Boeing Revenue Hits 6-Year High Amid Signs of Recovery

Boeing posted $22.7 billion in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, marking its strongest quarterly earnings in six years and reflecting a continued recovery in its commercial aviation operations after multiple setbacks in recent years. Although the company remained in the red, recording a quarterly loss of $612 million, this figure represented a marked improvement over the $1.4 billion loss reported during the same period last year.

The turnaround comes under the leadership of Kelly Ortberg, who took over as CEO last August. His arrival followed a troubling incident in early 2024 when a 737 Max suffered a panel blowout mid-flight—an event that, while not fatal, renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s safety record years after the deadly Max crashes.

Since then, Ortberg has led internal reforms focusing on quality control and safety improvements. As a result, Boeing has ramped up its commercial aircraft output, delivering 280 jets in the first half of 2025—the highest volume for that period since 2018.

Production of the 737 Max has reached 38 aircraft per month, which is the current limit set by the Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing plans to seek approval to boost output to 42 Max jets per month, depending on whether internal quality standards are met. At the same time, production of the 787 Dreamliner has ramped up to seven aircraft per month.

Aircraft orders have seen an uptick as well, with over 420 commercial jets ordered in the second quarter alone—the highest quarterly figure since late 2023. These sales likely benefited from international trade agreements brokered by the Trump administration, which included purchasing commitments for Boeing aircraft. Notably, during a May visit to the Middle East, Qatar Airways announced plans to buy up to 210 wide-body jets, including the 787 Dreamliner and the still-to-be-certified 777-9. Overall, Boeing’s order book now includes 5,900 planes worth an estimated $522 billion, and investor sentiment reflected cautious optimism, with shares rising about 1.5% in early Tuesday trading.

The aerospace sector received additional support this week through a newly finalized U.S.-EU trade agreement that exempts aircraft and related components from tariffs—a development viewed as a positive outcome for manufacturers in both regions.

Still, Boeing continues to face difficulties. In June, a fatal crash involving an Air India-operated 787 Dreamliner claimed 260 lives. However, an initial investigation pointed to the accidental or deliberate movement of fuel control switches by one of the pilots, rather than any mechanical fault. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford reportedly expressed confidence in the integrity of the plane’s systems.

Boeing’s recent gains come with no shortage of challenges. Regulatory delays continue to affect progress, with certification of the Max 7 and Max 10 now pushed into next year due to ongoing issues with the engine’s anti-icing system. Labor tensions are also mounting, as more than 3,200 unionized workers in Missouri and Illinois have rejected the latest contract proposal. These employees, who are essential to the company’s defense programs, could walk off the job within days. A similar dispute last year brought Max production to a near standstill. As Boeing works to restore its reputation and meet rising demand, its ability to manage both operational risks and workforce stability will be critical to sustaining long-term recovery.