Boeing vs. Airbus: The 2024 Scoreboard

The duopoly defining commercial aviation continues its intense competition. Boeing and Airbus divide approximately 95% of the large commercial aircraft market between them, and the 2024 scorecard reveals a year of contrasting fortunes for these aerospace giants.

Delivery Numbers

Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft through full-year 2024, essentially achieving their stated production targets. Boeing delivered approximately 400 aircraft, significantly below guidance due to ongoing production quality issues and regulatory scrutiny. The delivery gap of 335 aircraft represents the widest margin in the modern era of this competition.

Single-aisle deliveries tell the clearest story. Airbus delivered over 600 A320neo family aircraft. Boeing’s 737 MAX program delivered approximately 290 aircraft, constrained by production rate limitations imposed after quality concerns emerged. The A320neo family outsold the MAX by more than 2:1 in actual deliveries.

Order Book Comparison

Backlog numbers remain enormous for both manufacturers. Airbus holds approximately 8,700 aircraft on order, representing roughly 10 years of production at current rates. Boeing’s backlog stands at approximately 5,600 aircraft, though cancellation risk and order book accounting differences complicate direct comparison.

Net new orders during 2024 favored Airbus by a substantial margin. The A321neo long-range variant attracted particular interest, with orders exceeding 400 units. Boeing’s order intake improved from 2023 lows but remained below pre-737 MAX crisis averages.

Market Share Analysis

Looking at aircraft in service, the installed base tells a more nuanced story. Boeing aircraft comprise approximately 44% of the global commercial fleet by value, with Airbus at 42% and other manufacturers making up the remainder. Legacy Boeing types like the 737NG and 777 remain workhorses despite production having shifted to newer variants.

In the critical narrowbody segment, recent order patterns suggest Airbus is gaining installed base share approximately 2-3 percentage points annually. If current trends continue through the decade, Airbus will hold majority narrowbody market share by 2028.

Widebody Competition

The widebody segment shows more competitive balance. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has reestablished production momentum after extended quality holds. The 777X program remains challenged, with certification delays pushing first deliveries well beyond original schedules. Emirates and other major customers have expressed frustration with timeline slippage.

Airbus widebody programs show mixed performance. The A350 has become the default choice for many long-haul fleet renewals, with 1,100+ orders accumulated. The A330neo continues selling to operators seeking lower-cost widebody solutions. Neither manufacturer has announced programs to replace current widebody families, suggesting the competitive landscape remains stable through the 2030s.

Financial Performance

Financial results diverge dramatically. Airbus reported commercial aircraft segment operating margins approaching 10%, consistent with mature manufacturing operations. Boeing’s commercial aviation division reported operating losses for most quarters, with margins expected to remain negative or minimal through 2025.

Cash flow tells a similar story. Airbus generated positive free cash flow exceeding $4 billion from commercial operations. Boeing consumed cash, requiring corporate reserves and borrowing to fund operations and quality remediation. The financial strength gap enables Airbus to invest in future programs while Boeing manages crisis.

Program Development

Neither manufacturer has announced new clean-sheet aircraft programs. Both are investing in production rate increases for current types and studying next-generation technologies. Sustainable aviation fuel compatibility, hydrogen propulsion, and advanced aerodynamics feature in research programs at both companies.

The absence of new programs reflects market reality. Current backlogs extend so far that new designs would not enter service until the mid-2030s at earliest. Both manufacturers prefer extracting maximum value from existing types before committing tens of billions to new development.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 scoreboard clearly favors Airbus across most metrics. Yet market competition continues. Boeing’s quality improvements, if sustained, could narrow delivery gaps. Order campaigns for major fleet renewals remain contested. The duopoly structure ensures both manufacturers will remain central to commercial aviation regardless of annual variations.

For airlines, the competition delivers value. Pricing remains competitive, both manufacturers invest in product improvement, and alternative supplier options prevent excessive supplier power. The 2024 scoreboard records one year in a multi-decade contest that continues.