While this news might seem of limited interest to the general public, in the aviation world, it marks a turning point—even a “revolution.” The Airbus A320 is on track to become the world’s best-selling aircraft by the end of the year.
12,175 Boeing vs 12,153 Airbus
Until now, the Boeing 737 has been the most commercially successful aircraft in the history of civil aviation since its launch in the 1960s, with over 12,000 units sold. However, it looks like it will be dethroned by year-end by the Airbus A320, the European aircraft manufacturer’s flagship model that has now become the global benchmark in civil aeronautics.
This is what Airbus delivery and order figures suggest. On one side, we have Boeing, whose first B737 was delivered in 1967, reaching 12,175 aircraft delivered as of August 2025. On the other side, the A320 began its career in 1988 and now totals 12,153 units. Given the current delivery volumes for both models, it’s clear the curves will cross soon. This year alone, Europeans have 431 new deliveries planned (out of 850 across all Airbus aircraft types), compared to 307 for Boeing’s 737. In short, change is happening now…
About the Airbus A320
In the late 1970s, when the civil aviation market was largely dominated by Boeing, the Airbus group decided to launch a single-aisle aircraft capable of competing with and even transforming commercial transport. More efficient (during the oil crisis era), incorporating the latest technological advances like fly-by-wire flight controls and—revolutionary at the time—requiring only two pilots instead of three, the new aircraft had to outperform its direct competitor, the Boeing 737, launched several years earlier.
A program was launched in 1984 for an entirely new aircraft called the A320. Three years later, it made its first test flight, and the following year, it began appearing in airline fleets, with Air France as its very first customer. The A320 would go on to see multiple innovations and versions, including the A321 (extended version), A319 (shortened version), and even the A318 for the smallest in the family. This success has continued to grow, especially with the arrival of the A320neo in the late 2010s, entering service in 2016. This technologically more advanced variant, significantly more fuel-efficient and quieter, was enthusiastically embraced by carriers. Airbus orders gradually began surpassing Boeing’s, and by the end of the year, the Airbus A320 will become the world’s best-selling aircraft.
Info: www.airbus.com
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
