Boeing and Airbus are two multinational aircraft manufacturers who are also rivals in the aviation sector. While Airbus mainly manufactures airplanes, Boeing is the world leader in commercial and defence aircraft as well as space and defence/security systems. In the commercial aircraft sector, both the companies are in direct competition with each other and manufacture aircraft of more or less the same class. However there are differences in the size, weight and seating capacity. Boeing aircraft offers better seats per mile and are lighter. Boeing 737, the flagship model can deploy inbuilt airstairs that enables it to lift off from unprepared grounds while Airbus aircraft are built much higher off the ground. Boeing and Airbus pretty much use the same engine although there are variations in the powerplants. With Airbus there is a choice between the CFM56 or the IAE V2500, all Boeing aircraft come equippd with the standard CFM56 version. While Airbus is a consortium of European aircraft companies, Boeing is an American multinational. The Airbus aircraft come with identical control system which makes it easier for an airline to switch between the different models. Boeing comes with different control systems for each model and it takes longer to switch between the different models. Thus in terms of training and changing planes, it is easier and affordable for an airline company to keep Airbus aircraft. airbus aircraft also come with an automated Fly By Wire control system while Boeing aircraft come with an standard control system.
Sky Team and One World
Sky Team and One World are both airline alliances that let customers earn air miles and rewards by flying with one one or more of their partners. Both the companies offer flexibility and choice while flying to different locations. One World is a small alliance compared to Sky Team. One World has currently 15 airline partners and 15 affiliates. Sky Team has Sky team on the other hand has 20 member airlines. Both the alliances offer inter-continental coverage with each alliance being strong in particular areas. One World is strong in North America, Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand while Sky team has strong coverage in North America, Asia, Europe, Middle East. On World has moderate coverage in areas like Asia and the Middle East where Sky team and its member airlines are strong. Sky team has a moderate coverage in Africa while One World has a poor presence with a subsidiary of British Airlines being the only flight that offers flights between African countries. Sky Team has poor coverage in Australia/New Zealand and South America where One World and its member airlines are strong. One World however is different from Sky team as its reward systems are better and there are no hassles between the partner airlines in awarding air miles when a passenger flies with a different airline. With Sky team however it is a little difficult as the partner airlines like Delta at times block the reward system. Both these alliances are useful when a customer flies frequently or goes on an around the world trip. Since the partner airlines fly to most countries in a specific area it becomes easier for the customer to change flights or earn more reward points. Being part of the alliance also gives the member airlines more business as customers would choose an alliance partner to gain more points for every flight or route taken.
Works Cited
“What are the similarities and differences between Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 ?”. aircraftengineering.wordpress.com. 17 Jan 2013. Web. 30 Mar 2016.
“Shifting Airline Alliances: Which Is Best – Oneworld, SkyTeam or Star Alliance?”. thepointsguy.com. 24 Feb 2014. Web. 30 Mar 2016.
