Boeing rebounds in 2025

Boeing appears to be regaining momentum in net orders for 2025, signaling a potential shift in the commercial aviation market. After years of turbulence linked to the 737 MAX crisis and production delays, Boeing has recorded an estimated 782 net orders so far in 2025, surpassing Airbus’s current 625 net orders for the year.

Industry analysts attribute this rebound to:

• Improved production stability and accelerated deliveries,
• Renewed airline demand for fleet modernization,
• Strong positioning in long-range aircraft segments,
• Restored confidence among carriers and investors
• Focus on high-quality design taking now precedence over past short-term profitability imposed by financiers.

Airbus faces quality and operational challenges

Airbus continues to equip its A320neo family and A220 with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. While these engines deliver notable fuel efficiency gains, a decade-long series of reliability and maintenance issues has impacted Airbus’s reputation.

Recent estimates suggest:

• Approximately 450–550 A320neo family aircraft are currently grounded due to GTF inspections and maintenance,
• Around 60–80 A220 aircraft are also immobilized.

These operational disruptions affect both airline operations and Airbus’s ability to attract new orders, raising concerns over long-term reliability perceptions — concerns that also reflect on Pratt & Whitney / RTX.

Market implications

For Boeing:

• The surge in net orders (~782) demonstrates restored airline confidence.
• Boeing’s improved product reliability and delivery consistency provide a competitive edge over Airbus.

For Airbus:

• The GTF issues create significant reputational and operational challenges.
• Grounded fleets of 550–650 aircraft worldwide highlight the impact on airline operations and potential future order intake.
• To maintain market share, Airbus must restore confidence in engine reliability and ensure high-quality service support.
• A321 XLR Wizz Air severe and troubling tail-strike on September 11,  2025 when so few such airplanes are in operation should be quickly investigated and possibly corrected, looking how this could have been missed in the development phase and why.  

Key figures summary (2025, as of November 2025)

Conclusion

As 2025 progresses, Boeing is reasserting its leadership in net orders, benefitting from improved product reliability and fleet availability. Airbus, while still a dominant player, is grappling with engine-related operational disruptions that have affected both airline confidence and fleet utilization.

The coming months will be crucial: Boeing aims to capitalize on this renewed momentum, while Airbus and Pratt & Whitney must demonstrate that the GTF issues are fully resolved to protect their reputation and market share. The decisions made now will shape the commercial aircraft landscape for the next decade.

AeroMorning Guest post from Mr John Smith

Disclaimer : The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect AeroMorning’s official position