Boeing records strongest first-half aircraft deliveries since 2018

Boeing delivered 314 aircraft during the first six months of 2026, marking its strongest first-half performance since 2018 as the U.S. manufacturer continues its recovery following years of regulatory scrutiny and production challenges.

Preliminary figures released by the company show commercial aircraft deliveries remained strong, led by the 737 MAX, which accounted for 243 aircraft, or about 77% of all year-to-date deliveries. Boeing also delivered 40 787 Dreamliners, 16 767s, and 15 777s during the period.

737 MAX Leads Boeing Recovery

June alone saw Boeing deliver 64 commercial aircraft, four more than both May 2026 and June 2025. The monthly total included 42 737 MAX aircraft, 13 787 Dreamliners, three 777 freighters, and five 767s.

According to the preliminary figures, Boeing increased production output by 12% compared with the same period last year. The improvement comes after regulatory oversight slowed deliveries in 2025.

The company also reported that the 737 MAX family has accumulated 7,206 total orders, surpassing the historical order record of the earlier 737NG family, which received 7,159 orders.

For June, Boeing recorded 121 gross aircraft orders. After eight cancellations, the manufacturer ended the month with 113 net orders. Overall first-half orders stood at 408 after cancellations and accounting adjustments.

Aircraft Orders and Defense Programs Support Growth

Across its commercial and Defense operations, Boeing recorded 171 deliveries during the second quarter.

Three of the five 767 aircraft delivered in June are expected to be converted into aerial refueling tankers through Boeing’s defense business. Defense deliveries also included aircraft such as the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, F-15, F/A-18, KC-46, MH-139 and P-8, along with commercial and civil satellites.

Boeing has indicated it plans to increase production of the 737 MAX with the opening of a fourth assembly line at Everett while continuing work toward certification of the MAX 7.

Airbus Remains Ahead

Despite Boeing’s stronger performance, Airbus remains ahead in overall deliveries.

The European manufacturer delivered 351 aircraft during the first half of 2026, including 89 deliveries in June, representing a 15% increase from the same month last year.

Airbus continues to target 870 aircraft deliveries this year, although the company faces ongoing global financial and supply chain pressures.

Boeing’s latest delivery figures remain preliminary until the company publishes its second-quarter financial results later this month.