Airbus (EADSY) just widened the gap. The European giant delivered 136 jets in Q1including a strong 71 in Marchdespite ongoing engine shortages from the GE-Safran joint venture CFM. That's not just a recovery story; it's execution under pressure. Airbus is proving it can navigate supply chain turbulence without missing a beat, cementing its edge as Boeing continues to battle uphill.
Over at Boeing (NYSE:BA), it's a mixed bag. The company handed over 130 jets in the first quarterup from 83 a year agofueled by demand for the 737 MAX. But March deliveries slipped to 41, trailing January and February. The real bright spot? Orders. Boeing booked 163 net orders in March alone, with heavy interest in its 737 MAX, 777, and 787 programs. Korean Air, FedEx, and BOC Aviation all showed up with sizable commitments, pushing Boeing's backlog to a hefty 5,648 jets.
Here's the takeaway for investors: Airbus is leading on deliveries, but Boeing is stacking its future pipeline. That said, risks are bubbling. Tariff talk is back, and key suppliers are warning about potential disruptions. For both planemakers, jet deliveries equal cash flowand with Boeing still carrying heavy debt, consistency is king. Watch this space: whoever executes best under pressure wins the wallet share.
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