Boeing Lands Delta’s First Direct 787-10 Order: 30 Jets, 30 Options
Boeing received a first direct order for 30 firm and 30 option 787-10 Dreamliners from Delta Air Lines, boosting its backlog and marking Delta’s fleet shift from Airbus widebodies. The 336-seat jets offer improved fuel efficiency and premium cabins, with deliveries slated for the early 2030s, enhancing Boeing’s production visibility.
1. Delta Places Landmark Order for Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
Boeing secured a first‐ever direct order from a major U.S. legacy carrier when Delta Air Lines committed to purchase 30 firm 787-10 Dreamliners with options for 30 additional aircraft. The 787-10 variant, seating up to 336 passengers, delivers a 10% improvement in fuel burn per seat versus the aging 767 fleet it will replace, and offers enhanced cargo capacity. Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2030, the order underscores Boeing’s ability to win new business at a time when airlines are locking in widebody slots years in advance to capture growing demand in premium long-haul markets.
2. Alaska Airlines Deal Boosts 737 MAX Backlog
In late December, Boeing confirmed an order from Alaska Airlines for 145 additional 737 MAX jets, adding nearly 8% to the MAX 10 backlog. The commitment comes as Boeing ramps MAX production toward 84 units per month, with current order books sold out at that rate through 2027. The flightless period following the MAX grounding has given way to robust demand from both carriers and leasing firms, and the Alaska deal cements Boeing’s position in the single-aisle sector.
3. Record Annual Deliveries Since 2018
Boeing reported delivery of 160 commercial airplanes in Q4 2025, lifting its full-year total to 600 aircraft—the highest annual figure since 2018. The Q4 breakdown included 117 units of the 737 family, 27 Dreamliners, 10 767s and 6 777s. Defense, Space & Security deliveries reached 37 units in Q4, contributing to a 2025 total of 131 military aircraft and rotorcraft. Strong production output underlines manufacturing improvements and helps restore confidence among airline customers and investors.
4. Net Orders Surpass Airbus for First Time Since 2018
In 2025 Boeing logged net orders for 1,173 commercial airplanes, eclipsing its European rival for the first time in seven years. While Airbus delivered more jets overall, Boeing’s ability to capture orders for both narrowbody and widebody models signals a turnaround in customer confidence following quality and supply-chain challenges. With production lines now operating at higher rates and a healthy backlog extending into the next decade, Boeing’s order book provides revenue visibility and supports its medium-term growth trajectory.