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Over the years, US legacy airlines have shown a strong preference for aircraft from Boeing, a Seattle-based manufacturer with a long history in aviation. However, Airbus, a European consortium formed in 1970, has gained significant traction in the US market with its A320 family of aircraft. This narrowbody jet has become an essential part of the fleets of major US carriers like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.
The Airbus A320 offers several advantages that appeal to these airlines. According to Aviation File, "the Airbus A320's cabin is around seven inches wider," which can enhance passenger comfort slightly. While this may not be crucial for economy class passengers, it allows airlines to offer more spacious premium cabins where they generate most of their revenue.
Capacity factors also play a role in the A320's popularity. The highest-capacity variants provide lower per-unit costs compared to many Boeing 737 models. Even the latest Boeing 737 MAX versions cannot match the capacity of some A320 family planes.
