Boeing delivered about 60% more jets in the first quarter than last year, closing its gap with Airbus

Boeing reported its first-quarter jet delivery numbers Tuesday, and things are looking a whole lot better than last year (which began with a door plug flying off one of its 737 Max 9s mid-flight). Boeing handed off 130 airplanes to customers, up 56% from the same period last year, when it delivered just 83.

The figure puts the jet maker neck and neck with its deliveries in the same period in 2023 and also helps it close the gap with Airbus. Boeing’s European rival delivered an estimated 136 jets on the quarter. The six-ish airplane difference is a massive improvement from last year’s 59-plane gap.

Last year, Boeing delivered 348 airplanes to Airbus’ 766. Boeing shares were up 5.6% Tuesday.