The competition between Airbus and Boeing is one of the most closely monitored rivalries in global manufacturing, with aircraft deliveries serving as a key indicator of operational performance and financial health. In May 2026, both aerospace giants reported stronger delivery figures compared to the previous year, reflecting recovering supply chains, sustained demand from airlines, and efforts to increase production. However, while Boeing continued its recovery, Airbus maintained its lead in the monthly delivery race.

In May, Airbus delivered 81 commercial aircraft, while Boeing delivered 60. This difference of 21 aircraft means that Airbus delivered 35% more jets than its American competitor during the month. These figures not only underscore Airbus’s effectiveness in overcoming delivery bottlenecks but also highlight Boeing’s ongoing recovery after years of production disruptions, regulatory scrutiny, and supply-chain challenges. With both manufacturers aiming for higher production rates, May provided an important snapshot of the current standing of the industry’s two dominant players.

Airbus Extends Its Delivery Lead

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Airbus delivered 81 aircraft to 45 customers in May, representing a substantial 59% increase from the 51 aircraft delivered in May 2025. This result also marked a notable improvement from April’s 67 deliveries, making May Airbus’s strongest delivery month of 2026 so far. The increase was, in part, due to the resumption of deliveries to Chinese customers after an administrative issue had delayed aircraft handovers earlier in the year.

The European manufacturer’s year-to-date performance remains robust. By the end of May, Airbus had delivered 262 aircraft to customers worldwide, putting it on a solid path toward its full-year target of 870 deliveries. The company has also accumulated 815 gross orders in 2026, which translates to 762 net orders after accounting for cancellations. Despite the positive performance reflected in recent figures, Airbus still faces significant challenges in its operations.

Ongoing issues such as engine shortages, delays in cabin equipment, and supply chain constraints affecting key suppliers continue to jeopardize production schedules. While the performance in May has eased some concerns, Airbus must maintain a consistent pace of deliveries in the second half of the year to meet its ambitious annual targets. After Boeing surpassed Airbus in new orders in 2025, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury commented:

“The fact that we have been ahead on orders for five years means our order backlog is much higher than that of our main competitor.”

Boeing’s Recovery Gains Momentum

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Boeing delivered 60 aircraft in May, marking a 33% increase compared to the same month in 2025. While the company still trails Airbus, this achievement highlights Boeing’s steady progress in rebuilding its production capacity and improving delivery performance after several challenging years.

A notable figure was the delivery of 51 737 MAX aircraft, which represents the highest monthly total for this narrow-body jet since production resumed following the strike disruption in late 2024, likely following the wiring fix the manufacturer made. The 737 MAX accounted for 85% of Boeing’s deliveries in May, underscoring its vital role in the company’s recovery strategy and cash generation efforts.

By the end of May, Boeing’s year-to-date deliveries had reached 250 aircraft, including 198 737 MAX jets. The company also delivered six 787 Dreamliners, one 777 freighter, and one 767 freighter during the month. Additionally, Boeing plans to increase 737 production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month this summer and is studying a potential long-term ramp-up to 70 aircraft per month, which would represent the highest production rate in the program’s history.

Orders, Backlogs, And The Competitive Outlook

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Deliveries often receive the most attention because they directly generate revenue. However, orders and backlogs are also crucial as they provide insights into future market strength. In May, Boeing secured 27 new orders, which included 14 aircraft designated for military conversion and an order for 10 Boeing 787s from Lufthansa.

After accounting for cancellations, Boeing achieved a net gain of 11 new orders for the month. During the first five months of 2026, Boeing has accumulated 324 gross orders and 295 net orders, resulting in a backlog of 6,178 aircraft. In contrast, Airbus has recorded 815 gross orders and 762 net orders this year, reinforcing the robust demand environment supporting both manufacturers, despite ongoing economic uncertainties and supply chain pressures.

The May figures indicate that while the competitive gap between Boeing and Airbus still exists, it is not beyond reach. Airbus currently holds an advantage in terms of monthly deliveries and year-to-date output, but Boeing is demonstrating tangible progress in restoring production rates and enhancing operational stability. As airlines continue to place orders to satisfy rising passenger demand and address fleet-renewal requirements, the competition between Airbus and Boeing is transitioning from merely generating demand to determining who can build and deliver aircraft the fastest.