Boeing Co marked a significant recovery milestone in June, delivering 60 aircraft—its highest monthly total in a year and a half—fuelled by operational improvements and a resumption of jet exports to China.
The US aerospace group delivered 42 units of its 737 MAX narrowbody jet, the most since the start of 2024, when a near-catastrophic incident prompted a sharp downturn in its commercial operations. Of the total June deliveries, eight aircraft were shipped to China, reflecting a diplomatic de-escalation between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade-related tensions.
Over the second quarter, Boeing delivered 150 aircraft, bringing its year-to-date total to 280 commercial jets. The company also reported 668 gross orders in the first half of 2025, set against 43 cancellations or conversions, highlighting a rebound in demand amid easing supply chain pressures.
June’s performance brought Boeing into close contention with its chief rival Airbus SE, which delivered 63 aircraft in the same month. Airbus also logged 203 gross orders in June, some linked to high-profile commitments secured during the Paris Air Show.
Boeing has struggled to match Airbus in both deliveries and sales over recent years, as it contended with a series of high-profile setbacks. However, recent momentum has shifted in Boeing’s favour, with Airbus facing production challenges tied to engine shortages and supplier disruptions.
The US manufacturer has slowly regained stability in its production lines, aided in part by an excess inventory built up following a labour strike in late 2024 and a temporary reduction in production speed earlier this year. The decision to decelerate assembly allowed Boeing to address quality-control issues that came to a head after a door plug panel detached mid-flight on a 737 MAX.
Despite recent progress, Boeing’s safety record came under renewed scrutiny in June following the crash of a 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India, which occurred seconds after take-off just days before the Paris Air Show. In response, Boeing cancelled public appearances by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg and withheld any formal order announcements at the event, citing respect for the victims.
Nevertheless, Boeing’s June sales figures underscored robust underlying demand. The company recorded 116 gross orders for the month, including 42 orders for the 737 MAX and 30 for the 787 Dreamliner, both placed by unidentified customers.
-Bloomberg
