Boeing’s 2025 rebound lifts stock 21% but faces 777X and Air Force One delays
Boeing has made steady progress in 2025, with its stock climbing nearly 21% this year. The company’s turnaround under CEO Kelly Ortberg includes a production boost for the 737 MAX and improved financial performance in its defence division. Yet, delays in key programmes like the 777X and Air Force One continue to pose challenges.
Under Ortberg’s leadership, Boeing met two of its three main targets for 2025. Production and deliveries of the 737 MAX accelerated, helping chip away at a backlog of over 4,700 orders. The Defence, Space & Security (BDS) segment also returned to profitability after earlier struggles.
The company now aims to raise 737 MAX output to 52 aircraft per month by late 2026. However, not all areas have run smoothly. The first 777X delivery, originally planned for 2026, has slipped to early 2027, forcing unexpected cash outflows. The Air Force One programme faces an even longer delay, now targeting mid-2028. Recent analyst upgrades have lifted Boeing’s stock further. J.P. Morgan raised its price target to $245 and named the company a top sector pick. Still, past execution issues at BDS and with the 777X suggest risks remain for 2026. The GE9X engine, developed by General Electric in partnership with Boeing, remains central to the 777X’s eventual rollout.
Boeing’s recovery in 2025 has been marked by stronger production and investor confidence. But ongoing delays in the 777X and Air Force One programmes will keep pressure on cash flow. The company’s ability to sustain momentum while managing these setbacks will shape its performance in the coming year.
