The competition between Airbus and Boeing in the widebody aircraft market has intensified, with Airbus recently outperforming Boeing in deliveries. In total, Airbus delivered 89 widebody aircraft in 2024, surpassing Boeing by one unit. As Boeing works to regain its footing, the success of Airbus’s A350 program poses significant challenges for the US planemaker.
While Boeing continues to find success with its 787 model and anticipates the launch of the 777X within the next 18 months, the A350 remains a formidable rival. The aircraft’s reputation for a quiet cabin combined with its long-range capabilities make it an attractive option for airlines. Delays in the 777X’s entry into service have further encouraged operators to turn to the A350, leading to concerns that Boeing may fall behind in this critical segment.
Airbus A350: A Quiet Revolution
The Airbus A350 has garnered attention for its remarkably quiet cabin, which Airbus claims is the quietest among widebody aircraft. At cruise altitude, the cabin decibel levels typically drop below 60 dB, achieved through advanced noise-reduction technologies. Features such as the Rolls-Royce XWB turbofan engines, which employ a high bypass ratio and acoustic lining, significantly contribute to this reduction in noise.
The A350 is not only quiet but also offers impressive range capabilities. The A350-900 can travel up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers), while the larger A350-1000 variant can cover 9,000 nautical miles (16,700 kilometers). This makes the A350 particularly suited for ultra-long-haul routes, giving it an edge over the Boeing 787, which, while economical for medium and long-haul flights, lacks the same range.
Comparing the specifications of these aircraft highlights the A350’s advantages. The A350-900 seats between 332 and 352 passengers in a three-class configuration, while the A350-1000 accommodates 350 to 410 passengers. In contrast, the Boeing 787-9 seats 296, and the 777-300ER has a capacity of 386.
The A350’s Continued Success
The A350 program is one of the best-selling twin-aisle aircraft in history, with over 1,400 orders for its variants as of September 2025. The A350-900 accounts for the majority of these orders, surpassing 1,000 aircraft. Despite the A350-1000 having a lower sales figure, it has recently gained traction, with over 360 orders. Airbus celebrated a significant milestone with the delivery of its 100th A350-1000 to Qatar Airways, which received the first-ever delivery of this variant seven years ago.
Airbus has faced challenges with supply chain issues, which have impacted production rates. Earlier this year, the company aimed to produce six A350s per month, with plans to increase that to ten by 2026 and twelve by 2028. The A350’s growing presence is evident, with over 650 aircraft currently in service. Notable operators include Singapore Airlines, Air France, and Delta Air Lines.
Boeing’s upcoming 777X aims to strengthen its position in the widebody market. Set to enter service in early 2027, the 777X will feature advanced engine technology designed to meet current noise regulations. The GE9X engines will include acoustic inlet liners and innovative nozzle systems to reduce noise emissions. Despite these advancements, it remains uncertain how the 777X will compare to the A350 in terms of cabin quietness.
The future of the A350 looks promising as it continues to evolve. Airbus has considered expanding the A350 family with a potential A350-2000 variant to offer higher capacity. This could provide airlines with a competitive alternative to the 777X. The A350 freighter version, the A350F, is also expected to begin service in 2027, with over 60 firm orders already secured.
As the rivalry between Airbus and Boeing unfolds, the A350’s combination of quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and range capabilities positions it as a strong contender in the widebody market. With ongoing developments and a solid order backlog, Airbus is likely to maintain its competitive edge in the years to come.