Boeing’s sales jump nearly 60% in 4Q, bolstered by strong rise in airplane deliveries

Boeing Reports 60% Revenue Surge as Aircraft Deliveries Reach Five-Year High

Boeing’s financial fortunes showed significant improvement in the fourth quarter, with sales surging nearly 60% as the aerospace giant continues its recovery from a series of high-profile crises. Revenue climbed to $23.95 billion from $15.24 billion in the same period last year, exceeding analyst expectations of $22.6 billion.

The Arlington, Virginia-based manufacturer reported its strongest quarter of aircraft deliveries since 2018, completing 160 commercial aircraft handovers, more than double the 57 delivered in the prior-year period. These deliveries represent a crucial revenue stream for Boeing, as customers typically pay a substantial portion of the purchase price upon receiving their aircraft.

“We made significant progress on our recovery in 2025 and have set the foundation to keep our momentum going in the year ahead,” said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in a statement released Tuesday.

The company posted a profit of $8.13 billion, or $10.23 per share, a dramatic improvement from the $3.92 billion loss, or $5.46 per share, recorded a year earlier. However, this quarter’s figures included a substantial $9.67 billion gain related to the sale of portions of Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions business. Excluding certain items, earnings were $9.92 per share, significantly outperforming Wall Street’s projected loss of 44 cents per share.

The financial rebound comes as Boeing continues to navigate the aftermath of serious safety and quality concerns. In November, a federal judge in Texas granted the government’s request to dismiss a criminal conspiracy charge related to two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The crashes, which occurred in Indonesia and Ethiopia, led to a worldwide grounding of the aircraft for nearly two years.

As part of the agreement to drop the criminal charge, Boeing committed to paying an additional $1.1 billion in fines, compensation for crash victims’ families, and investments in internal safety and quality measures. The deal also allows Boeing to select its own compliance consultant rather than face oversight from an independent monitor, a provision that has drawn criticism from some safety advocates and families of crash victims.

Boeing’s production capacity also received a boost recently when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) increased the monthly manufacturing limit for 737 Max aircraft from 38 to 42 planes. This adjustment represents a vote of confidence following restrictions imposed after a door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024, forcing an emergency landing and triggering renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing processes.

The incident, which involved a 737 Max 9, prompted the FAA to temporarily ground that model and implement enhanced oversight of Boeing’s production lines. No passengers or crew were seriously injured in the incident, but the dramatic in-flight failure raised fresh questions about quality control at the aerospace manufacturer.

Industry analysts note that while Boeing’s financial performance is showing signs of recovery, the company still faces significant challenges in rebuilding its reputation for safety and quality. The manufacturer continues to compete with European rival Airbus, which has gained market share during Boeing’s difficulties.

Boeing’s improving delivery numbers also signal potential relief for airlines that have faced aircraft shortages amid robust post-pandemic travel demand. Major carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest have all experienced delivery delays that complicated fleet planning and expansion efforts.

As Boeing works to stabilize its operations and financial position, investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see if the company can sustain its recovery momentum while addressing the underlying quality and safety concerns that have plagued it in recent years.