The competition between the world’s two largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, has been reshaped once again by the 2025 order figures. From narrow-body to wide-body aircraft, the winners and losers across the landscape have become evident.
The rivalry between Boeing and Airbus is regarded as one of the fiercest competitions not only in the aviation sector but also in the global business world. Founded in 1970, Airbus positioned Boeing as the “competitor to beat” from the very beginning. After 55 years, Airbus has managed to catch up with Boeing in terms of market share and financial strength and has even overtaken it in some segments.
On the other hand, Boeing, with a history spanning more than a century, continues to be a key player in the competition thanks to its broad product range and strong order backlog. The 2025 order data clearly reveals in which markets the two manufacturers have stood out.
Narrow-Body Aircraft: A321neo on Top Once Again
In the narrow-body aircraft market, Airbus competes with the A220 and the A320neo family, while Boeing competes with the 737 MAX series.
A220: Quiet but Strategic
The A220, which Airbus acquired from Bombardier and rebranded, went through a sluggish period in 2025. The only major order of the year was LOT Polish Airlines’ order for 40 aircraft (20 A220-100 and 20 A220-300). Although Boeing has no direct competitor in this segment—giving the A220 a theoretical advantage—production costs and engine issues continue to limit sales.
A320neo vs 737 MAX
In 2025, Airbus:
- Received 504 orders for the A320neo family
- Of these, 402 were for the A321neo
Boeing, meanwhile:
- Secured 461 orders for the 737 MAX
Overall, Airbus narrowly surpassed Boeing with total sales of 544 narrow-body aircraft. The undisputed star of this segment was the A321neo, which became the best-selling aircraft variant in history with more than 7,200 total orders.
Mid-Size Wide-Body: Dreamliner Well Ahead
In this segment, where Airbus competes with the A330neo and Boeing with the 787 Dreamliner family, the balance tilted clearly in Boeing’s favour.
A330neo:
- 96 orders in 2025
- All for the A330-900neo
Boeing 787 Dreamliner:
- 351 orders
- Best-selling variant: 787-9
- Interest in the 787-10 is increasing rapidly
Although the A330neo has shown resilience thanks to its competitive price and shorter delivery times, the Dreamliner family has maintained clear market leadership.
Large Wide-Body: 777X and A350 Neck and Neck
In this segment, Airbus competes with the A350, while Boeing fields the 777X family.
- Airbus A350
- 162 orders
- Most popular variant: A350-1000
The A350F freighter version gained momentum
- Boeing 777
- 173 orders
- The majority of orders were for the 777-9
- Strong position in the cargo market with the 777F and 777-8F
In 2025, Boeing edged ahead of Airbus by a narrow margin in this segment.
Total Order Overview: Boeing Holds the Numerical Advantage
Overall in 2025:
- Boeing: 985 commercial aircraft orders
- Airbus: 802 commercial aircraft orders
While Boeing took the lead overall, Airbus maintained its leadership in the narrow-body market.
Overall Assessment: Who Won Where?
- Narrow-body aircraft: Airbus (especially the A321neo)
- Mid-size wide-body: Boeing (787 Dreamliner)
- Large wide-body: Boeing slightly ahead
- Strategic product: The A321neo is shaping the competition
According to experts, demand for the A321neo remains “almost limitless”, while production and cost issues continue to constrain the potential of the A220. On the Boeing side, geopolitical and political agreements are also considered to have influenced sales of the 787 and 777X.
