Boeing secured FAA approval to boost 737 MAX output to 42 jets per month and plans to raise 787 Dreamliner production to 10 aircraft per month during 2026. These increases follow years of reduced rates after two fatal MAX crashes triggered regulatory scrutiny. The company’s order backlog stands at a record $636 billion, fueled by 1,173 net orders in 2025—its best annual intake since 2018—and early-2026 commitments from Alaska Airlines for up to 105 737 MAX jets and Delta Air Lines for up to 60 787 Dreamliners.

In December 2025, Boeing completed its $3.5 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems to gain direct control over its largest fuselage supplier. This vertical integration move aims to improve quality control and reduce supply-chain disruptions that previously contributed to production delays. Executives project that bringing Spirit’s roughly 18,000 employees into Boeing’s operations will streamline procurement and manufacturing processes, supporting the planned output increases and generating annual cost savings of $200 million by 2027.

Boeing shares have climbed more than 9% year-to-date, reaching two-year highs around recent trading levels, underpinned by the production ramp-up and robust order momentum. Institutional trading volume during the breakout was 58% above average, signaling strong confidence from large investors. Wall Street analysts maintain a moderate buy consensus, with twelve-month price targets ranging from $237 to $300. Bernstein lifted its target to $298, forecasting free cash flow of $9–$10 billion annually by 2028, while Susquehanna argues the stock merits a valuation of 12 times normalized 2027 EBITDA.

A union representing about 1,600 white-collar employees at Spirit AeroSystems announced a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Boeing. The deal includes annual wage increases averaging 3.5% over a three-year term, expanded health benefits coverage and the establishment of a joint labor-management committee to oversee quality-control standards. Management believes this pact will stabilize workforce relations during the integration process and minimize potential disruptions to fuselage production lines.