When you see an airplane in the sky, chances are it’s either a Boeing or an Airbus. But how can you tell them apart? In this blog, we’ll uncover the five most significant differences that make it easy to differentiate between a Boeing or an Airbus.
1. The shape of the nose
Left Boeing. Right Airbus.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate between Airbus and Boeing is by looking at the nose of the aircraft. The Airbus A320 features a round, soft nose, while the Boeing 737 has a sharper, more pointed nose. This difference stems from the aerodynamic design choices made by each manufacturer. Check the photos above to see how this detail stands out immediately!
2. The shape of the engines
Left Boeing. Right Airbus.
The engines of the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 differ noticeably in shape. On the Boeing 737, the engines have a flattened bottom, almost as if a piece has been cut off. This design was implemented to keep the engines sufficiently above the ground due to the lower fuselage of the Boeing. In contrast, the engines of the Airbus A320 are fully rounded and appear slightly larger.
3. Cockpit controls
Left Boeing. Right Airbus.
In my opinion, the biggest difference is in the cockpit. The control systems are fundamentally different. Airbus uses a joystick located on the side of the pilot, while Boeing sticks to the traditional yoke, which resembles a steering wheel and is positioned directly in front of the pilot.
4. Design of the cockpit windows
Left Boeing. Right Airbus.
A detail often overlooked is the design of the cockpit windows. On the Boeing 737, the first side window has an angular, almost triangular cut at the bottom. On the Airbus A320, the window is more rectangular and streamlined. This small difference can quickly help you determine whether you’re looking at an Airbus or a Boeing.
5. Ground clearance
Left Boeing. Right Airbus.
If you see an aircraft up close, take a look at how high the fuselage is from the ground. The Airbus A320’s fuselage sits higher, whereas the Boeing 737’s fuselage is closer to the ground. This difference is especially noticeable when loading baggage or when the planes are parked side by side.
In short
While both Airbus and Boeing make excellent aircraft, they each have their own distinctive style. With these five differences in mind, you’ll easily be able to tell an Airbus A320 apart from a Boeing 737.
By: Rico Valkenborgh | March 4th, 2025
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