Boeing delivers 130 aircraft in Q1 2025, highest quarterly figures since 2023

During the first quarter, Boeing delivered at least 28 aircraft built before 2023, including 15 to China-based airlines. Among these were 12 737 MAX 8s and three 787-9s, received by China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Juneyao Air.

Boeing continues to face challenges with business class seat delays, which adversely impacted deliveries in 2024 and are expected to affect 2025 as well. CEO Kelly Ortberg noted during a January earnings call that these issues stem from integrating monuments around the seats and in-flight entertainment certifications. "We are still challenged in getting through certification on some new type seats on 787. We got a plan on that. It is really a customer-by-customer basis."

While 2025 has seen a good start in deliveries, Fitch Ratings had earlier warned that the machinists' strike in 2024 might have downgraded Boeing's credit rating. However, Fitch now acknowledges Boeing's positive progress in 2025, citing improvements in operational execution, profitability, and balance sheet management.

Brian West, Boeing's Executive Vice President and CFO, downplayed concerns over aluminum and steel tariffs at a recent conference, citing that most of Boeing’s materials are sourced domestically. According to West, "the aircraft manufacturer does not see any material near-term implications."

Overall, while Boeing navigates its production challenges, it remains focused on meeting its delivery goals and mitigating any potential disruptions.