Boeing Expects Stronger 737 & 787 Deliveries in 2026, CFO Says
Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave has signaled optimistic production prospects for 2026, projecting increased deliveries of 737 and 787 aircraft that should bolster the aerospace manufacturer’s cash flow recovery. Speaking December 2 at the UBS Global Industrials & Transportation Conference, Malave provided detailed insights into Boeing’s manufacturing roadmap and the timing between production rate adjustments and actual aircraft deliveries.
Production Rate Momentum Malave emphasized that Boeing’s 737 production ramp remains on schedule, despite acknowledging a temporary softness in November 2025 deliveries. “It takes a few months to take the production cadence and move that into output,” Malave explained, highlighting the inherent lag between manufacturing rate increases and delivery fulfillment. The CFO noted that once production systems stabilize at current rates, Boeing’s team begins positioning for the next rate increase, typically requiring a minimum six-month planning window.
Regulatory Progress and Production Expansion Boeing’s production momentum follows significant regulatory approval in October 2025, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted manufacturing caps that had restricted 737 MAX production to 38 aircraft monthly. This clearance enables Boeing to gradually increase output to 42 jets per month, with Malave indicating that higher delivery volumes should materialize in Q1 2026.
2026 Delivery Outlook Looking ahead, Malave confirmed Boeing expects elevated delivery volumes across both the 737 and 787 programs. Notably, he distinguished between 2025 and 2026 delivery patterns regarding inventory utilization. In 2025, approximately 50 of the 737 deliveries drew from existing inventory. In contrast, 2026 deliveries will rely almost exclusively on fresh production rather than inventory drawdowns—a significant indicator of production health.
One caveat involves 737-10 deliveries, which may trail production rates due to expected certification later in 2026. Nevertheless, overall combined 737 and 787 deliveries should still increase year-over-year.
Implications for Boeing’s Recovery These projections underscore Boeing’s progress in stabilizing manufacturing operations following years marked by regulatory scrutiny, production disruptions, and supply chain challenges. Stronger 2026 deliveries directly translate to enhanced cash generation, critical as Boeing manages its financial recovery and debt obligations. The company’s ability to execute production rate increases without significant inventory reliance demonstrates improving operational efficiency and customer demand confidence in Boeing’s commercial programs.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764954526231-1205