Boeing Edges Airbus in Quiet Farnborough Order Race

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has come to a close, and Boeing has narrowly edged out Airbus in the order race. According to Reuters' tally, Boeing booked 173 orders, while Airbus secured 154, resulting in a combined total of 327 aircraft.

The numbers fell short of some bullish forecasts, which had predicted as many as 800 aircraft would be ordered. However, airline analyst John Strickland said that he didn't have high expectations for big commercial orders at the show, citing existing order backlogs and supply-chain constraints.

One notable deal was made by lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, who ordered 200 narrowbody jets split evenly between Boeing and Airbus. This accounted for more than 60 percent of the entire show's total orders.