Europe’s Airbus marked a major aviation milestone on Tuesday, when its A320 family of aircraft surpassed Boeing’s 737 to become the most-delivered jetliner in history.

The record-breaking delivery came as an A320neo was handed over to Saudi carrier Flynas, bringing the total number of A320 family deliveries to 12,260 since the aircraft entered service in 1988, according to UK-based aviation analytics firm Cirium.

The achievement caps a 40-year transatlantic rivalry between Airbus and Boeing, two aerospace giants that have long competed for dominance in the narrow-body market.

Both companies have together delivered more than 25,000 of these short- to medium-haul jets, which were initially designed for major hubs but later became the backbone of low-cost carriers worldwide.

Airbus now stands as the world’s largest planemaker by annual deliveries, surpassing Boeing’s record following years of steady growth and successful adaptation to shifting global demand.

How Airbus rose to the top

Launched in 1984, the A320 entered service in 1988 — a time when Airbus’s future was uncertain after the rocky rollout of two wide-body jets. Its engineers took a bold step by introducing fly-by-wire controls to a mainstream airliner, a technology that was initially controversial but later became an industry standard.

The development of the A320 was not without political friction. French and German leaders François Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl had to intervene to resolve disputes between partner nations on priorities and funding. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher even expressed reluctance to fund the project, famously saying, “I do not want another Concorde on my hands.”

Europe’s first commercial jet success

Despite early hurdles, the A320 became Europe’sfirst truly successful commercial jet, reshaping the global aviation landscape.

According to Cirium’s head of advisory, Max Kingsley-Jones, “It was the first truly successful non-U.S. commercial jet. It forced others to create competitive alternatives.”

Boeing responded with the upgraded 737NG after Airbus secured a landmark order from United Airlines in 1992. However, Boeing later faced setbacks with the 737 MAX crisis following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The road ahead for Airbus and Boeing

While Airbus celebrates its dominance, both companies face new challenges from emerging competitors such as China’s COMAC and Brazil’s Embraer.

Industry experts say neither Airbus nor Boeing is rushing to replace their best-selling models until major advancements in engine technology are achieved. Boeing, burdened by debt and a tarnished image, remains focused on stabilising production, while Airbus continues to expand manufacturing in the U.S. and China.

Aircraft analyst Rob Morris noted, “Boeing can’t catch up with the current A320 family based on their production plans, but it may strengthen Boeing’s resolve to think about a future beyond the 737.”