Boeing closes in on Airbus with strong first-quarter deliveries

By Julie Johnsson | Bloomberg

Boeing Co. logged its best delivery performance in more than a year, handing over 130 aircraft in the first quarter as the US company works to improve its factory processes and narrow the gap with arch-rival Airbus SE.

The planemaker delivered 41 jets in March, capping its best three months since the final quarter of 2023. Airbus is scheduled to unveil its monthly orders and deliveries on Wednesday, and the company probably remained slightly ahead with about 134 deliveries, according to Cirium Ascend.

The last time Boeing beat Airbus in a quarter was in the first three months of 2023.

The figures underscore the progress Boeing has been making toward settling into a steady production tempo after a crippling strike in 2024 and years of supplier stress. It faces fresh turmoil ahead as sweeping tariffs unveiled by President Donald Trump increase costs on parts that cross borders. Boeing — an emblem of US industrial prowess — risks getting locked out of key markets like China.

The US planemaker booked 192 gross airplane orders in March, including 40 for its largest-ever twin-engine jet family, the 777X. Half of that total went to Korean Air Lines Co., while the remainder were sold to unidentified customers.

Boeing landed 53 orders for its 787 Dreamliner jets, with 20 going to Korean while the other buyers weren’t identified. The planemaker received 11 orders for its 777 freighters and 88 orders for its 737 Max narrowbodies.

For the year, Boeing has recorded 241 orders and netted 221 sales after cancellations, conversions and a US accounting provision for at-risk deals.

–With assistance from Anthony Palazzo.

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