Boeing Delivers Most Aircraft in Seven Years, Signals Production Ramp-Up Ahead

Boeing (NYSE: BA) is set to report its highest annual airplane deliveries since 2018, marking a key milestone in the manufacturer’s multi-year effort to stabilize operations after a string of safety crises, production disruptions, and quality lapses.

The delivery milestone, expected to be disclosed this week, reflects a more predictable manufacturing cadence following years of constraints tied to the 737 MAX grounding, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a January 2024 midair door-plug blowout that again forced production scrutiny. With stability improving, Boeing is now preparing to increase output, with detailed 2026 production plans scheduled to be outlined later this month.

“It’s a long road back from a rather dysfunctional culture, but they’re making big progress,” said Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, citing improvements on Boeing’s assembly lines.Boeing’s leaders, including Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg—who returned from retirement to take the top role months after the 2024 incident—have focused on tightening manufacturing discipline. The company has reduced “traveled work,” added training, and re-sequenced assembly processes to limit rework and defects.

Regulators have responded. In September, the Federal Aviation Administration allowed Boeing to resume issuing its own airworthiness certificates for certain 737 and 787 aircraft, a sign of renewed confidence after years of oversight restrictions.

The manufacturer is now aiming to lift production of its cash-generating 737 MAX and long-range 787 Dreamliner, moves analysts say could return Boeing to profitability this year, its first full-year profit since 2018. In December, Boeing completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, bringing fuselage production back in-house and giving the company more direct control over a supplier that had been linked to quality issues. The integration is expected to reduce delays and improve consistency across key programs.

Investor sentiment has improved alongside operational momentum. Boeing shares are up 37% over the past 12 months, outpacing the S&P 500’s roughly 20% gain. Airline customers are also taking note. “Boeing is definitely better and more stable,” said Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, in a December interview. Boeing and its main rival Airbus have both struggled in recent years to deliver aircraft on time amid labor shortages and supply-chain bottlenecks. For Boeing, the recent delivery gains suggest the company may finally be turning a corner.

The aerospace giant will provide more clarity on its production trajectory when it reports quarterly results and outlines its 2026 manufacturing plans on January 27.

About Boeing

Boeing (NYSE: BA)  is one of the world’s largest aerospace companies and the top U.S. exporter by value. The company designs, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technologies. Its commercial aircraft division accounts for roughly half of company revenue, with the remainder generated by defense and global services businesses.

At the time of publishing, Stocks.News does not hold positions in companies mentioned in the article.