Are you part of the Airbus or Boeing team? If you love commercial aviation, you’ve probably been asked this question at least once. These two leaders in aircraft manufacturing have been competing since the 1970s, when a European consortium entered the market as an alternative to the American giant.
Since then, Airbus and Boeing have shaped the world’s airline fleets, gradually upgrading their successful products to meet the evolving demands of an ever-changing and complex industry. Some airlines operate a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, while others decide to invest entirely in a particular manufacturer. The logic behind this decision is of a mixed nature, some of which have economic benefits. However, Airbus and Boeing aircraft are completely different products from many points of view.
1 ”I have a plane.”
When boarding a plane, it can be difficult to resist the urge to peek inside the cockpit to admire where the magic happens. This will allow him to identify one of the main differences between Airbus and Boeing aircraft. In the first case, you will not notice the classic yoke in front of the cockpit. In fact, Airbus pilots control the aircraft using a sidestick similar to a console joystick.
Photo: Pedco Anton | Shutterstock
Boeing typically takes a more classic approach to flight control. Aircraft control surfaces such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders are activated by manipulating yokes. Airbus, on the other hand, was the first manufacturer to introduce the concept of fly-by-wire (FBW). Unlike manual flight controls, FBW systems convert pilot input into electrical signals. The information received is processed and sent to a computer that determines the best way to actuate the aircraft’s control surfaces.
No matter how badly Airbus pilots want the plane to pitch or roll, computer programming prevents the plane from performing maneuvers that are considered unsafe during certain stages of flight. In other words, assuming there are no issues with the aircraft that could theoretically cause Boeing pilots to stall the aircraft, Airbus colleagues would have made this more It can feel difficult.
2 Look at the door!
When you’re on a short/medium-haul aircraft, it’s easy to tell whether you’re on an Airbus or a Boeing plane. All you have to do is look at the door while riding.
The Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 family are the world’s most popular short/medium range aircraft families. However, they differ in many ways. One of the most notable aspects is the design of the aircraft’s doors. Airbus doors move parallel to the aircraft when opened, while Boeing doors move sideways.
Photo: Mario Hagen | Shutterstock
In addition, to open a door on a Boeing, in most cases it is necessary to turn the lever from left to right, but to open a door on an Airbus, the action is performed from bottom to top.
3 Airbus feature: “dog barking”
If you’re flying an Airbus A320 family of aircraft or an Airbus A330, there’s a good chance you’ll hear what’s known as a “dog bark” at certain stages of your flight.
In this case, there is no need to worry. This sound is certainly a sign that the aircraft’s hydraulic system is working properly, which is surprising news. Coincidentally, this unusual noise is caused by the aircraft’s power transmission unit (PTU) system, a hydraulic pump that ensures that a minimum pressure is maintained throughout the aircraft’s hydraulic system.
Some Boeing aircraft also have PTUs, but they operate differently, making it almost impossible for Boeing aircraft passengers to hear this noise.
Four Special historical relationships with certain major airlines
Boeing and Airbus have played a fundamental role in shaping civil aviation as we know it today. But of his two specialty manufacturers, there is one whose history goes back to the very early days of the aviation industry.
William E. Boeing was an American lumber merchant who founded the Aero Products Company in 1916 after developing a single-engine, two-seat airplane. The following year, the company changed its name to Boeing Airplane Company and began manufacturing aeronautical flying boats. US Navy during World War I.
Photo: Ken Fielding, via Wikimedia Commons
After starting air mail service in 1928, William Boeing formed the Boeing Airplane & Transport Corporation to expand his aviation business. The following year, the company changed its name to United Aircraft and Transport Corporation and acquired small aircraft and engine manufacturers, including Pratt & Whitney. In 1931 he joined four smaller airlines and United Airlines was born.
In 1934, new antitrust laws in the United States prohibited aircraft manufacturers from being involved in air transportation. Therefore, United Air Transport Company was dissolved, resulting in the creation of Boeing Aircraft Company, United Technologies Corporation, and United Airlines, the same companies that now fly around the world.
Five Not just aircraft manufacturers
Although Airbus and Boeing are typically associated with airplane manufacturing, both companies offer a more comprehensive range of products and services. For example, Airbus operates in commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense, and space. Meanwhile, Boeing’s business areas include commercial, space, and defense.
Photo: IanC66 | Shutterstock
Airbus therefore ventured into a market where it did not compete with its former American rival, civil helicopters. In 2022, Airbus delivered 344 helicopters, six more than in 2021, and the division generated a revenue stream of 7 billion euros. That said, Boeing is known for producing one of the most important military helicopters, his CH-47 Chinook.
Can you think of any other differences between Airbus and Boeing? Let us know by clicking the comment button below.
source: pilot institute, through flight, Britannica,
airbus
- Stock code:
- air
- Type of business:
- Planer shop
- Establishment date:
- 1970-12-18
- CEO:
- Guillaume Faury
- Head office location:
- toulouse, france
- Main product lines:
- Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380
boeing
- Stock code:
- BA
- Type of business:
- Planer shop
- Establishment date:
- 1916-07-15
- CEO:
- dave calhoun
- Head office location:
- chicago, usa
- Main product lines:
- Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
