Find your perfect jet with Paramount Business Jets. Learn the nuances between Airbus vs Boeing before you charter one of these top-of-the-line aircraft.
Airbus vs Boeing Planes: Find Your Perfect Jet
Choosing the right private jet often starts with the iconic Airbus vs Boeing debate. This guide compares the aircraft history, safety records, and VIP performance of top models like the ACJ318, BBJ, and Lineage 1000—covering speed, range, operating costs, and charter pricing to help you find your perfect jet.
- Airbus and Boeing have distinct legacies in commercial and private aviation
- Both manufacturers maintain excellent safety records with advanced tech
- Boeing 787-9 vs Airbus A330-900neo: long-range VIP aircraft comparison
- Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737: popular choices for regional private travel
- ACJ vs BBJ: ultra-customizable aircraft for elite private clients
- ACJ318, BBJ, and Lineage 1000: top-tier private jet spotlight
- Purchase price estimates range from $47M to $57M
- Operating costs range from $5,800 to $6,850 per flight hour
- Charter rates range from $11,000 to $15,000 per hour
- Cabin space and comfort vary by layout and seating configuration
- Lineage 1000 offers the fastest cruise speed in this comparison
- Boeing Business Jet leads in maximum flight range
- Paramount helps clients charter or choose the ideal aircraft for their mission
The purchase or charter of a private jet is the epitome of luxurious and convenient air travel. Despite their prestige, private jets must still meet realistic safety, price, range, and overall airworthiness requirements.
When choosing the perfect jet, the debate of whether you should choose Airbus vs Boeing often takes center stage. These two aerospace giants have long shaped the skies with their innovative designs and significant influence. But how do their aircraft compare when customized for business aviation?
In this guide, we explore key differences in safety records, aircraft history, and model performance. We will focus on high-end private jet options like the ACJ318 Elite, the Lineage 1000, and Boeing Business Jets (BBJs). We’ll also compare other key matchups to help you find the perfect jet for your unique mission.
Airbus vs Boeing: History and Legacy
Both Airbus and Boeing have shaped the future of aviation in distinct ways. Each has brought groundbreaking technologies and global influence to the skies. We’ll share a bit of the history and legacy of Airbus and Boeing below.
The History and Legacy of Boeing
Boeing was founded in 1916 in Seattle. From the beginning, the manufacturer has been a pioneer in commercial aviation.
From the iconic 707 to the revolutionary 747 and the fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has continually pushed the boundaries of aircraft design. Its roots in military and commercial manufacturing have made it a dominant player across multiple aviation sectors. That includes business aviation through its Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) line.
The History and Legacy of Airbus
Airbus is a European consortium established in 1970. This manufacturer quickly emerged as Boeing’s primary global competitor. With early innovations like the fly-by-wire system and a strong emphasis on cockpit standardization, Airbus quickly gained traction.
Models like the A320 revolutionized short-haul travel. Meanwhile, the A380 became a symbol of wide-body luxury and capacity. Today, Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) offers ultra-customizable private aircraft platforms for long-haul, high-comfort flights.
Airbus and Boeing Today
Both Boeing and Airbus lead the industry with robust portfolios that span regional to intercontinental travel. While Boeing holds a historical edge in North America, Airbus has gained significant market share globally. Today, both manufacturers are trusted by Fortune 500 leaders, heads of state, and high-net-worth individuals alike.
Airbus vs Boeing Safety Comparison
When it comes to private jet travel, safety is non-negotiable. Airbus and Boeing are both recognized for their world-class engineering, rigorous testing, and continuous advancements in aviation safety.
In the United States, data from the NTSB indicates that between 2014 and September 2024, Boeing aircraft were involved in 22 accidents due to malfunctioning systems. In contrast, Airbus aircraft experienced 9 such incidents.
It's important to note that none of these accidents resulted in fatalities. Also, note that Boeing operates approximately three times more flights than Airbus in the U.S.
Thus, these figures are proportionate and reflect the overall safety of both manufacturers' aircraft.
Both manufacturers have implemented advanced safety features in their aircraft designs. Airbus is known for its fly-by-wire systems, which provide digital flight control with built-in protections. Boeing combines traditional control systems with digital enhancements to offer pilots tactile feedback alongside automated assistance.
Model Matchups: Commercial Aircraft Used for VIP Travel
Airbus and Boeing are best known for their commercial airline dominance. However, many of their most successful platforms have been adapted for high-end private travel.
Below, we compare several high-interest models often considered for VIP conversions. We’ll evaluate range, comfort, and performance.
Boeing 787-9 vs Airbus A330-900neo
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A330-900neo both serve long-haul international routes. Both are favored for wide-body VIP conversions, thanks to their spacious cabins and fuel efficiency.
Feature | Boeing 787-9 | Airbus A330-900neo |
Typical Passenger Range | ~7,565 nautical miles | ~7,200 nautical miles |
Passenger Capacity | 242–296 passengers | 260–300 passengers |
Cabin Width | Approximately 18 feet | Approximately 18 feet |
Notable Advantage | Composite structure for fuel efficiency | New-generation engines, lower entry cost |
Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737
As the world’s most-produced narrow-body aircraft, both the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 are frequent choices for light VIP conversions. Both are ideal for regional hops or intra-continental missions.
Feature | Airbus A320 | Boeing 737 (NG/MAX) |
Typical Range | ~3,300 nautical miles | ~3,500 nautical miles |
Cabin Width | Approximately 12.1 feet | Approximately 11.7 feet |
Economy Seat Width | ~18 inches | ~17.3 inches |
Notable Advantage | Wider cabin, more passenger comfort | Slightly longer range with MAX variants |
Private Jet Custom Builds: ACJ vs BBJ
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) are two elite offerings based on commercial airframes.
- ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet) refers to Airbus aircraft like the A319, A320neo, or A330neo that have been converted into bespoke private aircraft with intercontinental range.
- BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) does the same with Boeing platforms such as the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, or even 747 variants in some government applications.
Both options allow for full customization, from spacious lounges to conference areas. Ultimately, no two cabins are exactly alike.
BBJs are often chosen for their long-range endurance and deep market availability in North America. ACJs tend to stand out for slightly larger floor plans in select models.
Aircraft Comparison Spotlight: ACJ318 Elite, Lineage 1000, and Boeing Business Jet
These three popular aircraft have a lot in common with jets flying in commercial airline services.
The ACJ (standing for “Airbus Corporate Jet”) is based on the Airbus A320 airliner family, with the ACJ318 representing the smallest variant. Similarly, the Lineage 1000 is based on the Embraer E190 regional airliner, while the most common BBJ is based on the Boeing 737-700.
Although each of these models began their lives as commercial aircraft, their conversion to private planes gave them far greater individual space. Large baggage holds are replaced with additional fuel tanks, enabling transatlantic flights.
Buying Business Jets: The Price
Of course, such impressive VIP airliners come with a price. Given that these are three of the largest private jets on the market, you’re unlikely to find a bargain. However, there are certainly different price points available for those looking to save.
While individual transactions may vary considerably, all three aircraft manufacturers list prices within approximately $10 million of each other:
- ACJ318 - $47 million
- Lineage 1000 - $53 million
- Boeing Business Jet - $57 million
Source: Manufacturer estimated base pricing, list
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These prices don't factor in aspects such as availability, short or long-range flights, or even the overall configuration of the aircraft. A BBJ or ACJ may easily be bumped up to $80 million – or more – when you add a bespoke interior, or extra fuel tanks.
Also, operational costs (including fuel, maintenance, and insurance) differ significantly between these aircraft models. Below are cost-per-hour figures as a reference:
Operating Cost
- Lineage 1000 - $5,827.32
- Boeing Business Jet - $6,851
- ACJ318 - $6,573
Source: 2015 Business Aircraft Cost Comparison, Conklin & de Decker/AOPA
Although Airbus has the lowest purchase price, operational costs (which vary on a per-seat basis) are significantly higher than those of Embraer, arguably making the latter a more desirable choice for long-distance travel, despite its higher purchase price.
Chartering a Private Jet
If you don't want to spend millions of dollars on an aircraft, then you might want to consider a private jet charter. It's a more budget-friendly solution, as you only pay for your flights and save on maintenance or storage costs.
You can see how much it costs to charter the previously mentioned airplanes below:
Rental Cost P/H
- Lineage 1000 - $12,000
- Boeing Business Jet - $11,000
- ACJ318 - $15,000
Source: Average market rates provided by Paramount Business Jets
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Airbus vs Boeing Planes: Comparing Space
Space is an important factor to consider when looking to charter a private jet. Although each of these aircraft offers 19-seat configurations, individual comfort may differ greatly. Configurations with fewer seats are also available, offering more room at the expense of higher per-seat operating costs.
Airbus vs Boeing Planes: Comparing Speed
Whether you’re in a hurry to get to an important meeting or you want to enjoy a leisurely flight with your loved ones, speed will play a significant role in your journey. For many, an aircraft’s cruise speed is the most important factor of all, laying down a marker to measure the most powerful machine.
- ACJ318 – 514 knots
- Boeing Business Jet – 516 knots
- Lineage 1000 – 547 knots
Source: Manufacturer-provided top cruise speeds
The smallest Lineage 1000 is the fastest among this particular group. It boasts a top cruising speed of 70 knots, faster than the industry average for a Heavy Private Jet. That said, higher fuel consumption and engine/airframe stress might increase operating costs.
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Airbus vs Boeing Planes: Comparing Range
There are numerous reasons for people to charter private jets. It could be for a short trip from one city to another to save time or to impress a client. Equally, it could be for a customer who wants to avoid hours of discomfort on a long-haul commercial flight.
If you're planning to take a long-haul flight or multiple stops, you should consider the plane's range:
- ACJ318 – 4,200 nautical miles
- Lineage 1000 – 4.600 nautical miles
- Boeing Business Jet – 5,634 nautical miles
Source: Manufacturer-provided range totals, NBAA reserves
There is not much difference between the ACJ318 and Lineage 1000, with just 400 miles separating the two. Still, the BBJ emerges as the clear winner with more than 1,000 extra miles over its competitors. This comes from its larger fuselage that offers more room for additional fuel tanks.
Airbus vs Boeing: Charter the Ideal Jet for Your Mission
These three marvelous aircraft are some of the finest available for charter or to buy. Small groups may favor the intimate ACJ318. In contrast, the Lineage 1000 offers great value. Finally, the Boeing Business Jet is an industry powerhouse that provides long-range and highly customizable interior configurations.
Book your next private flight with Paramount Business Jets and enjoy a stress-free, seamless experience with every flight. Explore our aircraft now!
