Boeing vs. Airbus: A Rivalry Defined by Delivery Numbers in February

In the ongoing aerospace duel, Airbus took a significant lead over Boeing in February, delivering nearly twice as many commercial planes. Boeing's output stood at 27 aircraft, while Airbus surged ahead with 49 deliveries. This disparity underscores the challenges Boeing faces, including production bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles, which are anticipated to hamper its delivery capabilities throughout the year.

February's figures highlight a continued trend from the previous year, with Airbus outpacing Boeing in production and deliveries. Boeing's efforts to recover from recent setbacks, including the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident and persistent production issues, seem to have made little headway as it lags behind its European competitor early in the year.

Boeing's delivery breakdown for February included 17 MAX aircraft, seven Dreamliners, a P8-Poseidon for the US Navy, and two 767s. Despite a reduction in MAX deliveries from January, a positive note was the increase in MAX planes delivered to Chinese clients, a market that recently reopened to the aircraft model. Overall, Boeing has delivered 54 aircraft in the first two months of the year and secured 15 net orders, highlighting its struggle to keep pace with Airbus.

Conversely, Airbus' robust performance was primarily driven by its A320neo family, with 39 out of 49 deliveries belonging to this lineup. This performance not only outdid its previous February record but also placed Airbus in a strong position with a net total of 33 new orders for the year, all for its A350 program, showcasing the demand for its widebody offerings.

Reflecting on the broader competitive landscape, Airbus' delivery total of 735 aircraft in 2023 significantly surpassed Boeing's 528, marking a year of pronounced dominance for the European manufacturer. Airbus also set a new record with 2,319 gross new orders, further cementing its leading status in the industry.

As Boeing grapples with its challenges, including reduced deliveries to major clients like Southwest Airlines, the company's prospects for regaining its footing in the rivalry seem increasingly contingent on resolving its production and certification issues. Meanwhile, Airbus aims for 800 deliveries in 2024, setting the stage for another year of intense competition in the aerospace sector.