This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace and Delta Air Lines.

Delta Air Lines Selects GE Aerospace GEnx Engines for New Boeing 787-10 Fleet

In a significant move for its future widebody operations, Delta Air Lines has selected GE Aerospace to power its incoming fleet of Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. According to a joint announcement released on January 13, 2026, the carrier has chosen the GEnx-1B engine for an order comprising 30 firm aircraft and options for 30 additional jets.

The agreement extends beyond the initial hardware, encompassing spare engines and a comprehensive long-term services support contract. This selection marks a pivotal moment in the nearly 70-year partnership between the two companies, ensuring GE Aerospace remains a cornerstone of Delta’s international fleet strategy well into the next decade.

Agreement Details and Delivery Timeline

The newly announced deal secures propulsion for Delta’s latest widebody acquisition. The order covers 30 firm Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2031. Should Delta exercise its options for the additional 30 aircraft, the total scope of the agreement could cover up to 120 installed engines, exclusive of spares.

While specific financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, the inclusion of a long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement suggests a deep commitment to the GEnx platform. This “power-by-the-hour” style support is standard for major fleet renewals, ensuring predictable maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability.

Executive Commentary

Both companies highlighted the strategic importance of this renewal. Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, emphasized the role of efficiency in the airline’s international expansion.

“GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines will enable us to connect our passengers to international destinations across the globe with greater efficiency and improved reliability and are foundational to our growth vision.”

, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, noted the historical depth of the relationship, which dates back to the Convair 880 in 1956.

“For more than 60 years, GE Aerospace has been proud to partner with Delta Air Lines, and we’re honored the GEnx now will be underwing to support their international growth plans.”

, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace

Technical Specifications and Performance

The GEnx-1B is currently the best-selling engine for the Boeing 787 family, holding approximately two-thirds of the market share for the airframe. Delta’s selection aligns with industry trends favoring the engine’s maturity and performance metrics.

According to technical data referenced in the announcement and industry reports, the GEnx-1B offers several key advantages over previous generation powerplants:

• Fuel Efficiency: The engine delivers a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the CF6 engines currently powering Delta’s older Boeing 767 fleet.
• Reliability: The GEnx fleet has accumulated over 70 million flight hours with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%.
• Material Innovation: The engine utilizes carbon fiber composite fan blades and a composite fan case, which significantly reduce weight and eliminate corrosion issues associated with traditional metal components.
• Emissions: The Twin Annular Pre-Swirl (TAPS) combustor technology reduces NOx emissions to approximately 55% below current regulatory limits.

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Fleet Diversification

This order represents a notable shift in Delta’s recent procurement strategy. Over the past decade, the Atlanta-based carrier has leaned heavily on Airbus for its widebody renewal, investing significantly in the A330neo and A350 families. The introduction of the Boeing 787-10, and specifically the choice of GE engines, reintroduces balance to the fleet.

By operating both Airbus and Boeing widebodies, Delta mitigates the risk of supply chain delays or certification issues that might affect a single manufacturer. Furthermore, the 787-10 is optimized for high-capacity, mid-range international routes (such as Transatlantic and South American corridors), complementing the ultra-long-range capabilities of the A350-1000. The decision to pair the airframe with GE engines avoids the durability challenges that have historically affected the competing Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, signaling a preference for operational stability over other factors.

Sources

Sources: PR Newswire / GE Aerospace

This article is based on an official press release from The Boeing Company and additional market data.

Boeing Reports Surge in Q4 Deliveries, Tops Airbus in 2025 Net Orders

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today a significant rebound in its operational performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, delivering 160 commercial airplanes to close out the year. According to the official press release, this surge brings the manufacturer’s full-year total to 600 commercial aircraft, marking a 72% increase over the previous year and the highest annual delivery volume since 2018.

The announcement signals a potential turning point for the aerospace giant under the leadership of CEO Kelly Ortberg. While Boeing’s total delivery numbers for 2025 still trail rival Airbus, which delivered 793 jets, Boeing successfully secured more net new orders than its European competitor for the first time in seven years. Market data indicates that Boeing stock rose approximately 2.25% in trading following the news.

Commercial Aviation Recovery

The commercial sector was the primary driver of Boeing’s fourth-quarter performance. Data released by the company highlights a stabilization of the 737 MAX program, which had previously faced production halts and labor strikes. In the fourth quarter alone, Boeing delivered 117 737 jets, a sharp increase from the 36 delivered during the same period in 2024.

For the full year of 2025, the 737 program accounted for 447 deliveries, up 68.7% from 265 in 2024. The widebody segment also saw improvement, particularly with the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing delivered 27 Dreamliners in Q4, bringing the annual total to 88, the highest level for the program since 2019.

Summary of Commercial Deliveries (FY 2025)

• 737 Family: 447 deliveries (up from 265 in 2024)
• 787 Dreamliner: 88 deliveries (up from 51 in 2024)
• 777: 35 deliveries (up from 14 in 2024)
• 767: 30 deliveries (up from 18 in 2024)

Defense and Space Operations

While the commercial division grabbed headlines with its volume, Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit reported stable growth. The company delivered 37 defense units in the fourth quarter, contributing to a full-year total of 131 deliveries, compared to 112 in 2024.

Key defense programs included the AH-64 Apache, which saw a combined total of 61 deliveries (new and remanufactured) for the year. The KC-46 Tanker program also ramped up, delivering 14 units in 2025 compared to 10 the previous year. However, fighter jet deliveries saw mixed results, with F-15 deliveries dropping to 9 for the year, down from 14 in 2024.

Market Context and Order Book

Industry analysts note that while Boeing is still working to match Airbus in total output, the order book tells a different story regarding airline confidence. In 2025, Boeing secured 1,075 net new orders, surpassing Airbus’s 889. This victory in the sales race is attributed to major recent deals, including a historic order from Alaska Airlines for 737-10s and Delta Air Lines’ decision to modernize its widebody fleet with 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

AirPro News Analysis

The 2025 delivery figures suggest that Boeing’s “industrial excellence” strategy, emphasized by CEO Kelly Ortberg since August 2024, is beginning to stabilize the factory floor. The ability to deliver 63 jets in December alone, including 44 MAX aircraft, indicates that production rates are recovering toward targets that were previously capped by regulators.

However, delivery numbers are primarily operational metrics. The true financial impact of this surge will be revealed during the Q4 earnings call scheduled for January 28, 2026. Investors will likely look for confirmation that this delivery volume is translating into positive free cash flow, a critical milestone for the company’s debt reduction efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many planes did Boeing deliver in 2025?
Boeing delivered a total of 600 commercial airplanes and 131 defense units in 2025.

Did Boeing deliver more planes than Airbus in 2025?
No. Airbus delivered 793 commercial jets in 2025, retaining the lead in total deliveries. However, Boeing surpassed Airbus in net new orders.

When will Boeing release its financial results?
Boeing is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter financial results on January 28, 2026.

Sources: Boeing, Investing.com

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Aviation Capital Group.

ACG Expands Portfolio with 50 New 737 MAX Jets

Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, has finalized a firm order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Announced on January 13, 2026, the agreement splits the order evenly between two variants of the narrow-body family: 25 737-8s and 25 737-10s. According to the joint statement released by Boeing and ACG, this purchase increases the lessor’s total backlog for the 737 MAX program to 121 aircraft.

The deal underscores the continued demand for single-aisle aircraft in the global leasing market. ACG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation, indicated that the new jets are intended to support the fleet modernization requirements of its airline customers. While the official press release did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction, industry estimates based on current list prices suggest the deal could be valued between $6.4 billion and $6.6 billion USD, though large orders typically command significant discounts.

Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG, emphasized the strategic nature of the acquisition in the company’s announcement:

This order for additional 737 MAX aircraft enhances the strategic value of ACG’s orderbook, supports a key pillar of our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to the latest fuel-efficient aircraft technology.

Delivery Timeline and Fleet Strategy

According to data surrounding the deal, deliveries for these 50 aircraft are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2033. This timeline secures critical delivery slots for ACG during a period where production constraints at major manufacturers have made near-term inventory scarce. By locking in these positions, ACG aims to provide its diverse customer base, which spans approximately 90 airlines in 50 countries, with access to modern, fuel-efficient tonnage.

The inclusion of the 737-8 and the 737-10 allows ACG to offer versatility to its lessees. The 737-8 remains the core of the MAX family, known for its range and efficiency, while the 737-10 offers the highest seat capacity in the single-aisle lineup, providing the lowest cost-per-seat economics for operators.

Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, commented on the lessor’s confidence in the largest MAX variant:

ACG’s expanded order for the 737-10 reflects strong confidence in the airplane and its appeal to the lessor’s customers worldwide.

AirPro News Analysis: The 737-10 Gamble

While the order for the standard 737-8 is a routine expansion of a proven asset class, the commitment to 25 units of the 737-10 represents a calculated strategic move by ACG. As of January 2026, the 737-10 has not yet received final FAA certification. However, recent regulatory progress, specifically the granting of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) Phase 2 earlier this month, suggests that the aircraft is nearing the finish line of its rigorous approval process.

By securing these aircraft now, ACG is effectively betting that the certification hurdles will be cleared in time for the scheduled delivery window. If the 737-10 enters service as projected in late 2026 or early 2027, ACG will hold a valuable position as the lessor with the largest order book for the high-capacity variant. This positions them to supply low-cost carriers who are eager for the density and economic efficiency the -10 promises, particularly in a market where supply chain issues force airlines to lease rather than buy.

Sustainability and Market Context

The press release highlights the environmental benefits of the transaction, noting that the 737 MAX family reduces fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft they replace. For lessors like ACG, maintaining a young, fuel-efficient portfolio is essential not only for operating economics but also for meeting the increasingly stringent decarbonization targets of global airlines.

This order arrives amidst a broader resurgence in the aircraft leasing sector. With airlines facing capital constraints and manufacturers facing backlog delays extending into the 2030s, lessors have become pivotal in the supply chain. ACG’s decision to expand its order book to 121 MAX jets signals a long-term belief in the resilience of the narrow-body market and the eventual stabilization of Boeing’s production rates.

Sources:

• PR Newswire: Aviation Capital Group Orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX Jets