In 2024, Airbus maintains its lead with 766 jet deliveries

As arch-rival Boeing (BA. N) slowly recovers from a protracted internal crisis, Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab, delivered 766 aircraft in 2024 and appeared certain to keep supremacy of the jet-making sector for a sixth year, according to company figures released on Thursday.

The European aircraft manufacturer was expected to declare triumph after allowing itself a margin for error as global supply chains continue to be hindered by manpower and part shortages, despite falling just short of a headline target of “around 770” jets.

With yearly growth more than halving to 4% from 11% a year earlier, the highly anticipated deliveries signaled a setback in Airbus’ industrial comeback from the pandemic. They confirmed a preliminary total of 766 jets reported by Reuters.

An unbridgeable gap between Boeing and Airbus deliveries for 2024 has already been created by a cautious ramp-up and regulatory constraints following a mid-air blowout on an Alaska Airlines plane one year ago, even though Boeing has not yet released yearly figures.

But according to analysts, the two aircraft manufacturers are still fiercely vying for fresh orders.

Compared to a record 2023, Airbus reported 878 gross orders, or a net total of 826 after cancellations, a 61% decrease. After cancellations, Boeing had 370 net orders by the end of November.