In August, Boeing received a total of 26 new orders, including 14 777X aircraft for Cathay Pacific. Airbus, on the other hand, secured agreements for 99 aircraft. Highlights include a major contract from Irish leasing company Avolon and an order for seven A350-1000s from an undisclosed customer.
Airbus aims to close the year with a record. Targeting 820 aircraft deliveries—surpassing the 766 delivered in 2024—the manufacturer will need to accelerate production in the final months of the year. However, delays in engine and seat supplies could challenge Airbus’s plans.
