Boeing Delivers 143 Aircraft in Q1 2026 and Achieves 777-9 Training Device Qualification

Global – Boeing has reported Q1 2026 earnings with 143 commercial aircraft deliveries and a record backlog of over 6,100 airplanes valued at $576 billion, while providing extensive commentary on production rate increases, certification timelines, and training infrastructure milestones that carry significant implications for the global pilot training industry.

• Boeing delivered 143 commercial aircraft in Q1 2026 (up 10% year-on-year), comprising 114 Boeing 737 deliveries and 15 Boeing 787 deliveries, with the company on track to deliver 500 737s and 90–100 787s for the full year.
• Total company backlog stands at a record $695 billion including over 6,100 commercial airplanes.
• The 737 program has stabilised at 42 aircraft per month and will increase to 47 per month this summer, with the new Everett North Line (Boeing's fourth 737 production line) expected to begin operations later this year at a low initial rate before ramping to 52 per month. The North Line is construction-complete with tooling in place, and Boeing has started hiring and training employees who will complete structured on-the-job training paired with experienced teammates from the existing Renton Line.
• The 787 program has stabilised at eight per month with a planned increase to 10 per month later this year. Rework hours on the 787 final assembly line improved by more than 25% year-on-year, though delivery timing has been impacted by seat certification delays for new cabin configurations.
• The 777-9 program continues to advance certification, with FAA approval for TIA Phase 4a (natural ice testing) and TIA Phase 4b expected imminently. First delivery remains on track for 2027, with approximately 30 built 777-9 aircraft requiring change incorporation over several years before delivery. Boeing is targeting a production rate of five 777-9s per month.
• Boeing Global Services received initial FAA and EASA qualification for 777-9 training devices in Q1, a critical milestone for the pilot training infrastructure build-out required ahead of the type's entry into service in 2027. Airlines receiving the 777-9 will require new type-rating programs, simulator capacity, and instructor development.
• Approximately 14% of Boeing's commercial unit backlog is for Middle East customers, though two-thirds of that delivers in 2030 and beyond. CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed no delivery deferral requests have been received to date despite the Middle East conflict, and Boeing delivered four aircraft to the region since the conflict began. Ortberg noted Boeing has received calls from airline customers willing to pull forward deliveries if slots become available.
• Boeing indicated a potential large China aircraft order is dependent on US-China negotiations, with CEO Ortberg expressing high confidence that a country-level agreement would include aircraft orders of significant scale — further expanding the long-term pilot training demand pipeline.

Statements

• "While we are seeing some regional instability as a function of the Iran war, we remain confident in the long-term future of our industry. Aviation has seen moments like this before, whether it'd be recession, pandemic or conflict. The resilience of our industry has always led to a recovery and return to growth trends," said Kelly Ortberg, President and CEO of Boeing.
• "So, 14% of our unit backlog is in the Middle East for customers, but two-thirds of that backlog delivers out in 2030 and beyond. And we have pretty good ability to re-sequence airplanes in the 12 to 18-month timeframe. I have received calls from airline customers, letting me know that they're willing to pull forward if there's any opportunity," said Kelly Ortberg, President and CEO of Boeing.
• "Also in the quarter, BGS received FAA and EASA qualification for 777-9 training devices, an important step forward in support of the airplane's entry into service next year," said Jesus Malave, Executive Vice President and CFO of Boeing.

Source: Boeing Q1 2026 Earnings Call