Airbus and Boeing Face Delays in 2025 Aircraft Deliveries

Airbus and Boeing Face Delays in 2025 Aircraft Deliveries

Airbus and Boeing, the foremost manufacturers in the commercial aviation industry, are encountering a slow start to their 2025 delivery schedules. Both companies had set ambitious targets—Airbus aiming to deliver 820 aircraft and Boeing targeting 610—but first-quarter figures reveal that they are falling behind. This underperformance is largely attributed to ongoing supply chain disruptions and production challenges, eliciting a range of responses from airlines and industry observers.

First-Quarter Delivery Performance and Underlying Challenges

Data from Cirium indicates that Airbus delivered 134 aircraft in the first quarter of 2025, while Boeing completed 130 deliveries. These figures place both manufacturers below the pace required to meet their annual goals. Airlines have expressed frustration over the delays, though some remain cautiously optimistic that production will accelerate in the coming months.

A significant factor impeding progress is the persistent disruption in the supply of CFM Leap engines, which are critical for both manufacturers’ narrow-body aircraft. Efforts are underway to mitigate these bottlenecks, but their impact remains evident in the subdued delivery numbers reported for the quarter.

Airbus: Engine Shortages and Production Constraints

In March alone, Airbus delivered 69 aircraft, comprising 18 A320s, 33 A321s, 10 A220s, two A330-900s, and six A350-900s. Despite this output, the total of 134 deliveries in the first quarter suggests Airbus is at risk of falling short of its 820-unit target for the year. Historically, the first quarter accounts for approximately 20% of annual deliveries, which, if maintained, would project a total of around 660 aircraft for 2025.

A critical challenge for Airbus remains the limited availability of CFM Leap engines for its A320 family. Cirium reports that 43 A320 family jets have completed test flights but remain undelivered, while an additional 70 aircraft are assembled but yet to fly, with 43 of these awaiting engines. Airbus anticipates improvements as these aircraft are completed and delivered. Encouragingly, production activity is showing signs of recovery, with 53 first flights recorded in March, up from 42 in February and 38 in January.

Boeing: Inventory Management and Regulatory Constraints

Boeing’s March deliveries totaled 41 aircraft, including 33 737 MAX jets, four 787s, and four 777-200LRFs, bringing the quarterly total to 130. If this pace continues, Boeing would deliver approximately 530 aircraft in 2025, falling short of its 610-unit target.

The 737 MAX program is gradually increasing output, with 27 first flights in March. Boeing aims to reach the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) production cap of 38 aircraft per month by mid-2025. Notably, 25% of 737 MAX deliveries to date have been fulfilled from inventory—aircraft built earlier but not yet handed over to customers. Although inventory releases slowed in March, Boeing still holds 34 undelivered 737-8s, which could help bolster delivery numbers. The anticipated certification of the 737-7 model later this year may add approximately 28 deliveries. Meanwhile, the 787 program continues to face delays, with 25 undelivered units, including 13 destined for Lufthansa, held up primarily due to seat supply issues.

Market Responses and Emerging Competitive Dynamics

The slow delivery pace has elicited mixed reactions within the airline industry. Some carriers have voiced frustration over delayed fleet expansions, while others are adopting a more measured stance, awaiting resolution of supply chain and production challenges. Both Airbus and Boeing are intensifying efforts to address these issues and stabilize their output.

In parallel, China’s COMAC is seeking to challenge the longstanding Airbus-Boeing duopoly with its C919 aircraft. COMAC aims to deliver 30 C919s in 2025, up from 13 in 2024. However, only one C919 was delivered in the first quarter, underscoring the difficulties faced by new entrants amid global supply chain constraints and certification hurdles. Despite these challenges, COMAC benefits from strong state support and strategic partnerships, positioning it for growth, particularly within China’s expanding domestic aviation market.

As the year progresses, the commercial aviation sector will closely monitor whether Airbus and Boeing can overcome their current setbacks and fulfill the industry’s high expectations for 2025.