NEW YORK, Jan 20, 2026, 18:24 ET — After-hours
- Boeing shares climbed roughly 0.5% in after-hours, edging close to $249.
- Ethiopian Airlines placed an order for nine 787 Dreamliners and finalized the purchase of 11 737 MAX jets.
- Traders are eyeing a possible defense sale in Singapore along with Boeing’s earnings report due January 27.
Boeing shares climbed roughly 0.5% to $249 in after-hours trading Tuesday following Ethiopian Airlines’ order for nine 787 Dreamliners. During the session, the stock fluctuated between $240.08 and $249.51.
The order counts because Boeing is working to convert sales into reliable deliveries. That’s where the money comes in—and where the company has hit its bumps.
The timing is tricky: investors have begun to acknowledge Boeing’s gains in production, but patience evaporates instantly once safety, quality, or regulatory issues come into play.
Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025, its highest total since 2018, and recorded 1,075 net orders — after cancellations — topping Airbus’ 889, the company reported last week. “Boeing’s booming order book is a vote of confidence from airlines and aircraft lessors that the company’s turnaround is real,” said aerospace analyst and consultant Scott Hamilton. George Ferguson, senior aerospace analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, added, “Analysts and airlines will be closely watching for progress on certifying the MAX 10.” Reuters
On Tuesday, Boeing confirmed Ethiopian Airlines’ order for the 787-9 model, aiming to expand its network to 145 international destinations. The airline also wrapped up a deal for 11 additional 737 MAX jets, with Boeing saying both agreements were sealed last December. “We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated. Boeing Investors
The Pentagon announced that the U.S. State Department gave the green light to a potential $2.3 billion arms sale to Singapore. The deal covers maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, lightweight torpedoes, plus related gear. Boeing is named as the main contractor.
Boeing ended the regular session up 0.53% at $249.00, even as the S&P 500 declined 2.06% and the Dow fell 1.76%, per market data. RTX dropped 2.75%, while Honeywell slipped 1.97%.
Certification remains the key swing factor for investors, beyond order headlines. The 737 MAX 10, Boeing’s rival to Airbus’ A321neo, has advanced to the next phase of FAA flight testing. However, an engine deicing problem delaying both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 certifications is still unresolved. In October, the FAA gave Boeing the green light to boost 737 MAX output to 42 aircraft monthly, lifting a 38-plane cap set after a mid-air incident in January 2024.
Orders and approvals don’t equate to earnings. Widebody jets—those twin-aisle planes used for long-haul flights—take time to assemble, and Boeing’s recent track record of delays means that a growing backlog can quickly become a major problem.
Boeing plans to release its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 27, followed by a conference call at 10:30 a.m. ET featuring CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave. Investors will focus on delivery targets and cash-flow updates, while watching closely for any further delays in the MAX certification timeline.
