Boeing’s stock soared by over 7% earlier this week, and the reason behind this surge might just surprise you. It’s all thanks to a bold prediction from the company’s CFO, Jay Malave, who says Boeing is gearing up for a significant increase in deliveries of its 737 and 787 jets in 2026. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Malave also hinted that the long-delayed certification for the 737-10 aircraft could finally happen later next year. Could this mark a turning point for the aviation giant after years of challenges? Let’s dive in.
During a UBS conference on Tuesday, Malave painted an optimistic picture of Boeing’s future. He emphasized that the company is not just recovering but accelerating, with deliveries expected to ramp up in 2026. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about restoring confidence in a brand that’s been under intense scrutiny since the 2024 door plug blowout incident. And this is the part most people miss: Malave also revealed that these bolstered deliveries will be a major cash flow driver, potentially pushing Boeing into positive free cash flow territory for the first time in years.
But here’s the controversial part: While Boeing is celebrating this upward trend, some industry analysts are skeptical. They argue that the company’s ambitious goals might be too optimistic, given its history of delays and regulatory hurdles. Is Boeing truly out of the woods, or is this just a temporary rebound? We’ll let you decide.
To put things in perspective, Boeing hasn’t turned an annual profit since 2018. However, Malave assured investors that cash margins are expected to see a 'pretty significant boost' through 2030, thanks to increased productivity. This comes on the heels of a strong October, where Boeing’s delivery pace put it on track for its highest annual total since 2018. The company even returned to cash-positive territory for the first time in nearly two years, largely driven by jetliner deliveries.
These achievements follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to lift restrictions on some of Boeing’s 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner planes, allowing the company to expedite deliveries to customers. Yet, despite these wins, questions remain. Can Boeing sustain this momentum, or will past issues resurface?
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Boeing’s journey is far from over. With Malave’s predictions and the company’s recent performance, there’s a sense of cautious optimism in the air. But what do you think? Is Boeing’s future as bright as its CFO claims, or are there still too many unknowns? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this evolving story.