Boeing Takes Narrow Lead Over Airbus in Farnborough Orders Amid Industry Headwinds

Boeing has taken a narrow lead over rival Airbus in the order race at Britain’s Farnborough Airshow, with planemakers securing nearly 300 firm aircraft orders in the event's initial days, according to a Reuters tally. However, industry sources suggest that persistent supply-chain constraints are tempering expectations for a record-breaking show.

Key Orders Underscore Duopoly

The competition between the two aerospace giants was highlighted by several significant deals from major airlines and leasing companies. Many buyers split their orders, underscoring demand for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft from both manufacturers.

Key deals announced so far include:

• SMBC Aviation Capital: The aircraft lessor placed a major split order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets and 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.
• Riyadh Air: The Saudi carrier exercised options for 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and confirmed an order for 6 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, expanding its widebody fleet.
• Philippine Airlines: The carrier committed to 15 firm orders and five options for Boeing's 787-10 Dreamliner, while also ordering 9 Airbus A350s with purchase rights for five more.
• AerCap: The leasing giant placed a firm order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Other notable orders for Boeing included deals with Uganda Airlines for both 737 MAX and 787 jets, MSC Air Cargo for five 777-8 freighters, and Luxair for two 737-10s. Airbus secured an order for four A320neo-family aircraft from Tajikistan-based Shohin Airlines.

Production Bottlenecks Temper Expectations

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Despite the flurry of announcements, industry sources cited by Reuters expect that total dealmaking will fall short of more ambitious forecasts that had anticipated 800 or more aircraft orders. The shortfall is attributed to ongoing supply-chain constraints and production bottlenecks that continue to challenge both Boeing and Airbus, limiting their ability to ramp up delivery schedules to meet surging airline demand.

The current firm order count of nearly 300 aircraft is reportedly in line with the number of deals sealed at the previous Farnborough show in 2024, indicating a steady but not explosive market.

Engine and Regional Jet Deals Also Feature

Beyond the headline orders for Boeing and Airbus, the airshow also saw significant activity in the engine and regional jet markets. Brazil's Embraer announced multiple deals, including firm orders for 20 E2 aircraft for South American group Abra and smaller orders from Fuji Dream Airlines and Binter.

Engine manufacturers also secured major commitments. CFM International, in particular, signed a memorandum of understanding with India's IndiGo to purchase over 1,000 LEAP-1A engines, a deal that could set a new record. CFM also won a large order from BOC Aviation for up to 300 engines, while Pratt & Whitney was selected to supply GTF engines for up to 63 of British Airways' incoming Airbus A320neo jets.