Airbus vs Boeing: May 2025 Aircraft Orders & Deliveries – Who’s Leading the Race?
In the ever-evolving world of aviation, May 2025 brought a powerful shake-up between the two industry giants—Airbus and Boeing. The Airbus vs Boeing 2025 scenario saw one soar in new aircraft orders, while the other maintained its lead in actual deliveries. Let’s break down what really happened—clearly, simply, and with verified facts.
Boeing Takes Off with Record Orders
Boeing had a standout month, clocking 303 new aircraft orders in May 2025—a huge milestone for the U.S. aerospace manufacturer.
Here are the key highlights:
- Qatar Airways placed a mega-order for 130 Boeing Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777X wide-body jets.
- AviLease signed up for 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
- WestJet added 7 Boeing 737 MAX jets to its growing fleet.
Even with this momentum, Boeing still faces constraints. The 737 MAX production rate remains capped at 38 jets per month until it receives FAA approval to scale up.
Airbus Hits Pause on New Orders—But Not for Long
Unlike Boeing, Airbus reported zero gross orders in May. But don’t count them out just yet.
Industry insiders suggest that Airbus is holding back intentionally, preparing for major announcements at the upcoming Paris Air Show 2025.
Exciting rumors are already in the air:
- AirAsia is reportedly close to ordering 100 Airbus A220 jets, a game-changer for regional travel.
Deliveries – Airbus Edges Out Boeing
When it comes to actual aircraft delivered, Airbus maintained a slight lead over Boeing in May:
| Manufacturer | May 2025 Deliveries |
|---|---|
| Airbus | 51 aircraft |
| Boeing | 45 aircraft |
Airbus deliveries included:
- 41 A320neo-family jets
- 5 A220s
- Remaining mix: wide-bodies for international carriers
Boeing deliveries featured:
- 31 737 MAX
- 7 787 Dreamliners
- 5 777 Freighters
- Others: 767 Freighter and 1 P-8 Poseidon (military use)
For more monthly delivery stats, visit the official Airbus update and Boeing delivery breakdown.
Year-To-Date Performance (Jan–May 2025)
| Category | Airbus | Boeing |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deliveries | 243 | 220 |
| Total Orders in May | 0 | 303 |
| Estimated Backlog | 8,000+ | 5,943 |
| Annual Delivery Goal | 820 jets | N/A |
Airbus is confident in hitting its delivery goals this year despite facing engine shortages and cabin interior delays. Boeing, on the other hand, is focused on boosting order volume while dealing with FAA constraints and internal quality checks.
Global Headlines That Matter
- Boeing resumes MAX deliveries to China after years of trade restrictions
- Airbus may secure a $10B A220 deal with AirAsia at the Paris Air Show
- Industry experts forecast continued high demand for new aircraft through 2025–2026
What This Means for Travelers
Here’s how all this aircraft action affects YOU:
More aircraft → more routes, better flight availability
Newer jets → lower fuel burn, less carbon footprint
Tougher competition → potential for cheaper fares in future
Final Thoughts
Boeing may be dominating the headlines in orders, but Airbus continues to deliver where it matters—literally. As the Paris Air Show approaches, the rivalry is heating up again.
Who will dominate the skies in the second half of 2025?
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