Boeing 737 vs Airbus A320 

1. Introduction

In the realm of commercial aviation, no aircraft are more recognizable—or more widely flown—than the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. 

These two single-aisle (narrow-body) jets have become the backbone of short- and medium-haul air travel around the world.

With millions of daily passengers, these aircraft families dominate the fleets of low-cost carriers and major airlines alike.

2. History and Background

Boeing 737

• Introduced in 1968, the Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial aircraft in history.

• Originally designed as a short-haul jet, the 737 has evolved into various models, including the 737-200, 737 Classic, 737 Next Generation (NG), and 737 MAX.

• Over 10,000 units have been delivered, serving airlines on every continent.

Airbus A320

• The Airbus A320 entered service in 1988 and quickly gained popularity due to its fly-by-wire system and modern avionics.

• The A320 family includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321, and now the A320neo series.

• Over 9,000 units have been delivered, with thousands more on order.

3. Design Philosophy

Feature	Boeing 737	Airbus A320
Control System	Traditional hydraulic, mechanical linkages	Fully digital fly-by-wire
Cockpit	Yoke	Side-stick controller
Avionics	Evolved over decades	Fully integrated from the start
Type Rating	737-only	Common across Airbus narrow-body family

Airbus emphasizes pilot commonality and automation, while Boeing sticks with manual control and traditional pilot experience.

4. Size and Capacity Comparison

Specification	Boeing 737-800	Airbus A320ceo
Length	39.5 m	37.6 m
Wingspan	35.8 m	34.1 m
Height	12.5 m	11.8 m
Typical Seating	162–189 passengers	150–186 passengers
Max Takeoff Weight	~79,000 kg	~77,000 kg

Both aircraft are very similar in size and capacity, making them direct competitors on most domestic and regional routes.

5. Engine and Performance

Feature	Boeing 737-800	Airbus A320ceo
Engine Type	CFM56-7B (2)	CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 (2)
Max Range	~5,700 km	~6,100 km
Cruise Speed	Mach 0.785	Mach 0.78
Fuel Burn	Moderate	Slightly lower per seat-mile

Both aircraft offer similar performance, but the A320 typically edges out in fuel efficiency, especially with A320neo models.

6. Cabin and Passenger Experience

Feature	Boeing 737	Airbus A320
Cabin Width	3.54 m	3.70 m
Standard Seating	3-3 layout	3-3 layout
Aisle Space	Slightly narrower	Slightly wider
Noise Levels	Moderate	Slightly quieter
Baggage Bins	Smaller (older models)	Larger, modern design

Airbus A320 cabins are slightly wider, offering more space for aisle movement and overhead luggage.
However, newer 737 MAX cabins have improved lighting and bin space.

7. Cockpit and Pilot Experience

• 737 Cockpit:

  • Traditional with yoke, familiar to experienced Boeing pilots

  • Less cockpit commonality across other Boeing models

  • Type rating limited to 737 family

• A320 Cockpit:

  • Fly-by-wire with side-stick, designed for automation

  • Standardized across A318–A321 family

  • Easier for pilots to transition between Airbus types

Airlines prefer the A320 for pilot training and fleet flexibility, while 737 pilots often prefer the tactile feedback of Boeing controls.

8. Airline Operators

• Boeing 737 Operators: Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Korean Air

• Airbus A320 Operators: Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, AirAsia, EasyJet, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue

Both aircraft are popular globally, with Boeing favored in North America and Airbus leading in Europe and Asia.

9. Next Generation Models: 737 MAX vs A320neo

Feature	Boeing 737 MAX 8	Airbus A320neo
Engine	CFM LEAP-1B	CFM LEAP-1A or PW1100G
Fuel Savings	~14% over previous gen	~15–20% over ceo
Noise Reduction	Quieter than 737NG	One of the quietest narrow-bodies
Orders (as of 2025)	Over 5,000	Over 10,000

Both next-gen models offer significant fuel savings and reduced emissions, but the A320neo has pulled ahead in total global orders.

10. Safety and Controversies

• 737 MAX suffered a major setback due to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, leading to a global grounding and extensive re-certification process.

• The A320 family has a strong safety record with no major systemic issues.

• Since its re-entry, the 737 MAX is now considered safe, but some reputation damage lingers.

11. Conclusion

Both the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 are excellent aircraft with long histories, strong performance, and millions of successful flights.

• Choose Boeing 737 if you prioritize traditional flying experience, U.S.-based operations, and legacy support.

• Choose Airbus A320 if you value fuel efficiency, quieter cabins, and cockpit standardization across models.