Boeing’s October jet deliveries fall to 49

Boeing delivered 49 aircraft in October 2026, down from 57 in September and 53 in the same month a year earlier, as weaker 737 MAX output weighed on overall volumes. The October tally included 32 737 MAX jets, marking the lowest monthly total for the MAX family so far this year and contributing to a shortfall versus an expected full‑year target of about 500 737 deliveries. Deliveries for the month also comprised 11 787 Dreamliners, two 777 freighters and a mix of 767 freighters and military derivatives, including aircraft for the KC‑46 tanker program.

The drop in deliveries comes as Boeing works to stabilize production of its 737 MAX line and resolve constraints in its supply chain. Wing production for 737 jets remains a limiting factor, and a supplier dispute has stalled wing output for 777 freighters and 767s, adding further pressure on widebody programs. Despite the weaker October, Boeing has delivered 524 aircraft in the first ten months of 2026, up about 6% from 493 in the same period a year earlier.

While deliveries declined, Boeing’s commercial order activity accelerated in October. The company recorded 165 new orders during the month with no cancellations, representing its strongest October for net orders since 1997. Avolon accounted for 140 of those orders with a single transaction for 737 MAX aircraft, identified as 737‑10 jets in Boeing’s largest single‑aisle order from a leasing company and lifting Avolon’s outstanding 737 MAX commitments to more than 240 aircraft.

Excluding the Avolon deal, Boeing secured 25 additional orders in October. These consisted of six 737 MAX jets for Allegiant Air, four more MAX aircraft for unidentified customers and 15 787‑10 Dreamliners, also attributed to unidentified customers. In total for 2026 through October, Boeing has logged 828 gross orders, including 570 737 MAX aircraft and 181 Dreamliners, with the 787‑10 representing 103 of the widebody orders and the 787‑9 accounting for 78.

Boeing’s October data highlight the gap between current output and its production ambitions for the 737 program. The manufacturer is working to stabilize 737 production at 47 aircraft per month, a rate it expects to reach in 2027 after transitioning from 42 aircraft per month during the second quarter with regulatory concurrence. Boeing has also started low‑rate production on an additional 737 assembly line, aiming to support higher future volumes.

On the product front, the 737‑10 achieved FAA certification in October, clearing the way for first deliveries of the largest MAX variant following earlier approval of the 737‑7. At the end of October, Boeing’s commercial backlog stood at 6,979 aircraft in its order book and 6,457 units on a recognized basis after accounting adjustments. Despite the order strength, Boeing’s 524 deliveries through October remained well behind Airbus (AIRp), which handed over 621 jets in the same period, underscoring continued competitive pressure as Boeing works through production and supply challenges.