Europe’s Airbus achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday, surpassing Boeing’s 737 to become the world’s most-delivered jetliner.
The Airbus A320 family reached 12,260 deliveries after a jet was handed over to Saudi carrier Flynas, according to data from UK-based consultancy Cirium.
This marks a significant shift in the aviation industry, ending Boeing’s decades-long dominance in the narrow-body jet market.
The A320, which entered service in 1988, has steadily gained ground in a competitive transatlantic rivalry.
The Airbus A320, launched in 1984, introduced pioneering fly-by-wire technology, a bold move that initially faced resistance but later became an industry standard.
Designed to serve large hubs, the A320 found widespread adoption among low-cost carriers, especially after Boeing reduced output post-9/11.
Airbus capitalized on this, expanding its market share.
The company now operates production facilities in the U.S. and China, further strengthening its global presence.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s 737, a standard-bearer since the 1960s, faced setbacks after fatal accidents in 2018 and 2019, leading to production constraints under regulatory scrutiny.
Airbus’s milestone underscores its position as the world’s largest planemaker by annual deliveries.
The A320’s success highlights its appeal in the narrow-body market, critical for short- to medium-haul flights.
Boeing, while still a major player, is working to restore 737 output.
Both companies, addressing the ISTAT conference in Prague on Monday, signaled caution in developing new models, awaiting advancements in engine technology.
Together, Airbus and Boeing have delivered over 25,000 narrow-body jets, shaping modern air travel.
Airbus did not immediately comment on the Cirium data, tracked by analyst Rob Morris, which confirms the A320’s new record.