Last year, Boeing delivered 598 commercial aircraft, marking its highest annual total since 2018. The company handed over 537 planes in the first 11 months and is estimated to have delivered 61 jets in December, including 44 units of its best-selling single-aisle model. This performance follows three consecutive years of recovery from production slowdowns caused by safety groundings, pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions and workforce turnover. The surge in deliveries places Boeing within striking distance of its pre-crisis pace, although still short of the 806 units it delivered in 2018. Investors view the rebound as a key indicator of Boeing’s ability to restore customer confidence and generate positive cash flow from its commercial division.

Boeing executives have outlined plans to accelerate output of its narrow-body and wide-body jets in 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration raised Boeing’s production cap on its flagship single-aisle model from 38 to 42 per month in October. Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave anticipates reaching that rate by early next year. Meanwhile, Boeing aims to stabilize monthly output of its long-range twin-aisle model at eight frames. These targets reflect manufacturing improvements under CEO Kelly Ortberg, including reductions in out-of-sequence assembly tasks and enhanced employee training. Boeing will present detailed 2026 production guidance when it reports fourth-quarter results on January 27.

In the final week of last year, Boeing secured $12.8 billion in two major U.S. Department of Defense awards. A $4.2 billion contract covers contractor logistics support for the nation’s E-4B airborne command post fleet through September 2026. An $8.6 billion order funds the production and delivery of at least 25 advanced fighter aircraft for an allied air force, with options for up to 50 jets. These awards highlight Boeing’s dual strength in military services and aircraft manufacturing. Services such as logistics, maintenance and engine replacement—administered by Boeing’s Global Services unit—carry operating margins near 19%, underscoring their profitability compared with the company’s commercial aircraft division.