Airbus and Boeing are the two major players in the commercial airliner market. Both manufacturers produce jets ranging from short-haul narrow-bodies to long-range wide-body aircraft for airlines around the world. However, there are some key differences between the two companies and their jetliner designs that stem from their origins and philosophies.
Boeing’s roots go back over 100 years to the early days of aviation. The company was founded in Seattle, Washington by William Boeing who started out making military aircraft before transitioning to commercial airliners. Boeing’s design philosophy emphasizes pilot control and mechanical systems. For example, Boeing jets use a yoke for steering and rely more heavily on analog gauges and dials in the cockpit. The company is also known for its pointy aircraft nose and backward-slanted wingtips.
In contrast, Airbus was formed much more recently in the 1960s as a European consortium between companies in France, Germany, UK and Spain. Airbus’s design approach takes advantage of automation and fly-by-wire control systems. For example, sidestick controllers are used instead of yokes in Airbus cockpits. Digital displays and computerized systems are also emphasized more in Airbus aircraft. Visually, Airbus jets can be recognized by their rounded nose and vertical wingtips.
This differing design philosophy also translates into operational differences between Boeing and Airbus aircraft for pilots and airlines. Boeing planes give pilots more direct mechanical control which some prefer, while Airbus aircraft rely more on computer assistance and automation. For airlines, the fly-by-wire systems and cockpit commonality between different Airbus models allows for easier pilot transition between aircraft types versus the greater differences between Boeing models.
The two rivals also differ in their approach to aircraft production and assembly. Boeing jets are largely assembled at two major facilities in Washington state and South Carolina. Airbus uses a more decentralized and fragmented assembly method, with different sections of aircraft built across its sites in Europe before being brought together for final assembly. This reflects Airbus’s origins as a pan-European consortium.
In terms of market share, Boeing has traditionally dominated the large aircraft space, especially in the long-haul and wide-body segments. The Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner have been top sellers for decades. Airbus has had more success in the single-aisle and narrow-body space with its A320 family, which competes with Boeing’s 737 range and the troubled 737 MAX. Airbus first overtook Boeing in commercial deliveries in the early 2000s and the two companies have traded the top spot since, with Airbus now holding a solid lead.
Looking ahead, both manufacturers face challenges, from global airline consolidation to cyclical demand shifts. Airbus is working on ramping up production of its newest A350 and A320neo families. Boeing continues recovering from issues surrounding the 737 MAX and is preparing the 777X for entry into service. While the two companies will continue competing for aircraft orders, they also often work as partners on various projects and share supply chains.
At the end of the day, both Airbus and Boeing produce highly successful airliners used by airlines around the world. But their differing backgrounds and design philosophies have produced two distinct aircraft manufacturers with unique types of planes. For many travelers flying on a mix of Boeing and Airbus jets, the contrast between the two is clear from the start when stepping aboard and into the cockpit. While the look, feel, and control schemes vary, the companies aim for the same goal: keeping air travelers and airlines safely connected across skies worldwide.