Overview

• Cirium estimates show the A320-family’s lifetime deliveries trailing the 737 by about 20 aircraft in early August, with an overtake expected within weeks.
• Boeing’s delivery pace has been limited by manufacturing, regulatory and reputational setbacks, including scrutiny after the Alaska Airlines door-plug incident and the earlier 737 MAX crashes.
• Boeing says it is capping production by choice to prioritize safety over speed under new leadership, citing a deliberate recovery plan supported by a large order backlog.
• Airbus has contended with A320neo engine-related maintenance disruptions tied to Pratt & Whitney technology, yet it has maintained relatively consistent output.
• Narrow-body jets dominate global fleets, and both manufacturers are preparing replacements, with Airbus targeting a successor launch by decade’s end and Boeing progressing internal studies pending engine advances.