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Airbus' commanding lead is especially significant because the race between the two companies has historically been tight. Last year, for example, Boeing delivered 806 aircraft last year to Airbus' 800. 2015 was the only year this decade in which one of the two airplane manufacturers delivered 100 more planes than the other.
Investors view deliveries as a more important metric of success than orders. Airlines don't pay most of the price of a new jet until it is delivered, meaning that the aircraft makers' revenue, profits and cash flow depend upon deliveries.
The good news for both companies is that the demand for air travel, and new fuel-efficient planes, is growing. That means both are building and delivering planes at a much faster pace than in the past. In 2011, the last time that Boeing was behind Airbus in plane deliveries, Boeing's deliveries stood at 477, Airbus at 536.
"It doesn't really matter if one delivers 10 more planes than the other. The point is the numbers for both are big," said Cai von Rumohr, aerospace analyst with Cowen.
The key will be how the two aircraft makers perform in 2021 and beyond. Airbus is well positioned to move back into the lead at that point because of its lead with single aisle jets, said von Rumohr.
The key question will be how soon Boeing can get its 737 Max lineup to full speed once the Max returns to service.