The legacy of the Boeing 737 as the world’s best-selling passenger jet is at risk as the Airbus A320 family is set to become the most delivered commercial passenger jet in history. Currently, the Boeing 737 has delivered 12,134 units, while the A320 family has reached 12,097 deliveries—with only 37 units separating them. Despite the Boeing 737’s head start starting in 1968, Airbus has experienced significant growth, particularly since the crises surrounding the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019, which hampered Boeing’s deliveries.
In terms of recent performance, Boeing has struggled with delivery numbers, falling significantly in 2020 amid the pandemic and since facing challenges like supply chain issues and worker strikes in 2024. In contrast, Airbus’s deliveries have been recovering steadily, outpacing Boeing in multiple years. For instance, in 2024, Airbus delivered 602 A320s compared to just 265 Boeing 737s.
Looking ahead to 2025, both companies plan to increase their deliveries, with Airbus aiming for 820 aircraft total and Boeing for 610. As of mid-2025, Airbus’s backlog also looks stronger, with 8,742 aircraft on order, compared to Boeing’s 6,590. The dynamics between the two manufacturers reflect broader competition, with the A320 family poised to take the lead in overall deliveries shortly.
This shift underscores the evolving landscape of commercial aviation, where, despite Boeing’s historical dominance in narrowbody jets, Airbus’s strategic advancements and production capacity position the A320 family as the likely leader in the near future.
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