A320 becomes world's best-selling aircraft

VTV.vn - With more than 12,260 aircraft delivered, Airbus's A320 series has surpassed the Boeing 737 to become the world's best-selling passenger aircraft.

After decades of chasing, Airbus' A320 series has officially surpassed its arch-rival Boeing 737 to become the most delivered passenger aircraft in history, marking an iconic milestone in the global aviation industry.

On October 8, the UK aviation analysis firm Cirium released data showing that Airbus had broken Boeing's decades-long record. Specifically, after handing over an A320neo to Flynas (Saudi Arabia), the total number of A320 series aircraft delivered since entering service in 1988 reached 12,260, officially surpassing its US rival.

Airbus A320neo (top) and Boeing 737-8.

It was the culmination of a 40-year transatlantic rivalry between the two giants. The narrowbody A320 and 737 family became the backbone of the airline industry, with more than 25,000 delivered between them. Originally designed for large airports, they became the choice of low-cost carriers, especially after the 9/11 crisis.

Adam Pilarski, former chief economist at Douglas Aircraft (a company that once competed with Boeing), commented: "When Airbus was first born, no one thought it would be successful. Now they have won, at least in the large aircraft versions."

The journey from skepticism to breakthrough

First launched in 1984, the future of the A320, and Airbus as a whole, was uncertain at the time. The project initially caused fierce internal disagreements, with France wanting to prioritize 150-seat aircraft for the US market, while Germany wanted to focus on wide-body aircraft. The project was on the verge of collapse if not for high-level political intervention between France and Germany.

Financial concerns were also a major obstacle. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher told Parliament in 1984: "I don't want another Concorde in my hands," referring to the out-of-control costs of the previous supersonic aircraft project.

Against all odds, engineers in Toulouse, France, created a revolution. The A320 was the first commercial airliner to use fly-by-wire controls. This technology was initially opposed but later became the industry standard, a testament to Airbus’s vision.

The never-ending confrontation

Airbus A320.

The success of the A320 forced Boeing to respond. After Airbus unexpectedly won a large order from United Airlines in 1992, Boeing launched the 737NG version. However, its successor, the 737 MAX, left the US manufacturer reeling after two catastrophic crashes in 2018 and 2019, creating a large market gap that Airbus successfully exploited. For its part, the A320 also faced safety concerns in its early stages, sparking debate about the level of automation in the cockpit.

Currently, the Airbus - Boeing "two-horse" race is facing new challenges from Chinese manufacturers and Embraer (Brazil), which is considering entering the narrow-body aircraft segment.

However, observers say neither Airbus nor Boeing are in a hurry to replace their profitable aircraft. Boeing is saddled with heavy debt, while Airbus is benefiting from strong sales. Executives at both companies have said no new narrowbody projects are planned until there is a major breakthrough in engine technology.

"Boeing can't catch up with the current A320 based on its current production plan, but this may strengthen their resolve to think about a future beyond the 737 line," said analyst Rob Morris.

Source: https://vtv.vn/a320-tro-thanh-may-bay-ban-chay-nhat-the-gioi-100251010161610421.htm