What is better "Boeing" or "Airbus"? Councils for air travelers

An alternative is definitely a useful thing. However, in some cases, it puzzles. Today we will talk about airplanes, or rather, about their most famous manufacturers and their main competitors, such as Boeing and Airbus. To consider and try to compare these two machines can be from different points of view: economic, industrial, technical, innovative, even historical. However, many travelers (and especially those who have almost no experience of flights) interest in this topic is a banal curiosity. So it's better: Boeing or Airbus, how did it happen that there are two main players in the world of aircraft construction in the world, and how does Boeing differ from Airbus?

Excursion to the history

The competition between these worldgiants of aircraft construction return us to the 90th years of the last century. The fact is that before this period in the world there was a large number of aircraft factories. Many of them were located in the USA (for example, the legendary McDonnell Douglas or not so famous Convair), others - in Europe (British Aerospace, Fokker, etc.). To be sure, the Soviet Union, famous for its Antonov, Tupolev, Yakovlev design bureau etc. But soon the situation turned violent. The USSR sank into oblivion, which led to the complete collapse of the economy and industry of a once powerful and harsh country. Despite the fact that the production of An, Tu, Yak and other aircraft continued, the volume of exports fell at times due to a severe crisis. In these same years, hard times are experienced by European producers, who simply left the market as a result of a serious drop in demand. On this basis, Airbus was created as an association of European aircraft builders in a single consortium. Americans, too, could not withstand competition in the face of reduced demand, and in their market there are only two major players: Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. By the way, the latter was weaker: Boeing simply bought it and made it part of its company. Over time, these companies (Boeing and Airbus) only strengthened their positions, which allowed them to eliminate virtually all competitors.

Whom more?

But the main question still remains - which is better: Boeing or Airbus? Rigid competition is very useful, as it allows you to constantly be in a tone and improve the quality of your product. And Airbus and Boeing do go "nostril to the nostril". Judge for yourself: from 2005 to 2016, Americans (Boeing) received 11,024 orders and sold 6,406 aircraft, and Europeans (Airbus) - 11,830 orders and 6456 aircraft. That is, the victory in this case is formal for the second, but it is so insignificant that it is not worth talking about. At the same time, the parties constantly accuse each other of unfair competition, of receiving excessive subsidies from states and, of course, of artificially lowering prices. Innovative solutions and attempts to get ahead of the opponent is a long-term strategy of each company in an attempt to win the market once and for all. Let's try to compare the characteristics of these winged machinas and the testimonials of passengers to understand what is better: "Boeing" or "Airbus".

Specifications (in understandable language)

Of course, we will not dive into this issue withhead and get confused in complex terms and incomprehensible numbers. On the forums of travelers or amateurs you can often see the question in the spirit: "What is better," Boeing-737 "or" Airbus-320 "?". Despite the fact that the line of both manufacturers is much wider, these two models are the most famous among the townsfolk.

In addition to technical characteristics, aircraftdiffer even externally. So, the "European" is above his competitor, he has a rounded nose, not a sharp, even tail and round, and not oval, engines. At the same time, many aviation lovers believe that "Boeing" is still more beautiful and majestic, but here, as they say, on the taste and color.

By the number of seats, "Airbus" is undisputedleader: 600-700 against 500 at "Boeing". At the same time, Boeing is 3 meters longer. By the way, Airbus set a record - the world's largest two-decker aircraft for 850 passengers. There is a shop like duty free, a restaurant and even a shower! As far as distance is concerned, Boeing wins here. There is nothing to say, the transatlantic flights are mostly serviced by the aircraft of this company. But the "Airbus" has more wing span, which allows them to win by speed, however, quite a bit.

Security

Anyone who asks himself about which planebetter: "Boeing" or "Airbus", in the first place has in mind security. But here it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer. For example, Airbus has twice as few accidents, but Boeing is seen in fewer crashes and takes first place in the ranking of the world's safest airplanes. The "Boeing" also has a more thoughtful system of emergency exits: they are conveniently located and can not be opened at high altitude during the flight. But Airbus also has some advantage: the aircraft has a very reliable control system, and therefore the ability to turn the airliner into fully manual mode is excluded. In any case, both companies take care of the safety of their product and argue about what is best: Boeing or Airbus in terms of safety is somewhat incorrect and to some extent even pointless.

Comfort in economy class

Finally, comfort. This is the second point of importance after safety for all passengers. Here it is worth considering both aircraft from two points of view: economy class and business class.

Which plane is better: "Boeing" or "Airbus-320", if you fly in the economy? The answer is no. Or rather, both are good. Indeed, there are no obvious differences between the two giants of aircraft construction, when it comes to the cabin economy class. And there, and there is not enough room for legs. And there, and there a lot of attention is paid to service and maintenance, food quality and cleanliness.

Comfort in business class

And what if you fly in a business class? Which is better: "Airbus" or "Boeing-737" in this case? Here undoubtedly wins Airbus. Compare: "Boeing" of the German airline "Lufthansa" in the business class is equipped with a wide and comfortable seat, which can be lowered to the lying position, as well as a small personal locker where you can put something. At the same time, the "Airbus" in the company of Emirates is all much richer and more: in addition to the usual wide sofa-seat and closet, you can order private apartments, one of the two rest rooms, and a small spa center with a shower! In addition, each bed is separated from the passages and neighbors by sliding "walls", which allows you to create additional comfort and privacy.

Conclusion

Thus, answering the question about what is best: "Airbus-A320" or "Boeing-737", you can not give an unambiguous answer. Specialists who devote their entire lives to aviation and aircraft engineering can try to draw parallels between each individual piece of airliners. You can also give a lot of arguments in matters of safety and comfort, but all of them will eventually equalize the account of these two largest aircraft building companies in the world. It's much easier to try both planes and decide for yourself which one is better.