By Hemant Sharma When you look up at the sky or board a flight, you often see large airplanes carrying hundreds of passengers. Most of these belong to the two biggest aircraft manufacturers in the world — Airbus (Europe) and Boeing (USA). Both companies make commercial jets that look quite similar at first glance. However, with a careful eye, you can easily learn how to identify whether a plane is an Airbus or a Boeing.
Why Learn the Difference?
- Travel Enthusiasts: Aviation lovers enjoy spotting different aircraft types.
- Safety & Comfort: Some travelers have preferences for Airbus or Boeing models.
- General Awareness: Knowing the basics makes air travel more interesting.
Key Differences Between Airbus and Boeing
Nose Shape
- Airbus: Usually has a rounded, bulbous nose (looks like a dolphin face).
- Boeing: Features a sharper, pointed nose with a sleeker design.
👉 Example: Compare an Airbus A320 (round nose) to a Boeing 737 (pointed nose).
Cockpit Windows
- Airbus: Windows have a more square/straight design, with an extra vertical window frame.
- Boeing: Windows are more angled and slanted, giving a sharper look.
👉 Aviation spotters often say: If the cockpit window looks like “eyebrows,” it’s a Boeing.
Front Landing Gear Door
- Airbus: The nose gear door often shows the aircraft model number (like A320, A330).
- Boeing: Generally does not display the model on the landing gear door.
Wingtips
- Airbus: Uses sharklets or curved vertical fins on the wingtips.
- Boeing: Traditionally had blended winglets (curved upward). Newer models like 737 MAX have split winglets shaped like a “V”.
Engines
- Airbus: Engines are slightly flatter at the bottom because of ground clearance.
- Boeing: Engines are usually perfectly round, though on 737s they may appear flattened at the bottom due to lower ground clearance.
Fuselage (Body) Shape
- Airbus: More cylindrical and uniform throughout.
- Boeing: Some models have a slightly tapered rear fuselage near the tail.
Tail Design (Vertical Stabilizer)
- Airbus: Tails often look more rounded and thicker.
- Boeing: Tails are generally thinner and taller.
Popular Models to Spot
- Airbus A320 Family: Short- to medium-haul aircraft with rounded nose, common in airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara.
- Boeing 737 Family: Rival to A320, seen in SpiceJet and Akasa Air.
- Airbus A350 vs. Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Both are long-haul modern jets. The A350 has a distinct “masked” cockpit window design, while the 787 has a smoother, curved nose.
Simple Tricks for Travelers
- Look at the cockpit windows first — square = Airbus, angled = Boeing.
- Notice the nose — round = Airbus, pointy = Boeing.
- Check the wingtips — curved sharklets = Airbus, split or angled winglets = Boeing.
- Read the boarding gate information — airports usually display the aircraft model (e.g., A320, B737, A350, B787).
Common Confusions
- Airbus A320 vs. Boeing 737: The most confusing pair. The cockpit window shape and nose angle are the easiest identifiers.
- Airbus A350 vs. Boeing 787: Both have advanced designs. Remember: A350 has a black cockpit “mask,” while the 787 has smoother curves.
Final Thoughts
Identifying Airbus and Boeing aircraft is not as difficult as it seems. By paying attention to nose shape, cockpit windows, engines, and wingtips, you can easily tell them apart. Over time, frequent flyers develop a sharp eye for spotting differences instantly. The next time you board a plane or spot one in the sky, try these tricks and impress your fellow travelers with your aviation knowledge!