By Bjorn Fehrm

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Introduction

February 27, 2020, © Leeham News: While we wait on the Boeing 737-8 to get back in the air, we take a look at how this best seller in the 737 series compares with its direct rival, the Airbus A320neo.

The 737-800 and its follow on, the 737-8, have been the most popular single-aisles in Boeing’s lineup for decades. The 737-800 sold more units than the A320. But when both got re-engined, this changed. The A320neo is now outselling the 737-8.

We look into why.

Summary:

• The trend where the A320neo is outselling the 737-8 started well before the MAX crisis. Is the root cause better airframe performance?
• We find the cause to be another. The difference is not about a change in relative airframe performance between the two.