Global Aviation Round-Up from Aircraft Value Intelligence (AVN)
Logos of Airbus and Boeing.
The order books at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow told an encouraging story for Boeing.
When the four-day event wrapped up on July 24, the U.S. aerospace giant had logged 186 firm commercial aircraft orders, topping Airbus’ total of 157. On paper, it was Boeing’s strongest Farnborough showing in years and another sign that the company is regaining its footing after several difficult years marked by safety crises, manufacturing setbacks and financial strain.
The result also reflects the steady progress being made under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who has spent the past two years focused less on splashy announcements and more on restoring confidence inside the company and among airline customers. Farnborough suggested that strategy is beginning to pay off.
Still, the headline numbers reveal only part of the picture. Neither manufacturer arrived in England needing to prove demand. Airlines have been ordering airplanes at such a brisk pace that both Boeing and Airbus are effectively sold out well into the next decade. Winning today’s order race is valuable, but the larger challenge remains building airplanes fast enough to satisfy customers without sacrificing quality.
Dreamliner Demand Lifts Boeing
Much of Boeing’s advantage came from long haul aircraft, where the 787 Dreamliner continues to attract strong interest from airlines expanding international networks.
Among the biggest announcements was Riyadh Air’s purchase of 28 additional 787s, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global aviation hub. AerCap added another 15 Dreamliners, while Uganda Airlines selected four 787-9s alongside four 737 MAX 8s as it continues rebuilding its long-haul fleet.
Cargo operators also played a role. MSC Air Cargo committed to five 777-8 Freighters, underscoring continued confidence in the long-term air freight market despite softer cargo volumes in recent months.
Single aisle aircraft remained equally important. Leasing giant SMBC Aviation Capital placed an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets, one of the largest commercial deals announced during the show. Luxair added two 737-10s, while Philippine Airlines committed to 15 787-10s with options for five more, a deal that could eventually widen Boeing’s lead once finalized.
Altogether, Boeing secured 134 narrowbody aircraft and 52 widebodies during the exhibition.
Airbus Keeps Pace Where It Matters
Airbus may have finished behind in total orders, but its performance hardly suggested weakness.
The European manufacturer landed its own 100 aircraft commitment from SMBC Aviation Capital, matching Boeing’s largest deal airplane-for-airplane with A320neo family jets. That outcome reflected the reality of today’s narrowbody market, where many lessors and airlines continue to spread purchases between both manufacturers rather than commit exclusively to one.
Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas ordered 20 A321neos and five A330neos, while BermudAir expanded with 10 A220-300s. Riyadh Air also strengthened its Airbus fleet by purchasing six additional A350-1000s.
Philippine Airlines added further momentum by signing a memorandum of understanding covering nine A350-1000s. Although not yet a binding contract, the agreement signals that Airbus remains well positioned in the long-haul market.
The company finished the week with 127 narrowbody orders and 30 firm widebody sales.
A Close Narrowbody Contest
Boeing finished only seven aircraft ahead in the narrowbody segment, thanks largely to the SMBC order and Uganda Airlines’ modest MAX purchase.
The bigger difference came in widebody aircraft, where Boeing outpaced Airbus by 22 firm orders. Strong Dreamliner demand and renewed interest in the 777-8 Freighter ultimately provided the margin of victory.
Yet neither manufacturer left Farnborough worrying about sales. Combined, Boeing and Airbus are sitting on order backlogs approaching 17,000 aircraft. Airlines remain eager to modernize fleets with fuel efficient airplanes that lower operating costs and reduce emissions.
The obstacle is no longer convincing customers to buy. It is delivering aircraft on schedule while navigating supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages and ongoing shortages of critical components.
That reality has changed the industry’s competitive landscape. Airshow order totals still generate headlines, but investors are paying closer attention to monthly production rates, delivery performance and manufacturing stability.
For Boeing, that shift could prove especially significant. Under Ortberg’s leadership, the company’s recovery increasingly rests on disciplined execution rather than ambitious sales targets. Farnborough offered another indication that customers are willing to reward that approach.
Airbus remains a formidable competitor with enormous demand across its product line, particularly the A320neo family and A350. But this year’s Farnborough belonged to Boeing. The company left England with the larger order tally and, perhaps more importantly, growing evidence that its long climb back is beginning to gain real altitude.
John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value Intelligence.
