Airbus A320 overtakes Boeing 737 as ‘most delivered aircraft’
October 7, 2025
Airbus has reached a milestone with its A320 family of aircraft overtaking Boeing’s 737 series to become the most-delivered airliner of all time, according to industry analysts.
The record was surpassed following the handover of an A320neo to Saudi Arabian carrier Flynas, according to data from UK-based aviation consultancy Cirium.
The delivery brings the total number of A320 family aircraft produced since its entry into service in 1988 to 12,260 – surpassing Boeing’s tally for the 737, which has dominated commercial aviation for more than half a century.
Airbus and Boeing deliver more than 25,000 single-aisle aircraft
The figures were compiled by Cirium’s aircraft supply analyst, Rob Morris – who was until recently the company’s global head of consultancy – and reported by Reuters.
Airbus and Boeing have collectively delivered more than 25,000 single-aisle aircraft, a category originally intended to connect major hubs but later transformed by the rise of low-cost carriers.
With increasing fuel efficiency and high density configurations, both narrowbodies have proven popular with budget as well as full service airlines.
Airbus, now the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer by annual deliveries, was once considered an underdog.
A320 success
Launched in 1984 amid doubts about its viability, the A320 programme took a major technological leap by introducing fly-by-wire controls to a commercial aircraft for the first time.
The system, initially met with scepticism, has since become the industry standard.
Production of the A320 family has expanded far beyond its original base in Toulouse, with final assembly lines in the United States and China supporting global demand.
Boeing’s struggles
In recent years, the balance of power between the two manufacturers has been shaped by Boeing’s continuing struggles with certification delays and supply chain issues.
The 737 MAX grounding left a lasting impact on the company’s credibility with regulators and airlines alike, while Airbus capitalised by accelerating production of its A320neo family.
Ongoing certification challenges for Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 and 10 variants have delayed deliveries and placed additional pressure on its order book.
By contrast, Airbus has maintained steady progress on its narrow-body and long-range programmes, including the A321XLR, which has attracted strong interest from carriers seeking fuel-efficient alternatives.
