Is Airbus more technologically advanced than Boeing?

Background:

Both Airbus and Boeing are major players in the commercial aviation industry, and they both invest heavily in research and development. As a result, both companies produce aircraft that are technologically advanced.

Comparison:

One of the main differences between Airbus and Boeing is their philosophy of flight control. Airbus uses a fly-by-wire system, which means that the pilot’s inputs are processed by a computer that then sends commands to the aircraft’s control surfaces. This system allows Airbus to implement various safety features, such as envelope protection, which prevents the pilot from exceeding the aircraft’s limits. Boeing, on the other hand, uses a hybrid system, which combines fly-by-wire with conventional mechanical and hydraulic controls. This system gives the pilot more direct control over the aircraft, and allows them to override the computer in case of emergencies.

What are they famous for?

Airbus is known for introducing new technologies and concepts to the market, such as the A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, which has a double-decker layout and can carry up to 853 passengers. Airbus is also known for its A350, which is made of 53% composite materials, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient than its competitors. Boeing, on the other hand, is known for its reliability and performance in terms of technology and design. Boeing is known for its 737, the world’s best-selling jetliner, which has been in service since 1968 and has undergone several upgrades and variants over the years. Boeing is also known for its 787, which is also made of composite materials and has a revolutionary wing design that reduces drag and noise.

They share the global market:

Airbus has a better geographic diversification than Boeing, as it earns more revenue from Asia Pacific (36.6%) than Europe (27.9%), while Boeing earns most of its revenue from the US (44.2%). This gives Airbus an advantage in markets that have high growth potential, such as China. Boeing has a slightly higher market share than Airbus in terms of orders and deliveries of commercial aircraft. In 2019, Boeing received orders for 246 aircraft and delivered 380 aircraft, while Airbus received orders for 113 aircraft and delivered 863 aircraft. This was mainly due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, which affected its sales and production.