Boeing delivered 41 commercial jets in March 2025, an increase from 29 aircraft in the same month last year, the company announced Tuesday. However, the March figure came in slightly below January’s 45 and February’s 44 deliveries, highlighting lingering challenges in Boeing’s production ramp-up.

For the first quarter of 2025, Boeing handed over 130 aircraft — a marked improvement from 83 in the same period in 2024. Of the total, 104 were of the 737 MAX model, Boeing’s best-selling narrow-body jet. The company had only delivered 66 MAX jets during Q1 of the previous year.

Production Still Under Pressure

Despite the uptick, Boeing continues to face significant hurdles. The past year has seen the aerospace giant wrestle with labor strikes, regulatory scrutiny, and persistent supply chain constraints. These disruptions have impeded production, delayed deliveries, and hindered recovery from prior years' setbacks.

Now, geopolitical tensions may further complicate operations. A rising trade spat could put new pressure on Boeing’s supply chain. Howmet Aerospace, a key supplier, recently warned that tariffs introduced under the Trump administration could force it to stop certain shipments — a move that would deal a blow to Boeing’s production flow.

Competition and Engine Constraints

Meanwhile, Boeing’s European rival, Airbus, outpaced Boeing in March, delivering 71 aircraft and totaling 136 deliveries for Q1 2025. Still, Airbus is not immune to industry-wide challenges. The company cited engine shortages from CFM International — a GE and Safran joint venture — as a key constraint on output.

Orders Surge in March

In more encouraging news, Boeing had its strongest month so far in 2025 for new orders. The company secured 163 net orders in March, including 192 gross orders and 29 cancellations. Notably, 88 of those were for the 737 MAX, with major purchases from BOC Aviation (50 jets), Japan Airlines (17), and several undisclosed customers (21).

Wide-body aircraft also saw strong demand. Boeing logged:

  • 11 orders for 777 freighters (8 from FedEx)
  • 40 orders for the long-delayed 777X (20 from Korean Air Lines and 20 undisclosed)
  • 53 orders for the 787 Dreamliner (including 20 from Korean Air and 33 undisclosed)

Through the end of March, Boeing had booked 241 gross orders and recorded 204 net orders after cancellations and conversions. The company's total backlog now stands at 5,648 aircraft — a significant figure that underscores continued demand despite its operational turbulence.

Financial Relevance and Outlook

Aircraft deliveries are a key financial metric for planemakers, as the majority of revenue is recognized upon delivery. With Boeing still burdened by debt from years of crises, boosting deliveries and order intake remains essential for stabilizing its finances.

Although the road to recovery remains uncertain, particularly amid global trade tensions and supply chain fragility, Boeing’s Q1 performance suggests cautious optimism — with increasing deliveries and a growing backlog signaling steady demand from global carriers and lessors.