Boeing Edges Out Airbus at Farnborough With 173 Orders; Stock Inches Higher

The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow wrapped up July 24. Over the three-day event, Boeing (BA) outpaced European rival Airbus with 173 aircraft orders, the most of any manufacturer. As of 1:00 PM ET on July 23, Boeing shares were trading at $208.73, up 0.04% (+$0.08) from the prior close of $208.65. The stock opened at $206, hitting an intraday high of $211.30 and a low of $205.06.^[Reuters]

Boeing’s Order Book: Strength Across Widebody and Narrowbody Lines

According to Reuters, Boeing secured 173 aircraft orders at the show, spanning both widebody and narrowbody families. On day one, Philippine Airlines announced an order for up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, the largest single order for Boeing at the event.^[Reuters]

On day two, Boeing extended its momentum. Per FlightGlobal, lessor AerCap ordered 15 Boeing 787-9s with rights to convert to the larger -10 variant. Swiss MSC Air Cargo confirmed an order for five 777-8 freighters, its first for the model. Uganda Airlines placed its first-ever Boeing order, for four 737 Max 8s and four 787-9s. Luxair exercised options for two 737-10s and added two more options.^{[FlightGlobal]}

AIN Online reported that Boeing added another 30 aircraft orders on day two, sustaining the strong pace from day one.^{[AIN Online]}

Airbus Follows Closely, Lands Orders From Multiple Carriers

Airbus secured roughly 130 aircraft orders at the show, placing second. According to Travel Weekly Australia, CEO Guillaume Faury said at the show that the company’s 2026 delivery guidance remains unchanged, targeting around 870 aircraft by year-end.^{[Travel Weekly Australia]}

On day three, Philippine Airlines followed its Boeing 787-10 order with an additional order for nine Airbus A350-1000s, plus purchase rights for five more. Per FlightGlobal, the deal nearly doubles Philippine Airlines’ A350-1000 commitments.^{[FlightGlobal]}

Additionally, Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas ordered five A330neos, and BermudAir confirmed a previously undisclosed order for 10 A220-300s. Tajikistan’s Shohin Airlines also formally signed an order for four A320neo-family aircraft.^{[Travel Weekly Australia]}

Embraer Secures 28 E-Jet Orders

Embraer secured 28 orders for its E190/E195 E2 family from three operators at the show. Per FlightGlobal, Latin American holding company Abra Group (which controls Brazil’s GOL, Colombia’s Avianca, and Spain’s Wamos Air) placed its first Embraer order, signing a firm deal for 20 E195-E2s with options for 10 more and purchase rights for 15. Deliveries begin in Q4 2027.^{[FlightGlobal]}

Spanish regional carrier Binter ordered five E195-E2s with purchase rights for four. Luxair converted purchase rights for three E190-E2s into firm orders. Japan’s Fuji Dream Airlines ordered two Embraer 175s, slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028. Lessor Azorra signed an order for up to 30 Embraer E-Freighters, marking its entry into the freighter leasing market.^{[FlightGlobal]}

Overall Show Activity: Total Orders Top 340

According to FlightGlobal’s tally, confirmed aircraft orders at the Farnborough show reached 342 by day three, alongside 57 preliminary agreements, options, and purchase rights, plus 30 passenger-to-freighter conversion orders.^{[Travel Weekly Australia]}

Industry group ADS reported that aircraft transaction value on day two reached $21 billion, up 5% from the same point in the 2024 show.^{[Travel Weekly Australia]}

Other show highlights: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways signed an MoU with Abra Group to expand route-network cooperation. Pratt & Whitney Canada announced it would begin ground testing a hybrid-electric propulsion system, with a first flight planned for 2027. Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) signed a deal worth up to $2.9 billion for Bombardier business jets, marking the helicopter operator’s first foray into fixed-wing aircraft.^{[AIN Online]}

Notably, per Travel Weekly Australia, no Australian airline had confirmed an order as of day three.^{[Travel Weekly Australia]}

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