Comparison between design, technology and control systems

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Boeing (United States) and Airbus (Europe) are the two largest commercial aircraft manufacturers in the world. Both dominate the global aviation market and are the primary choice for airlines when sourcing fleets of passenger aircraft.

Despite being both highly competitive, Boeing and Airbus have different characteristics, starting from design, technology, and operating systems. Therefore, the following are the differences between Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

7 differences between Boeing and Airbus planes

1. Origins and design philosophy

• Boeing, founded in 1916 in Seattle, favors the traditions of classical aviation with a mechanical control system and a control stick (steering wheel), which give the pilot a direct “feel”.

• Airbus, founded in 1970 as a European consortium, implemented full fly-by-wire with multiple automatic sidesticks and emphasized safety with border protection.

2. Control system and cockpit

• Airbus uses automatic sidestick and autotrim, simplifying the pilot’s workload.

• Boeing still maintains manual stick and trim, providing a more direct feel of control. Aside from that, the Airbus cockpit is now modern and has minimal buttons, relying on digital screens; while the Boeing cockpit still has many traditional buttons and dials.

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3. Physical profile of the aircraft

• From the outside, Boeing tends to opt for a sharper nose and blended winglets, as seen on the 737‑MAX.

• The Airbus has a rounder nose and vertical sharks on the wings, which save fuel.

4. Materials and efficiency

• Airbus is more aggressive in its use of carbon fiber composite materials (e.g. the A350), lighter and more fuel efficient.

• Boeing also uses composite materials, particularly on the 787 Dreamliner, but previously relied more on traditional aluminum.

5. Cabin capacity

• Airbus A380 fully double-deck, which promises more space in the cabin and overhead bins.

• Boeing has various variants from narrow-body (737) to wide-body like 747, 777, 787, with more curved cabins.

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6. Performance and autonomy

• Boeing emphasizes cruising speed and long range, such as the Boeing 777-200LR with a range of ~17,400 km.

• Airbus prides itself on efficiency, for example the A350‑900ULR with a range of up to 18,000 km. The A320neo has also been a huge success in the narrow-body category.

7. Track record security

• Studies show that in the period 2008–2019, Boeing 737 planes suffered more fatal accidents than Airbus A32x.

• Boeing has faced major accidents, including two 737 Max crashes (2018/2019), detached panels, and an Air India 787 in 2025. On the other hand, Airbus continues to be the recipient of the largest orders for five consecutive years, including a $10 billion order at the 2025 Paris Airshow.

Therefore, the choice of airline is usually influenced by operating philosophy, pilot culture, as well as route strategy and fuel efficiency. These factors determine the preference for the type of aircraft used, whether Boeing or Airbus, depending on the needs and characteristics of the airline.

However, both Boeing and Airbus continue to innovate and compete fiercely to dominate the global skies. This is a comprehensive comparison between the two prepared in an objective, factual manner and by reference to reliable references.

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