Airbus A320 Set to Surpass Boeing 737: A New Record in Aviation History

After nearly 40 years of competition, the Airbus A320 is on the verge of taking over the title of “the world’s best-selling commercial passenger aircraft” from the Boeing 737, which has held the crown for decades. By August 2025, Airbus could become the new leader in aviation history.

On the Brink of a Historic Record with 12,155 Deliveries

According to data from consultancy firm Cirium, the total number of Airbus A320 deliveries reached 12,155 as of August 2025. The gap with the Boeing 737 has narrowed to just 20 aircraft.

The Rise of Airbus: From the 1980s to Today

Airbus first announced the A320 project in 1981, at a time when the Boeing 737 was the undisputed ruler of the skies.

By the time the first A320 was produced in 1988, Boeing had already delivered around 1,500 737s worldwide.

From the 2000s onwards, the A320 family began to surpass the Boeing 737 in annual deliveries.

In 2019, Airbus also overtook Boeing in total orders, further strengthening its lead.

A Historic Turning Point in Aviation

Now, with this record just within reach, the Airbus A320 is poised to reshape the balance of power in the aviation industry. After four decades of fierce rivalry, Airbus is preparing to claim Boeing’s most prestigious title.