EVERETT- Boeing recorded a sharp rise in aircraft orders during April, giving the U.S. manufacturer one of its strongest starts to a year in more than a decade. The company said it secured 135 net new aircraft orders during the month, pushing its total net bookings for 2026 to 284 aircraft through April.
The strong order momentum comes as Boeing continues to increase production and deliveries from its facilities in Seattle (SEA) while advancing certification work on the delayed 777X program.
The manufacturer also confirmed that the first passenger-configured 777-9 aircraft for Lufthansa (LH) completed its maiden flight on May 7, marking another milestone for the long-haul jet program.
Boeing Orders Rise in April
Boeing’s April order figures nearly matched the combined total from the first three months of the year, highlighting renewed airline and leasing company demand for widebody and narrowbody aircraft.
The company booked 57 new 737 MAX aircraft orders and 51 orders for the 787 Dreamliner family. Boeing also logged 28 new 777X orders from unidentified customers, signaling continued market confidence in the next-generation widebody aircraft despite certification delays.
After adjustments for cancellations and conversions, Boeing’s net order tally reached 284 aircraft through the first four months of 2026. That marks the company’s highest January-to-April order total since 2014.
Despite the strong performance, Boeing still trails European rival Airbus, which recorded 405 net orders through April 30. Airbus also delivered 67 aircraft during April, maintaining its lead in global commercial aircraft deliveries.
Delivery Targets Hold for Boeing
Boeing delivered 47 commercial aircraft during April, slightly higher than the 46 deliveries recorded in March. Aircraft deliveries remain a key revenue driver because airlines typically make the largest payments when aircraft are handed over.
The April deliveries included 34 Boeing 737 MAX jets and six Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The manufacturer has continued increasing output while managing supply chain challenges and certification-related delays affecting premium cabin seating on some aircraft.
Boeing executives previously stated that certification delays tied to premium seats have slowed certain 787 deliveries. However, the company still expects to deliver between 90 and 100 Dreamliners during 2026, Reuters flagged.
The steady delivery pace is viewed as an important sign for investors and airline customers as Boeing works to stabilize production following years of operational disruptions and regulatory scrutiny.
777X Program Advances
Boeing’s 777X program achieved another milestone after the first passenger-configured 777-9 aircraft completed its maiden flight earlier this month.
The aircraft, built for Lufthansa, conducted the flight on May 7 after earlier scheduling adjustments.
The 777X family remains one of Boeing’s most closely watched aircraft programs due to repeated certification delays and shifting entry-into-service timelines. Boeing continues working with regulators to secure final certification before customer deliveries begin.
Industry analysts view the recent 777X orders as a positive sign for the program, particularly as airlines seek fuel-efficient replacements for older long-haul aircraft.
The aircraft combines folding wingtips, improved fuel efficiency, and updated cabin technology aimed at premium international travel markets.
Boeing’s improving order activity also reflects broader recovery trends in global aviation demand as airlines continue expanding fleets to meet rising passenger traffic on domestic and international routes.
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