US manufacturer Boeing saw its commercial aircraft deliveries rise sharply in May, handing over 60 aircraft, as it continues to recover from earlier production and quality-related issues.
This total was 33% higher than in May 2025 and a clear improvement over April 2026, when 47 aircraft were delivered. Most of the increase came from the 737 MAX family, with 51 of these jets delivered in May. This was the highest monthly total for the MAX since Boeing restarted production in December 2024 after the machinists’ strike.
In May, Boeing also delivered six 787 Dreamliners, one 777 Freighter and one 767 Freighter. The increase happened as Boeing resolved a wiring issue that had delayed some 737 MAX deliveries earlier in the year. The company is working to stabilise production and make deliveries more predictable, while also rebuilding trust with airlines, lessors and regulators.
Boeing plans to increase 737 production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month this summer, which is an important part of its recovery plan. Still, Boeing was behind Airbus in May, as the European company delivered 81 aircraft during that period.
Its order book grew by 27 gross orders during May 2026. These included ten 787 Dreamliners for Lufthansa and 14 737s, which are set to be converted into military aircraft for an unidentified customer. However, 16 737 MAX cancellations reduced the manufacturer’s net order intake for the month to 11 aircraft.
Between January and May 2026, Boeing delivered 250 aircraft, including 198 737 MAXs. The company also received 324 new orders in that time, with cancellations and conversions leaving a net total of 295. By the end of May, Boeing’s commercial backlog was 6,178 aircraft.
