Airbus has taken a significant lead in the widebody aircraft market, delivering a total of 89 widebody planes in 2024, narrowly surpassing Boeing’s output by one unit. This shift in dynamics raises concerns for Boeing, which has historically maintained an edge over its European rival. Despite the ongoing success of the Boeing 787 and the anticipated launch of the Boeing 777X within the next 18 months, the popularity of the Airbus A350 continues to pose a challenge for Boeing’s market position.
The A350 program has established itself as a formidable competitor, particularly noted for its cabin’s tranquility. Airbus promotes the A350’s Airspace cabin as the quietest among widebody aircraft, achieving cabin noise levels below 60 dB during cruise. This accomplishment is attributed to advanced noise-reduction technologies and design innovations that enhance passenger comfort.
The A350’s Competitive Advantages
In addition to its serene cabin, the A350 excels in range capabilities, making it an attractive option for airlines operating ultra-long-haul routes. The aircraft boasts impressive specifications: the A350-900 can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers), while the A350-1000 extends this range to 9,000 nautical miles (16,700 kilometers). This flexibility allows operators to efficiently serve both medium and long-haul markets while accommodating routes that the 787 may not cover.
When comparing the A350-1000 to the popular Boeing 777-300ER, it is evident that the A350 can achieve longer distances with improved fuel efficiency, although the 777-300ER holds a slight advantage in seating capacity. Airbus claims the A350 offers up to 20% lower fuel consumption than the 777, a gap that the forthcoming 777X aims to narrow.
Technological Innovations in Noise Reduction
Aircraft noise has long been a concern for passengers and communities near airports. Older jet models, such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8, were notorious for their high noise levels, prompting regulations to mitigate their impact. The A350 has effectively addressed these issues through various engineering advancements, including its Rolls-Royce XWB turbofan engines, designed with a high bypass ratio and acoustic lining to minimize noise.
Additionally, the A350 incorporates aerodynamic features like Sharklets, which not only contribute to noise reduction but also enhance cruising efficiency. The fuselage is constructed with multi-layered composite materials that further insulate against noise, ensuring it meets the latest international standards for noise emissions.
The Virgin Atlantic airline, a major operator of the A350-1000, highlights its performance, stating, “The high bypass engines and smooth aerodynamics mean that as well as being economical, the A350 is the quietest long-haul aircraft in the sky.”
Strong Sales and Future Prospects for the A350
The A350 program has become one of the best-selling twin-aisle aircraft in aviation history, with over 1,400 orders for both variants as of September 2025. The A350-900 accounts for the majority of these orders, totaling over 1,000, while the A350-1000 has garnered more than 360 orders. Airbus recently celebrated the milestone of delivering its 100th A350-1000 to Qatar Airways, a significant achievement for the program.
While the A350 was officially launched in 2004, the first aircraft entered service in January 2015, marking nearly a decade of successful operations. The current largest fleet of A350s belongs to Singapore Airlines, which also operates a special ultra-long-range variant. Other notable airlines featuring the A350 in their fleets include Air France, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, and Lufthansa.
Boeing’s Response with the 777X
In response to the growing competition, Boeing is pinning its hopes on the upcoming 777X, set to enter service in early 2027 with Lufthansa as its launch customer. The 777X will feature advanced noise reduction technologies, including the GE9X engines, which are designed to comply with the latest noise emission standards.
Despite initial delays, Boeing aims to leverage the 777X’s innovations to regain competitiveness in the widebody market. The company has opted for noise-abatement technologies that do not include engine chevrons, which were used in previous models, to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
With Airbus maintaining a focus on increasing A350 production rates—targeting six units per month in 2023 and aiming for ten by 2026—Boeing’s future in the widebody segment hinges on the successful launch of the 777X and its ability to meet the evolving demands of airlines and passengers alike.
As the aviation industry continues to navigate challenges, the competition between Airbus and Boeing in the widebody market remains a critical focal point, with the A350’s quiet cabin and operational flexibility setting a high bar for future aircraft designs.
