Do US domestic airlines prefer Airbus or Boeing aircraft?

Summary

• Boeing dominates the US domestic market with strong ASM numbers, especially with Southwest Airlines.
• Due to the fuel efficiency of the A320 family, Airbus is gaining ground with US airlines such as American Airlines and Delta.
• Factors such as cost, performance, fleet commonality, relationships and passenger experience influence airlines’ fleet decisions.

The rivalry between Airbus and Boeing, two of the world’s most important aircraft manufacturers, has shaped the commercial aviation landscape for decades. Their competition spans the globe but is particularly fierce in the United States, where domestic airlines rely heavily on their aircraft to meet the needs of a large and dynamic market.

Whether US domestic operators prefer airbus or Boeing Aircraft are complex and influenced by several factors, including cost, performance, fleet commonality and strategic partnerships. Let’s examine the preferences of U.S. domestic operators by analyzing recent data on available seat miles (ASMs) operated by these airlines on Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Understanding Airbus and Boeing

Before we delve into the specifics of U.S. domestic operator preferences, it’s important to understand the background of Airbus and Boeing. Boeing, an American company founded in 1916, has long been a dominant force in the aviation industry and has a long history of legendary aircraft such as the 737 and 747.

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Airbus, on the other hand, a European manufacturer founded in 1970, quickly rose to prominence with innovative aircraft designs such as the A320 and A380. Both companies have made significant contributions to commercial aviation, and their aircraft are used by airlines around the world.

ASMs determine the numbers

A key metric for understanding airline preferences is Available Seat Miles (ASMs), which is the total number of available seats multiplied by miles flown. This gives a clear picture of the extent to which airlines use certain aircraft. Let’s look at ASM data for US domestic airlines using Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Boeing ASMs

The data shows that several major domestic operators strongly prefer Boeing aircraft. The total number of ASMs operated by Boeing aircraft was 41,651,761,457 on 269,791 flights. Here’s a breakdown according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm:

These data underscore Boeing’s strong presence, particularly at Southwest Airlines, which operates an all-Boeing fleet. The 737 series in particular forms the backbone of its domestic operations, underscoring the reliability and efficiency Boeing offers on short- and medium-haul routes.

Airbus ASMs

However, Airbus also enjoys strong support among U.S. operators. The total number of ASMs operated by Airbus aircraft was 29,672,025,902 on 165,959 flights. Here is a breakdown according to Cirrium, an aviation analytics firm:

These data show how strong Airbus’ presence is, particularly at Delta Air Lines, which operates a large fleet of A320 family aircraft, according to its website. Airbus’s appeal lies in the fuel efficiency and passenger comfort of the A320neo, which airlines are increasingly favoring to optimize their domestic air travel.

What influences an airline’s decision?

Several factors influence US operators’ decision between Airbus and Boeing aircraft:

• Costs and financing: The financial investment required to acquire new aircraft is significant. Boeing has historically used its close ties to U.S. airlines to offer competitive financing, but Airbus has increasingly customized these offers, gaining access to fleets that Boeing once dominated.
• Aircraft performance: The specific performance characteristics of each aircraft type also play a crucial role. The 737 MAX and A320neo are direct competitors and offer significant fuel savings compared to their predecessors. Airlines make their choice based on slight differences in range, payload and fuel consumption, depending on their specific route requirements.

• Fleet commonality: Airlines try to minimize operational complexity by maintaining common fleets. For example, Southwest’s exclusive use of the 737 simplifies pilot training, maintenance and operations, while JetBlue’s focus on the Airbus A320 family enables streamlined operations.
• Manufacturer relations: Long-standing relationships with manufacturers also influence fleet decisions. Airlines that have purchased from Boeing or Airbus in the past may continue to do so and benefit from established support networks and maintenance programs.
• Passenger experience: Airlines are increasingly considering the passenger experience when selecting aircraft. Airbus’ A320neo is known for its quiet cabin and wider seats that increase comfort on longer domestic flights, making it a popular choice for airlines like JetBlue, for whom customer satisfaction is a top priority.

The current landscape

According to Aviacion Online, Boeing continues to dominate the US market, especially with airlines such as Southwest and United. However, Airbus has made significant gains, especially with American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue, which have integrated large numbers of A320 Family aircraft into their fleets.

Competition between Airbus and Boeing is expected to continue, with both manufacturers developing new technologies and aircraft models that promise greater efficiency and lower environmental impact. The ongoing recovery from the pandemic could also influence future fleet decisions as airlines seek to optimize operations and reduce costs.

If it’s not Boeing, I’m not going…or am I?

In summary, the preference for Airbus or Boeing is hotly contested among US operators, with both manufacturers having a strong presence in the fleets of major airlines. Boeing has a slight lead in total ASM, reflecting its close relationships with major US airlines and the continued popularity of the 737 family. However, Airbus’ growing presence, particularly with the A320neo, demonstrates the European manufacturer’s increasing influence in the US market.

Ultimately, the Airbus vs. Boeing decision will be driven by a combination of financial, operational and strategic considerations, with airlines weighing the benefits of each aircraft type based on their individual needs and market dynamics. As the aviation industry evolves, competition between these two giants will remain a defining feature of the U.S. domestic market.