Dhaka, May 2 -- For the first time since the 737 MAX crisis began in 2018, Boeing has surpassed Airbus in quarterly deliveries, marking a significant milestone in the American planemaker's recovery.

Boeing delivered 143 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, outpacing Airbus, which managed 114 - a 16% drop year-on-year. Boeing's output grew 10% over the same period, driven by a stabilizing production rhythm across its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner programs.

The contrasting fortunes have taken a toll on Airbus's bottom line. The European aerospace giant's adjusted operating profit fell 52% to EUR 300 million (USD 351.2 million) in Q1 2026, down from EUR 624 million (USD 730.5 million) in the same quarter a year earlier.

Airbus CEO Guillaum...