Boeing’s delivery lead over Airbus narrows, mystery buyers order 109 jets

Boeing still leads Airbus for aircraft deliveries in 2026, but its lead has narrowed after the European manufacturer outpaced its US rival last month.

On May 12, 2026, Boeing updated its orders and deliveries data which also revealed a surprising number of aircraft purchases from as yet unidentified customers.

These included one anonymous buyer ordering 28 Boeing 777X widebodies while a second purchased 52 737 MAX jets.

There was also an order for 25 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and another for four 787-9s, again all from unidentified customers.

There is speculation that the orders could be linked to US President Donald Trump’s visit to China to undertake high level meetings with President Xi Jinping.

BoeingThe other 29 aircraft orders in April 2026 were comprised of agreements with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, El Al, Ethiopian Airlines and TUI.

In April 2026, Boeing delivered 47 aircraft, bringing its total for the year up to 190. Airbus delivered 67 over the same month and currently stands at 181 for the year.

After the first quarter of the year, Boeing was ahead by 29 aircraft deliveries, but that has now narrowed to only nine.

Boeing also delivered 34 737 MAX jets in April 2026, eight below its monthly cap set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Among the airlines that received new aircraft were Alaska Airlines (one), American Airlines (four), United Airlines (six) and an unidentified customer received three.

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