Boeing 737 loses status as world’s most popular jet

Core Insights - Boeing's 737 has been surpassed by Airbus's A320 as the world's most popular passenger aircraft for the first time in 37 years [1][2][8] - The A320 has achieved 12,260 lifetime deliveries, overtaking the 737's total [2] - Boeing's 737 has been a significant player in the aviation industry, with over 31 billion passengers carried and more than 170 billion miles flown [4] Company Performance - Boeing's 737 was historically the best-selling jet but has faced production caps and safety concerns, leading to a decline in its market position [5][6] - The grounding of the 737 Max for 20 months due to crashes in 2018 and 2019 significantly impacted Boeing's production capabilities [5] - Ongoing FAA restrictions and identified production errors have further hindered Boeing's ability to compete effectively with Airbus [6][8] Industry Dynamics - Airbus's A320, introduced in 1988, has gained a competitive edge with the launch of the re-engined A320neo model in 2020 [6] - Major airlines that previously operated 737s, such as British Airways and Lufthansa, have transitioned to A320 fleets, while Ryanair remains a loyal customer of the 737 [8] - Analysts predict that Airbus will continue to extend its lead over Boeing due to the latter's ongoing production challenges [8][9]