Boeing 2Q commercial deliveries rise as production stabilizes

Boeing

Deliveries accelerate and China resumes intake

Boeing 2Q commercial deliveries rose sharply, signaling recovery from last year’s constraints. The company also resumed deliveries to China in June. Eight jets reached Chinese carriers after prior trade disruptions. Meanwhile, Boeing 2Q commercial deliveries highlight progress toward steadier output.

Quarterly 737 MAX handovers increased to 104 from 70 a year ago. However, shipments were little changed from the first quarter. Boeing still targets a 38-per-month build rate by year-end. Therefore, management emphasizes consistent, quality-focused production.

Dreamliner momentum strengthened across the quarter. Boeing delivered 24 787s, up from nine last year and 13 in the first quarter. The firm aims to lift 787 output to seven per month. It is investing $1bn to expand South Carolina capacity.

Inventory, safety scrutiny, and order book

Uncertainty remains around new-build versus inventory 787 deliveries. Boeing closed its Everett “shadow factory” used for rework earlier this year. Even so, it plans to deliver about half of remaining aircraft in 2025. As a result, inventory unwind should continue alongside fresh production.

Safety oversight persists after the June 12 Air India 787 crash. India’s regulator mandated enhanced inspections, which the fleet passed. Meanwhile, the backlog reached 6,590 aircraft on June 30. Net orders totaled 625 in the first half.

Policy risks still intersect with supply chains. Global OEMs oppose a U.S. Section 232 investigation into aircraft and engines. They warn it could disrupt trade and supplier coordination. Nevertheless, Boeing 2Q commercial deliveries underscore resilient demand into the next decade.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The quarter shows capacity stabilization, but quality gating and inventory mix still matter. Watch monthly 737 and 787 cadence against the 38-per-month goal. Backlog health looks durable, yet policy and certification timelines remain key variables.