Boeing’s Resurgence Gains Momentum as Production and Orders Climb

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After navigating a prolonged period of crisis, Boeing is staging a powerful comeback. The aerospace giant is now delivering aircraft at a significantly higher rate, securing major new orders, and simultaneously reinforcing its defense and supply chain operations. This shift marks a pivotal transition from a focus on mere survival to a clear path of measurable growth.

A key factor driving the renewed investor confidence is the substantial rebound in commercial aircraft deliveries. Boeing handed over 160 commercial jets to customers in the fourth quarter of 2025. For the full year, this brought the total to 600 aircraft—the highest annual delivery figure since 2018.

This performance indicates that the long-planned production ramp-up is finally yielding tangible results. A critical element is the 737 MAX program, which is currently running at a rate of 42 aircraft per month. Internal plans call for a further increase, a strong signal that manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain stability have improved.

The operational progress is reflected in the company's share price, which closed at $244.55 yesterday, marking a new 52-week high. The stock has gained approximately 51% over the past twelve months and remains positive for the year-to-date period.

Major Fleet Orders Underscore Customer Confidence

Significant new orders from leading airline customers are providing additional momentum. In a notable move, Delta Air Lines placed its first direct order with Boeing for the 787 Dreamliner widebody jet. The firm agreement covers 30 aircraft, with options for 30 more, aimed at modernizing and expanding Delta's international long-haul fleet.

Alaska Airlines has also made a decisive commitment, confirming the largest fleet order in its history for 105 737-10 aircraft. Orders of this magnitude are crucial not only for keeping Boeing's production lines busy but also for demonstrating the trust major carriers place in the company's current and future product lineup.

Key investment considerations include:

• Analyst Backing: Research firm Bernstein SocGen has identified Boeing as a top U.S. stock pick for 2026, reiterating its "Outperform" rating and raising its price target to $277.
• Delivery Surge: The 600 commercial aircraft delivered in 2025 represent a 72% increase compared to the previous year.
• Supply Chain Integration: Boeing's $4.7 billion acquisition of key supplier Spirit Aerosystems brings a critical part of the manufacturing value chain in-house, granting the company greater control over quality and production scheduling.

Defense Division Provides a Stable Foundation

Alongside its commercial recovery, Boeing's defense business continues to act as a stabilizing force. Late in 2025, the company secured two significant defense contracts with a combined value of $12.8 billion.

One contract covers logistics support for the U.S. Air Force's E-4B fleet. The other is an order for a minimum of 25 new F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force. Such long-term, multi-year projects provide predictable revenue streams, helping to offset the cyclical nature of the commercial aircraft market.

Despite the strong revenue growth, Boeing has not yet returned to sustainable profitability, reporting a significant operating loss for the past year. However, management has forecast a return to positive free cash flow in 2026—a critical milestone that investors are watching closely.

The current confluence of rising production, a robust order book, a strengthened supply chain, and a solid defense backlog suggests Boeing's narrative is genuinely evolving from pure crisis management to a credible growth trajectory. The crucial test will be whether the company can deliver on its promised cash flow turnaround during the course of 2026.