Boeing has been under intense public scrutiny in recent years, largely due to high-profile issues involving the 737 Max and ongoing quality-control concerns with the 787 Dreamliner. These headlines have fueled a perception that Boeing aircraft may be less safe than Airbus jets. However, a closer look at hard data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) tells a very different story—one where both manufacturers operate at extremely low accident rates.
Between 2014 and 2024, the NTSB recorded only two to six mechanical-related aviation accidents per year in the United States. These events involved engine malfunctions, landing-gear issues, or minor component failures—none of which resulted in fatalities. Considering that more than six million flights occur annually in U.S. airspace, the rate of true aircraft-related failures is remarkably low.
When these incidents are weighted by the number of flights operated, Boeing and Airbus show nearly identical safety performance. Raw numbers may make Boeing appear worse at first glance, but that imbalance stems from one simple fact: roughly three times more Boeing aircraft fly in U.S. airspace compared to Airbus. In other words, Boeing appears more frequently in U.S. accident logs because it dominates the American fleet, not because its aircraft are inherently less safe.
It’s a good question and you made me curious so I looked it up.
https://airguide.info/boeing-vs-airbus-safety-what-us-accident-data-really-shows/