Airbus Delivers 136 Jets in Q1 2025, Narrowly Surpasses Boeing Amid Tariff Tensions

European aerospace giant Airbus SE edged out Boeing Co. in the aircraft delivery race for the first quarter of 2025, handing over 136 commercial jets versus Boeing’s 130, according to official statements released this week.

After trailing its American rival in January and February, Airbus surged ahead with a late burst of 71 deliveries in March, buoyed by shipments to major global carriers including China Eastern Airlines and United Airlines Holdings Inc. The figure also marks a significant rise from the 63 aircraft Airbus delivered in March last year.

The first-quarter performance signals a competitive resurgence for Airbus, which has dominated global aircraft production in recent years but has faced persistent supply chain challenges since late 2023.

Boeing’s Best Quarter in Over a Year

Boeing, which has made strides to recover from production setbacks and regulatory scrutiny, reported its strongest quarterly delivery total in over a year with 130 aircraft. The figure underscores a steady rebound for the U.S. manufacturer, even as it continues to face challenges in ramping up output for popular models such as the 737 MAX.

Industry analysts noted that while Boeing’s performance was robust, Airbus's strong March showing ensured it retained its global lead in commercial deliveries for now.

Tariffs Threaten Global Supply Chains

However, both manufacturers may face fresh headwinds moving into the second quarter. The United States’ latest wave of tariffs on dozens of countries, including key aerospace suppliers, has introduced new uncertainty into global aircraft production and logistics.

These levies could disrupt established supply chains, particularly for Airbus, which sources components from across Europe and Asia. On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines raised eyebrows by stating it would not absorb any tariff-related costs on Airbus aircraft it imports — a stance that could lead to pricing tensions between planemakers and airlines.

Strong Order Book for Airbus

Despite these looming challenges, Airbus secured 211 gross orders in March, reflecting continued demand. Customers included Jackson Square Aviation and BOC Aviation, reinforcing confidence in the medium-term outlook for commercial aviation.

As of March 30, Airbus’s backlog stood at an impressive 24,825 aircraft, suggesting a solid production pipeline through the rest of the decade.

Aviation Sector at a Crossroads

While deliveries are a key metric of commercial performance, both Airbus and Boeing are navigating an evolving market shaped by geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty, and volatile fuel prices.

With global airlines under pressure to manage costs amid shifting travel demand, analysts believe tariffs and trade barriers could become a central issue in aircraft procurement negotiations, particularly between American carriers and European manufacturers.

For now, Airbus retains the upper hand in the 2025 delivery race — but the margin is slim, and the year is just getting started.