Boeing Resumes Production as the Airline Industry Prepares for a Record-Breaking 2025

The clouds hanging over Boeing’s operations finally appear to be clearing.

After a turbulent period of setbacks—including crashes, a global pandemic, supply chain snarls and a recent labor strike—Boeing has officially restarted production of the 737 MAX. And while the ramp-up will be gradual, the significance of this for the aviation industry can’t be overstated.

Why? Because the global fleet of commercial airliners has never been older, and carriers are under pressure to modernize.

That should be music to Boeing shareholders’ ears, but it’s also a positive indicator for the entire industry, which looks poised for a record-shattering 2025. With passenger numbers expected to hit record highs and airlines lifting their guidance, the tailwinds are undeniable.

An Aging Fleet Amid Soaring Demand

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average age of the global fleet of commercial aircraft now stands at 14.8 years—the highest on record. Compare that to the average long-term age of 13.6 years, and it’s clear that airlines are flying older planes for longer periods. These aging aircraft require more maintenance, more fuel and more repairs, all of which weigh on airlines’ bottom lines.

average age

The silver lining? This presents a massive opportunity for new aircraft deliveries, and Boeing’s production restart couldn’t come at a better time. The IATA estimates that 1,254 new planes will be delivered this year, potentially followed by 1,802 deliveries in 2025. That would be just shy of the record 1,813 aircraft that were delivered in 2018.