Innovative Aircraft in Air Transport Industry – a Comparative Analysis of Airbus and Boeing

The purpose of the paper is to examine product innovation which enables achieving higher fuel efficiency by its lower usage per unit, introduced by two leading competitors on the market of narrow- and wide-body aircraft, which are Airbus and Boeing. Technological, economical and environmental impact of product innovations are discussed. The method includes a mathematical formula to calculate fuel usage per Available Seat Kilometre (ASK). The average fuel consumption for chosen models of Airbus and Boeing as closest competitors is presented. The result of the study is to indicate the most competitive aircraft of Airbus and Boeing accordingly, which are more fuel efficient in average estimates and contribute to lower emissions, as externalities to natural environment. Indicated aircraft types can be recommended for airlines in context of economical efficiency in viewpoint of lower exploitation cost and effective fleet management.